AmaWaterways Introduces “City Escapes” Extended Stay Program for Off-Season

AmaWaterways has launched a new extended stay program for guest who prefer to do their river cruising in the shoulder season, providing more time to explore and immerse themselves in each destination.

City Escapes itineraries feature additional overnight stays, more daylight sailing, and 24 hours or more in key cities including Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna, Strasbourg, and Budapest.

“City Escapes is about experiencing Europe at its most authentic,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. “We designed these journeys for travelers who want more time to explore the museums, enjoy local cuisine, and walk historic streets without feeling rushed or crowded. Luxury is the gift of time. That is exactly what we aim to offer with this new program.”

Beginning I 2026 and expanding further in 2027, dedicated City Escapes departures will operate across three regions.

City Escapes on the Seine

On the Seine, guests will enjoy extended time in Paris, Rouen, and Normandy with included tours in each destination. In Paris, travelers can explore the historic Ile de la Cite, home to Notre-Dame Cathedral, stroll through the streets of Le Marais, or join a guided bike tour along the Left Bank. Other options include visits to the Louis Vuitton Foundation or Marmottan Monet Museum. Onboard, guests can enjoy culinary demonstrations.

In Normandy, guests can visit the historic D-Day landing beaches, explore the harbor town of Honfleur with a tasting of local cider and Pommeau, or discover Le Havre’s pre-World War II architecture.

In Rouen, experiences range from guided walking tours of the medieval city and culinary tastings to chateau visits or the Rouen Museum of Fine Arts.

City Escapes on the Rhine

On the Rhine, cultural experiences are available in Breisach, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Cologne and Amsterdam. Highlights include a walking tour of Colmar with a visit to the Bartholdi Museum, excursions through the Alsatian wine region and visits to the hilltop Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg. In Strasbourg, guests can explore the historic center on a guided tour or bike ride, while in Germany, they’ll discover Heidelberg’s old town or experience Cologne through local culinary tastings and architectural tours. The itinerary also includes scenic cruising through the Rhine Gorge, before concluding in Amsterdam with options such as a visit to the Rijksmuseum.

City Escapes on the Danube

On the Danube, extended scenic sailing through the Wachau Valley and the Danube Bend is paired with cultural programming in cities including Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Linz, and Passau. Highlights include guided explorations of Budapest’s historic Buda district and hikes to Gellért Hill, walking tours of Bratislava’s old town with local beer tastings, and cultural evenings in Vienna featuring dinner and a concert at the House of Strauss. In Linz, options include exploring the UNESCO City of Media Arts, a full-day excursion to Salzburg, or a visit to the fairytale town of Český Krumlov. The journey concludes in Passau with a walking tour of the “City of Three Rivers,” local food tastings, and visits to traditional pretzel bakeries.

In addition, AmaWaterways now offers new pre- and post-cruise extensions in London and Rome with curated cultural and culinary experiences, including visits to Vatican City and other iconic landmarks. In London, the program includes a guided tour of Westminster and an evening in the West End to attend one of the city’s popular theatre performances.

To celebrate the launch, AmaWaterways is introducing a limited-time City Escapes promotion on select departures for bookings made between March 6 and June 30, 2026. The offer includes up to $1,000 in cruise savings per stateroom, a complimentary stateroom upgrade, and $50 in onboard credit per guest.