AmaWaterways and Smithsonian: Unique Experiences
AmaWaterways proudly announced a new and prestigious collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, renowned for its expertise in organizing authentic and enriching small-group travel experiences.
Starting in April 2026, select river cruises on European rivers will offer unique experiences curated by the renowned American institute, which boasts a history of over 175 years as the world’s largest museum, educational, and research complex. The itineraries will feature Smithsonian Journeys experts, allowing guests to immerse themselves in local cultures, exploring traditions and stories through exclusive experiences.
AmaVida
There will be 33 departures planned for 2026, sailing on iconic rivers such as the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine, and Rhône. Each cruise will offer special excursions and opportunities to meet a wide range of experts, including art historians, archaeologists, scientists, anthropologists, historians, and many more. Additionally, all departures will include pre- and post-cruise packages, accompanied by an AmaWaterways cruise manager to ensure a complete immersion in the destinations visited.
AmaWaterways has always aimed to offer truly immersive experiences, going beyond a simple sightseeing trip. Thanks to the collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys, passengers will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the destinations, gaining a more intimate knowledge of their history, traditions, and customs, all within an environment of excellence in comfort and onboard services.
Walter Littlejohn III, Senior Vice President of Smithsonian Journeys, emphasized that this collaboration with AmaWaterways is an extraordinary opportunity for travelers to explore Europe in a new way, through authentic experiences that celebrate the history and culture of the countries visited, particularly Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Portugal.
AmaMagna
This alliance with Smithsonian Journeys represents an important step for AmaWaterways, further solidifying its commitment to offering high-quality cultural and educational experiences, both aboard its ships and during shore excursions. By combining expertise in river cruising with the educational prestige of the Smithsonian, this collaboration will allow travelers to embark on an adventure that will enrich them and stay with them well beyond the journey itself.
These new river cruise itineraries, ranging from eight to 15 days in duration, include the “Holland and Belgium in Spring” cruise, which will allow travelers to immerse themselves in the springtime beauty of the Netherlands and Belgium, coinciding with the tulip bloom. The itinerary, departing from Amsterdam, will include a visit to the magnificent Keukenhof Gardens and historic cities with postcard-worthy landscapes.
Linz
Melk
Another unmissable experience will be along the Danube, with the “Cruising the Upper Danube” and “Cruising the Lower Danube” cruises, which will wind through European capitals such as Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest, and historically rich cities like Belgrade and Bucharest. On both cruises, passengers will have the opportunity to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, immerse themselves in the local culture, and savor traditional cuisine. For those seeking a longer and more comprehensive journey, the “The Grand Danube” cruise offers an ideal option, with an itinerary that crosses eight countries, from splendid capitals to lesser-known gems, offering an authentic experience rich in artistic, musical, and culinary traditions.
The holiday season will be celebrated in a special way with the “Christmas Markets along the Danube” and “Christmas Markets along the Rhine” cruises, which will take travelers to discover traditional Christmas markets in some of Europe’s most enchanting cities, such as Vienna, Budapest, Strasbourg, and Cologne. These cruises will offer a magical and evocative atmosphere, perfect for those seeking an authentic experience during the holiday season. Additionally, food and wine enthusiasts will delight in the “Taste of Bordeaux” cruise, exploring the magnificent wine regions of southwestern France, and the Rhône cruise, which celebrates the colors and flavors of Provence.
The synergy between the two entities, both leaders in their field, promises to offer passengers a unique opportunity for personal growth, transforming each cruise into a true immersion in European traditions and cultures.
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