The Authentic Cruise Company

Itinerary

Day 1: Arles
Day 2: Arles
Day 2: Avignon
Day 3: Viviers
Day 4: Vienne
Day 4: Lyon
Day 5: Mâcon
Day 6: Tournus
Day 7: Chalon-sur-Saône
Day 8: Dijon
Day 1: Arles

Day programme:

ARLES, FRANCE – EMBARKATION. Embark your ship in Arles, France for your Essence of Burgundy & Provence river cruise. (D)

Day 2: Arles

Day programme:

ARLES, FRANCE. Arles is considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. Let your experienced guide lead you to the top sights, including the Romanesque cathedral and Roman amphitheater. Or, if you wish to delve further into Van Gogh’s Arles, join a special walking tour along with a visit to the Vincent van Gogh Foundation, showcasing his legacy. Alternatively, you may take a guided bike tour through town. Later in the day, enjoy a walking tour in Avignon, aptly named the “City of Popes,” that includes the Papal Palace and the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding the historic center of town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a more flavorful experience, visit three venues around Avignon to taste regional specialties including macarons, cheese and wine, and tapenades. (B,L,D)

Day 2: Avignon
Day 3: Viviers

Day programme:

VIVIERS, FRANCE. Viviers is a charming medieval city with picturesque 16th and 18th century monuments. For a more active adventure, pedal through this bicycle-friendly city. Alternatively, you can go to the magnificent hilltop village, Grignan. After visiting this enchanting Provençal town, go in search of the highly prized “Black Diamond” truffles with a farmer and his trustworthy canine companion. Or go on a scenic hike and enjoy a memorable view of Viviers. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Vienne

Day programme:

VIENNE – LYON, FRANCE. Vienne boasts a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. There you can enjoy a guided walking tour around the city. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route or a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet. Later in the day, discover dynamic Lyon, starting in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue on to the old town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” Or get active on a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. If you’re a self-described foodie, our Vieux Lyon tasting tour is for you, during which you’ll have a chance to taste some of Lyon’s local delights. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Lyon
Day 5: Mâcon

Day programme:

MÂCON, FRANCE. Join a guided tour through the “South Burgundy City” of Mâcon, learning about its local vineyards, museums, historical sites and perhaps its famous son, the poet and minister Alphonse de Lamartine. Or venture somewhat off the beaten path to Cluny, known for its large abbey. Built between the 4th and 12th centuries, Cluny Abbey was formerly the world’s largest church and stands as a captivating example of early Romanesque architecture. Alternatively, explore the architecture and history behind the Royal Monastery of Brou, a Gothic masterpiece dating back to the 16th century. Later in the day, enjoy a panoramic view from the Sun Deck as you sail to Tournus, or opt for a bike ride from Mâcon to Tournus. Or, enjoy a delicious tasting of the region’s famous white Mâconnais wines. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Tournus

Day programme:

TOURNUS. Today you have a choice of a number of excursions as you explore Tournus. Let your knowledgeable guide lead you through Tournus and to its magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Saint Philibert. Or choose instead to visit the moated Château de Cormatin, which dates back to the early 17th century and features ornate apartments as well as a beautifully manicured garden. As an alternative, venture to the medieval village of Brancion with its preserved gateway, church and market hall. Later in the day, enjoy scenic cruising as you sail toward Chalon-Sur-Saône, or opt for a bike tour if you’re feeling adventurous. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Chalon-sur-Saône

Day programme:

CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE, FRANCE. Located in southern Burgundy at the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise wine region, Chalon-Sur-Saône whispers the secrets of its medieval past which you will discover on your historic city tour. You’ll also stop at a local market where you can see and taste some of the local fare. Alternatively, choose an excursion in Beaune, a walled town nestled in the heart of Cote d’Or vineyards where you’ll stroll the cobblestone streets and take in such sights as the mosaic-tiled roof of the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, founded in the 15th century as a hospital for the less fortunate. Later in the day, treat your palate to a tasting of Chalonnaise wines. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Dijon

Day programme:

PORT OF DIJON– DISEMBARKATION – RETURN FLIGHT. Disembark your ship and prepare for your return flight home. (B) B,L,D – Indicates Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included on this day.

