AmaWaterways today announced the launch of its new City Escapes program, a thoughtfully designed collection of sailings offering extended time in Europe’s most beloved cities along the Seine, Rhine and Danube rivers. These departures are intentionally scheduled during quieter travel periods to allow guests to experience each destination in an even more authentic and relaxed way.
Created for travelers seeking deeper cultural immersion and a slower pace, City Escapes reimagines the traditional river cruise by providing additional overnight stays, more daylight sailing and 24 hours or more in key cities including Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna, Strasbourg and Budapest. With fewer crowds and more time to explore, guests can experience each destination feeling less like visitors and more like locals.
“City Escapes is about experiencing Europe at its most authentic,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. “We designed these journeys for travelers who want more time to explore the museums, enjoy local cuisine and walk historic streets without feeling rushed or crowded. Luxury is the gift of time. That is exactly what we aim to offer with this new program.”
Beginning in 2026 and expanding further in 2027, dedicated City Escapes departures will operate across three regions.
On the Seine, guests will enjoy extended time in Paris, Rouen and Normandy with curated cultural experiences. In Paris, travelers can explore the historic Île de la Cité, home to Notre-Dame Cathedral, stroll through the historic streets of Le Marais, or join a guided bike tour along the Left Bank. Options also include visits to the Louis Vuitton Foundation or the Marmottan Monet Museum, as well as onboard culinary demonstrations focused on classic French desserts. In Normandy, guests may visit the historic D-Day landing beaches, explore the harbor town of Honfleur with a tasting of local cider and Pommeau, or discover Le Havre’s distinctive post–World War II architecture. In Rouen, experiences range from guided walking tours of the medieval city and culinary tastings to château visits or the Rouen Museum of Fine Arts.
On the Rhine, enhanced cultural experiences highlight destinations such as Breisach, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Cologne and Amsterdam. Highlights include a walking tour of Colmar with a visit to the Bartholdi Museum, excursions through the Alsatian wine region and visits to the hilltop Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg. In Strasbourg, guests can explore the historic center on a guided tour or bike ride, while in Germany they may discover Heidelberg’s old town or experience Cologne through local culinary tastings and architectural tours. The itinerary also includes scenic cruising through the Rhine Gorge, known for its dramatic landscapes and medieval castles, before concluding in Amsterdam with options such as a visit to the Rijksmuseum.
On the Danube, extended scenic sailing through iconic stretches such as the Wachau Valley and the Danube Bend is paired with cultural programming in cities including Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz and Passau. Highlights include guided explorations of Budapest’s historic Buda district and hikes to Gellért Hill, walking tours of Bratislava’s old town with local beer tastings, and cultural evenings in Vienna featuring dinner and a concert at the House of Strauss. In Linz, options include exploring the UNESCO City of Media Arts, a full-day excursion to Salzburg, or a visit to the fairytale town of Český Krumlov. The journey concludes in Passau with a walking tour of the “City of Three Rivers,” local food tastings and visits to traditional pretzel bakeries.
In addition, AmaWaterways now offers new pre- and post-cruise extensions in London and Rome, allowing guests to further personalize their journey with curated cultural and culinary experiences, including visits to Vatican City and other iconic landmarks. In London, the program includes a guided tour of Westminster and an evening in the West End to attend one of the city’s popular theatre performances.
