AmaWaterways is collaborating with the Smithsonian Institution’s travel programme to launch a series of co-branded European river cruises.
Smithsonian Journeys, the world’s largest museum, education and research facility, specialises in “enriching small-group travel” and will add exclusive experiences to a series of 33 cruises.
The voyages, which will launch in April 2026, will be between eight and 15 days in duration and are available to book now.
The voyages will welcome experts from Smithsonian Journeys and focus on immersion as they explore the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Rhone.
All departures will have pre and post-cruise land package options, hosted by an AmaWaterways cruise manager.
The ‘Holland and Belgium in Spring: A River Cruise at Tulip Time’ will have four departures in April, with prices leading in at £3,433 per person based on a sailing on April 4, 2026.
The ‘Cruising the Upper Danube: Romantic Ports from Bavaria to Budapest’ will have four sailings between May and October 2026, with prices starting at £3,818 per person for a departure on May 18, 2026.
The ‘Along the Seine: A River Cruise from Paris to Normandy’ will have four sailings between May and October, costing from £4,280 per person for the May 14, 2026, voyage.
The ‘Captivating Rhine: A River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel” will have four sailings between May and October, starting from £3,818 per person for a sailing on May 14, 2026.
All prices include return flights from London or Manchester and are based on double occupancy.
Rudi Schreiner, AmaWaterways co-founder and president, said: “Our goal is to go beyond simply seeing destinations — we want our guests to connect with the places we visit.
“By combining our expertise in river cruising with Smithsonian’s dedication to cultural and educational exploration, we offer travellers a unique opportunity to gain deeper insights into local history, traditions and ways of life, all while enjoying the exceptional comfort and service aboard our ships.”
Smithsonian Journeys senior vice-president Walter Littlejohn III, who has held senior roles at Silversea, Crystal and AmaWaterways, said: “We are excited to bring the Smithsonian experience to the great rivers of Europe aboard the ships of AmaWaterways.
“Our dedication to lifelong learning and passion for exploring the world drives us to continually develop authentic, enriching experiences for travellers.
“These trips provide a bevy of new options for intellectually curious travellers to indulge in the rich history and cultures of countries such as Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and more through the unique lens of the Smithsonian.”