Each of AmaWaterways’ Celebration of Wine River Cruises is hosted by a knowledgeable vintner, typically from a renowned North American winery, who works with the ship’s chef to curate special food and wine pairing dinners, accompanies guests on select shore excursions to unique vineyards, wineries and cellars, and leads them through tastings and interactive discussions on board. Connect with artisans and vintners working in the same field in which their ancestors toiled. Learn how to best pair chocolate with wine, discover how olives transform into olive oil, or be tempted by Austria’s famed Wachau Valley apricots. You will taste history every step of the way, among storied vines, while having the unique opportunity to sample European wines from the region you are sailing through, as well as those brought on board from your host's North American winery, comparing their flavour profiles and discovering their history and modern-day culture of the region. You will even gain insider tips on local culinary delicacies, hidden hotspots for tastings, and restaurants you won’t want to miss.

Cruise through iconic European wine regions: Portugal’s Douro Valley, otherwise known as Port Country – and the oldest demarcated wine region in the world; Austria’s Wachau Valley; Germany’s Riesling-Rich Moselle Valley; France’s iconic Bordeaux and Burgundy regions, and beyond. Indulge in wine perfectly chosen to meld with the food on your plate and on your palate at an unforgettable onboard dinner designed to heighten the relationship between the two. Rosemary-crusted lamb? A clear match for Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Oysters on the half shell? Try a Loire white. Soon, you will be the wine expert friends turn to for advice.

AmaWaterways’ expert chefs prepare exquisite dishes at every meal, using only the highest quality, freshest locally sourced ingredients. Menus reflect the distinctive regions AmaWaterways’ ships cruise through and are accompanied by unlimited wines thoughtfully selected to enhance your dining experience during every lunch and dinner, as well as beer and soft drinks. Every guest will have the chance to dine one special evening at The Chef’s Table, where a multi-course tasting menu is prepared in front of your eyes with finesse, free of charge. The line has long accommodated a number of dietary needs and preferences from low-sodium to gluten-free to vegetarian but has recently added even more delicious global “vegetable-forward” dishes to its menus, from Tomato Tarte Provençal to Eggplant Potato Curry to Vegetarian Sweet, an oven-baked sweet potato with chive yoghurt, chickpeas, spinach and parmesan cheese.

With some of the largest accommodations on the rivers, AmaWaterways' award-winning ships offer the luxury of space and breathtaking views while welcoming an average of just 156 guests on each departure. With innovations such as staterooms with twin balconies (both a French balcony and outside balcony), Entertainment-on-Demand system, Wi-Fi access, mini-fridge, desk and a sitting-area you will have everything you need to relax and rejuvenate within your floating home away from home.

Choose from up to eight excursions each day – guided hikes and bike tours at different lengths and experience levels, enriching city tours offered at three activity levels, culinary demonstrations and culinary-themed special interest tours, hands-on cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and excursions for late risers, all operated in small groups. During each excursion and at each activity level, you will have a unique shore experience, meet new friends and discuss your day’s highlights at a Sip & sail cocktail hour just before dinner with complimentary wine, beer and spirits served.

For a little inspiration, consider AmaWaterways’ new itinerary debuting this spring and curated for new and experienced wine enthusiasts alike. Cruise between Lyon and Port of Dijon in Burgundy and indulge in delightful wine tastings from Côtes de Nuits, Chalonnaise, Maconnais and Beaujolais regions set against the backdrop of picturesque destinations like Dijon, the birthplace of mustard, Seurre, Tournus, Macon, Chalon-sur-Saône, and Lyon, France’s culinary capital. Unique included shore excursions feature the Art du Tonneau Cooperage Experience, where you can learn the art of making wine barrels during an interactive workshop or Les Halles tasting tour in Lyon.

Flavors of Burgundy Wine Cruises
7-night cruise from Lyon to Port of Dijon (or reverse*) aboard the 144-guest AmaCello
2024: July 4, July 25*, August 1 & August 22*
2025: March 20*, March 27, April 17*, April 24, July 24*, July 31, October 30* & November 6

Take a deep dive into local wine culture and enhance your palate while being guided by an expert in European wines who has an in-depth knowledge of the region, its history, and the varietals that made it famous. Contact your Travel Professional for details or visit here.