Review: Cruising the Rivers & Castles Itinerary on AmaPrima

If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing through Europe’s storybook towns, sipping wine where it’s made, and standing before fairytale castles that seem plucked from the pages of history, AmaWaterways’ Rivers & Castles itinerary aboard the AmaPrima makes that dream a reality. We had the chance to experience this journey in the summer of 2025, and it was truly unforgettable.

The Ship: AmaPrima

AmaPrima is sleek, elegant, and intimate, carrying just 162 guests when at capacity. What impressed us immediately was the level of service: every staff member seemed to know our names within the first day, and their warmth made the ship feel like home. The ship itself feels like a boutique hotel floating along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, with plush staterooms (many featuring twin balconies), a sun deck with a heated pool, and cozy lounges perfect for sipping a glass of Riesling as the scenery drifted by. Check out our stateroom tour on YouTube.

Dining was an experience in itself. AmaWaterways is part of the prestigious Chaine des Rôtisseurs, an international gastronomic society, and it showed in every detail. Each meal felt like a celebration of the regions we were cruising through—from German bratwurst and Bavarian pretzels to French cheeses and exquisite pastries—all paired with local wines thoughtfully chosen by the onboard sommelier. It's a good thing we did so much walking to try and keep the pounds off. Catch a glimpse of what we ate here.

The Itinerary: Rivers & Castles

This seven-night cruise usually begins in Luxembourg, but due to a lock being out of commission, we embarked in Trier instead. From there, the journey wound through the romantic Moselle, the legendary Rhine, and into the heart of Bavaria along the Main and Main-Danube Canal. Along the way, we passed through over 50 locks, an impressive feat of engineering that we found mesmerizing - see for yourself here.

And despite all of those locks, it was smooth sailing throughout—quiet, steady, and comfortable. River cruising offers a relaxed rhythm, so unlike ocean voyages, there was never any rocking or seasickness, just peaceful drifting past castles and vineyards.

Highlights Along the Way:

• Bernkastel: A picture-perfect Moselle wine village where half-timbered houses lined the square and vineyards climbed the hillsides. Our wine tasting here was a favorite.

• Cochem & Reichsburg Castle: A medieval treasure perched high above the Moselle, complete with knights’ halls and breathtaking views. Our local tour guide was outstanding.

• Rüdesheim: Known for its lively Drosselgasse and the gondola ride over vineyards to the Niederwald Monument—scenery that felt straight out of a painting.

• Rhine Gorge: Perhaps the most magical stretch of river cruising—sailing past dozens of castles, fortresses, and romantic legends.

• Wertheim: Quintessential German towns with timber-framed houses and cobbled streets that transported us back centuries.

• Würzburg / Rothenburg: While many guests visited the opulent Würzburg Residenz, we opted for the excursion to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Germany’s most enchanting medieval towns. Walking through its perfectly preserved old town—with fortified walls, colorful half-timbered homes, and winding alleys—felt like stepping into a fairy tale. A highlight was visiting the famous Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas store, where it’s Christmas year-round, complete with sparkling ornaments and nutcrackers in every size imaginable. Watch our Rothenburg video for some highlights.

• Bamberg: A fairytale city of bridges and breweries, with charming streets to explore and picture-perfect corners at every turn.

At each stop, AmaWaterways offered a variety of excursions—walking tours, wine tastings, cycling, and hikes—so we could tailor our days to our interests and pace. Even though you had more than one choice, you could only partake of one excursion given time constraints.

What We Loved Most

• The blend of castles, vineyards, and medieval towns, each unique yet tied together by the rivers.

• AmaWaterways’ included excursions, led by expert local guides who made history feel alive.

• The culinary excellence, enhanced by the Chaine des Rôtisseurs distinction, which elevated every meal.

• The sheer wonder of navigating over 50 locks, watching the ship gently rise and fall through engineering marvels, though it did get a little old as the days drifted by.

• The fact that it was smooth sailing the entire way, making the journey as relaxing as it was scenic.

• Our day in Rothenburg, with its medieval charm and the unforgettable Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas store.

• Most of all: the AmaPrima crew and our fellow passengers, whose warmth, kindness, and camaraderie turned a beautiful trip into lasting memories.

Tips for Future Travelers

If you’re considering AmaWaterways’ Rivers & Castles itinerary, here are a few helpful tips from our journey:

• Choose Excursions Wisely: AmaWaterways offers multiple options in each port—walking tours, active hikes, biking, or tastings. Mix and match to balance sightseeing with relaxation.

• Pack for Cobblestones: Many towns have uneven, centuries-old streets. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

• Layer Your Clothing: Weather along the rivers can change quickly—mornings may be cool while afternoons warm up. Layers will keep you comfortable on excursions and while cruising. We lucked out that it was pleasant during the height of summer. The week before had seen much higher temperatures.

• Don’t Miss the Scenic Sailing: The Rhine Gorge, in particular, is a highlight. Stake out a spot on deck with your camera ready for castle after castle.

• Enjoy the Locks: You’ll pass through more than 50 locks on this itinerary. It’s fascinating to watch the engineering in action, especially if it’s your first river cruise.

• Connect with Fellow Travelers: The intimate size of AmaPrima makes it easy to meet people. Some of our favorite memories were conversations and laughter shared with new friends over dinner or cocktails.

Final Thoughts

The Rivers & Castles itinerary on AmaPrima was more than a cruise—it was a voyage through time, culture, and beauty. It gave us the chance to wander fairytale towns, sip Riesling where it’s grown, explore medieval castles, and enjoy world-class dining without ever having to repack our bags.

With its smooth sailing, friendly atmosphere, and endless moments of wonder, this journey reminded us why river cruising is such a special way to see Europe. For anyone who dreams of castles, history, and breathtaking river scenery, this trip with AmaWaterways is a memory in the making. We can’t wait to sail with them again.

🚢 Ready to experience Europe’s rivers for yourself? Let’s plan your AmaWaterways adventure!
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