Highlights
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Tour of Cape Town including Table Mountain with an option to visit the Cape Winelands or Robben Island
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River cruise on the Chobe River
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Boat safaris and wildlife viewing on Chobe River
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A vintage steam train journey
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Zambezi River sundowner cruise
Discover Africa - Cape Town - Johannesburg
Experience the beauty and thrill of exploring Southern Africa on a river cruise and by land. This itinerary offers the perfect balance between stunning landscapes, immersive cultural experiences, and epic wildlife viewing.
Starting off in the cosmopolitan jewel of South Africa, Cape Town offers up plenty of excursion options including a visit to Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain, and Robben Island, just to name a few. A four-day cruise up the historic Chobe River in combination with numerous game drives will provide a front-row seat encounter with elephants, water buffalo, zebra, leopard, and giraffe. Rounding off your trip with a sundowner cruise and train journey in Zambia, your journey comes to an end in Johannesburg.
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Day 1 Arrive Cape Town
Upon your arrival, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Check-in for the night, and enjoy a welcome reception this evening at the hotel.
Day 2 Cape Town
After breakfast, enjoy a full day of touring Cape Town, including a visit to the Cape of Good Hope and lunch in a local restaurant with drinks.
Day 3 Cape Town
Enjoy Cape Town from new heights on a cableway up Table Mountain this morning. In the afternoon, you have a choice of either driving through the renowned Cape Winelands for a wine tasting and lunch, or a guided tour of Robben Island with lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 4 Flight to Victoria Falls
Check-out of your hotel, transfer to the airport, and catch a flight to Victoria Falls on the Namibian border. There you will board the Zambezi Queen and celebrate the beginning of your river cruise with a welcome cocktail and dinner.
Day 5 Zambezi Queen
Leave the Zambezi Queen this morning to board a safari boat. Spend the morning spotting wildlife onshore and in the water. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles, antelope, elephants, lions, and the myriad of exotic birds that spend their days along the banks of the river. Return to the Zambezi Queen for an afternoon of leisurely cruising, lounging on the deck, and enjoying the wildlife scenes playing out onshore.
Day 6 Zambezi Queen
Today is an early start and a full day of safari on your private, open-top 4x4 vehicles. Your driver and guide will point out several species and keep on the lookout for hyena, prides of lion, the elusive leopard, and cheetah. You’ll likely see warthog, zebra, cape buffalo, and sable along the way. Take lunch in comfort beneath the trees and return to the Zambezi Queen just in time for dinner and sunset.
Day 7 Zambezi Queen
This morning is spent off the boat, meeting with a local African village, spending time with the Elders and children. Learn about their culture and their day-to-day life. After you return to the Zambezi Queen, have lunch and enjoy a 'choose your adventure' type of afternoon. Go fishing, take a boat safari or go bird watching. Tonight is an African-themed dinner accompanied by traditional singing and dancing.
Day 8 Victoria Falls
Today, disembark your river cruise and transfer to Victoria Falls. Enjoy a welcome cocktail reception, climb aboard a vintage steam train, and make your way to Victoria Falls bridge to watch the sunset.
Day 9 Victoria Falls
Spend the morning touring Victoria Falls, and learning about the diverse flora and fauna that flourish here. Spend the evening on a Zambezi River sundowner cruise complete with drinks, appetizers, and dinner.
Day 10 Victoria Falls - Johannesburg
After check-out, you will be transferred to Victoria Falls for your short flight to Johannesburg where you will catch your flight home.
Highlights
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Visit Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg
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UNESCO World Heritage Walking Tour & Regensburg Christmas Market
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Visit St. Stephen’s Christmas Market in Passau
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Full day tour of Salzburg and visit to Christmas Market at Hellbrunn Palace
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Tour of Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market
Day 1 Nuremberg
Board the ship in Nuremberg
Day 2 Nuremberg
Today starts off with a city tour of WWII landmarks and monuments, followed by a stroll through Nuremberg’s cobblestone streets, up to Imperial Castle, and along the 900-year old ramparts. This afternoon includes a visit to Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s largest, and most well-known. Later on, reboard your ship for a cruise through the Main-Danube Canal.
Day 3 Regensburg
Nestled at the northernmost point of the Danube, between the Fränkische Jura and Bayerischer Wald mountain ranges, and Gäuboden region, Regensberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. You will receive a guided walking tour of this beautifully preserved medieval city and then visit the Old Town Christmas market in the afternoon. Don’t forget to sneak in a Bavarian beer (or two), sausage, and freshly baked pretzels. Visit the Thurn and Taxis Christmas market in the early evening.
