8 incredible experiences to help you fully immerse on your next vacation

From the Mekong to the Danube, AmaWaterways offers unique itineraries with exclusive shore excursions to help guests unearth the cultural riches of the world.

There are a million different ways to travel this beautiful world, but the trips that tend to change your soul and stick with you long after you return home are those that create connections to both the place and people visited.

That’s where AmaWaterways comes in. With a full catalogue of river cruises offering truly unique itineraries, join in shore excursions (all of which are included in the cruise fare) that very intentionally help connect guests to the country they’re exploring.

From meeting winemakers throughout Europe to respectfully joining Buddhist ceremonies in Cambodia, there’s an unforgettable adventure for everyone.

1. Discover the mystery of Burg Lahneck Castle

With its sheer number of majestic castles, Europe is absolutely magical – and one fantastic example is the 13th-century Lahneck Castle in Lahnstein, Germany. There’s a strong chance you haven’t heard of it, but while the crowds are lining up at Neuschwanstein Castle, the equally striking Lahneck awaits.

An exclusive shore excursion with AmaWaterways takes guests for a closer look at this castle, which has been cloaked in mystery throughout the ages – from heroic knights perishing within its walls to a young girl who fell to her death in 1851, and the ghosts left behind.

Learn about the ghosts of Burg Lahneck Castle.

2. Be blessed by Cambodian monks

Cambodia is a truly special country, filled with a tragic history, a rich culture and some of the kindest people on earth.

Despite a long Buddhist history, the Khmer Rouge forbade all religious practices during their reign and often turned monasteries into prisons – which makes it all the more special to join a traditional Buddhist ceremony and receive a blessing from practicing monks. Especially when it’s done in the stunning Vipassana Dhurak Buddhist Centre.

While all guests can walk inside, the blessing is an exclusive experience for guests of Mekong River cruises with AmaWaterways.

Experience a blessing from monks. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

3. Raise a glass to Oktoberfest

You don’t have to travel in October for an authentic Oktoberfest experience. Ditch the impossible crowds and join an intimate version of Oktoberfest year-round in Vilshofen, Germany. See the local Beer Queen, taste Bavarian beer and pretzels and watch live music (you might even feel brave enough to join in local folk dances).

This incredible experience is only available as an exclusive shore excursion with AmaWaterways’s Danube River cruises.

Raise a glass for an authentic Oktoberfest experience.

4. Meet French winemakers

There are many reasons to visit the ancient village of Bourg, a hidden gem nestled on the banks of Dordogne River in south-west France. Wander the quaint stone walls of this town, built in Roman times, to uncover its tumultuous 2000-year-old history. But, of course, being in the heart of wine country, a tasting (or several) is in order.

As day turns into night, join an exclusive AmaWaterways excursion to meet local wine growers and taste their goods during Bourg’s wine festival. There’ll also be live music and dancing.

Stop for a drink at Bourg’s wine festival.

5. Pickleball onboard

Not all the fun is saved for being off the ship. AmaWaterways’s flagship vessel, AmaMagna, is multi-award-winning for many reasons; guests enjoy more room (it’s twice the width of traditional European river ships), four dining venues and the Zen Wellness Studio, among other perks.

But for the most unique fun, head to the sun deck and square up for a game on the brand-new full-size pickleball court. The feature has already earned AmaMagna more awards to add to its growing list.

Try your hand at pickleball onboard AmaMagna.

6. Lunch inside Cairo’s historic palace

Serving as the Egyptian royal household’s primary official residence from 1874 until the July Revolution in 1952, 19th-century Abdeen Palace holds a lot of history. Not only is it considered one of the most luxurious palaces in the world, but a tour through it now involves a visit to its multiple museums between admiring the grand architecture.

Make a trip here extra special with the AmaWaterways Secrets of Egypt & the Nile River cruise. Following a private tour, enjoy an exclusive lunch inside the palace.

Dine inside Abdeen Palace. (Image: Getty Images/Sharrocks)

7. Visit one of the oldest villages in Egypt

Colour and a 7000-year history await travellers who venture to incredible Nubia along the Nile River. Originally known as Kush, this area is home to some of Africa’s earliest kingdoms, spanning back to 5000 BC.

From luscious produce farmed along the river to mining precious resources (like gold) further into the desert, and traditional roots to Egyptian influences, there’s a culture to discover here like none other in the world.

Immerse yourself in this incredible region on the AmaWaterways Secrets of Egypt & the Nile river cruise and land journey, or the specially curated Soulful Experience Secrets of Egypt & the Nile itinerary.

Stop in at a colourful village in Nubia.

8. Party on at Colombia’s Carnaval

Brazil isn’t the only South American continent with a Carnaval celebration worthy of the bucket list. In fact, Barranquilla hosts the world’s second-largest Carnaval every year, usually in late February to early March. Begin with the six-hour La Batalla de Flores (The Battle of the Flowers) dating back to 1903 and watch folk dancers, fire breathers and musicians in the main parade. End the celebrations with yet more parades memorialising the burial of the mythical Joselito.

See the Carnaval de Barranquilla with AmaWaterways, but if the timing doesn’t suit, simply join a Magdalena River cruise for an exclusive taste – guests can watch a Carnaval performance in Barranquilla any time of year.

Shake your groove thing in Colombia.

Start planning your next getaway and connect to the world around you with AmaWaterways.