When travelers picture visiting a destination, often the image they conjure is that location at peak season. The French Alps will be covered with snow, the German markets bursting with people enjoying the Christmas buzz, and the fields of the Netherlands will be awash with tulips. But that doesn’t mean outside peak months, these destinations have nothing to offer. In fact, it’s quite the opposite – and luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways offers an unrivaled travel experience
Around February and November, Europe in particular is entirely transformed. The crowds dissipate, the picturesque landscape alters its hue, and the summer heat wanes, allowing exploration at a far more pleasant temperature. Boasting more than 22 years of experience, AmaWaterways understands the benefits of experiencing Europe during the seasons less traveled.
Take Austria for example, where AmaWaterways cruises the Danube from February through November. While most travel to Austria for Christmas and the warmer months, in November the harvested wine begins to flow into the local Heurigers. These are essentially taverns where winemakers sell their wares. Visitors should expect a joyous atmosphere, unique local beverages and singing and dancing. It’s a window into real Austrian life that simply doesn’t exist during peak season.
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The same can be said for traveling along the Moselle River in fall, when the beauty of Germany’s southern winegrowing region reaches new heights in towns like Bernkastel and Cochem throughout the Moselle Valley.
There’s no denying it, one of the highlights of visiting a destination during the slower seasons will be the lack of people. Experiencing Europe’s medieval cobblestone streets is that bit more enchanting if you can actually see the street. Visiting the finest art galleries and museums Europe has to offer always feels a little bit sweeter when you’re one of the only ones there. Hikes to hilltop castles and bike rides along the riverbanks are wonderful in the fall, with its crisp air and perfect jacket weather. With up to eight included daily excursions, an impressive amount of these experiences are included in an AmaWaterways river cruise, allowing travelers to soak up the pleasant atmosphere.
In the evening when you head back to the luxuriously appointed ship, you can expect it to be quiet there, too. On average, an AmaWaterways ship welcomes no more than 156 guests; in February and November, it’s often even less, elevating the already exemplary service and giving those on board even more space to enjoy.
AmaWaterways remains particularly popular with travelers thanks to the special excursions they provide that would otherwise be unavailable to tourists. Those heading through Germany along the Rhine River can take a private tour of the incredible 13th-century Lahneck Castle that looms over the town of Lahnstein and the river below. Only those traveling with AmaWaterways get this opportunity, and of course, it remains available during the low season.
Those traveling with AmaWaterways on select Danube River cruises will enjoy complimentary libation as they sample some of Austria’s finest white wines while visiting Spitz, a further exclusive experience. It’s a particularly special excursion given it is exclusively available when reserving a stateroom aboard the company’s flagship vessel AmaMagna, a ship that redefines the river cruise. Of course, wine is included with every lunch and dinner on board as well, and during the daily complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour, along with a menu of cocktails, mocktails and spirits.
AmaWaterways even immerses guests in the regional flavors of the season, making use of the highest quality local produce. From delicious beet carpaccio to flaky strudel baked with Austrian apples at the end of the harvest, even your taste buds will be treated to an authentic European experience.
And thanks to AmaWaterways’ Anniversary Sale, travelers can save up to 20% on select Europe, Egypt, Mekong and Colombia river cruises throughout 2024 and 2025 when they reserve by September 30, 2024.
For more information, contact amares-intl@amawaterways.com, +1 800 626 0126, amawaterways.com
