wine cruises Archives - Unique Journeys LLC

CRUISING THE RHINE AND MOSELLE

Aug 26, 2021

On October 26th I will be cruising the Rhine and Moselle rivers and would love to have everyone join me on this great cruise. Starting in Amsterdam, we will cruise down the scenic Rhine River and on to the Moselle, which has been called the most beautiful river in Europe.

AMSTERDAM

Welcome aboard The AMA Lucia, for the start of our cruise of The Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle.

Enjoy a stroll over many of the picturesque canals in Amsterdam

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and we will get to enjoy some of them on our canal cruise. View the narrow houses, built that way because of taxes. Be amazed how goods were transported to the upper floors. They say that necessity is the mother of invention and you can see it in action in the homes that line the canals.

After our introduction to Amsterdam, it’s time to set sail. What a great time to meet our fellow travelers and acquaint ourselves with The AMALucia, our luxury home for the next 7 days.

COLOGNE, GERMANY

We start our cruising on the Rhine by going to Cologne. This is the home of one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. One of the most interesting sites in the Cathedral is the display which houses the remains of the Three Wise Men. https://www.koelner-dom.de/.

Also on the tour is the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Old Market and the Heumarkt. Most of the ports on this cruise feature wine, but here in Cologne beer is king. Why not make a quick stop at one of the many local pubs and sample the famous Kölsch beer. It’s only made in Cologne While you’re at it, you should sample the reibekuchen, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce.

While I appreciate a good glass of beer, what I love above all else is chocolate. I truly enjoyed visiting the chocolate museum in Cologne. Not only was I able to indulge there, but I was persuaded to bring home something for friends and family. Why not join me in my quest for the perfect piece of chocolate. https://www.schokoladenmuseum.de/en/

RÜDESHEIM

On our way to Rudesheim we will pass through the Rhine Gorge. Arguably this is one of the most scenic passages on the river. We will glide by some of the dozens of castles that line the banks and have the opportunity to take some truly spectacular photos from the sun deck. Once in Rudesheim, we have several choices of excursions.

Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, and afterwards, be treated to a wine tasting.

For a more active adventure, we can hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River to admire the Rheingau.

Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you. What a delight this tour was. In this age of all digital, it was wonderful to see and hear these mechanical devices still working as they were intended. https://www.smmk.de/pages/de/willkommen.php

On the way back to the ship we can stop at one of the cafes in town. Here we can indulge in one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. It’s ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. YUM! A great end to another wonderful day on the river.

Enjoying the view

MAINZ – LAHNSTEIN

As we arrive in Mainz, we can join a walking tour of the many historic treasures. Included is one of Germany’s most important churches, St. Stephan’s Cathedral; home to the famous Chagall stained-glass windows. These magnificent windows were created by Chagall in hopes they would help heal the wounds left by WWII. As you gaze at them, you will see his deep commitment to that. This was the last commission of his life and his lifelong friend Charles Marq was tasked with finishing what he knew he couldn’t.

“For me a stained glass window is a transparent partition between my heart and the heart of the world”

Marc Chagall Quote

Another alternative is a walking tour of Mainz’s Old Town with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum. Here you will learn more about the German visionary’s inventions and have an opportunity to admire two of his original mid-15th century Gutenberg Bibles.

For a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour through Mainz. (See you back at the ship) Later in the day, cruise to Lahnstein. Cap the day off with a visit to Lahneck Castle.

MOSELLE VALLEY – COCHEM

Spend the morning taking in the beauty of the Moselle on this scenic stretch of the river before reaching Cochem with its half-timbered houses and Reichsburg Castle.

We can join a guided tour through the castle and then walk through its Old Town. If you aren’t in the castle mood, let’s take a different adventure and tour one of Europe’s oldest working mustard mills. We can sample Cochem’s famous mustard. For those of you wishing to have a more active exploration of the area, you can hike up to the Reichsburg Castle or go on a guided bike tour through Cochem.

BERNKASTEL

Walk through Bernkastel’s colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour that also includes a winery visit and tasting.

Hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century and cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour along the Moselle.

LUXEMBOURG – DISEMBARKATION – PARIS

All good things must come to an end so we now disembark the ship, bid farewell to our crew and prepare for our return flight home.

BUT WAIT! I’m taking the post-cruise extension that gives me two nights in Reims so that I can indulge my other passion (besides chocolate) – Champagne.

When we disembark in Luxemburg on our journey to Reims we will have a walking tour of Luxembourg and then visit The American Cemetery and Memorial, which is the final resting place of General George S. Patton. Once checked into the hotel in Reims, I think I will set out to explore this ancient city including the Cathedral Notre Dame de Reims, which has seen the coronation of many French Kings. https://www.cathedrale-reims.com/ So much history and beauty.

Today, it is on to driving the route of champagne. Along this route are some of the most famous names in champagne; Epernay, Veuve Clicquot and Moet et Chandon. All this and driving through a beautiful countryside.

After checking out of the hotel, on the way to Paris there is a final tour in Reims of WWI sites such as the Belleau Wood American World War Monument.

We are in a different world today that we were last year and for this reason it is more important than ever to depend on the knowledge and expertise of a travel agent. I am committed to making sure you have the most up-to-date information available to make your vacation what you have dreamed it to be. We have all waited to be able to travel and now is the time to savor the joy of travel with friends and family. To that end, I have created several articles with tips to help you with the decision-making process.

Here is a must-read article on avoiding river cruise booking mistakes. Contact me at Unique Journeys. I will assist you in finding the perfect cruise experience where you will create memories for a lifetime. You are welcome to find additional information at AMA Waterways regarding the luxury river cruise experience.

Let’s Get Cruisin’

EXPERIENCE THE WINES OF BORDEAUX

Feb 22, 2021

Experience the wines of Bordeaux on a Taste of Bordeaux cruise with AMA Waterways. You can start your journey by flying in Bilbao, Spain and ending in Paris or the reverse. Doing the pre and post-cruise extensions is a great way to extend your cruise, but if you are short on time, you can fly into and out of Bordeaux for your 7-night cruise. In either event, you will find that AMA Waterways has planned terrific stops along the way so that you can experience the full range of vineyards, wineries and other significant places of interest.

What an awesome itinerary through the different wine regions of Bordeaux

Cadillac

While touring the vineyards and learning about terroir, you will also learn about the “noble rot”. It may not sound appetizing, but it creates a great Sauterne, which you will be able to taste for yourself.

You may also have the opportunity to experience the great European tradition of the weekly farmers market. Why not pick up some bread and cheese to take back to the ship to share with your new friends. You will also find a French specialty known as Canele. Impossible to eat just one.

Experience local markets on your Taste of Bordeaux Cruise

You will also have the chance to visit a castle that has been in the same family for 700 years. Roquetataillade is a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. As spectacular as the castle is, you will marvel at the chapel with its Moorish influence.

Pauillac

On your cruise to Experience the Wines of Bordeaux, you are now entering the the Medoc Region. Pauillac is the gateway to this region which is home to some of the most beautiful and famous wine estates. This is your chance to experience a wine tasting of Grand Cru wines and to learn about the history associated with Grand Cru. There are several choices for your shore excursions, but they all end up with you tasting some great wines.

Bourg/Blaye

Once in Blaye you can see the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE of the 17th century citadel. You say you want a little more action? How about biking around the town!

You can either bike from Blaye to Bourg or enjoy the comfort of the ship as it sails there. AMA Waterways has arranged for an exclusive wine festival in Bourg. Here you can meet and mingle with the local wine growers while sipping on their local wines and enjoying live music and perhaps some dancing.

Libourne

Just when you thought you have seen the best, you will arrive in Libourne and a visit to Saint-Emilion. Perched on a hill, it has great views, great wine and an underground church. You will visit the monolithic church which was carved out of a single piece of limestone and the venture under the Church to explore the catacombs and caves. Now it’s time for another wine tasting since this region has their own brand of wine based on the distinctive terroir. Some of the production of wineries in the region is so small that they don’t export any of their wines. This is a great opportunity for the wine connoisseurs to take home a great wine that no one else is able to get. You can also bring back stories of your experience of getting up close and personal with the people who have created this great wine. What great bragging rights.

