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Straight out of a fairytale, Riquewihr is a medieval French village said to have inspired animators creating Belle’s hometown in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. This storybook village is filled with postcard-perfect half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, charming shops and cafés, and structures dating back to the 13th century. Riquewihr is known for producing outstanding wines, such as its exceptional riesling. We enjoyed relaxing at a delightful outdoor café and sampling local treats here.
What's it Like Taking a Winter River Cruise in Europe? - Cruise Critic
What's it Like Taking a Winter River Cruise in Europe?.
Posted: Tue, 27 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Unforgettable Land Packages
If there is a challenge regarding the river levels, AmaWaterways will do everything possible to maintain the schedule and all the excursions guests expect to go on. The rate of ascent or descent (depending on the direction your cruise is traveling) is approximately one foot per minute. The biggest lock we experienced during the Colors of Provence river cruise dropped us 75 feet (12m). Dan and I enjoyed our own little happy hour on the ship once or twice during the cruise, complete with French groceries we bought while in port – cheese and bread included. An AmaKristina Provence river cruise review is incomplete without a mention of what it’s like to sail on the Rhône River. Excursion options range from food market tours to city walking tours, moderate hikes, wine tastings, and bike tours.
Night Enchanting RhineDetails

The AmaLucia staff did an excellent job dealing with food allergies, and they surprised their guests with unannounced treats like gelato parties and other delights during our cruise. AmaWaterways is known for delivering memorable dining experiences, and it is a member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious invitation-only culinary organizations. I’m out of breath and panting, somewhere near Heidelberg, a historic German city located near the foothills of the Odenwald. My cycling group and I are pedaling toward Schwetzingen Palace, renowned for its Versailles-like gardens, about six miles away from our ship docked along the Rhine. As I pause in the middle of a cornfield, all my group mates are but a glimmer of silver hair in the distance.

Complete Guide to Naples Cruise Port in Italy
All this and more awaits you as you experience the many medieval treasures of Europe. Our experience on AmaKristina during this time of year was incredibly memorable. The temperatures were perfect, and we lucked out with sunshine almost daily. The crew and our Cruise Director were outstanding at pivoting and adjusting the cruise schedule accordingly to minimize the strike's impact.
But we saw how beautiful the fall colors can be when you look out on the expanse of vineyards that this cruise brings you to in beautiful French port cities. The Colors of Provence river cruise traveled 600 feet during the journey, including 12 locks. We mostly sailed during the evening and overnight on the ship, but there was an afternoon or two we cruised. You see some houses along the waterfront, and it’s so pretty to see the landscape as you pull into the next port. Amsterdam is home to 165 canals, and a scenic canal cruise along these tree-lined waterways is a fantastic way to see the city’s centuries-old historical center and beautiful attractions.
➤ Read Our Extensive AmaWaterways Colors of Provence Excursions Review
A total of 19 AmaWaterways ships have earned the Green Award certification so far, starting with the AmaKristina. In addition, luggage tags are made from 100% recycled plastic bottle material and are now delivered to guest staterooms on board ships in Europe, reducing the line’s carbon footprint. The usage of the innovative myAmaCruise app and electronic travel documents has also virtually eliminated paper consumption both pre-cruise and on board. Surrounded by lush vineyards, idyllic Riquewihr is one of the most beautiful towns in France.
Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps
Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Embark on an unforgettable Rhine River cruise between picturesque Amsterdam, Netherlands and dynamic Basel, Switzerland. Along the way, you will explore charming villages and historic cities such as Cologne, Rüdesheim and Heidelberg. Cruise through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge adorned with 40 castles and marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg.
The ship’s pool is heated, so it can still be wonderful to enjoy in the spring and fall. The Rhine River is the setting for one of Europe’s most popular river cruise itineraries. Typically sailing the length of the river between Amsterdam and Basel, these enchanting Rhine River cruises visit the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. This memorable journey of discovery is a rich cocktail of delights perfectly suited for those who love spectacular scenery, history, culture, wine, and outstanding cuisine. AmaWaterways is taking significant steps towards a greener, more sustainable future for river cruising, the environment and the communities visited.
French Wine and Food on a River Cruise in France on the Rhone River
There’s so much to see and do in Amsterdam, so plan to spend several days here before or after your cruise. During our extended time in Amsterdam, we took a fabulous canal tour and visited the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Floriade Expo, a world-renowned horticultural exhibition occurring once each decade. Our Rhine, Main & Moselle river journeys are best reserved with optional land packages before or after your sailing, accompanied by our wonderful Cruise Managers. Stay at recognized four and five-star hotels, plus enjoy convenient transfers between your hotel and ship, as well as a range of included amenities and excursions.
The Chef’s Table is a reservation-only gourmet culinary experience featuring an exquisite multi-course tasting menu paired with complimentary wines. The Main Restaurant serves three mouthwatering meals daily, with menus featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and regional cuisine, including exceptional meats and seafood. Wines, beer, and soft drinks are complimentary with meals, and a tapas menu is available in the lounge. Pages from fairytales come to life as you find inspiration along the fabled, castle-laden Rhine and its breathtaking tributary, the Moselle, with fascinating scenery of Europe’s steepest vineyards lining its shores.
Colorful canals and glistening lakes, hilltop towns and majestic alps, mighty fortresses and storied castles, and hearty beer and delicate wines can all be experienced on this fairytale journey through time. Contoured by vineyard-clad hills and castles from yesteryear, the legendary Rhine captivates. Fabled towns lost in time present you with the chance to taste local flavors—Rüdesheimer coffee and Kölsch beer—and to touch history up close with guided hikes and bike rides. From Amsterdam’s colorful canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, journey into the heart of the destinations you visit.
You are allowed to bring the cheese onboard, and there is a refrigerator in each cabin. During our cruise, we learned that the French consume over 50 pounds of cheese per person per year. They eat a lot of bread and pastries too, but they remain a “slim” nation with a relatively low obesity rate. France is the only country in Europe that is self-sufficient in basic food production.
Drink in the beauty, history and flavor of the Rhine and Moselle river valleys’ iconic vineyards. Begin your journey with a gentle ride through Amsterdam’s legendary canals, and whet your palate for the wines ahead by tasting Kolsch beer. As for the vineyards, you’ll soar above them by gondola or hike among the grapes in Rüdesheim. Whatever you choose to do ashore, the stories you’re told and flavors that grace your palate will surely transform you. From Prague, the “City of Spires,” to the heartland of Germany along the Rhine and Main rivers and to cosmopolitan Amsterdam, you’ll get an up-close look at the magnificent castles, medieval towns and forever-inspiring cities.
This luxury of choice is particularly appealing for those traveling with family members or a group of people who may have different interests and activity levels. Guests can explore at their own speed, with most walking tours available at gentle, regular, and active paces. The tour options were excellent, and I often wished I could clone myself so I could experience multiple tours offered simultaneously.
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