AmaWaterways Introduces New Paris & Normandy Itineraries on the Seine River

AmaWaterways has just iintroduced the new 164-passenger AmaCerto in Europe, joining the AmaVerde and AmaBella in offering an exclusive Twin Balcony design in the majority of staterooms; multiple dining venues; complimentary Internet and Infotainment system, a heated swimming pool or whirlpool on the Sun Deck plus many more unique design elements.

Celebrating the land of Claude Monet, Victor Hugo and Napoleon Bonaparte, AmaWaterways invites guests to explore the rich history and culture of France with two new 2013 itineraries: Paris & Normandy and The Jewels of France. The Francophile cruises will visit classic French landmarks, enchanting towns and famous wine regions.

“These itineraries take our guests through the heart of France,” said AmaWaterways Founder Rudi Schreiner. “From the design of the French Balconies onboard our ships to the locally-sourced ingredients, menus selections and wines, AmaWaterways combines old-world French charm with a luxury travel experience.”

AmaWaterways’ French cruises highlight the charm of the Seine and Rhone Rivers with visits to Paris, Vernon, Giverny, Rouen, Les Andelys, Conflans, Barcelona, Perpignan, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, Vienne, Tréveux and Lyon. The itineraries include shore excursions through Roman ruins and medieval villages, wine tastings at rustic French vintners, expeditions to the famous Normandy beaches and walking tours through some of Europe’s most beautiful cities and picturesque harbors. AmaWaterways’ new 2013 French cruise itineraries are as follows:

PARIS & NORMANDY – Aboard the AmaLegro, the seven-night Seine River cruise will travel through Europe’s enchanting cities of Vernon, Rouen, Les Andelys and Conflans before returning to Paris. Excursions include visits to the village of Giverny, where Monet lived for 43 years and tours of Honfleur, a charming French harbor town made famous from artist’s paintings. Passengers will say “Oui” to a stroll through Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, followed by an unforgettable excursion to the famous Normandy beaches. Visit the charming town of Les Andelys, home of the impressive Château Gaillard. The trip bodes “au revoir” in the magical city of Paris, where guests will spend two nights. North American travelers can book voyages from March 29 – Nov. 8, 2013.

JEWELS OF FRANCE – Combining two of France’s most beautiful rivers, the seven-night Rhone River cruise and the seven-night Seine River cruise showcase Europe’s most charming cities. Starting with 3-nights in Barcelona, passengers will explore Spain’s second largest city. In Arles, France, passengers will board the AmaDagio to cruise through France’s legendary wine regions. Excursions include wine tastings; exploring Roman ruins at Pont du Gard & Uzes and visits to the Renaissance palace in Grignan. Disembarking in Lyon, France, passengers will travel to Paris aboard the high-speed TGV train to embark on a seven-night Seine River cruise aboard the AmaLegro through historic northern France. Passengers will visit charming villages, the French harbors made famous by many artists, the famous Normandy Beaches and the impressive Château Gaillard before returning to Paris. North American travelers can book voyages from March 26 – Oct. 25, 2013.

The AmaLegro and AmaDagio are luxurious cruising experiences featuring spacious staterooms and suites, which range up to 255 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations with free-flowing wine, and unforgettable shore excursions that will immerse them in the local culture and history.

In-room furnishings include plush down bedding, a cozy sitting area, flat-panel TV, hair dryer, safe, terry bathrobes, slippers, individually controlled air-conditioning, ample closet space and bottled water replenished daily. The bathroom features a shower with multi-jet shower heads, spa bath and body toiletries and a magnifying mirror. Passengers can stay connected with complimentary Internet & Infotainment System with Hollywood movies. Other amenities include a massage and beauty salon. Special highlights include lectures, themed dinners, cooking demonstrations and onboard music performances. For passengers wanting to explore the serene paths along the rivers, AmaWaterways offers a fleet of bicycles onboard.

To download AmaWaterways’ 2012 and 2013 brochures, and for more information, visit www.amawaterways.com. To book, contact a local travel agent or visit www.amawaterways.com, like on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

About AmaWaterways

Founded in 2002 by river cruise pioneer Rudi Schreiner, river cruise executive Kristin Karst and founder of Brendan Vacations, Jimmy Murphy, AmaWaterways is the premier river cruise line on Europe’s Danube, Rhine, Main, Mosel and Rhône rivers. Known for its custom-designed ships, extensive complimentary amenities and personalized service levels, AmaWaterways consistently leads the way in river cruising. With destinations traveling through Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia, and new voyages to Africa and Portugal the line’s award-winning fleets compliment a variety of travel plans.

The Europe fleet includes the AmaPrima (2013); AmaCerto (2012); AmaVerde (2011); AmaBella (2010); AmaLyra (2009); AmaDolce (2009); AmaCello (2008), AmaDante (2008); AmaLegro (2007) and the AmaDagio (2006). In the spring of 2012, AmaWaterways will introduce the new 164-passenger AmaCerto in Europe, joining the AmaVerde and AmaBella in offering an exclusive Twin Balcony design in the majority of staterooms; multiple dining venues; complimentary Internet and Infotainment system, a heated swimming pool or whirlpool on the Sun Deck plus many more unique design elements.

