If there is one important lesson I learned during my Rhine River cruise with AmaWaterways in November, it’s that river cruise extensions are a must-do. That first travel day with a flight from North America to the European continent can be very tiring, and although I thoroughly enjoyed myself, I spent a lot of the cruise feeling pretty overtired. The next time I do a river cruise, I will absolutely indulge in a pre-cruise extension.

Travel agents are curious people, so of course I’ve been spending some time delving into AmaWaterways’ river cruise extensions, and I have to say, I’m impressed by what I’ve discovered. There are several reasons you’d be crazy not to include one of these pre- or post-cruise packages in your next European vacation.

1. AmaWaterways’ river cruise extensions are fully escorted

In most cases, you’ll find the exact same Cruise Manager at your pre-cruise hotel as on board the ship. Our Cruise Manager, Dajana, was absolutely amazing on our Enchanting Rhine River Cruise. She kept all guests up-to-date with the ports we’d be visiting, the travel requirements for entering the various countries along the route and anything else we needed. On a personal note, we really made a personal connection with her, and knowing that she also would have been present at the hotel prior to our sailing would only have made the experience sweeter. Professionally speaking, having your Cruise Manager involved in your river cruise extensions means that:

• in addition to having a local expert available for assistance, the Cruise Manager is that familiar face nearby, making it easy for you to approach him or her with your inquiries and concerns
• your Cruise Manager will be there to assist you with any in-destination COVID-19 testing required for your return trip home…no need to desperately seek out testing in a strange city
• should you require assistance with your flights, whether it’s dealing with a delay or cancellation, your Cruise Manager will be there to help sort these issues out
• your Cruise Manager will also be present to make recommendations for your free time

2. Hotel quality.

All of the hotels are 5-star properties with excellent locations, dining and amenities.

3. Multiple tours.

The river cruise extensions include additional morning tours that enhance your vacation, and the tours will be different from those scheduled for the port during the cruise itself. For example, in Amsterdam, guests will go on a tour of Zaanse Schans, which is not included on the Rhine River sailings themselves.

4. Free time.

Afternoons are free for you to enjoy the destination at your leisure (or get caught up on a little rest before embarkation).

5. Transfers.

All transfers for tours and to/from the ship are included.

6. Flexibility with groups.

If you’re traveling as a member of a group, not all group members have to participate in the same pre or post package, making this a truly customized vacation.

7. Morning meals.

Breakfast is included daily.

8. AmaWaterways river cruise extensions are offered in a wide variety of destinations.

Danube

• Prague
  • 3 nights
  • includes a city sightseeing tour and beer tasting tour
  • available on the Grand Danube, Melodies of the Danube, Romantic Danube, Magna on the Danube, Legendary Danube, Blue Danube Discovery, Europe’s Rivers & Castles and Medieval Treasures sailings.
• Budapest
  • 2 nights
  • includes “Hidden Budapest” tour
  • available on Melodies of the Danube, Magna on the Danube and Blue Danube Discovery
• Munich
  • 2 nights
  • includes a city sightseeing tour, as well as a Bavarian beer and pretzel tasting
  • available on the Romantic Danube, Magna on the Danube and Blue Danube Discovery
• Vienna
  • 2 nights
  • includes a city sightseeing tour
  • available only on teh Gems of Southeast Europe sailing
• Romania
  • 2 nights in Bucharest & Brasov
  • includes Sighisoara tour along with a Brasov city tour, visit to Dracula’s Castle and Bucharest city tour
  • available on the Gems of Southeast Europe and Grand Danube sailings
• Istanbul
  • 3 nights
  • includes Istanbul city tour and Grand Palace tour
  • available on the Gems of Southeast Europe and Grand Danube sailings
• Salzburg (coming in 2023)
  • 2 nights
  • includes Salzburg city tour
  • available only on the Majestic Capitals of the Danube sailing
• Krakow (coming in 2023)
  • 3 nights
  • includes Krakow city tour and Auschwitz tour
  • available on the Celebration of Classical Music on the Danube and Majestic Capitals of the Danube sailings

Rhine

• Amsterdam
  • 2 nights
  • includes city walking tour and Zaanse Schans tour
  • available on the Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps, Captivating Rhine, Enchanting Rhine, Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle, Rhine & Moselle Fairytales, Tulip Time and Best of Holland & Belgium sailings
• Switzerland
  • 2 nights in Zurich & Lucerne
  • includes Lucerne city tour and Lake Lucerne cruise as well as the Zurich city tour
  • available on the Captivating Rhine, Enchanting Rhine, Rhine & Moselle Splendours, Rhine & Moselle Delights and Rhine & Moselle Fairytales sailings
• Lake Como
  • 2 nights
  • includes Lake Como city tour and a Lake Como boat cruise to Bellagio
  • available only on the Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps sailings
• France Champagne Country
  • 2 nights in Reims, 1 niht in Paris
  • includes Reims city tour, Champagne tours to Epernay, Hautvillers (makers of Veuve Clicquot & Moet et Chandon) and Belleau tour
  • available on Europe’s Rivers & Castles, Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle and Rhine & Moselle Splendours sailings

France

• Paris
  • 2 nights
  • includes Hidden Paris tour and Montmartre and evening city of lights tour
  • available on the Impressions of the Seine & Paris, Paris & Normandy and Colours of Provence sailings
• Barcelona
  • 3 nights
  • includes a Barcelona city tour and Montserrat tour
  • available only on the Colours of Provence sailing
• Loire Valley
  • 2 nights in Amboise, 1 night in Paris
  • visit four different chateaus
  • available only on the Taste of Bordeaux sailing
• Nice (new in 2023)
  • 3 nights in Nice
  • includes Nice city tour and tours of Monaco and Eze
  • available only on the Essence of Burgundy & Provence sailing
• Geneva
  • 3 nights
  • includes Geneva city tour, Chillon Castle visit and Dijon & Bourg en Bresse tour
  • availble only on the Essence of Burgundy & Provence sailing
• St. Malo
  • 3 nights in St. Malo, 1 night in Paris
  • includes Dinard & Dinan tours, Mont St. Michel excursion and Chartres Cathedral tour
  • available only on the Impressions of the Seine & Paris sailing
• Basque Country
  • 2 nights in Bilbao and San Sebastian
  • includes Bilbao city tour with tapas tasting, Guggenheim Museum tour, San Sebastian evening walking tour and a tour of the City by the Bay of Biscay
  • available only on the Taste of Bordeaux sailing

Douro

• Lisbon
  • 3 nights
  • includes Lisbon city tour, Royal Sintra excursion with a visit to the Pena National Palace and a Castle of Tomar visit
  • availble on the Enticing Douro and Flavours of Portugal & Spain sailings
• Madrid
  • 3 nights
  • includes Madrid city tour, Toledo excursion and a Flamenco show in Salamanca
  • available only on the Flavours of Portugal & Spain sailing

Are you ready to start dreaming about your next vacation on the rivers of Europe with AmaWaterways? Get in touch, and let’s start planning!