In September, we featured AmaWaterways’ Christmas Time Cruise as our River Cruise of the Week.  Operated this year aboard AmaLegro, AmaLyra andAmaDolce, this classic weeklong voyage whisks guests on a magical cruise along the beautiful blue Danube River from Nuremberg to Budapest.

The Amacello sports a striking profile guaranteed to turn heads on the waterways of Europe. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways.

But that’s not the only holiday voyage AmaWaterways offers, which is why we’ve chosen the company’s Rhine Winter Voyage as our River Cruise of the Week.

Available with an optional two nights in Zurich and two nights in Lucerne, this weeklong voyage takes passengers on a storybook sailing along a snow-covered Rhine River.  Beginning in Basel, guests will sail aboard the elegant AmaCello as it calls on Breisach, Strasbourg, Speyer, Rudesheim, Koblenz and Cologne before arriving for an overnight stay in the final port of call, Amsterdam.

Departures are available between November 16 to December 10, 2011, and November 29 to December 27, 2012.

Enjoy a piping cup of Gluhwein, or hot mulled cider. Many markets have unique cups, like these in Koblenz. Photo courtesy of Weihnachtsmarkt Koblenz.

Along the way, the fortunate guests aboard AmaCello will have the pleasure of visiting and exploring some of the most popular Christmas Markets in all of Europe. With their historic roots firmly anchored in Germany, these markets continue a tradition that spans hundreds of years as places where people congregate to shop for original hand-crafted gifts while nursing an invigorating cup of mulled cider to ward off the chill. It’s the ultimate Christmas tradition, and one that will immediately capture your imagination and holiday spirit.

The elaborate and festive decorations that adorn the Christmas Market in Strasbourg, France. Photo courtesy of the City of Strasbourg.

There also opportunities to venture further afar. In Breisach, guests can participate in an optional overland excursion into Germany’s legendary Black Forest; while in Speyer they can choose to join in a tour of Heidelberg. If you’ve seen enough Christmas Markets, you can also elect to participate in a wine tasting in Breisach and Rudesheim.

The full itinerary:

Of course, all of this comes with AmaWaterways’ trademark service. Dedicated to providing an onboard experience that consistently exceeds guest expectations, every AmaWaterways ship in Europe boasts features like complimentary wines and beer with dinner; complimentary coffee, tea and hot chocolate served around the clock; complimentary internet access; and a variety of included shore excursions and guided tours, all of which are equipped with wireless headsets to ensure guides never have to yell, and guests never have to strain to hear them.

If you’ve never taken a river cruise, or have never explored Europe during the winter months, give this exciting itinerary a shot.  After all, sometimes the best Christmas traditions are the ones that have yet to be created.

For more information on AmaWaterways and the elegant AmaCello, be sure to read our complete line and ship profiles here on River Cruise Advisor.

When many people think of France, they first think of Paris, with its iconic Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and glorious Arc de Triomphe. But there’s more to France than just the City of Light. Situated about two hours from Paris is one of the most scenic and historically significant locations in all of France: Normandy.  And best of all, you can see it from the comfort and convenience of a river cruise.

The iconic Eiffel Tower at the heart of Paris, France. Photo courtesy of Avalon Waterways

Departing between March and October 2012, Avalon Waterways has crafted a superb (and easily accessible) weeklong itinerary that explores the best Paris and its surrounding environs have to offer. There’s plenty of time to explore Paris itself, where a multitude of options are available. Visit the legendary Louvre in the morning and find a quiet café in Montmartre in the afternoon. Whether you’re ascending Gustav Eiffel’s iron masterpiece or strolling the Champs Elysees, you’ll no doubt enjoy the experience.

Avalon Creativity, shown here sailing the Rhine in Germany. Photo courtesy of Avalon Waterways.

Sailing aboard the Avalon Creativity is an equally impressive experience. With just 140 passengers, finding that cozy corner or favorite deck chair is never an issue. But there’s more to this royal blue-hulled river cruise ship than just space; every public room features expansive walls of glass, ensuring that the beauty of the French countryside is experienced at all times. A complimentary beverage station serves up hot chocolate (great for those cool shoulder-season voyages), hot tea and premium coffees. Staterooms are spacious and well-appointed, and offer amenities like WiFi access and room service.

