Choose your own European adventure with this family-owned river cruise line

AmaWaterways, a family-owned, luxury river cruise line, was founded on a deep appreciation for travel and cultural immersion – one that started early in life for its founders.

“In East Germany, travel was expensive, so I learned to appreciate the value of each journey,” says Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ co-founder. “Growing up in Europe, I was surrounded by a rich tapestry of rivers, each with its own unique history and charm. I developed a deep appreciation for the way these rivers connect cultures, landscapes and people.”

Today, the company embodies that same passion for exploration and connection. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture seeker or a wine enthusiast, you’ll find an itinerary tailored to your passions. Below, discover four of the company’s most beloved journeys, each meticulously crafted to inspire and delight.

This itinerary meanders along the Danube – considered the Queen of European rivers – through Austria, Hungary and Slovakia, each stop revealing a treasure trove of historic sites.

History lovers will marvel at Vienna’s Schoenbrunn Palace, where Habsburg emperors once held court, as well as the golden-hued Melk Abbey, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. In Budapest, the stunning parliament building and the medieval streets of the Buda Castle District transport you back in time. Bratislava charms with its storybook old town, while sprawling Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, invites music lovers to bask in classical melodies and snap photos of St. Michael’s Church in Mondsee, where the wedding scene from The Sound of Music was filmed.

Few places in the world capture the essence of romance quite like Paris, the City of Light. While the journey begins in the timeless French capital, the itinerary is designed to immerse travellers in the art, culture and beauty of the countryside along the Seine.

Stroll through Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny, where the Impressionist master painted his now-famous water lilies, or indulge in the local cheeses, ciders and brandy of Mantes-la-Jolie. Take a bike tour through medieval Rouen, where Joan of Arc met her fate, or lose yourself in France’s first Italian Renaissance chateau, built in 1494 and set against the poetic landscape of the Seine Valley. In the picturesque seaside town of Honfleur, you’ll see why its harbour provided inspiration for countless Impressionist painters.

Renowned for its world-class vineyards and gourmet cuisine, Bordeaux is the ultimate destination for wine and food enthusiasts. On this itinerary, you’re invited to indulge in the finest vintages and discover the rich terroir of France’s most celebrated wine region on foot or by bicycle.

In the Médoc region, uncover ancient wine caves beneath the earth in St. Émilion, a UNESCO-recognized gem. Step into history at Blaye’s 17th-century citadel or cycle along a scenic former railway to the medieval village of Bourg, where an exclusive wine festival happens all year long. Here, you’ll enjoy tastings with passionate vintners and lively French music. At the Château de Rayne Vigneau or Château Guiraud in the Sauternes, you’ll sip the golden-hued dessert wines that have impressed vino connoisseurs for centuries.

Connect with the timeless traditions and centuries-old heritage that define Europe’s river valleys as you journey through the heart of Germany and Luxembourg. In seven nights, this itinerary touches three rivers – Main, Moselle and Rhine – the latter of which is a UNESCO-recognized region famous for its vineyard-covered hills and castle ruins.

Step into the rich cultural tapestry of Wertheim, where the old town’s half-timbered houses and the region’s oldest Protestant church stand as enduring symbols of a bygone era. At a local bakery, you’ll learn the art of crafting traditional German pretzels. In Wuerzburg, immerse yourself in Baroque craftsmanship at the Residenz Palace, home to the world’s largest ceiling fresco. And in Bamberg, savour the city’s culinary heritage with a glass of its signature smoked beer and specialties like liquorice root and savoury sausages, crafted with the same techniques passed down through generations.

Choose your own adventure at amawaterways.ca.

Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio with AmaWaterways. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.