Seven Rivers, Fourteen Countries: Longest Ever River Cruise with AmaWaterways
In Spring and Summer 2023, AmaWaterways will launch their most ambitious river cruise yet. Aboard their outstanding and luxurious small vessels, Ama will take you through fourteen European countries, across seven rivers, for the journey of a lifetime.
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways
Some journeys deserve some early planning, and we think the longest and most remarkable river cruise ever, brought to you by our friends at AmaWaterways, definitely qualifies. Ama’s Seven River Journey, taking place in both Spring and Summer 2023, is a once-in-a-lifetime 46-night voyage (45-night for the spring version) that will see you traversing through fourteen European countries aboard Ama’s award-winning ships, with plenty of new experiences guaranteed to surprise and delight you.
Originally, Ama had only planned for the Summer 2023 journey, but after overwhelming demand, they added the spring one too, and we are over the moon that they decided to do so! Either journey would be life-changing, but read on to find out about each itinerary and decide which one is the one for you and your adventurous heart.
The Summer Edition
June 1-July 17, 2023 (46 nights)
This is where the idea started, borne from the mind of Ama co-founder, Rudi Schreiner. The idea was to create the world’s longest river cruise, and our friends at AmaWaterways have definitely succeeded. While we won’t get into a day-by-day itinerary (that would make for a LOT of reading), an overview of the itinerary is sure to leave you stunned.
Days 1-8
June 1-8, 2023 - Paris to Paris (France)
Hop onboard the AmaLyra to begin the journey of your dreams, starting with the legendary Seine River in Paris. The City of Love never fails to intrigue, while history-filled Normandy beckons with its beautiful coastline, delicious food, and artistic beauty that inspired the Impressionists. American travelers are, of course, drawn to Normandy for its World War II historical importance. Explore Northern France and discover passion for the good life with culture, art, architecture, and timeless landscapes.
Days 8-13
June 8-13, 2023 – Lyon to Avignon (France)
It’s on to the AmaKristina to cruise down the Saône and the Rhône, exploring romantic cities, foodie havens, and hot spots for art aficionados. You’ll embark in Lyon, enjoying an evening illumination cruise to take in the city lights. This leg of the cruise is perfect for food and wine lovers; you will revel in the beauty of storied vineyards, tasting local vintages for yourself such as Beaujolais and Cotes du Rhone, all the while become an expert in all things culinary.
Days 13-20
June 13-20, 2023 – Switzerland, Germany, France, & The Netherlands
Onboard the AmaPrima, you’ll cover a lot of ground, checking off three more countries on top of France as you sail on the Rhine, Moselle, and Main. You’ll marvel as grand cities blend in perfect harmony with their historic pasts and progressive futures. These are the towns that have inspired countless stories, poems, and songs. You’ll feel as though you’ve jumped into a story since many of the timeless traditions remain in place. Take a front-row seat on the enchanting journey along the Rhine and through its UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways
Days 20-27
June 20-27, 2023 – Germany, The Netherlands, & Luxembourg
With more time to explore the Rhine, Moselle, and Main, AmaPrima will remain your home on this journey from Amsterdam to Luxembourg. Along the way, drink in the beauty, history, and flavor of the Rhine and Moselle river valleys’ iconic vineyards, another leg to make the wine lovers’ hearts sing. Board a gondola to soar above vineyards, hike among the grapes in Rüdesheim, and sip wines in Bernkastel. Whichever activities you choose to partake in while on land, the stories you’ll hear and flavors you’ll taste will transform you forever.
Days 27-34
June 27-July 4, 2023 – Germany & Luxembourg
You’ll be delighted to spend another few days on the Rhine, Moselle, and Main, still onboard AmaPrima. Meander your way down to the Main, take in the UNESCO-designated Upper Middle Rhine Valley, and be enchanted by the vineyard-clad hills of Moselle. This is Europe at its most picturesque, and you’ll want to soak in the storybook villages, gaining a deeper understanding of the history and culture of this region along the way.
