Smithsonian Journeys has unveiled its 2028 collection of river cruises in collaboration with AmaWaterways, a river cruise company renowned for its immersive cultural experiences and service.
The program includes 50 departures on board 15 itineraries, including two new routes 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 Netherlands and Belgium, connecting travelers with historic cities, renowned artistic traditions, and landscapes molded by centuries of life by the water.
Meanwhile, "Sailing the Rhine and Moselle Rivers" travels along the course of two of Europe's great rivers, discovering spectacular river valleys, terraced vineyards, fairytale castles and towns whose history is closely linked to these waterways.
The proposal draws on the Smithsonian Institution's 180 years of experience as the world's largest complex of museums, education, and research. Each itinerary incorporates lectures and expert-led workshops, as well as experiences designed to deepen understanding and appreciation of each destination.
In addition to the two new cruises, 2028 will see the return of 13 other carefully selected itineraries along some of Europe's most spectacular and historic rivers, including the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Rhône, along with three Mekong cruises through Cambodia and Vietnam.
Each cruise includes exclusive excursions and opportunities to meet a wide selection of Smithsonian Journeys experts, including art historians, archaeologists, scientists, anthropologists, and other specialists.
Passengers can also enhance their trip with optional pre- and post-cruise programs, accompanied by an AmaWaterways cruise director, to delve deeper into the cultural, historical, and regional traditions that define each destination.
"The continued popularity of our river cruise program reflects travelers' desire for enriching yet simple and comfortable experiences," says Walter Littlejohn, senior vice president of Smithsonian Journeys.
"Our 2028 collection includes two enriching new itineraries and retains some of our most popular routes through Europe and Southeast Asia. With two Smithsonian Journeys experts accompanying each departure, passengers gain unique insights into the history, culture, art, and traditions of each destination, creating a travel experience that is as intellectually stimulating as it is memorable.".
"The knowledge and perspective that Smithsonian Journeys brings to each itinerary makes these cruises truly special," says Catherine Powell, CEO of AmaWaterways.
“We’ve always believed that the best way to get to know a destination is to connect with its people, their stories, and their culture, and our partnership with Smithsonian Journeys offers passengers even more opportunities to do so. Along with the comfort and warm hospitality of an AmaWaterways river cruise, passengers can benefit from the insights of Smithsonian Journeys experts, adding even more depth and perspective to the travel experience.”.
The alliance between Smithsonian Journeys and AmaWaterways in the area of river cruises complements Smithsonian's broad offering of small-group land tours, small-ship ocean cruises, cultural stays, active travel, private jet travel, and tailor-made trips for independent travelers.
New cruises for 2028
– Waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium: Eternal Cities, Art and Heritage – NEW — July 22-29 and September 2-9, 2028
Passengers can discover the historic cities, art, and cultural heritage of the Netherlands and Belgium aboard a river cruise through the Netherlands. Departing from Amsterdam, the journey will allow them to explore the medieval city of Bruges, as well as Rotterdam and Antwerp, two cities of great architectural richness. They can also choose from various excursions, such as cycling to the windmills of Kinderdijk, visiting internationally renowned museums, or participating in chocolate making in Ghent.
– Sailing on the Rhine and Moselle Rivers – May 31–June 10, October 4–14, 2028 and December 23–January 2, 2029
Passengers will cruise along the majestic Rhine and the picturesque Moselle, discovering a mosaic of fascinating cities, medieval towns, and renowned wine regions. The itinerary offers the opportunity to savor local cuisine and learn about cultural traditions as destinations unfold along these legendary European waterways.
New departures for 2028
– The Netherlands and Belgium in spring: a river cruise during tulip season – NEW DATES — April 9-16, 11-18, 12-19, 16-23 and 18-25, 2028
Passengers can enjoy the springtime landscapes, architecture, and art of the Netherlands and Belgium on a cruise timed to coincide with the annual tulip bloom. The seven-night voyage departs from Amsterdam and explores historic windmills, old trading towns, and modern cities, as well as millions of tulips in the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens.
– Along the Seine: A river cruise from Paris to Normandy – NEW DATES — April 6-13, May 11-18, August 31-September 7, September 21-28, October 5-12 and 12-19, 2028
From the heart of Paris, the Seine carries passengers through the landscapes of Normandy to the English Channel. Along the way, they can discover historic sites, from Rouen to Omaha Beach, savor the region's culinary traditions, and follow in the footsteps of great artists such as Claude Monet and Josephine Baker.