NOW IS NOT TOO SOON to begin taking steps to find your next exciting river cruise. Unique Journeys is a valuable asset to make certain you get the right cruise at the right time and for the right price. Don’t go it alone and risk not having the best experience possible. Contact me and together we will give you the vacation you deserve.

Now that you are perusing river cruises to make the perfect choice, here is a must read article on avoiding river cruise booking mistakes. For the best river cruise experience you will want to contact expert Nancy at Unique Journeys. She will assistance you in finding the perfect cruise experience where you will create memories for a lifetime. You are welcome to find additional information at AMA Waterways regarding the luxury river cruise experience.

AMA WATERWAYS = LUXURY ON THE RIVERS

Dec 8, 2020

AMA Waterways = Luxury on the Rivers? AMA means love. Having cruised with them on four separate occasions and sent many clients on their journey of a lifetime, I can say that AMA personifies that. From the moment you decide on your dream cruise, you will experience the values that have made them the river cruise experts.

While the ships themselves are elegant and tastefully appointed, it is the crew that really makes your cruise magical. They go beyond service to make you feel as if you are a valued member of their family. They see it as their mission to make this the best experience you can have. I have experienced this myself. A waiter remembering I like hot tea with breakfast rather than coffee; a crew member walking with a passenger to make certain they can navigate cobblestones; the hotel manager going ashore at a market town to buy local treats for the entire ship. These are just some of the examples of why AMA Waterways = Luxury on the Rivers. You will find your own reasons when you step onboard an AMA Waterways ship and experience that special love.

So, let’s discover all the ways AMA Waterways defines luxury on the rivers!

RUDI SCHREINER IS THE HISTORY OF AMA WATERWAYS : Sometimes an idea comes to you from somewhere you least expect it. A journalism assignment had Rudi designing and building his first ship, which was a raft he then sailed on the Amazon River. From there he decided to go into travel. In 1992 the Rhine-Main-Canal was completed and the AMA story begins. Rudi Schreiner, who has been dubbed “The Godfather of river cruising” is the architect for creating this innovative luxury river cruise company. He teamed up with Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy to make his dream come true. While Jimmy Murphy has passed away, the company is lucky to have his son Gary on board as one of its leaders.

AMA Waterways Luxury River Cruise Co-Owners

Meet the Architects of AMA Waterways Luxury River Cruises

THE SHIPS: There are 17 ships in the AMA Waterways fleet at this time and each one has been designed and created for the rivers and itineraries they will sail on. In addition to their regular fleet, you will see that Rudi is always innovating and introducing new concepts to river cruising.

Some of the elements common to most of the fleet are:

- Panoramic Lounge with bar
- Piano and dance floor
- Walking track
- Whirlpool, fitness room and bicycles for exploration
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Hair salon and massage services (Additional costs apply)
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant with glass-enclosed kitchen and tasting menu
- Breakfast and lunch featuring regional cuisine
- Exquisite multi-course dinners made with fresh local ingredients
- Hand-selected wine, beer and soft drinks with meals—plus a Sip & Sail cocktail hour
- All-day tapas menu and afternoon tea, 24-hour coffee station
- Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs
- Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner

AMA Magna-

With AMA Magna Rudi realized another of his dreams: to build a larger river cruise ship. She is twice the width of traditional European river ships and offers more personal space, more unique dining venues, and more leisure opportunities. She is redefining the river cruise experience! Most accommodations are spacious suites measuring 355 to 710 sq. ft. with full balconies. In addition to the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table, AMA Magna introduces two enticing new dining venues: Jimmy’s, a family-style restaurant named for AMA Waterways’ late Co-Owner Jimmy Murphy, and the Al Fresco Restaurant, with retractable windows and outdoor seating.