Days 34-40
July 4-10, 2023 – Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, & Hungary
It’s time to check off some more countries, four more to be precise. You’ll hop onto the AmaVerde and begin your exploration of the iconic Danube. If you’ve been longing for Old World Europe, this leg will scratch the itch as you travel into the heart of the continent. This is where empires were built, where some of the world’s greatest music was composed and performed. Fall in love with the romance of the Danube as you explore grand abbeys and fortresses, marveling at her regal splendor.
Days 40-47
July 10-17, 2023 – Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, & Romania
You will want to take in all you can on the last leg of this incredible voyage, still onboard the AmaVerde as you continue your journey down the Danube and check off the final countries from your list. You will feel as though you’ve immersed yourself in history on the lower Danube stretch, taking in Celtic fortifications, medieval towns, and grand cities. Along with all the man-made splendor, you’ll be blown away by the natural beauty of the pastoral landscapes of Eastern Europe. This is an incredibly diverse swath of the continent, and you’ll be treated to all its flavors, sights, and sounds to bring your journey to a close.
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways
The Spring Edition
April 20-June 4, 2023 (45 nights)
After the Summer Edition of the Seven River Cruise was met with such enthusiasm, AmaWaterways decided that they needed to develop a Spring Edition, and so this itinerary was born. This journey is an incredible way to delve into Europe in the springtime, biking and hiking your way from the South of France all the way across the continent.
Days 1-6
April 20-25, 2023 – Avignon to Lyon (France)
Your springtime adventure starts in Avignon as you board AmaKristina to dive into the South of France via the Rhône. Travel from romantic cities to foodie havens and artsy hotspots. This segment of the cruise is all about enlivening your senses. Light up your world with an illumination cruise, sip and savor at stunning vineyards, and become an expert in all things food-related.
Days 6-13
April 25-May 2, 2023 – Switzerland, France, Germany, & The Netherlands
After your first week exploring France, it’s time to delve into some other countries as you cruise the Rhine, Scheldt, and Maas aboard AmaCerto. Admire grand cities and small towns that have inspired the stories of old, taking in their timeless traditions. Be enchanted by the Rhine and its UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways
Days 13-20
May 2-9, 2023 – The Netherlands & Belgium
There’s nothing quite like this region in the spring, which you’ll find as you stay onboard the AmaCerto and cruise the Scheldt and Maas. Sail through Amsterdam’s colorful canals, admire the whimsy of the Kinderdijk windmills, and allow the art of Rubens and Michelangelo to mesmerize you. There is so much to savor on this leg: Belgian chocolates, warm waffles, delicious cheeses, and above all, the storybook atmosphere of this part of the world.
Days 20-27
May 9-16, 2023 – Germany, The Netherlands, & Luxembourg
You’ll remain on the AmaCerto as you meander your way down the Rhine, Moselle, and Main for this leg of the journey, drinking in the history and flavor of the river valleys’ iconic vineyards along the way. Take a bird’s eye view of the vineyards by hopping in a gondola, or perhaps enjoy a hike among the grapes in Rüdesheim. Wherever you go, there will be plenty of time to sip a glass of wine, and the stories and flavors that grace you over these few days will stick with you long after you’ve moved on.
Days 27-32
May 16-21, 2023 – Germany & Luxembourg
You’ll be glad to have more time to explore along the Rhine, Moselle, and Main, still onboard AmaCerto, as you wander your way through the Middle Rhine Valley and the vineyard-laden hills of the Moselle. Picturesque storybook villages will capture your heart and fill you in on the beautiful character of this region.
Days 32-39
May 21-28, 2023 – Germany, Austria, Slovakia, & Hungary
You’re well and truly into the continent now, traveling on the Danube aboard the AmaMagna. You won’t be able to resist the charm of Old World Europe, home to the empires of history and musical history without compare. Fortresses and abbeys will romance you, and the splendor of the Danube will leave you feeling bewitched.
Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways
Days 39-46
May 28-June 4, 2023 – Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, & Romania
You’re in the home stretch now of a journey you won’t ever want to end. Still on the AmaMagna, you’ll explore the exotic lower Danube in style, marveling at Celtic ruins, beautiful cities, and the history of medieval towns. You also shouldn’t underestimate the scenery you’ll take in on this leg of the journey as you move through a pastoral dreamscape. Take in the flavors, sights, and sounds of Eastern Europe before you disembark in Giurgiu.
Inclusions on the Seven Rivers Journey
There are several reasons we recommend AmaWaterways to our clients time and time again, one of which is that their inclusions are always top-notch. Given that this is their longest river cruise ever, it should come as no surprise that the inclusions on this journey are the stuff of dreams. There are some fabulous inclusions that are exclusive to these two journeys, and then there are many inclusions that are tried and tested favorites of Ama.
Seven River Journey Exclusive Inclusions:
One dedicated Cruise Manager to look after you from start to finish
Complimentary gratuities onboard and on land
Seamless transfers between ships
Small group excursions with a variety of choices each day, including unique new offerings
Exclusive experiences just for Seven River Journey guests
All fine dining onboard with several choices of dining venues
Complimentary laundry and luggage services throughout
Commemorative gifts
Additional surprises and delights (some things are just better discovered along the way!)
Amenities Galore
The slower pace of river cruising combined with the size of Ama’s small ships mean that you can step right off in the heart of the city and spend more time exploring. When you’re ready to get back onboard, though, the amenities matter. Here are some that you’ll find on each of the AmaWaterways vessels you’ll travel on:
Wellness program with a dedicated Wellness Host
Sun-deck pool with a swim-up bar and walking track (AmaMagna also has a whirlpool)
Fitness room and expansive Zen Wellness Studio with outdoor spin bikes and juice bar on AmaMagna
Main lounge with panoramic views and bar
Daily entertainment including cultural performances
Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout
Stateroom Bliss
AmaWaterways vessels are intimate and contemporary, offering you the luxury of personal space as you travel through Europe. This award-winning fleet, of which you’ll get to experience several ships, features elegantly-appointed staterooms and suites with such welcoming amenities as signature view-enhancing twin balconies. Here’s what you can expect from your accommodations:
Elegant river-view stateroom or suite (many with French or twin balconies)
Computer for internet access
Entertainment on demand in all staterooms
Desk and sitting area
Fresh water replenished daily
Rendering courtesy of AmaWaterways
Dining Onboard
As a member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, you can expect delicious, regionally-inspired cuisine no matter which Ama ship you’re traveling on, and your lunches and dinners will always be paired with complimentary hand-selected wines. Here’s what’s included:
All onboard dining in a variety of venues, including four restaurants aboard AmaMagna
Regionally-inspired cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients
The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
Unlimited fine wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks
Tapas, sandwiches, snacks, and refreshments served daily
Explore the World
While we love all the onboard amenities AmaWaterways has to offer, the reason that we hop onboard a river cruise is, of course, to see the world. Ama has a diverse menu of included shore excursions, from walking tours for gentle, regular, and active guests to guided hikes and bike rides. Your excursions will never feel too crowded, as they’re all done in small groups of 10-15 guests. There are also frequently culinary-themed special interest tours, like cooking demonstrations and tastings. Here’s what to expect on the activities front:
Immersive tours in every destination
Gentle, regular, active, and late-riser tour options (something for everyone)
Bike tours and hikes
Special interest tours
Personal headset for easy exploration
While 2023 may seem ages away, these two Seven River Journeys with AmaWaterways will sell out quickly. Plus, you can save 5% with early bookings savings if you book by June 30, 2021, so the time to book is NOW.
If you’d like to get away on the Seven Rivers Journey (or anywhere else in the world), simply contact us, and we will set you on your way.