SAIKO3P / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM
COURTESY OF AMAWATERWAYS
A group of travelers prepare to explore Germany ’ s Rüdesheim Vineyard .
An aerial view of the picturesque Rhine River
de l ’ Orangerie and the stunning Alsatian city , pedaling among charming pastel-colored shops and along the cobblestone to the awe-inspiring rose façade of the towering Strasbourg Cathedral ,” said AmaWaterways . Another highlight is in Rüdesheim , Germany , where travelers on select sailings can embark on a scenic gondola ride , soaring above award-winning vineyards before enjoying a taste of the same famous Rieslings upon reaching the top .
As they sail past 40 ( yes , 40 ) hilltop castles and fortresses , travelers might find themselves yearning for the chance to go inside . Luckily , like a fairy godmother , AmaWaterways delivers . “ We also offer an exclusive visit to Burg Lahneck , a private 13th-century medieval fortress located in Lahnstein , Germany , where guests enjoy a special tour ,” said AmaWaterways . “ Their guide will regale them with a treasure trove of legends , including those inspired by the Archbishop of Mainz and the twelve Knights Templar . When offered in the evening hours , the castle is illuminated only by candlelight , adding a mysterious ambiance in the shadows .”
HOW ADVISORS CAN LEARN MORE “ AmaWaterways works primarily with travel advisors as the majority of our business is thanks to the hard work of these dedicated travel experts ,” said AmaWaterways . To learn more about the brand ’ s Rhine River offerings , AmaWaterways encourages advisors to log into its Travel Advisor Portal , where they ’ ll find a curated Rhine Toolkit that includes sales tips , marketing collateral and more to help them sell these itineraries to their clients . Additionally , the portal features an interactive
“ AmaAcademy ” course on the Rhine , Main and Moselle Rivers to help advisors stay current with the latest information and promotions .
THE DANUBE WITH RIVIERA RIVER CRUISES The second-longest river in all of Europe , the mighty Danube begins in Germany ’ s legendary Black Forest and traverses 10 countries — Germany , Austria , Slovakia , Hungary , Croatia , Serbia , Romania , Bulgaria , Moldova and Ukraine — before emptying into the Black Sea . For millennia , the fastflowing waterway has played an essential role in the formation of the continent as we know it today , its banks acting as natural borders and its waters serving as a liquid highway for trade and transportation . For the great cities built along the river ’ s shores , the Danube is worthy of celebration , inspiring musical masterpieces like Johann Stauss II ’ s “ The Blue Danube ” and acting as a source of innovation for new resources like hydroelectric power . The Danube is special , and each year , millions of people feel the call to experience it . Luckily , river cruise lines are here to deliver , including Riviera River Cruises ,
SPRING 2024 / THE COMPASS / 61