Your travel specialist on: Themed River Cruises

The No.l hot selling vacation for the last three years has been river cruises. There are several river cruise companies to choose from, but this article will feature Amawaterways who is promoting three different themes which are unique and special. Great prices, fantastic destinations, and worth looking at. Get your own group together, and take advantage of the discount. Amawaterways was rated No.l. by the Berlitz River Guide Book in Europe. They are the only river cruise line ever inducted into the Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, a prestigious international gastronomic society. This society originated in France in the 13th century. It is the oldest and largest food and wine society in the world.

JEWISH HERITAGE CRUISES
The Enchanting Rhine, 3 November or l7 November
The Romantic Danube, 27 Jun or 8 August

Jewish Heritage Cruises has four sailings in 2015 that highlight ancient culture, modern museums and historical monuments dedicated to Europe’s rich Jewish legacy. In addition to taking standard city tours, guests have the option to participate in special shore excursions that include guided visits to synagogues, Jewish districts and other noteworthy landmarks. In Budapest, visit the second largest synagogue in the world, the Dohany Street Synagogue as well as the city’s acclaimed Jewish museum. In Vienna, excursions will include a visit to the Jewish museum, Judenplatz, and the Old Synagogue. In Amsterdam, see the house where Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding during WW11. This would be a wonderful trip for a multi-generational group to learn about their family background and spend seven nights together.

ART ILLUMINATION CRUISE
Paris and Normandy – 12 August

Art Illumination Cruise. Immerse yourself in Northern France’s fascinating artistic heritage and create your very own masterpieces inspired by the same landscapes that captivated artists like Monet, Renoir, Gaugin and many more. On our one of a kind art illumination cruise, guests have the opportunity to make art themed tours and then return to the ship to join painting sessions led by an expert art instructor. You will be proved with everything needed including easels, canvases, brushes and paints. Discover your inner artist with special tours that take you on a journey of art from Monet’s gardens to Van Gogh’s home. Onboard painting sessions with guidance from an expert art instructor, paint your own masterpiece and take home a unique memento. You will experience insightful and entertaining art discussions.

JAZZ CRUISE
Blue Danube Discovery, 19 September

Together with Jazzdagen Tours, Amawaterways will host a cruise on the Danube that will feature exclusive onboard jazz performances by musicians from around the world. In port, enjoy immersive tours of grand capitals like Vienna and charming towns like Durnstein. On board, relax to the smooth sounds of hours of daily live jazz sessions. This is a unique musical experience that should not be missed.

Small vessels, number of passengers vary, but cost to 100 is average. Cabins all the same size, except for a few suites. Casual, wonderful chefs, and this is the most relaxing way to travel.

Always go to the city a day or two ahead of the sailing so you can enjoy, in this case, either Amsterdam, Prague, Paris, or Budapest all interesting places to visit. Now is a good time to book for 2015 and 2016.

Maureen Jones

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.