Smithsonian Journeys Teams with AmaWaterways on 2028 River Cruises

Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution and a leader in small-group exploration, has announced its 2028 river cruise collection in collaboration with AmaWaterways, the luxury river cruise line renowned for immersive cultural experiences and top-notch service.

The program features 50 departures across 15 itineraries, including two new voyages for 2028. The “Waterways of Holland and Belgium” cruise explores the rivers, canals and waterways that have shaped the history, culture and prosperity of the Low Countries, connecting travelers with historic cities, celebrated artistic traditions and landscapes shaped by centuries of life along the water.

“Cruising the Rhine and Moselle Rivers” traces the course of two iconic European rivers, revealing dramatic river valleys, terraced vineyards, fairy-tale castles and towns whose histories are intertwined with these waterways. Drawing on the Smithsonian’s 180 years as the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, each itinerary is enriched by expert-led lectures and discussions, and experiences designed to foster deeper appreciation of the destination.

In addition to the two new voyages, 13 curated itineraries showcasing Europe's most breathtaking and historic rivers, including the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Rhône, as well as three sailings along the Mekong through Cambodia and Vietnam, will return in 2028. Each cruise features exclusive excursions and opportunities to engage with a diverse roster of Smithsonian Journeys Experts, from art historians and archaeologists to scientists, anthropologists and other leading scholars. Guests can also extend their journey with optional pre- and post-cruise land programs, hosted by an AmaWaterways cruise manager, for deeper exploration of the cultural, historical and regional traditions that define each destination.

“The continued popularity of our river cruise program reflects travelers’ desire for experiences that are both enriching and effortless,” said Walter Littlejohn, senior vice president of Smithsonian Journeys. “Our 2028 collection introduces two enriching new itineraries while continuing to offer our most popular journeys throughout Europe and Southeast Asia. With two Smithsonian Journeys Experts accompanying every departure, guests gain unique perspectives on the history, culture, art and traditions of each destination, creating a travel experience that is as intellectually engaging as it is memorable.”

“The expertise and perspective that Smithsonian Journeys brings to every itinerary make these cruises truly special,” said Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways. “We’ve always believed that the best way to experience a destination is to connect with its people, stories and culture, and our partnership with Smithsonian Journeys gives guests even more opportunities to do that. Alongside the comfort and warm hospitality of an AmaWaterways river cruise, guests can enjoy the insights of Smithsonian Journeys Experts, bringing even more depth and perspective to the travel experience.”

The Smithsonian Journeys and AmaWaterways river cruise alliance augments the Smithsonian’s robust collection of small-group land journeys, small-ship ocean cruises, cultural stays, active journeys, private jet trips and tailor-made journeys for the independent traveler.

Waterways of Holland and Belgium: Timeless Cities, Art and Heritage: July 22–29, Sept. 2–9, 2028. Eight days starting from $3,639 per person double occupancy. Guests can experience the timeless cities, iconic art and cultural heritage of Holland and Belgium on a river cruise through the Low Countries. From Amsterdam, guests will explore the medieval gem of Bruges, as well as the architecturally rich cities of Rotterdam and Antwerp. They can also choice of a variety of excursions, biking to the Kinderdijk windmills, visiting world-class museums or making chocolate in Ghent.

Cruising the Rhine and Moselle Rivers: May 31-June 10, Oct. 4-14, 2028, Dec. 23-Jan. 2, 2029. Eight days starting from $4,759 per person double occupancy. Guests will cruise the Rhine River and Moselle River, discovering a tapestry of fascinating cities, medieval villages and celebrated wine regions. They will enjoy local culinary delights and explore vibrant cultural traditions as they journey from one captivating destination to the next, where history and charm unfold along Europe’s legendary waterway.

New 2028 departures include:

Holland and Belgium in Spring: A River Cruise at Tulip Time: April 8–15, April 15–22, April 16-23, April 22–29, 2027. New dates include April 9–16, April 11–18, April 12-19, April 16-23, April 18–25, 2028. Eight days starting from $4,439 per person double occupancy. Guests can surround themselves with spring blossoms and fabulous art and architecture on a river cruise through Holland and Belgium timed to coincide with the annual tulip bloom. They will sail out of Amsterdam on a seven-night cruise, discovering historic windmills, medieval trading towns and vibrant modern-day cities, and encounter millions of brilliant tulips at the Keukenhof Gardens.

Along the Seine: A River Cruise from Paris to Normandy: April 22–29, May 13–20, Aug. 26–Sept. 2, Sept. 23–30, Oct. 7–14, Oct. 14–21, 2027. New dates are: April 6–13, May 11–18, Aug. 31–Sept. 7, Sept. 21–28, Oct. 5–12, Oct. 12–19, 2028. Eight days starting from $4,379 per person double occupancy. Starting from the heart of Paris on the fabled River Seine, the cruise will wind through the glorious countryside of Normandy to the English Channel. Along the way, passengers can explore historic sites from Rouen to Omaha Beach, savor the region’s proud culinary traditions and trace the footsteps of great artists from Claude Monet to Josephine Baker.

Burgundy and Provence River Cruise: April 29–May 6, Sept. 2–9, Oct. 14–21, 2027. New dates: April 13–20, Sept. 7–14, Oct. 19–26, 2028. Eight days starting from $4,279 per person double occupancy. Guests will experience France from the perspective of its fabled waterways on a sweeping voyage along the Saône and the Rhône. They will explore a vast swath of French geography and immerse themselves in the distinctive cultures of Burgundy and Provence. Along the way, they can savor local flavors and traditions and opt to explore stunning landscapes on guided bike rides and hikes.

