Four reasons why spring is the best time to take a river cruise in Europe
Enter AmaWaterways, a family-owned company that is not only the most recommended river cruise line by travel advisors, it boasts the highest number of returning guests. From hiking through Germany's Kaiserstuhl region to enjoying meals prepared with local seasonal ingredients – like white asparagus – in an open-air market along the Danube, their spring sailings offer a fresh perspective on some of Europe's most storied destinations.
As you look ahead to your 2026 travel plans, here's why spring is a compelling time to cruise once more or experience AmaWaterways for the first time.
Spring is one of the best times of year to take advantage of AmaWaterways' guided hikes and bike tours, which are offered at no additional cost on nearly every itinerary. Cooler temperatures and longer daylight hours make it easy to explore on foot or by bike, whether you're trekking through vineyards or riding alongside a river. Guests cruising on departures along the Danube – including Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube – can cycle through Austria's UNESCO-recognized Wachau Valley, passing apricot orchards, medieval towns and terraced hillsides. In Germany's Kaiserstuhl region, guided hikes pass volcanic soils and panoramic views of the Rhine. On the Paris & Normandy itinerary, travellers can bike beneath the cliffs of Les Andelys or opt for a breezy coastal ride through Le Havre.
As spring arrives, gardens erupt with colour and vines begin to bud, adding vibrancy to the riverbank views. Along the Rhine Gorge, which you will cruise through on itineraries like Enchanting Rhine and Rhine & Moselle Fairytales, lush foliage frames castles perched above the river. In Vienna, an included excursion on Magna on the Danube brings guests to the gardens of Schönbrunn Palace, where seasonal blooms surround its Palm House. Whereas in Budapest, cherry trees fill Margaret Island and the slopes of Gellért Hill become covered with soft pink and white blossoms. In France, cruise itineraries like Paris & Normandy and Essence of Burgundy & Provence visit Monet's home in Giverny, where tulips and wisteria flourish in the scenic gardens that inspired some of his most famous works.
In spring, dining on board AmaWaterways – in both the Main Restaurant and The Chef's Table specialty restaurant – reflects the season's abundance, with ingredients sourced from farms and producers along the rivers. As spring produce comes into season, the connection to place becomes even more apparent. The cruise line's membership in La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and Tables et Auberges de France underscores AmaWaterways' long-standing commitment to high-quality, locally-inspired cuisine. On the Danube, guests might sample white asparagus from the Harbich family farm or strawberries from a fourth-generation grower in Lower Austria. On France itineraries, signature dishes like crêpes Suzette are served alongside French wines such as Riesling. Shore excursions often include visits to markets and tasting stops that bring local food culture into sharper focus.
Launching in early 2026, AmaWaterways' new Easter Delights itineraries – Blue Danube Discovery, Magna on the Danube, Melodies of the Danube and Romantic Danube – bring seasonal touches to spring sailings. On board, ships are decked out in themed décor and guests can take part in Easter programming like egg-painting workshops and an interactive egg hunt. Select sailings also include stops at Europe's charming Easter markets in cities such as Budapest, Vienna and Salzburg. Open up to three weeks before the holiday, these markets offer a similar joyful atmosphere to their Christmas counterparts, with decorated stalls selling painted eggs, Easter breads and handmade crafts. Some itineraries feature regional holiday dishes and cooking demonstrations on board, too.
Book your springtime sailing at amawaterways.ca.
Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio with AmaWaterways. The Globe's editorial department was not involved.
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