Suite
Category A Stateroom
Category B Stateroom
Category C Stateroom
Category D Stateroom
Category E Stateroom
Single Cabin
Suite

Stateroom Feature: 

  • In-room temperature control

  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Desk and chair

Category A Stateroom

Stateroom Feature:

  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Desk and chair

Category B Stateroom

Stateroom Feature:

  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Desk and chair
Category C Stateroom

Stateroom Feature:

  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Desk and chair
Category D Stateroom

Stateroom Feature:

  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Desk and chair

Category E Stateroom

Stateroom Feature:

  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Desk and chair
Single Cabin

Stateroom Feature:

  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Desk and chair

Main Restaurant
The Chef’s Table
Main Restaurant

AmaWaterways’ expert chefs craft menus that feature exquisite, locally-inspired cuisine as well as traditional, Western offerings. At breakfast, sip sparkling wine as you partake fresh pastries, or opt for something made-to-order from the menu. Stop by the Main Lounge for a light lunch, or head to the restaurant for full menu service and high-quality regional wine or beer. Dinner is a delectable, multi-course affair with wine recommendations that accompany visually stunning, delicious dishes. Try local favourites — like goulash while cruising through Hungary, bratwurst and sauerkraut after returning to the ship from Vienna, or Camembert cheese while on the Seine — or something more familiar, like a sandwich. No matter what your preference, your taste buds are sure to be impressed.

The Chef’s Table

Join a few of your fellow travellers at The Chef’s Table, where the kitchen — usually hidden — becomes part of the entertainment. You’ll have the opportunity to watch the chef prepare a special multi-course meal right in front of you. The menu here is unique, making this a truly distinct gastronomic experience. Indulge in delectable dishes served with unlimited fine wines, hand-selected just for this dinner. It is the only venue of its kind on the river.

Guided Bike Tours
Guided Hiking Tours
Included Tours
Limited Edition Tours
Extraordinary Experiences
Land Packages
Guided Bike Tours

With AmaWaterways, you have the option of exploring Europe’s amazing sights like the locals do. We were the first river cruise line to carry an entire fleet of complimentary bicycles on board, so you can experience biking alongside enchanting riverside pathways and in city centres. Whether you feel like joining one of our exclusive guided bike tours, or want to go discover on your own, there are many ways for you to explore on two wheels during your cruise. Here are a few examples:

  • Bike along the beautiful Danube River between Dürnstein and Melk in Austria’s Wachau Valley
  • Tour Cologne’s Old Town and Cathedral along the Rhine River
  • See the medieval city of Rouen in France’s historic Normandy region, near the Seine River
  • Take in wooded hills and beaches of poplars along the scenic shores of the Inn River in Passau
  • Go on a guided bike ride in Vienna, where you’ll visit Klosterneuberg Abbey and enjoy cake and coffee
Guided Hiking Tours

The beauty of Europe doesn’t just lie in its architecture and landmarks – there are also breath taking things to be seen when you venture out into nature. That’s why we’ve designed special hikes that will take you a bit off the beaten path in some very beautiful destinations.

  • Trek up to the Veste Oberhaus in Passau, Germany for incredible views over Old Passau
  • Make your way up to Dürnstein Fortress, where it is said that Richard the Lionheart was once held captive
  • Hike up the Philosopher’s Path to a panoramic view of Heidelberg and the Necker River
  • Journey from the ship to the Old Town in Strasbourg, France
Included Tours

We realise that our guests have different tastes, so we’ve developed a menu of shore excursions in every port of call. In many destinations, you’ll be free to choose from one of several options — all of which are included in your cruise fare. There’s always a city tour designed to show you all the renowned highlights and landmarks in grand capitals and charming villages alike. Is it your first time in Vienna? Opt for an unforgettable exploration of the major sights led by a local, English-speaking guide that is well versed in history and culture. Have you already been to Nuremberg? Instead of taking the city tour, indulge in a bratwurst and beer tasting on one of our Special Interest Tours, which are specially designed to place you in the midst of local life. Are you looking for something more active? See the beautiful scenery of Austria’s Wachau Valley with a guided bike tour along the Danube. The choice is yours.

Limited Edition Tours

Every year, we seek out new opportunities for our guests to experience local culture in a unique way. These tours are specially designed to give small groups the chance to be even more immersed in a destination. Here are just a few examples:

  • Indulge in authentic Belgian waffles and chocolate in Antwerp
  • Try your hand at knotting a bretzel (German for “pretzel”) in Wertheim
  • Go to a bratwurst and beer tasting at the oldest brewery in Nuremberg
  • Discover hidden treasures on a tour of Vienna’s secret spots and sights
  • Sample Bavarian specialties like pralines in Regensburg
Extraordinary Experiences

On an AmaWaterways river cruise, you don’t just pass through a destination — you experience it. Each one of our itineraries is crafted with a paramount goal in mind: connecting you to the essence of life in each place you visit. We always make it a point to place our guests in small groups. This helps facilitate access to sights and landmarks, a more intimate setting, and more encounters with the locals. It’s a great way to take your time as you explore, get to know your fellow travellers better and find opportunities for up-close experiences. Every tour is led by a local, English-speaking guide who is very knowledgeable in the culture and history of the place you are visiting.

