From the moment you set foot on an AmaWaterways river ship in France’s Bordeaux region or Portugal’s Douro Valley, your time in Europe transforms into more than a vacation; it becomes an immersive exploration of the continent’s most revered wine regions. For travelers seeking rich culture, exquisite food and onshore experiences that go beyond the bottle, AmaWaterways’ itineraries offer a rare opportunity to connect deeply with both people and place, all in a seamless experience designed for discovery.

AmaWaterways is celebrated for its warm, attentive service and ships that are both elegant and uncrowded, offering panoramic river views and a welcoming ambiance. Whether unwinding on the Sun Deck, delighting in the onboard entertainment or partaking in the daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour, you’ll be treated to unparalleled comfort. The heart of the experience, however, is the regionally inspired cuisine: every meal on your ship is an introduction to the culinary soul of the region, from locally sourced cheeses and wines to artfully crafted specialty meals.

What truly distinguishes AmaWaterways is a commitment to authentic exploration. Each day, you can choose from a menu of excursion options, ensuring that you can explore each destination in the manner that best suits your travel style. Activities range from guided cycling tours and hikes through iconic landmarks to interactive culinary demonstrations and wine tastings at celebrated estates. This array of options allows you to experience each destination’s history, artistry and flavors in remarkable depth.

Bordeaux: History, Architecture and Gastronomy
Aboard the 7-night Taste of Bordeaux river cruise, you’ll venture along France’s scenic Garonne and Dordogne rivers, venturing into the heart of one of the world’s most storied wine regions. The itinerary is a dream for both epicureans and history enthusiasts. Each day brings new delights, from guided tastings at esteemed châteaux to hands-on workshops like bread-making in an ancient Libourne watermill. For more active exploration, you can cycle through the streets of Cadillac while discovering architectural marvels, or dive into the ancient history of Saint Émilion, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in legend. With AmaWaterways’ optional pre-cruise land package in Spain’s Basque Country, home to remarkable Michelin-starred cuisine, you can indulge in even more culinary adventures through Europe.

Bordeaux is equally captivating during the holiday season, when AmaWaterways transforms this itinerary into a Festive Delights cruise: tree trimming, seasonal treats and a convivial winter ambiance onboard blend with the region’s timeless elegance and seasonal atmosphere. In Bordeaux, you may even have the opportunity to visit the city’s Christmas Market, featuring over a hundred wooden chalets brimming with unique crafts, local delicacies and artisanal gifts.

The Douro Valley: Portugal’s Historic Heart
For those drawn to Portugal, AmaWaterways’ Douro River itineraries, Enticing Douro and Flavors of Portugal & Spain, unveil the valley’s ancient beauty and enduring traditions. Especially enchanting in late fall and winter, the tranquil waters along the river reflect the deep greens of hillside vineyards. Onboard your ship, you are invited to indulge in seasonal farm-to-ship cuisine with regionally inspired menus. With fewer crowds, your locally guided tours through the historic towns of Régua and Pinhão, as well as Salamanca, Spain’s famed “Golden City,” are sure to be even more memorable.

AmaWaterways’ Festive Delights cruises on the Douro River infuse the journey with holiday spirit, making the onboard experience as memorable as the storied villages and golden vistas along the riverbanks. On shore, you can sample local twists on traditional European seasonal favorites, such as mulled port wine.

Exclusive Enrichment: Smithsonian Journeys | AmaWaterways
In spring 2026, AmaWaterways sets a new standard for enriching travel with the launch of their alliance with Smithsonian Journeys. These select departures pair AmaWaterways’ refined hospitality with Smithsonian Journeys’ legacy in education and exploration. Each departure features two Smithsonian Journeys Experts who will lead onboard lectures and discussions on regional history, art or culture. On shore, you’ll be invited to join exclusive excursions not offered on standard departures.

In the Douro Valley, Smithsonian Journeys departures invite you to trace wine routes dating back 2,000 years, explore the Palacio de Monterey in Spain, delve into contemporary art in Porto, and visit the Côa Valley Archaeological Park. In Bordeaux, you’ll be guided through the charming town of Bergerac, marvel at the regal Château Royal de Cazeneuve, and explore the prehistoric Pair-non-Pair caves. These enhanced excursion options are curated for deeper cultural immersion, offering unprecedented opportunities to engage with the heritage and stories that define these world-renowned regions.

AmaWaterways’ Douro and Bordeaux journeys promise an elevated travel experience: luxury without pretense, genuine hospitality and the freedom to tailor each day with enriching, small-group exploration. This is river cruising with heart, where wine is only the beginning of a much greater story that blends history and culture, and where every moment is thoughtfully crafted to inspire connection, curiosity and discovery.

Contact your preferred travel agent for the latest departures and special offers on river cruises through these two extraordinary wine regions.