AmaWaterways Launches New Itinerary in Iconic French Region

CALABASAS, CA – (May 20, 2024) – Just in time to celebrate May 25 National Wine Day, award-winning luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways commenced sailing its newest French itinerary, Flavors of Burgundy, embarking guests on a palate-pleasing journey along the Saône River visiting a collection of France’s most prestigious vineyards. Also released is the list of distinguished Wine Hosts joining the more than 70 hosted departures that are part of AmaWaterways’ 2025 series of  Celebration of Wine River Cruises.

Celebration of Wine River Cruises are offered on 21 different itineraries, highlighting iconic wine regions such as Burgundy in France or the Douro Valley in Portugal, as well as lesser-known destinations including the beautiful Wachau Valley in Austria and along the Moselle River in Germany. An exclusive video showcasing highlights of the new Flavors of Burgundy itinerary cruising on board AmaCello between Lyon and the Port of Dijon, France can be found here.

“Delving into regional wine specialties throughout Europe enables our guests to gain a deeper appreciation for a country, its history, culture and people,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways. “We have always placed a high priority on serving fine wines that are often sourced from vineyards visited by our guests during one of their many included excursions.  With the Flavors of Burgundy itinerary, discerning guests have an opportunity to visit Lyon, “France’s Culinary Capital” and discover a less visited region in France that boasts some of the most iconic vineyards and charming châteaux.”

As food and wine becomes a major part of the travel experience, guests are seeking immersive culinary experiences during their river cruise. Celebration of Wine River Cruises, hosted by a qualified wine expert from North America or Europe, feature enhanced epicurean experiences and engaging wine tasting events. AmaWaterways’ diverse, curated line-up of Wine Hosts represents a selection of notable wine experts including vineyard owners, winemakers, certified sommeliers and wine educators. While the line’s primary focus remains on showcasing the local wines of the regions visited, North American Wine Hosts bring their own wines on board for tastings, which adds a layer of diversity to the wine program as guests expand their palate while exploring different winemaking techniques.

In 2025, AmaWaterways offers more than 70 Celebration of Wine River Cruises. A sample of 7-night itineraries and Wine Hosts to choose from include:

• Flavors of Burgundy: Epicurean travelers will explore France’s legendary wine region, Burgundy, on a journey that caters to discerning tastes and offers enjoyable bike tours and relaxed afternoon scenic sailing. Guests will indulge in a variety of wine tastings throughout their journey in picturesque destinations like Tournus, Mâcon and Lyon. In addition, travelers can extend their stay with a pre-cruise land package of three nights in Paris and a post-cruise land package with three nights in Geneva. Guests can choose from eight hosted Flavors of Burgundy Celebration of Wine River Cruises taking place in March, April, July, October and November of 2025, including:
• March 27, 2025 with Wine Host Holly Howell, Certified Specialist of Wine through the Society of Wine Educators and Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommelier.

• Enchanting Rhine: This itinerary between Basel and Amsterdam takes travelers on an enchanting journey along the Rhine through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with 40 castles strung like pearls on the riverbanks. Guests will explore grand cities like Amsterdam and Strasbourg that blend in perfect harmony with their historic past and progressive future. Travelers can extend their stay with a pre-cruise land package of two nights in Zurich, and two nights in Lake Lucerne, Switzerland. Guests can choose from eight Enchanting Rhine Celebration of Wine River Cruises departures in March, April, October and November of 2025, including:
• March 20, 2025 with Wine Host Kathy Joseph, Owner and Winemaker at Fiddlehead Cellars, Lompoc, CA.

• Romantic Danube: History buffs and those longing for the romance of Old-World Europe will travel into the very heart of the continent, where empires were built, kings and queens were crowned and some of the world’s greatest music was composed and performed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. Travelers willing to stay longer on this side of the world are invited to extend their stay with a two-night pre-cruise land package in Munich, or a three-night pre-cruise land package in Prague. Guests can choose from three Romantic Danube Celebration of Wine River Cruises departures in March and July 2025, including:

• July 14, 2025 with Wine Host Jim Cargill, Winemaker at House Family Vineyards, Saratoga, CA.

As more and more travelers prioritize culinary experiences and seek out destinations known for their local cuisine and wine culture, AmaWaterways’ Celebration of Wine River Cruises  invite guests to immerse themselves in the rich flavors of Europe, reflected in the delicious onboard culinary offerings as well as the choice of included excursions.

For more information or to reserve an AmaWaterways river cruise and land package, contact your preferred Travel Advisor, call 1.800.626.0126 or visit AmaWaterways.com.

MEDIA NOTE: A hi-res image can be found HERE.

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About AmaWaterways 

Family-owned and operated for 22 years, AmaWaterways offers unparalleled river cruise experiences with 29 custom-designed ships sailing Europe’s Danube, Douro, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Saône, Seine, Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, and Dutch and Belgian Waterways; Southeast Asia’s Mekong River; Africa’s Chobe River; Egypt’s Nile River and Colombia’s Magdalena River (2025). Co-founded by pioneering river cruise executives Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy, the company is renowned for its warm and welcoming crew; innovative and sustainable ship design; wellness activities (including a wide choice of included small group shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options); and award-winning, locally sourced cuisine paired with complimentary fine wine. Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, most AmaWaterways ships welcome an average of just 150 guests and feature onboard amenities such as a stunning Main Lounge, specialty Chef’s Table restaurant, hair and massage salons, Sun Deck walking track and heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation, highlighted by the launch of the revolutionary AmaMagna. The company also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, with sailings geared towards active travelers and families, as well as group and charter options.