For those who prefer their travels with a side of fine wine and farm-to-table feasts, AmaWaterways has crafted itineraries that turn Europe’s most celebrated rivers into floating festivals of all things gastronomic.

Forget the usual dining clichés of cruise travel—on these voyages, each port of call promises a new culinary adventure, and every sip is steeped in centuries of winemaking tradition. And, as a Cruise Collective member, you’ll enjoy £150 off AmaWaterways bookings—because great taste should always come with a side of great savings.

A Danube feast: schnitzel, strudel and apricot brandy

Sailing the Danube isn’t just about fairy-tale castles and Baroque splendour—it’s also about discovering that the Austrians take their coffee as seriously as the Italians, that Hungarian goulash is a revelation when paired with a glass of Egri Bikavér (“Bull’s Blood” wine), and that a crisp Grüner Veltliner is best enjoyed in the vineyard where it was born.

AmaWaterways’ Melodies of the Danube itinerary lets food lovers dive headfirst into the region’s rich flavours, from an exclusive apricot brandy tasting in Austria’s Wachau Valley to a Hungarian folklore dinner that might just end with you dancing off dessert. And if you find yourself wondering whether it’s acceptable to have strudel for dessert at every meal—the answer is always yes.

The Rhône: Truffles, Lavender, and Liquid Gold

The Rhône Valley is essentially paradise for those who believe the best things in life come in a bottle or are shaven over pasta. On Colours of Provence, you’ll be treated to an elegant ballet of Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier, interspersed with visits to open-air markets where the scent of lavender and fresh baguettes fills the air.

For the true epicurean, there’s even a visit to a truffle farm, where you can watch expert hunters and their highly trained dogs unearth these fragrant black diamonds. Later, as you sip a perfectly aged Châteauneuf-du-Pape onboard, you may find yourself wondering why you don’t always holiday like this.

The Douro: Portugal’s Liquid Sunshine

Portugal’s Douro Valley is a dream for those who appreciate the finer things in life—like Port wine, pastéis de nata, and a landscape that looks like it belongs on the walls of an art gallery. AmaWaterways’ Enticing Douro itinerary takes you deep into the heart of Portugal’s winemaking culture, where you’ll taste the rich, caramel notes of tawny Port in centuries-old cellars and explore quintas (wine estates) that have been perfecting their craft for generations.

And when the sun sets over the golden hills of the valley, there’s nothing quite like toasting to the good life with a glass of Port in hand. If this isn’t indulgence, we don’t know what is.

Bordeaux: The Ultimate Wine Pilgrimage

For serious oenophiles, Bordeaux isn’t just a destination—it’s a sacred rite of passage. With AmaWaterways’ Taste of Bordeaux itinerary, you’ll wander through the Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Sauternes regions, tasting your way through legendary châteaux while casually expanding your wine vocabulary (because let’s be honest, we all love pretending we can detect “hints of leather and dark cherry”).

Add in market visits, cheese pairings, and freshly baked canelés (small caramelised pastries that are borderline addictive), and you’ll quickly realise that Bordeaux is more than just a wine region—it’s a way of life.

Why Choose a Culinary River Cruise?

The beauty of a food and wine-focused river cruise is that it removes the stress of planning—no need to frantically Google “best wineries near me” or hope that your translation app correctly conveys “no coriander, please.” Every stop is carefully curated, ensuring you experience the most authentic and flavourful highlights of each region.

And let’s not forget the joy of indulging without the worry of driving or navigating unfamiliar roads—your luxury floating hotel moves with you, allowing you to sip and savour to your heart’s content.

So, if your soul craves adventure but your stomach insists on Michelin-level experiences, a river cruise with AmaWaterways is the perfect way to indulge. Book now through Cruise Collective and enjoy £150 off your trip—because nothing pairs better with a fine vintage than a great deal.