AmaWaterways has announced the launch of its new City Escapes program, a thoughtfully designed collection of sailings offering extended time in Europe's most beloved cities along the Seine, Rhine and Danube rivers. These departures are intentionally scheduled during quieter travel periods to allow guests to experience each destination in an even more authentic and relaxed way.

Created for travellers seeking deeper cultural immersion and a slower pace, City Escapes reimagines the traditional river cruise by providing additional overnight stays, more daylight sailing and 24 hours or more in key cities including Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna, Strasbourg and Budapest. With fewer crowds and more time to explore, guests can experience each destination feeling less like visitors and more like locals.

“City Escapes is about experiencing Europe at its most authentic,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. “We designed these journeys for travellers 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 in 2026 and expanding further in 2027, dedicated City Escapes departures will operate across three regions.

On the Seine, guests will enjoy extended time in Paris, Rouen and Normandy with curated cultural experiences. In Paris, travellers can explore the historic Île de la Cité, home to Notre-Dame Cathedral, stroll through the historic streets of Le Marais, or join a guided bike tour along the Left Bank. Options also include visits to the Louis Vuitton Foundation or the Marmottan Monet Museum, as well as onboard culinary demonstrations focused on classic French desserts. In Normandy, guests may visit the historic D-Day landing beaches, explore the harbour town of Honfleur with a tasting of local cider and Pommeau, or discover Le Havre's distinctive post–World War II architecture. In Rouen, experiences range from guided walking tours of the medieval city and culinary tastings to château visits or the Rouen Museum of Fine Arts.

On the Rhine, enhanced cultural experiences highlight destinations such as 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 centre on a guided tour or bike ride, while in Germany they may 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, known for its dramatic landscapes and medieval castles, before concluding in Amsterdam with options such as a visit to the Rijksmuseum.

On the Danube, extended scenic sailing through iconic stretches such as 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, allowing guests to further personalise their journey 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.

Strong Australian and New Zealand Demand for Deeper Travel Experiences

The new program reflects growing demand from Australian and New Zealand travellers for longer stays in Europe's most iconic river cities.

“From an Australian perspective, City Escapes aligns closely with what we are hearing from our guests,” said Steve Richards, Managing Director, AmaWaterways Australia and New Zealand. “Travellers are telling us they want more time to enjoy the places they visit. That could mean an extended visit to one of Paris' incredible museums or time to wander through La Petite France in Strasbourg before dinner at a traditional Alsatian winstub.”

Richards said the launch also comes at a strong moment for the local business. “February was a record sales month for our Australian office, and we are thrilled with the momentum we are seeing, particularly with our TV commercial now in market. February saw strong demand for the Danube and Rhine rivers, but also for the French rivers, Portugal and the Mekong with our second ship coming in 2027. What's exciting is programs like City Escapes reflect exactly what our guests are asking for. More time, deeper cultural experiences and the chance to truly connect with each destination.”

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 AU$3,000/NZ$3,200 in cruise savings per stateroom, a complimentary stateroom upgrade and US$50 in onboard credit per guest.

For more information or to reserve an AmaWaterways river cruise and land package, contact AmaWaterways on 1800 867 126 (AU) or 0800 005 636 (NZ) or visit amawaterways.com/au or amawaterways.com/nz.