Cruising the Upper Danube: Romantic Ports from Bavaria to Budapest: May 17–24, June 14–21, Sept. 6–13, Oct. 4–11, 2027. New dates: May 15–22, June 12–19, Sept. 4–11, Oct. 2–9, 2028 and Dec. 27, 2028–Jan. 3, 2029. Eight days starting from $3,139 per person double occupancy. The cruise will follow the Danube from southern Germany to Hungary, passing through three culturally rich Central European capitals: Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. Along the way, there will be stops at World Heritage sites such as Salzburg and the Wachau Valley.

Cruising the Lower Danube: Gems of Southeast Europe: May 24–31, June 21–28, Sept. 13–20, Oct. 11–18, 2027. New dates: May 22–29, June 19–26, Sept. 11–18, Oct. 9–16, 2028. Eight days starting from $4,429 per person double occupancy. Guests can venture to some of Europe’s hidden delights as they sail the Danube from Hungary through the Balkan Peninsula to Romania. They can discover little-known World Heritage sites, traditions of art and cuisine, and explore vivacious cities from Belgrade to Bucharest.

The Grand Danube: A River Cruise from Germany to Romania: May 17–31, June 14–28, Sept. 6–20, Oct. 4–18, 2027. New dates: May 15–29, June 12–26, Sept. 4–18, Oct. 2–16, 2027. Fifteen days starting from $7,179 per person double occupancy. Sailing the historic Danube River on a grand voyage through eight countries, passengers will visit the splendid world capitals of Budapest and Vienna as well as lesser-known historic gems from Croatia to Bulgaria. A choice of excursions will offer opportunities to experience local traditions of art, music and cuisine.

Christmas Markets Along the Danube: A River Cruise from Nuremburg to Budapest: Dec. 1–8, Dec. 4–11, 2027. New dates; Dec. 2–9, Dec. 6–13, 2028. Eight days starting from $4,139 per person double occupancy. Guests can savor the timeless holiday traditions of Central Europe as they cruise the Danube through Germany, Austria and Hungary, discovering delightful Christmas markets in world-class cities like Vienna and Budapest as well in charming towns and palaces from Regensburg to Salzburg.

Christmas Markets along the Rhine: A River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel: Dec. 4–11, Dec. 5–12, 2027. New dates: Dec. 3–10, Dec. 7–14, 2028. Eight days starting from $4,239 per person double occupancy. Guests will experience the enchantment of some of Europe’s most beloved Christmas markets on a cruise through Holland, Germany and France that features visits to Strasbourg and Cologne as well as medieval towns and villages that sparkle with holiday spirit.

The Captivating Rhine: A River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel: May 26–June 2, June 19–26, July 10–17, Sept. 25–Oct. 2, 2027. New dates; May 6–13, June 13–20, Sept. 17–24, Oct. 8–15, 2028. Eight days starting from $3,439 per person double occupancy. Cruising the Rhine River from one fascinating city to the next and discovering medieval villages, guests will discover wine regions and culinary delights as they make their way from the Netherlands to Germany and France.

Cruising Portugal’s Enticing Douro River Valley: May 21–28, June 4–11, Sept. 17–24, Oct. 1–8, Oct. 15–22, Dec. 3–10, Dec. 10–17, 2027. New dates: April 21–28, May 12–19, Sept. 15–22, Oct. 6–13, Oct. 20–27, 2028. Eight days starting from $4,079 per person double occupancy. Setting sail from the World Heritage-listed city of Porto, guests can discover the spectacular landscapes of Portugal’s Douro River Valley, where wines have been produced for some 2,000 years. They will visit picturesque villages and palaces, spend a day in beautiful Salamanca, Spain, and enjoy tastings at historic wine estates.

Rhône River Cruise: Colors of Provence: May 6–13, Oct. 7–14, Oct. 21–28, 2027. New dates: May 4–11, Oct. 5–12, Oct. 19–26, 2028. Eight days starting from $4,739 per person double occupancy. The delightful ambience of Provence on a river cruise from the heart of Lyon to Arles will feature magnificent historic sites from the Roman Pont Du Gard to the Papal Palace in Avignon, culinary tours and visits to renowned wine regions and the stunning gorges of Ardèche.

Taste of Bordeaux: Cruising the Waterways of Southwest France: Sept. 30–Oct. 7, 2027. New dates May 4–11, Sept. 14–21, Oct. 5–12, 2028. Eight days starting from $4,939 per person double occupancy. An enchanting voyage through Bordeaux and its picturesque wine regions will offer opportunities to explore charming towns and historic sites from Cadillac to Dordogne and savor exquisite local wines and cuisine.

Along the Mekong: Charms of Vietnam and Cambodia: Jan. 15–31, Feb. 20–March 7, Oct. 23–Nov. 7, 2027. New dates: Jan. 15–30, Feb. 12–27, Oct. 28–Nov. 12, 2028. Sixteen days starting from $6,688 per person double occupancy (cruise-only rates begin at $3,589 per person double occupancy). Guests will encounter some of Southeast Asia’s most storied sites—and the charms of local life—as they explore Vietnam and Cambodia on a journey by river and land. In Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Phnom Penh and Hanoi, guests will encounter historic sites set amid the bustle of modern-day life. They will ply the legendary Mekong River on a seven-night cruise, sailing through timeless scenes of dazzling rice fields, floating markets and farming hamlets, and venture to less-traveled towns and villages to meet with silk weavers and rice farmers and gain insight into life along one of Asia’s vital waterways.