– River Cruise through Burgundy and Provence – NEW DATES — April 13-20, September 7-14 and October 19-26, 2028
Passengers will discover France from the perspective of its famous waterways on a journey along the Saône and Rhône rivers. The trip will offer a glimpse into a wide variety of French landscapes and an immersion into the cultures of Burgundy and Provence. Throughout the itinerary, they can savor local flavors and traditions and choose to explore the scenery by bicycle or on foot through guided excursions.
– Sailing the Upper Danube: Romantic Ports from Bavaria to Budapest – NEW DATES — May 15-22, June 12-19, September 4-11, October 2-9, 2028 and December 27, 2028-January 3, 2029
The cruise will follow the Danube from southern Germany to Hungary, passing through three culturally rich Central European capitals: Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. The itinerary also includes stops at World Heritage sites such as Salzburg and the Wachau Valley, as well as opportunities to discover the region's musical and artistic traditions.
– Sailing the Lower Danube: Jewels of Southeast Europe – NEW DATES — May 22-29, June 19-26, September 11-18 and October 9-16, 2028
Passengers will discover some of Europe's lesser-known corners as they cruise the Danube from Hungary, through the Balkan Peninsula, to Romania. The itinerary includes visits to less-visited World Heritage sites, artistic and culinary traditions, and vibrant cities like Belgrade and Bucharest.
– The Great Danube: a river cruise from Germany to Romania – NEW DATES — May 15-29, June 12-26, September 4-18 and October 2-16, 2028
A grand tour along the historic Danube through eight countries will allow you to visit the magnificent capitals of Budapest and Vienna, as well as discover lesser-known historical treasures from Croatia to Bulgaria. Passengers can choose from various excursions to experience local traditions related to art, music, and gastronomy.
– Danube Christmas Markets: A River Cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest – NEW DATES — December 2-9 and 6-13, 2028
Passengers will experience Central European Christmas traditions as they cruise the Danube through Germany, Austria, and Hungary. The journey will offer the chance to discover Christmas markets in cities like Vienna and Budapest, as well as charming towns and palaces between Regensburg and Salzburg.
– Rhine Christmas Markets: A River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel – NEW DATES — December 3-10 and 7-14, 2028
The trip will allow you to enjoy the atmosphere of some of the most popular Christmas markets in Europe during a cruise through Holland, Germany and France, with visits to Strasbourg and Cologne, as well as medieval towns and villages that take on a special atmosphere during the holidays.
– The captivating Rhine: a river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel – NEW DATES — May 6-13, June 13-20, September 17-24 and October 8-15, 2028
The cruise will travel along the Rhine from one fascinating city to another, discovering medieval towns, wine regions and gastronomic offerings as it moves from the Netherlands to Germany and France.
– Sailing through the captivating Portuguese Douro Valley – NEW DATES — April 21-28, May 12-19, September 15-22, October 6-13 and 20-27, 2028
The journey departs from Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city, to discover the spectacular landscapes of the Douro Valley, where wine has been produced for some 2,000 years. Passengers will visit picturesque villages and palaces, spend a day in the beautiful Spanish city of Salamanca, and enjoy tastings at historic wineries.
– Rhône River Cruise: The Colors of Provence – NEW DATES — May 4-11, October 5-12 and 19-26, 2028
This trip allows you to experience the atmosphere of Provence aboard a river cruise from the heart of Lyon to Arles. The itinerary includes significant historical sites, from the Roman-era Pont du Gard to the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, as well as gastronomic visits, wine regions, and the spectacular Ardèche Gorges.
– The Taste of Bordeaux: Sailing the Waterways of Southwest France – NEW DATES — May 4-11, September 14-21 and October 5-12, 2028
An attractive tour of Bordeaux and its picturesque wine regions will allow you to discover charming towns and historical sites, from Cadillac to the Dordogne region, as well as taste excellent wines and local cuisine.
– Along the Mekong: The Charms of Vietnam and Cambodia – NEW DATES — January 15-30, February 12-27 and October 28-November 12, 2028
Travelers will discover some of Southeast Asia's most iconic landmarks and experience local life firsthand on a journey through Vietnam and Cambodia that combines river and land travel. In Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Phnom Penh, and Hanoi, passengers will discover historical sites integrated with the vibrant energy of contemporary life. The trip includes a seven-night cruise on the legendary Mekong River, passing through landscapes of rice paddies, floating markets, and small farming communities. It also offers the opportunity to explore less-visited towns and villages to meet silk artisans and rice farmers and discover what life is like along one of Asia's great waterways.
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