This fall, AMA Waterways is proud to present its Exclusive Wine Cruises. Six specially-crafted itineraries that highlight Europe's acclaimed wine regions along the Rhine, Mosel and Danube rivers. The cruises will be hosted by wine experts, and each cruise features onboard lectures, wine tastings, special wine pairings at meals plus wine-themed unique shore experiences.
Itinerary
Nov 9, DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight to Paris, France.
Nov 10, ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE
Arrive in Paris and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.
Nov 11, PARIS
Enjoy Paris' famous sights during this morning's guided tour. Start with a panoramic overview in which you will see the Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde and the Eiffel Tower. End your tour with a visit to the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. The afternoon is free for you to explore the "City of Light." This evening, a traditional Parisian Cabaret dinner show is available as an optional tour. (B)
Nov 12, PARIS
Your last day in Paris is free for you to enjoy at your own pace. In the alternative, you may choose to join the optional Seine Cruise & Eiffel Tower excursion this morning, or the optional Montmartre & Illuminations excursion this evening (B)
Nov 13, PARIS – LUXEMBOURG - EMBARKATION
After checking out of your hotel, you will transfer to the Paris Est train station to board a high-speed TGV train bound for Metz. You'll have free time in Metz to explore and have lunch on your own. Next, you will travel by motor coach to Luxembourg, where you will enjoy a tour of the capital of the Grand Duchy. You will then take a panoramic drive in which you will see the American Cemetery and Memorial, resting place of Gen. George S. Patton Jr. You will arrive to your luxurious ship, docked in Luxembourg, in the evening. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers at the "Welcome Aboard" Wine Toast followed by dinner. (B,D)
Nov 14, BERNKASTEL
Before lunch, listen to a lecture about the wine growing region of the Mosel as your ship cruises to Bernkastel. Strategically located in the heart of the Mosel, it boasts over 500 years of documented wine history, and is known as the "international town of vine and wine." Bernkastel features a medieval marketplace and half-timbered homes with steep gables and beautiful town squares with fountains dating back centuries. Above the town stand the ruins of Castle Landshut, the former summer home of the Archbishop of Trier which was destroyed by a fire in the 17th century. This afternoon, an easy walk will take you to the Bergweiler Winery, touring the winery and tasting five of the extraordinary wines grown on the surrounding steep hillsides. The winemaking tradition in the Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler family goes back to the 16th century. Dr. Peter Pauly is the grandchild of Zacharias Bergweiler, one of the Mosel's most esteemed winemakers. He has worked on the family wine estate since studying at Geisenheim, the only German institution to award higher academic degrees in wine making. He took over the winery in 1959, and since then has continued the family tradition of extensive care of the vineyards, selective handpicking and intentionally low yields. The result is an incredible array of Riesling wines, helped along by the area's cool climate and bluish-grey stone slate from the Devonian period. Your visit to the Bergweiler Winery will no doubt become one of the highlights of the cruise. This evening, enjoy a Mosel-themed dinner on board , accompanied by select wines from this region. (B,L,D)
Nov 15, ZELL
After departing Bernkastel this morning, enjoy the beautiful fall scenery of the Mosel Valley and listen to a lecture about the local viticulture. The steep river bank slopes are some of the most labor intensive vineyards in the world since mechanical harvesting is impractical. Arrive after lunch in charming Zell, a large center of wine-growing on the Mosel. It is also home to the "Zeller Schwarze Katz" (Black Cat) wine. A fascinating 18th century wine festival awaits you there. The Zeller Brass Band, bedecked in colourful costumes, cheerily greets you as you disembark the ship. Playing marching songs, the band will lead you from the ship through the town centre to the Cellars of City Hall for a spectacular celebration. The Mayor, Wine Queen and Wine Princesses, as well as several top vintners will eagerly introduce you to the regional viticulture. Numerous local dishes will be served to compliment the free-flowing wines. This unforgettable event will definitely be one of the highlights of your European exploration. (B,L,D)
Nov. 16, COCHEM – KOBLENZ
Today, visit the fairytale village of Cochem surrounded by the scenic hillside vineyards of the Mosel Valley. A walking tour will take you past medieval houses lining narrow cobblestone streets before your guided tour of Reichsburg Castle and its grounds. In the alternative, enjoy a morning guided bike tour of this lovely town (capacity controlled) or visit the Hieronimi Winery for an extensive wine tasting in the winery's historic cellars. Guests will participate in a cellar tour followed by the opportunity to taste a variety of Mosel wines of different characteristics. Your hosts at the vineyard will provide interesting background stories and information about the wines of the region. They will also tell the history of this prominent winery, founded in 1843 by Johannes Hieronimi, and still overseen by his descendants. Enjoy a selection of local bread as a palate cleanser in between the wines. After returning to the ship, you will cruise this afternoon to picturesque Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine rivers. Your cruise manager will lead an evening walk of Koblenz after dinner. (B,L,D)
Nov 17, KOBLENZ-RHINE GORGE-RUDESHEIM
After departing Koblenz this morning, you will cruise the beautiful Rhine Gorge, known for its many castles and the infamous Lorelei Rock. Arrive in the wine village of Rüdesheim this afternoon, where you will visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. From Siegfried's Museum, you will walk to the nearby Winery of Dr. Nägler at "Berg Rottland", the local wine region closest to the Rhine River. Here wines of grand maturity, elegant acid and full scope are growing on skeleton-like quartz and slate soil. Taste several of Dr. Nägler's wines before returning to the ship. This evening, enjoy traditional German fare on board, accompanied by a selection of local wines. (B,L,D)
Nov 18, COLOGNE
This morning, arrive in Cologne, famous for its legendary 13th-century Gothic cathedral. You will take a walking tour through the old part of the city, visit the cathedral and also enjoy a tasting of Kölsch Beer at the Früh Brewery. In the alternative, a guided bike tour of Cologne is available (capacity controlled). Late afternoon, the ship departs Cologne and cruises toward Amsterdam. In the evening, mingle with fellow passengers at the Captain's Wine Dinner. (B,L,D)
Nov 19, AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Arrive in vibrant Amsterdam this morning. After breakfast, your tour begins with a scenic canal cruise through the city known as the "Venice of the North." Canals encircle Amsterdam's city centre, and a canal cruise provides the best vantage point for admiring the beautiful buildings and merchant homes that line the water. See the fabled Skinny Bridge, and the famous Anne Frank House. Afterwards, enjoy a panoramic motor coach tour of Amsterdam, in which you will see its most famous landmarks, including the Royal Palace and a photo stop at the Rembrandt Windmill. You will then have free time to explore Dam Square, or perhaps visit the Heineken Brewery. The ship moors here overnight. (B,L,D)
Nov. 20, AMSTERDAM
Your wine cruise vacation ends today as you transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)