Choose your pace: In many cases, you’ll have a choice of gentle, regular and active tour paces. There are even some options for late risers.

Land Packages

Make the most of your long-awaited vacation by adding our optional land packages before or after your sailing for an all-encompassing river cruise and land journey. Indulge your wanderlust and we’ll whisk you away between your ship and hotel, plus take you on specially curated guided tours with just the right amount of leisure time to explore the art, history or culinary delights in sought-after cities around the world.

Why Add a Land Package?

There are many benefits to adding a land package before or after your sailing. One of the simplest reasons is the convenience of making all your future travel plans in one step. Our concierge services allow you to reserve your river cruise, flights, airport transfers and land packages all at once. No need to call and research multiple providers – just contact your travel advisor and we’ll take care of it all. But the value of adding a land package doesn’t stop there.

World-Class Hotels

Whether you wish to rest and recover from flights or pamper yourself before returning home, you’ll find no better respite than the trusted, 4- and 5-star hotels we have carefully selected for you. Each luxurious property is centrally located near the major sights, such as Turkey’s Istanbul at Sultanahmet, just steps from the magnificent Blue Mosque. If you should wish to extend your vacation even further, your travel advisor can conveniently arrange extra hotel nights through AmaWaterways as well.

Our land packages include transfers between your hotel and river cruise ship, portage service and daily breakfast at the hotel. In addition, fascinating guided city tours and excursions are included, so you can:

  • Discover breathtaking Mont St. Michel, France, the artistic inspiration for the movie Tangled
  • Join a tasting of Czech beer while learning about the beverage’s long and illustrious history
  • Visit Transylvania’s infamous Bran Castle, otherwise known as Dracula’s Castle
  • Board a boat for a scenic ride along Italy’s Lake Como to the stunning lakeside village of Bellagio
  • Rise with the sun at Cambodia’s UNESCO-designated Angkor Archaeological Complex

What’s Included in Your Land Package

  • Overnight stays at 4- and 5-star hotels conveniently located near the major sites
  • Daily breakfast at the hotel
  • Guided city tours
  • Convenient transfers to and from the ship
  • The services of a professionally trained Cruise Manager throughout your river cruise and land stay – unique in the industry
Main Lounge & Bar
Onboard Entertainment
Gift Shop
Main Lounge & Bar

This versatile space hosts a bar, dance floor, plenty of comfortable couches and big windows on three sides and is used for everything from the morning port talks, daytime reading and chatting to scenic cruising, afternoon tea and evening entertainment.

Onboard Entertainment

Whether it’s a folkloric performance, local quartet, serenade of Parisian classics or modern piano favourites, there is an eclectic schedule of entertainment on board.

Gift Shop

The Gift Shop can be found on the Violin Deck.

Fitness Room
Sun Deck
Massage Services and Hair Salon
Healthy Options
Fitness Room

Are you looking for a way to stay fit on vacation? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.

Sun Deck

Enjoy the whirlpool on the Sun Deck as we pass by centuries-old castles, charming villages and other breathtaking scenery.

Massage Services and Hair Salon

After a marvellous day of immersive shore excursions, return to the ship and treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a soothing massage.

Healthy Options

Lighter options are always available during meals as well as gluten free, vegetarian and low-sodium options. Discover the infused detox and gemstone water at our Hydration Station.

Age Restrictions
Disabled Facilities
Smoking Policy
Dietary Requirements
Dress Code
Medical Facilities
Internet and Wifi Access
Age Restrictions

Effective immediately, AmaWaterways will only be welcoming guests fully vaccinated against Covid-19 on board its ships. This vaccination requirement also applies to accompanied minors. Guests affected by this decision should contact their travel advisor for options to reschedule their river cruise.

