Epicurean Journeys Await with AmaWaterways

Europe’s rivers are a pathway to centuries of history, culture and traditions. Those traditions shine through most distinctly in the food and wines of each region.

The founders of river cruise line AmaWaterways are from Europe. They know that expertly-crafted cuisine is key to a complete river cruise experience.

“We are passionate in our belief that one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a destination is through its gastronomy, which is evident when you consider the variety of culinary-themed tours and itineraries we offer,” says Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways. “From cooking classes with regional chefs and wine or apricot tasting in the Wachau Valley in Austria, to truffle hunting near Grignan, France and sampling Franconian specialties in Nuremberg, Germany, our vision at AmaWaterways is to give our guests a truly authentic experience and a taste of a world beyond their own.”

AmaWaterways’ culinary expertise is evident in the long list of accolades and awards it’s earned since its founding in 2002. In 2011, the line was invited to join La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the prestigious gastronomic society with origins back to the 13th century. AmaWaterways was the first cruise line to ever receive the honor. And, it’s culinary excellence continues to evolve.

Each AmaWaterways cruise in Europe features a selection of regional wines and beers with lunch and dinner. Guests can savor local Rieslings while sailing through the scenic Wachau Valley in lower Austria. They can discover a range of port wines as they cruise through the tiered vineyards of Portugal’s Douro River Valley.

For those interested in a truly immersive encounter with the tastes of Europe, the line’s Wine Cruises are an attractive option. They’re specially-crafted itineraries that combine wine-related experiences and excursions in Europe’s capital cities and quaint towns. They feature delectable cuisine paired with award-winning fine wines, at no extra cost.

On the Wine Cruises, guests enjoy onboard wine tastings led by a wine expert. Exclusive excursions venture to private wine cellars, acclaimed wineries and age-old vineyards. It’s a living history lesson in viticulture that dates back to the Roman era in some regions.

Popular offerings include a seven-night epicurean experience through the Bordeaux region. One of the world’s foremost wine-producing regions, Bordeaux is home to Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Pichon Longueville, among other renowned wine estates.

In June, the Fête Le Vin wine festival takes place there. In November comes the Bordeaux S.O Good Urban and Gourmet Food Festival along the riverfront. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample cuisine from some of the best chefs in Bordeaux.

This July, James Beard Award-winning cookbook author, chef and culinary personality Joanne Weir hosts a Taste of Bordeaux Culinary Cruise with AmaWaterways. Weir and her production team were on board the AmaKristina in the fall of 2017 to film several episodes of her new PBS series, “Joanne Weir’s Plates & Places.” She shopped in local markets and cooked regional specialties with executive chef Primus Perchtold at The Chef’s Table, the specialty restaurant on board.

The Taste of Bordeaux Culinary cruise with Joanne Weir departs July 26, 2018.

Weir isn’t the only well-known guest exploring the cuisine of the region with AmaWaterways this summer. Travel expert Samantha Brown joins the line on the 10-night Rhine & Moselle Delights itinerary departing July 18, 2018. She’ll film episodes of her new PBS series “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love.”

Brown will focus on the food, drink and culture that makes the stories Rhine and Moselle come to life. She’ll lead viewers—and fellow travelers—through fairy-tale villages and enchanting scenery.

Along the way, there’s plenty of time to sample traditional specialties, such as coffee served with a kick. Guests will learn about winemaking traditions half a millennium old. And, they’ll discover why cruisers on AmaWaterways ships don’t merely dine. They experience a culinary journey, flavored by the cities, towns and regions they discover along the way.