Day 4 Passau
Beloved and renowned for its Baroque architecture, Gothicism, and romantic Italian influence, Passau was founded more than 2,000 years ago. The Christmas Market here is a favorite stop for cruise-goers. Set against the backdrop of St. Stephen’s cathedral, the square below is a dizzying scene of artisans selling glass ornaments, miniature Bavarian houses, bakers and cake-makers, mulled wine vendors and rosy-faced travelers. You can opt for a guided bike tour along the Danube, or join a climb to the Mariahilf pilgrimage church and monastery. Enjoy staggering views of the Old Town below.
Day 5 Linz
In addition to visiting one of the most popular Christmas Markets, Linz offers up three fantastic excursions to choose from. The first option is a full-day tour of Salzburg, decorated in everything festive for the season. Visit the grand cathedral, inspired by St. Peter’s Cathedral at the Vatican, and of course, you’ll spend some time at the Christmas Market at Hellbrunn Palace. The second excursion option is a walking tour through Linz’s old town a visit to Linz’s various Christmas Markets. And the third option is a guided tour by bicycle through Linz, along the ‘ Cultural Mile’.
Day 6 Melk
After breakfast, spend your morning touring the Benedictine Abbey. Later in the day, set sail for the picturesque Wachau Valley. Opt for a bike ride through the valley to Durnstein, and join a breathtaking walking tour complete with a wine tasting. Another great excursion option would be a visit to the ruins of Kuenringer Castle. Later in the afternoon, you’ll set sail for Krems where you have the opportunity to take a wine tasting excursion or a walking tour.
Day 7 Vienna
Welcome to the ‘City of Waltzes’, the crowning jewel of your cruise. Kick your time off here with a grand tour of iconic sights like the Opera House, and the former Imperial Palace of the Hapsburgs on the itinerary. In the late morning, enjoy your final Christmas Markets. A guided bike tour of Vienna is on offer for those who like to get a different perspective of this exquisite city. In the afternoon, be sure to visit the Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market, a quintessential festive scene often seen across social media. Round your evening off with the Rathaus Platz Christmas Market.
Day 8 Disembark in Vienna
Christmas on the Danube
Few places are more magical during the holiday season than Europe during the Christmas Markets. From Nuremberg’s postcard-perfect Christkindlesmark, one of the largest in Europe, to Regensburg medieval Old Town Market, to Passau’s storybook scene at St. Stephen’s Square, you may never want to spend Christmas any other way after a Christmas market cruise.
Spend your evenings sipping aromatic mulled wine, buying exquisite ornaments, listening to medieval music, and indulging in sumptuous sweet delights. By day, enjoy entertaining walking tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spectacular cathedrals, and bustling market squares.
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Day 1 Ushuaia
Perched at the end of the world, Ushuaia isn’t merely a jumping-off point for the end of the world. This underrated city boasts stunning architecture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich indigenous culture and traditions. This lively town promises excitement but also acts as a gateway to natural gems like the wild forest of Parque Yatana and the Martial Glacier. Board the expedition ship and depart in the early evening.
Day 2 Drake Passage
The Drake Passage is for the bold adventurer. As a body of water that receives no resistance from any landmasses, and where north and southern oceans collide, it’s no surprise that the crossing might be a bit testy. The picturesque South Shetland Islands lie ahead, just outside of the passage. Be sure to keep your eyes on the horizon and watch for humpbacks, hourglass dolphins, and passing petrels wishing you well on your journey.
Day 3 Drake Passage
Another day at sea in the Passage. Use this time to mingle with fellow guests onboard, watch out for wildlife, and rest up for the adventures to come.
Day 4 South Shetland Islands
More than 95% of the South Shetland Islands are completely covered in ice. The shoreline is generally ice-free, making it a perfect environment for leopard seals, Adélie penguins, and migratory birds to nest, find food and gather. With very little human activity, the landscapes across Deception and Elephant Island are wild, awe-inspiring and thrilling.
Day 5 Antarctica Cruising
Your journey through the world’s most desolate part of the world has officially begun. Look to the skies for soaring sea birds, look to the seas for breaching humpbacks, orcas or any of the other eight species of whale that play in the fertile waters here. Cruise past gargantuan icebergs, and when your captain finds safe harbor to stop and the waters are calm enough, you may have the option to disembark for an unforgettable kayaking excursion alongside icy blue shorelines.
Day 6 Antarctica Cruising
It’s impossible to get enough of this otherworldly scenery. Enjoy another day of stunning views, glacier viewing, and wildlife spotting from the ship deck. The Captain will surprise you with a few of their favourite spots like Neko Harbor where humpbacks love to play and splash in the icy waters.
Day 7 Antarctica Cruising
One of the best things about cruising Antarctica is the flexibility in your itinerary. Expedition cruises are designed for adventure, and ship masters will sail around poor weather in order to both keep you safe, and show you places you wouldn’t see on a regular ocean cruise. Over the past days, you may have visited the permanent ice cap at Cuverville Island or Port Lockroy, home to the southernmost post office in the world.