On our programs in Europe and Southeast Asia, children under the age of 4 years old are not permitted on board and children 4-7 years old are not recommended. On our Africa safaris program, due to safety precautions, there is a minimum age limit of 12 years old, unless otherwise agreed upon by AmaWaterways. All guests under the age of 18 are to be in a stateroom with an adult, and must remain supervised at all times, as their safety is the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s). Children between the ages of 4 and 10 at the time of embarkation may share a stateroom with 2 adults provided the child is able to share the bed with the adults – no additional bed will be provided. Select ships offer a limited number of staterooms with a fold-out sofa for a triple occupant; we would be happy to guide you through these options when available. A triple occupancy rate will apply for the child sharing the stateroom; pricing can be provided upon request. Please be aware that balcony staterooms of any kind may be unsafe for small children if left unsupervised. AmaWaterways does not provide child-specific programs or child-minding facilities. Please reach out to us if you have any further questions regarding our child policy.

As of March 3, 2022, children 5 and older at time of sailing are still required to be vaccinated however, children that are not yet eligible for the vaccine are able to come onboard if they can provide a negative PCT test taken within 72 hours of embarkation.

Disabled Facilities

Reasonable efforts are made to accommodate the special needs of disabled cruise participants, but no responsibility will be undertaken for any denial of services by carriers, hotels, restaurants, or other independent suppliers. Tour buses are not equipped with wheelchair ramps and cabin doors are not wide enough to allow access by standard wheelchairs.

Wheelchairs and walkers cannot be carried on tour buses, due to space limitations. Wheelchair passengers should be aware of these limitations. For safety reasons, passengers in wheelchairs cannot be carried on ramps in ports where the ship is at anchor. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking, getting on/off tour busses and other transportation vehicles, or other personal needs. A qualified travel companion must accompany travellers who need assistance.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside any of the ships. Smoking is only permitted on the Sun Deck. For the safety and comfort of all passengers on board, your cooperation in observing the no-smoking policy is greatly appreciated.

Dietary Requirements

Please advise your Travel Agent or call us directly to advise if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies prior to embarkation. In most cases, we will do our best to accommodate special dietary requests and food allergies, but with one exception: Kosher. This diet has specific rules regarding food and its preparation and the shipboard environment does have limitations that prevent us from being able to adequately cater to this dietary need. Please note, though we can provide options to accommodate food allergies and sensitivities, we cannot guarantee there will not be any cross-contamination.

Dress Code

Comfortable, layered clothing adaptable to changing weather conditions is always advisable for daytime excursions. For the evening, “Casually elegant” attire is recommend and you may want to pack something a little dressier for the Captain’s night/Farewell Dinner – similar to how one would dress to dine at a 5-star restaurant. Comfortable shoes are recommended for excursions and workout clothing if you plan to take part in any wellness activities, active tours or use the onboard gym. Depending on the time of year, clothing that can be layered is highly recommended.

Medical Facilities

Europe: There are no medical facilities on board. However medical services can easily be called from shore if required.

Vietnam & Cambodia: We do not employ doctors or nurses on board the ships. In the event medical assistance is needed, appropriate medical facilities will be contacted. Note that response time can vary.

Africa: We do not employ doctors or nurses on board the Zambezi Queen. In the event medical assistance is needed, appropriate medical facilities will be contacted. Note that response time can vary.

Internet and Wifi Access

Europe: High-speed Internet service is available free of charge as part of the in-stateroom “Entertainment-On-Demand.” Additionally, AmaWaterways offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship.

Vietnam and Cambodia: Free Internet and Wi-Fi in the lounge with computer stations.

Africa: Free Wi Fi is available but may be limited and sporadic during certain times of the day due to the ships isolated location.

Sun Deck
Violin Deck
Cello Deck
Piano Deck
Sun Deck
  • Observation Deck 
  • Navigation Bridge
  • Bicycles
  • Whirlpool
  • Sun Deck 
  • Walking Track
Violin Deck
  • Bow Seating Area
  • Main Lounge & Bar
  • Gift Shop
  • Reception
  • Massage & Hair Salon
  • The Chefs Table Restaurant
  • Fitness Room
  • Elevator
  • Suites 
  • Cat A Staterooms 
  • Cat B Staterooms 
  • Cat C Staterooms 
Cello Deck
  • Main Restaurant
  • Elevator
  • Cat B Staterooms 
  • Cat C Staterooms 
  • Single Cabins 
Piano Deck
  • Crew Cabins
  • Cat D Staterooms 
  • Cat E Staterooms 

Get in touch with our team to start planning

Call and speak to a member of our experienced team today on +44 (0)1491 528 988 or email info@authenticcruises.co.uk.

Alternatively, leave your details and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.