Avalon offers a variety of staterooms to suit every taste and budget. Pictured here is the Avalon Suite aboard Avalon Creativity. Photo courtesy of Avalon Waterways.

Going ashore is made that much easier thanks to the provided headsets for all European shore excursions, ensuring guests never have to strain to hear their local English-speaking guides.

The itinerary for the Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches reads like a must-see list for France. After leaving the French capital, Avalon Creativity sails for Conflans, where you can choose between two equally fascinating excursions: a visit to Auvers-Sur-Oise to see the town where Vincent Van Gogh lived out his days; or you can explore Napoleon’s Chateau de Malmaison, purchased by Josephine Bonaparte while her famous husband was fighting in Egypt.

Afterward, it’s off to Vernon where you can stroll through this quaint, beautiful town or take an excursion to nearby Giverny, the former home of acclaimed painter Claude Monet.

The historic cliffs of Normandy. Photo courtesy of Avalon Waterways

Two days in Rouen allows for proper exploration of this important Upper Normandy capital. It’s also the site of Avalon’s included excursion to the historic Beaches of Normandy, including Omaha Beach, the site of the World War II Allied landing invasion that was portrayed with stunning accuracy in the 1998 film, Saving Private Ryan.

The imposing ruins of the English-built Chateau Gaillard. Photo courtesy of WIkipedia / Creative Commons

Before returning to Paris at the end of this alluring itinerary, time is made for a stop in Les Andelys, the sight of the imposing Chateau Gaillard.  Built by England’s King Richard the Lionheart in 1196, this castle is a must-see example of medieval architecture and an excellent vantage point overlooking the River Seine.

The full itinerary on this cruise:

With all this exploration packed into one adventure-filled week, it’s tough to resist this itinerary from Avalon Waterways.

For more information on Avalon Waterways and Avalon Creativity, visit our detailed Avalon Waterways company and fleet overview here on River Cruise Advisor.

Some of us choose a river cruise because we love to explore some of Europe’s most historic cities. For others, the desire to sail is born out of a love of fine food and wines. If you belong to the latter group, you’ll appreciate this AmaWaterways special voyage: In Celebration of Wine President’s Cruise.

Departing March 29, 2012 from Arles, France, this unique itinerary will transport just 150 guests to some of the most historic and picturesque locations along the Rhone. Your home away from home will be the elegant and spacious MS AmaDagio, one of AmaWaterways popular “Sensation Six” vessels.

Of course, no wine-themed President’s cruise would be complete without some exciting guests. Sailing aboard AmaDagio for this one-of-a-kind journey will be AmaWaterways President Rudi Schreiner and Executive Vice President Kristin Karst. They will be joined by Carissa Chappellet of Napa Valley’s Chappellet Winery and Archie McLaren, founder of the popular Central Coast Wine Classic that takes place each year in California.

The MS AmaDagio hosts AmaWaterways

This voyage is also a momentous occasion for AmaWaterways and a great opportunity for passengers as they sail aboard the elegant MS AmaDagio, marking the first time the ship has made the journey down the historic Rhone River from Arles to Lyon, France.

AmaWaterways has put a great deal of time, preparation and planning into its “In Celebration of Wine” itineraries.  The special features and events on these voyages include complimentary wine-themed shore excursions and winery visits, onboard lectures, wine tastings and wine pairings at meals.

Guests can sail in luxury along Europe

Onboard this special President’s Wine Cruise, AmaWaterways treats its guests to even more, including visits to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Arles and Avignon, the picturesque villages of Viviers, Tournon, Vienne and Trevoux, as well as excursions to the famed Beaujolais wine region.

The full itinerary of this exciting springtime voyage:

This unique European voyage can be extended by adding an optional land program that includes three nights pre-cruise in Barcelona and a three-night post-cruise stay in beautiful Paris. Your journey to the French capital from Lyon will be via TGV Train. Breakfast is included daily on this optional land program, along with sightseeing tours and the services of an AmaWaterways cruise manager, who will accompany and assist you for your entire journey.

For more information on AmaWaterways and its impressive MS AmaDagio, be sure to check out our AmaWaterways line and fleet overviews right here on River Cruise Advisor.