Day 8 Drake Passage
Your time in Antarctica may coming to an end, but there is still plenty of adventure ahead with a return trip through the Drake Passage.
Day 9 Navigating Cape Horn, Chile
The Cape Horn is the stuff of legends. Although Sir Francis Drake may have stumbled upon the Cape, it was Dutch Navigator, Willem Schouten and his crew sailing the Eendracht that first rounded the Cape in 1616. These are some of the roughest seas in the world, and anyone who makes this journey is a true navigator.
Day 10 Arrive Ushuaia, Argentina
Disembark in Ushuaia and transfer to the airport to catch your flight home, or extend your time in Argentina.
Antarctica
An Antarctica expedition is made for the adventurer, nature lover, thrill seeker and ocean lover. Everything about Antarctica including the journey to get there, defies the imagination.
From the thrill of passing through the Drake Passage, the beauty of the Southern Shetland Islands, and the awe-inspiring landscapes of the White Continent will leave you with memories you will never forget.
Heritage River Journey - Rhine River
Have you ever flipped through a family album and wanted to fill in the blanks? Maybe you’ve always wondered where your great-grandparents started their family. Or perhaps there’s a unique family heirloom, passed down through the generations, with little known about it.
Amateur genealogists like yourself have been taking heritage-focused journeys for some time now. Work with Ancestry® to create a personalized river cruise and connect with your personal heritage through an enriching river cruise experience on one of Europe’s most iconic rivers.
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Sample of Ancestry Inclusions
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Pre-cruise welcome call, consultation call, and research findings presentation with your expert genealogist
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Services of an expert genealogist while you’re on board, throughout your cruise
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One private consultation to review your family tree while onboard the ship
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Hosted lunch or dinner with your genealogist
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Opportunity to join your genealogist on certain AmaWaterways excursions
Day 1 Amsterdam
Embarkation of your river cruise in Amsterdam
Day 2 Amsterdam - Utrecht
Depart Amsterdam and arrive at Antwerp’s historic train station. Like many train stations, this one marks the beginning of a journey for many who came to the New World. Your genealogist will expand on this and will accompany you to the Red Star Line Museum, Europe’s equivalent to Ellis Island. Ships departed between 1873 and 1934, bringing immigrants to North America. At the end of this excursion, you will transfer to Utrecht where you will re-board your river cruise.
Day 3 Cologne
Arrive in Cologne and join an informative walking tour through the Old Town. The UNESCO-designated Cologne Cathedral is a major highlight and is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and of the administration of the Archdiocese of Cologne. On your tour, you’ll visit Germany’s oldest town hall and various other historic sights. Enjoy a stein of Kölsch beer, a beer only made in Cologne. Don’t forget to try potato pancakes served with applesauce. If you’re feeling up to it, consider a guided bike tour through Stadtgarten along the Rhine.
Day 4 Rhine Gorge & Rudesheim
Today, enjoy cruising through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO-designated area. Once you reach the winemaking village of Rüdesheim, step onshore to join a tasting tour at some local vineyards. Opt for a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal, a monument commemorating the unification of Germany. For something a little quicker-paced, consider a hike through the vineyards, or a guide bike tour along the river. In the late afternoon, visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and wonder at the myriad self-playing instruments. Before you leave, be sure to try one of the town’s specialties, Rüdesheimer coffee.
Day 5 Ludwigshafen
Once you reach Ludwigshafen, you can choose one of three excursions. For the first option, you can visit the beautifully preserved medieval city of Heidelberg, along the Neckar River Valley. The second option is more active and takes you on a guided hike up Philosopher’s Path, to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city below. And the third option takes you to one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and famous for being home to the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe. You also have the option of joining a guided bike tour along the Neckar river and exploring the medieval town of Ladenburg.
Day 6 Strasbourg
Sitting at the confluence of French and German influence, Strasbourg is both medieval and modern. Ornate, and simple. An in-depth tour will take you to the European Parliament, the Place de la République, the incomparable Parc de l’Orangerie, and through “La Petite France.”
Day 7 Breisach
Breisach is known as the ‘Gateway to the Black Forest, and it is your opportunity to choose from several incredible excursions. Choose to visit Riquewihr, a real-life storybook village that appears frozen in time. Or, you can visit Freiburg, a gothic town, founded in the 12th century and home to the renowned Freiburg Münster, an impressive cathedral. Other options include taking a cycling tour through the countryside or hiking through the Black Forest, and learning more about the cultures that have called this region home for hundreds of years and beyond.
Day 8 Basel
Disembark and transfer to the airport or extend your stay in Switzerland and enjoy the sights of Basel.
