Award-winning river
cruise company, AmaWaterways has announced an alliance with Smithsonian
Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, and a leader in
authentic, small-group travel.
Beginning in April 2026, select European river cruises will
feature exclusive Smithsonian-crafted experiences, drawing on the Smithsonian’s
175+ year history as the world’s largest museum, education, and research
complex.
“What sets AmaWaterways apart is our commitment to creating
truly immersive
experiences,” said Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and president of
AmaWaterways. “Our goal is to go beyond simply seeing destinations—we want our
guests to connect with the places we visit.”
He added, “By combining our expertise in river cruising with
Smithsonian’s dedication to cultural and educational exploration, we offer
travelers a unique opportunity to gain deeper insights into local history,
traditions and ways of life, all while enjoying the exceptional comfort and
service aboard our ships.”
Walter Littlejohn III, senior vice president of Smithsonian
Journeys said in a statement, “We are excited to bring the Smithsonian
experience to the great rivers of Europe aboard the ships of AmaWaterways,”
“Our dedication to lifelong learning and passion for
exploring the world drives us to continually develop authentic, enriching
experiences for travelers. These trips provide a bevy of new options for
intellectually curious travelers to indulge in the rich history and cultures of
countries such as Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and more
through the unique lens of the Smithsonian.”
River cruise journeys ranging from eight to 15 days in 2026
are available for booking beginning February 5, 2025 and include:
- Holland and Belgium in Spring: A River Cruise at
Tulip Time: April 4–11, April 9–16, April 12–19, April 16–23, 2026
- Cruising the Upper Danube: Romantic Ports from
Bavaria to Budapest: May 18–25, June 15–22, Sept. 7–14, Oct. 5–12, 2026
- Cruising the Lower Danube: Gems of Southeast
Europe: May 25–June 1, June 22–29, Sept. 14–21, Oct. 12–19, 2026
- The Grand Danube: A River Cruise from Germany to
Romania: May 18–June 1, June 15–29, Sept. 7–21, Oct. 5–19, 2026
- Christmas Markets along the Danube: A River
Cruise from Nuremburg to Budapest: Dec. 5–12, Dec. 10–19, 2026
- Christmas Markets along the Rhine: A River
Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel: Nov. 28–Dec. 5, Dec. 12–19, 2026
- The Captivating Rhine: A River Cruise from
Amsterdam to Basel: May 14–21, June 20–27, July 18–25, Sept. 26–Oct. 3, 2026
- Europe’s Magnificent Waterways: Cruising the
Rhine, Main, and Danube River: May 30–June 13, 2026
- Cruising Portugal’s Enticing Douro River Valley:
May 8–15, June 9–16, Sept. 4–11, Sept. 25–Oct. 2, Oct. 13–20, 2026
- Rhône River Cruise: Colors of Provence: May
21–28, July 16–23, Oct. 8–15, 2026
- Along the Seine: A River Cruise from Paris to
Normandy: May 14–21, Sept. 3–10, Sept. 24–Oct. 1, 2026
- Taste of Bordeaux: Cruising the Waterways of
Southwest France: Oct. 1–8, 2026
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