AmaWaterways introduces new European City Escapes programme

Luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways will introduce a new range of City Escape itineraries on the Seine, Rhine and Danube rivers this summer.

The brand says the sailings will offer “extended time” in European cities, with 24 hours or more in destinations including Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna, Strasbourg and Budapest, as well as additional overnight stays.

The Escapes – which are set to expand further in 2027 – will take place during “quieter travel periods” with fewer crowds so guests can be more “relaxed” and “feel like locals”.

On the Seine, itineraries will visit Paris, Rouen and Normandy. In the capital, activities will include visits to Notre-Dame Cathedral, bike tours along the river, trips to the Louis Vuitton Foundation and excursions to the Marmottan Monet Museum. 

The itinerary will also include visits to Normandy’s D-Day landing beaches, local cider tastings, chateau visits and walking tours of the Medieval city of Rouen.

The Rhine City Escape will cover destinations such as Breisach, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Cologne and Amsterdam, with castle visits, wine tastings, architectural tours, entry to the Rijksmuseum and cruising through the Rhine Gorge.

The Danube itinerary will incorporate cities including Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz and Passau, as well as scenic straits such as the Wachau Valley and the Danube Bend. 

Highlights will include hikes up Budapest’s Gellért Hill, beer tastings in Bratislava old town, concerts in Vienna and excursions to the “fairytale town” of Český Krumlov.

A limited-time promotion is being offered on select City Escape bookings made before June 30, with up to $1,000 in savings per stateroom, a complimentary room upgrade and $50 in onboard credit per guest.

Catherine Powell, AmaWaterways’ chief executive, said: “City Escapes is about experiencing Europe at its most authentic. We designed these journeys for travellers who want more time to explore the museums, enjoy local cuisine and walk historic streets without feeling rushed or crowded.

“Luxury is the gift of time. That is exactly what we aim to offer with this new programme.”

The brand has also begun to offer pre and post-cruise land itineraries in Rome and London, with itineraries including Vatican City visits, guided tours of Westminster and tickets to West End shows.