In addition to the European destinations, AmaWaterways offers the separate and distinct AmaVoyages to Vietnam and Cambodia via the AmaLotus (2011) and the La Marguerite (2009); Russia via the AmaKatarina (2011); Portugal via the AmaVida (2013); and Africa via the Zambezi Queen (2009).

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WLCVacations Debuts Artisan Food Trails Cruise in Ireland Aboard Luxury River Barge Shannon Princess

To mark St. Patrick’s Day, WLCVacations debuts the Artisan Food Trails cruise in Ireland aboard luxury river barge, Shannon Princess. Available from April through October, the 7-day program showcases artisan experiences along the fabled River Shannon, as well as the gastronomic delights of the region with onboard cooking demonstrations.

“This extraordinary cruise will offer guests to the chance to immerse themselves in the rich flavors of the country, all while taking in the breathtaking scenery along the tranquil waters of the River Shannon,” says Ana Valente, president of WLCVacations.

The 10-passenger Shannon Princess will journey roundtrip from Dublin through rolling green hills and exotic wildlife, passing by crumbling ivy-covered ruins, ancient Celtic monasteries and sleepy market villages. The program will feature shore visits to local cheese makers, smoke houses, artisan bakers, farmers markets and more. Among the new experiences scheduled include

Sampling fresh oysters from Galway Bay’s oyster beds

Strolling through Portumna Castle’s Kitchen Garden where Shannon Princess’s Chef stocks up her galley

Indulging in award-winning Wilde Team’s chocolate in Tuamgraney

Touring a family-run organic goat farm in Athlone Town specializing in cow’s milk cheeses

Onboard, passengers will be treated to a unique taste of Ireland with Master Chef Olivia’s signature meals. All carefully-crafted meals are prepared with natural ingredients chosen from local producers and country markets along the Shannon. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to concoct the dishes themselves by participating in the chef’s private seasonal foraging and cooking lessons. Prices for the cruise start at $3,888 per person.

For more information on the Artisan Food Trails cruise aboard Shannon Princess, visit www.WLCVacations.com.

See also:

Barging through Burgundy: A visit to Chagny Market and slideshow

Barging through Burgundy, Day 2: Chateau de Rully and slideshow

Barging through Burgundy, Day 3: Hotel-Dieu, Beaune and slideshow

Barging Through Burgundy, Day 4: Clos de Vougeot, ‘mother church’ of wine and slideshow

Barging through Burgundy, Day 5-6: Walking Tour of Dijon’s Old City and slideshow

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

 

Blooming Tulips and Once-a-Decade Floriade Horticultural Show Highlight WLCVacations’ Tulip Time Cruises in Spring

In keeping with Holland’s “tulip fever,” WLCVacations is offering exciting Tulip Time cruises spotlighting the region’s famous springtime bulbs and alluring history and culture. From April through May, guests will enjoy a slew of events dedicated to the flowering season, including the privileged opportunity to visit the Floriade Horticultural Expo in Venlo, a spectacle held once every ten years that pays homage to all things botany.

“There’s no better way to welcome spring than on a cruise through the Dutch countryside where thousands upon thousands of tulips adorn the fields,” said Ana Valente, president of WLCVacations. “Our tulip cruises allow travelers the chance to immerse themselves in the rich Dutch culture and explore the country’s pristine natural beauty.”

The Tulip Time Cruise carries guests past storybook windmills and bulb fields bursting with springtime hues along the Dutch and Belgian canals. Sailing roundtrip from Amsterdam aboard a fleet of luxury ships – AmaLyra, AmaCerto, AmaVerde, AmaDolce and AmaDante – the 9-day program features a visit to the Floriade World Horticultural Exposition where 100 exhibitors from all over the world convene once every ten years to showcase their stunning collection of flowers and gardens, while enjoying daily cultural presentations of music, dance, art and food. Moreover, the spectacular exhibition of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths at the famed Keukenhof Gardens in the quaint town of Lisse will leave visitors captivated from the start. Cruise only price starts from $2,199 per person.

The River Queen and River Duchess will travel from Amsterdam to Antwerp for the 10-day Tulips & Windmills itinerary. In addition to visiting Holland’s signature flower attractions, the program highlights the region’s windmills, such as the 18th-century windmills of Kinderdijk, and historical treasures. History and art aficionados will delight in the chance to pay a visit to world-famous museums, including the popular Van Gogh Museum; the Rijksmuseum which houses the greatest collection of Dutch and Flemish masterpieces; and the Liberation Museum, offering firsthand accounts of World War II. Fares begin at $2,499.

Alternatively, passengers can also discover the region’s tulip-themed events aboard a luxurious hotel barge cruise. Savoir Faire and Absoluut2 will navigate through the canals and locks of Holland for seven days and six nights, both sailing roundtrip from Amsterdam. Daily sightseeing excursions for the 8-passenger Absouluut2 include visits to historic Gouda, with its renowned cheese and stained glass windows as well as the city of Delft, synonymous with blue and white porcelain. Meanwhile, Savoir Faire’s “Holland Tulip” cruise explores the quintessentially Dutch village of Zaan Schaans, home to century-old windmills, a clog workshop and cheese farm. All-inclusive pricing for these 7-day cruises start at $4,500 per person, based on double occupancy.

For more information on the holiday cruises, visit www.WLCVacations.com

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin