AmaLea - Shore excursions and activities

As the first river cruise line to carry a fleet of complimentary bicycles on board, we are proud to offer included excursions for you to pedal into historic city centres and along the riverbanks. Cycle through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany while your ship remains in Lucerne; bike to Germany’s Roman-inspired Walhalla Memorial; glide among the historic UNESCO-protected windmills of Kinderdijk and so much more.

We are proud to have been the first river cruise line to carry an entire fleet of complimentary state-of-the-art bicycles on board, so you can pedal alongside enchanting riverside pathways and in city centers on a variety of included excursions throughout Europe. Whether you feel like joining one of our exclusive guided bike tours, or you want to reserve a bike to discover a destination on your own, there are many ways for you to explore on two wheels during your river cruise. From lighter five-mile bike tours to rides that stretch over 20 miles, we offer excursions for guests at any level.

Bike Tour Guides - Your guide will be sure to stop and point out highlights along the way, providing interesting facts and history, as well as much-needed water breaks! Often, there is some built-in free time for you to explore off your bike. And best of all, to ensure no guests are left behind, there is typically a guide both at the front and back of the tour group, so whatever pace you pedal, you will have peace of mind you will be taken care of and find your way back to the ship. 

Child-sized Bikes - There are a limited number of child-size bicycles available on board as well. This enables you to enjoy family-friendly active excursions in many destinations along the rivers.

Take in the sights from a unique perspective by joining one of our included hikes. Connect with nature while enjoying fresh air and lovely views as you stretch your legs on Heidelberg’s historic Philosopher’s Path. Climb to Dürnstein Fortress where Richard Lionheart was once held captive. Or hike to Mount Pipet in Vienne, France, trekking among awe-inspiring Roman ruins.

The beauty of Europe does not simply lie in its architecture and landmarks – there are also breathtaking sights when you venture out into nature. That’s why we have designed special included hikes that will take you a bit off the beaten path, showing you incredible destinations from a unique perspective and giving you a chance to revel in the fresh air. With hikes ranging anywhere from two to seven miles and varying from extended city walks to hilltop castle treks, you are sure to find a wonderful hike that suits your style.

We appreciate that no two travellers are alike. To accommodate your unique needs and interests, we have curated a diverse menu of shore excursions. From historic city tours to guided hikes, exhilarating bike rides and tastings of local specialties, every tour is led by a knowledgeable local guide, is operated in a small group and is offered with our compliments.

Three Activity Levels - Some guests wish to journey further and move at a quicker pace during their excursions while others prefer more time to take photos or require frequent rests. To ensure every guest may explore at their own comfort level, we offer our tours at three distinct activity levels, ensuring even our most “gentle walkers” are not left behind – because why settle for anything less than perfect on your long-awaited vacation?

Inclusive and Accommodating - Our convenient Quietvox audio devices ensure you can hear your tour guide clearly amidst the hustle and bustle of cities and at the volume most comfortable for you. We also offer a limited number of Nordic walking sticks and sport seats for guests who need extra support or periodic breaks.

* Additional accommodations can be made for select groups – contact your travel advisor or call us to inquire.

Special Interest Tours - We offer a variety of included tours specially curated with your individual passions in mind. Enjoy exploring the world through your tastebuds? Indulge in authentic Belgian waffles and chocolate in Antwerp or learn the art of French breadmaking in Libourne. Are you interested in engineering? Venture through the immense aerospace and locomotive collections at Speyer’s Technik Museum. Do you love music? Browse the antique music boxes and organs at Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet while cruising the Rhine.

Every year, we seek out new opportunities for our guests to experience local culture in a unique way. These tours are specially designed to give small groups the chance to be even more immersed in a destination. Here are just a few examples:

• Indulge in authentic Belgian waffles and chocolate in Antwerp
• Try your hand at knotting a bretzel (German for “pretzel”) in Wertheim
• Go to a bratwurst and beer tasting at the oldest brewery in Nuremberg
• Discover hidden treasures on a tour of Vienna’s secret spots and sights
• Sample Bavarian specialties like pralines in Regensburg

Make the most of your long-awaited vacation by extending your journey with our optional land packages before or after your sailing. Indulge your wanderlust and enjoy specially curated guided tours with just the right amount of leisure time to explore the art, history or culinary delights in sought-after cities around the world.

Why Add a Land Package?

There are many benefits to adding a land package before or after your sailing. One of the simplest reasons is the convenience of making all your future travel plans in one step. But the value doesn’t stop there. Our land packages provide a more intimate environment in which to connect with fellow travelers and your Cruise Manager while exploring a fascinating new destination.

World-Class Hotels

Whether you wish to rest and recover from flights or pamper yourself before returning home, you’ll find no better respite than the leading hotels we have carefully selected for you. Each luxurious property is centrally located near major landmarks, shopping and dining, and provides you with a delicious daily breakfast, ensuring you have a wonderful stay.

What's Included

• Overnight stays at 4- and 5-star hotels conveniently located near the major sites
• Daily breakfast at the hotel
• Guided city tours and enriching excursions such as museum visits and tastings
• Convenient transfers and portage service between your hotel and ship
• The services of a professionally trained Cruise Manager throughout your river cruise and land stay