Enlightening Experiences
AmaWaterways and Smithsonian Journeys invite you to join us on one of more than 30 special river cruises through Europe. Featuring expert lecturers and exclusive excursions, these sailings will immerse you in the rich history, authentic culture and timeless traditions of each region.
Discover traditional glassblowing techniques and artistry at a glassblowing workshop in Wertheim, Germany on our Magnificent Europe itinerary.
River Cruises Like No Other
Each Smithsonian Journeys | AmaWaterways sailing takes place on board one of our stunning river cruise ships. An average of just 150 guests will sail the iconic rivers of Europe including the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and more. With generous amenities and breathtaking views from their staterooms, our ships provide the perfect setting for these memorable experiences.
CAPTIVATING SPEAKERS AND CURATED TOURS
Spend time with distinguished Smithsonian Journeys Experts, renowned lecturers who will share their stories and history, connecting their areas of expertise with the regions you are cruising through. Continue your learning with curated excursions only available on these departures.
ONBOARD EXPERIENCE
Take a dip in the sun-deck pool, participate in complimentary host-led wellness classes, and continue your immersion into European culture with performances of traditional local music, dance or folklore in the evenings.
SPECIALTY DINING
Enjoy delicious farm-to-table cuisine at every meal; be treated to a special dinner at The Chef's Table on board; and for our Douro River cruises, taste the delights of Portugal at a local quinta for lunch.
PERSONALIZED SERVICE
Be welcomed as family with personalized attention and care by your incredible Cruise Manager and shipboard crew, who go above and beyond to ensure you have a memorable experience.
Fresh, seasonal and locally sourced cuisine
Rhine River, Germany
Talija Folklore Group, Danube River
Danube River, Wachau Valley, Austria
Smithsonian Journeys Experts
Each Smithsonian Journeys | AmaWaterways river cruise will include insightful lectures from two highly accomplished speakers who will help you make deeper connections between the destinations you visit and their culture, art history, natural history and more.
Meet the Experts
Ralph Nurnberger
History, Politics and International Affairs
Ralph is an acclaimed speaker who has appeared on radio and TV as a political analyst. He earned his PhD from Georgetown University and is a former staff member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and at the US. Department of Commerce.
Join Ralph on our Grand Danube Cruise, May 18-June 1, 2026
Rod Phillips
French History and Wines
Rod teaches history at Carleton University in Ottawa and has authored several books on social and cultural history and wine. His fascination with wine began at a young age and has taken him around the world, including as a judge in wine competitions.
Join Rod on Colors of Provence, May 21-28, 2026
Scan for more information on additional Smithsonian Journeys Experts
Tiffany Florvil
Modern European History and Human Rights
Tiffany is an associate professor of modern European history and the history of women, gender and sexuality at the University of New Mexico. An award-winning author, she has had work funded by the Harvard Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study.
Join Tiffany on the Captivating Rhine, July 18-25, 2026
April Nowell
Paleolithic Archaeology and Anthropology
April is an award-winning author, Paleolithic archaeologist, Professor of Anthropology and Distinguished Lansdowne Fellow at the University of Victoria, Canada. She specializes in cave art and leads research in the study of Paleolithic sites in Jordan.
Join April on the Taste of Bordeaux, October 1-8, 2026
Unique Experiences
Exclusively available on Smithsonian Journeys | AmaWaterways departures Each itinerary includes a variety of exclusive experiences; a sample is featured below.
Neuf-Brisach Citadel
Visit the UNESCO-designated “Citadel of the Sun King”, founded at Louis XIV’s request and considered the masterpiece of French military engineer Vauban. Admire the architecture and explore the museum on site.
Available on: Captivating Rhine
Guided Visit of Musée Marmottan Monet
Join your knowledgeable guide for a tour inside this acclaimed museum boasting the world’s largest collection of Monet artwork, including the iconic Impression, Sunrise
Available on: Paris & Normandy
Croix-Rousse Silk Factory Tour
Discover Lyon’s past on a visit to a workshop where artisans produce silks using traditional methods “à la lyonnaise". Watch 19th-century looms in action and learn more about this timeless art.
Available on: Colors of Provence
The Hague and Mauritshuis Museum
Travel to the Hague, the Netherlands' administrative center, and visit the Mauritshuis Museum, where you'll see the iconic Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer, and other famous works.
Available on: Tulip Time
Silk-Weaving Loom, Lyon, France. Photo credit: Soierie Vivante association
Girl with a Pearl Earring (ca. 1665) by Johannes Vermeer.
Neuf-Brisach, Alsace, France
Photo credit: Musée Marmottan Monet
Pair-non-Pair Caves
Explore the Pair-non-Pair Caves and view some of the world's oldest cave paintings depicting horses, ibexes and mammoths, dating back more than 30,000 years.
Available on: Taste of Bordeaux
Glacier
Express and Gornergrat Railway
Take the iconic Glacier Express to Zermatt, and later ride the Gornergrat Railway to enjoy breathtaking views of the Matterhorn.
4-night post-cruise package available on: Captivating Rhine
2026 SMITHSONIAN JOURNEYS |
7-night cruises starting from $4,449 $3,699 14-night cruises starting from $7,799 $6,799
Tulip Time
7-night cruise roundtrip Amsterdam
Romantic Danube 7-night cruise
9
12 Apr 16
Vilshofen - Budapest May 18 Jun 15 Sep 7 Oct 5
Gems of Southeast Europe 7-night cruise
Budapest - Giurgiu May 25 Jun 22
Grand Danube Cruise 14-night cruise Vilshofen - Giurgiu May 18 Jun 15
Magnificent Europe
- Budapest
Captivating Rhine 7-night cruise
- Basel
Iconic Christmas Markets
Christmas Markets on the Rhine
Taste of Bordeaux
cruise roundtrip Bordeaux
Colors of Provence 7-night cruise Lyon - Arles
Paris & Normandy 7-night cruise roundtrip Paris
Enticing Douro
14
& Holly Shimizu
Nadia Kizenko
&
21
16
14
3
24
8
25
INCLUDED ON YOUR CRUISE
» Enriching discussions with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts
» Exclusive special interest excursions and experiences
» A variety of small group guided shore excursions
» Elegantly appointed staterooms – most with French balconies or twin balconies
» The expertise and care of an extraordinary Cruise Manager
» Local and international cuisine including regionally inspired dishes with unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner
» Daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour with cocktails, mocktails, wine, beer and spirits
» High-quality Wi-Fi on board
» Onboard lectures and evening entertainment
» Seamless travel with included transfers
Photo credit: © Olivier Huard / Centre des monuments nationaux
Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt, Switzerland
