Win a 1-night stay for 2 at The Athenaeum Hotel and Residences in London’s Mayfair

Exploring Europe’s Waterways: Our pick of the top five luxury river cruises from Amadeus

By LLM Reporters   |  

What better way to take in Europe’s Waterways than aboard one of Amadeus River Cruises award-winning ships. Enjoy the passing scenery in leisurely comfort and style, savour local specialties onboard and ashore, and discover the highlights and landmarks on a variety of guided tours and opportunities for independent exploration.

Danube Rhapsody

04 AMADEUS Brilliant Passau
Celebrate springtime in Holland and Belgium, visit Keukenhof in bloom, and discover the riches of Ghent, Antwerp and Bruges

Celebrate springtime in Holland and Belgium, visit Keukenhof in bloom, and discover the riches of Ghent, Antwerp and Bruges.

This fascinating 8 day journey takes you along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Danube right into the heart of the once brilliant imperial Austro-Hungarian monarchy. From Bavarian Passau towards the ‘Queen of the Danube’, Budapest, not only pass through stunning scenery and tranquil valleys, but traverse four European countries; Germany, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia; as well as three majestic capitals; Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava; before returning to Passau.

Highlighted excursions: Visit to Melk Abbey and wine tasting in the Wachau Valley, tour of Schönbrunn Palace, Wagon ride across Great Hungarian Puszta.

Classical Rhine

csm__c_Oberwesel_View_LU169338005_a484643814
Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel sampling Dutch ingenuity, picture-perfect German towns, the scenic Rhine Gorge and sophisticated Strasbourg

Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel sampling Dutch ingenuity, picture-perfect German towns, the scenic Rhine Gorge and sophisticated Strasbourg.

The Rhine has everything a traveller could ask for: castles and monasteries, vineyards and villages, cathedrals and a wealth of epicurean delights to be savoured at every bend. On this scenery-packed, 10-day journey, you’ll see and experience it all! Travelling from Amsterdam through the Lower Rhine and along the fabled Rhine Gorge, famed for its picturesque beauty and ancient legends, experience true German hospitality in charming riverside towns, get a taste of France in sophisticated Strasbourg, and discover Basel, where the French, German, and Swiss borders meet.

Highlighted excursions: Tour Amsterdam on a Canal boat ride, wine tasting in Cochem, visit to medieval Heidelburg.

Paris, Normandy and the River Seine

00 AMADEUS Diamond Paris
Conquer Normandy and its centuries of history and culture before sampling the wonders of Paris

Conquer Normandy and its centuries of history and culture before sampling the wonders of Paris on this eight day journey.

Take one of the most romantic cities in the world, then add a sumptuous river cruiser as your floating home from which to sample its riches – these are just the opening notes of a cruise that will take your breath away. Following the Seine north from Paris, you’ll encounter idyllic towns and landscapes that inspired the likes of Van Gogh, Cezanne, Pissarro, and Monet, explore ancient fortifications scarred by centuries of conflict, and even venture to the Beaches of Normandy, where Europe’s last great conflict began its final act.

Returning south, we’ll spend a day and night docked in the City of Light, capping off our journey with a visit to the Louvre and a night-time cruise along the Seine. At every bend of the Seine you’ll find another feast for your senses; cathedrals and apple-brandy Calvados, camembert and Crusaders, chateaux and fishing villages, gardens and Gothic masterpieces. Best of all, after conquering Normandy, you will end triumphantly in the heart of enchanting Paris, with a day and night designed to show you all the highlights of this most dazzling of capitals.

Highlighted excursions: Visit the beaches of Normandy and learn more about the D Day Landings, tour the Palace of Versailles, See Paris by Night on a romantic Illumination cruise, follow in the footsteps of Impressionists such as Van Gogh, Cezanne and Pissarro in Auvers-sur-Oise.

Christmas on the Rhine or Danube

csm_Strassbourg_Winter_01_5eb89b4295
The dreamy riverscapes and romantically illuminated towns along the Rhine and Danube have a unique charm that is particularly special, no more so than during Advent and the festive period

The dreamy riverscapes and romantically illuminated towns along the Rhine and Danube have a unique charm that is particularly special, no more so than during Advent and the festive period.

Visit the best Christmas Markets in Europe onboard your festively decorated Amadeus vessel and spend some relaxing downtime in the utmost comfort. Enjoy a wonderful Christmas party or lively New Year celebration with views of the fantastic firework displays in the big cities on the Rhine and the Danube.

Highlighted excursions: City walking tours in Koblenz, Strasbourg and Cologne (Rhine), or Passau and Vienna (Danube), tour Schönbrunn Castle.

Looking further ahead? 2019 featured cruise…

Tulip Serenade

csm_Bruges__5__2a97349382
The waterways of Holland and Belgium overflow with beauty all year long

The waterways of Holland and Belgium overflow with beauty all year long, but there is one season when the region transforms into a landscape out of a fairy tale – Tulip time.

During Spring, acres of flowers explode in a riot of colour and scent. This, on top of medieval churches, windmills, Renaissance palaces, world-famous chocolates and cheeses, and centuries of history and culture, is what makes our Tulip Serenade such a rare and wonderful treat.
 
There’s simply no better way to experience Holland and Belgium than by river cruiser, gliding past fields of tulips and windmills to visit quaint villages and Ghent, Antwerp, and Bruges – Renaissance cities seemingly frozen in time. And, of course, you’ll visit Keukenhof Gardens, 79 acres of breathtaking beauty, open only in the springtime.

Prices:

Travel in luxury with Amadeus River Cruises this year… double occupancy cabins start from just £1159 per person, including flights and transfers*.

Travelling solo? Cruise from £1299*!

*Prices based on ‘Paris, Normandy & the River Seine’ itinerary, departing 1st November 2018. Includes 7 nights onboard Amadeus Diamond, flights and non-uk transfers. Optional excursions and pre-bookable packages also available.

To book your dream river cruise today, call free on 0800 035 6411 or visit amadeus-rivercruises.com.