Both a sun-deck pool and whirlpool invite guests to refresh and enjoy the views. AMA Magna’s Zen Wellness Studio is an expansive space with a fitness center, two massage rooms, and a refreshing juice bar.

Golf Anyone? Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the iconic Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf. AMA Waterways has created the perfect package to enable you to do just that. On the AMA Magna you can take advantage of the Exclusive Concierge Golf Program. Not only will you have a choice of excursions in every port, you will have the opportunity to play up to 5 rounds of golf at some of the leading championship courses on the continent.

AMA Waterways’ Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AMA Magna.

AMA Dahlia-

Next year will see the return of AMA Waterways to Egypt with the introduction of the AMA Dahlia. The stunning AMA Dahlia is an inviting 68-passenger ship offering 18 standard staterooms and 16 magnificent suites. There are also a wealth of amenities that will surprise and delight you, including a heated sun-deck swimming pool and bar. These are in addition to the standard amenities throughout the fleet.

Marvel at scenic Nile River views in luxury, enjoy regionally inspired entertainment, and savor the flavors of both local and Western cuisine on board.

THE UNIQUE ITINERARY

AMA has put together an unparalleled 11-night Nile River cruise and land experience that includes exquisite cuisine, authentic experiences, and the extraordinary service for which AMA Waterways is renowned.

On the luxurious, newly designed AMA Dahlia you explore ancient wonders, such as the beguiling Temple of Luxor and the mystifying Valley of the Kings and Queens. Plus, come face-to-face with the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Sphinx and the three Pyramids of Giza. This unforgettable itinerary includes exclusive experiences, such as a private tour of the tomb of Queen Nefertari and a private lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace. Uncover the many mysteries and secrets that have shaped Egypt’s past and continue to influence the future of this remarkable land.

AMA Dahlia defines luxury on the rivers with AMA Waterways

Sail the Nile on the Luxurious AMA Dahlia

THERE’S MORE: AMA Waterways has put together several pre- and post-cruise packages to destinations in the region. If you have always wanted to see Dubai and the world’s tallest building, you can spend 3 nights there before the cruise. You can also do this and have a post-cruise 4-night stay in Israel.

Another choice is to have 4 nights in Israel with the 3 nights pre-cruise extension in Jordan.

What an extraordinary opportunity to see more of this ancient and historical part of the world.

An extraordinary visit to Petra is yours on the extension of your Nile Cruise with AMA Waterways

Zambezi Queen-

This ship was designed and created in 2009 to sail exclusively on the Chobe River. It’s small size, accommodating only 28 passengers, ensures unobstructed views of the wildlife from anywhere on the ship.

Imagine the photos you can take on your Chobe River cruise.

With AMA Waterways, there are five unique itineraries that include the 4-night cruise on the Chobe. With the Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruise, you can spend time in Cape Town and experience the world renown Victoria Falls on your 10-night adventure.

If you have always wanted to take a luxury rail trip, the Rivers & Rails of Africa tour will start in Cape Town, include your cruise and Victoria Falls and transport you to Johannesburg on the elegant Rovos Rail in an upgraded deluxe suite. You will have 13 nights of exquisite luxury on land, on your cruise and on the wonderful Rovos Rail.

Want to experience life in the bush? You should consider the 13-night Wildlife & The Falls itinerary. It combines Johannesburg, Victoria Falls and 3 nights in Kruger National Park. You will have morning and afternoon game drives, with only 6 guests in each vehicle to guarantee an opportunity for once in a lifetime sightings of the animals in their natural habitat.

If you want to savor this trip for longer, I suggest either the 15-night Stars of South Africa or the 17-night Golden Trails of East Africa.

Whichever option works best for you, this is the trip of a lifetime and now is the time for you to check it off your bucket list.

AMA Douro-

In 2019 Rudi and his team launched the AMA Douro to sail exclusively on The Douro river and explore Portugal and Spain. While she only has 51 staterooms, she exemplifies the same standards of luxury and service as others in the fleet.

There are two exciting 7-night itineraries: one exclusively in Portugal and another that includes the country of Spain. On both cruises you will experience the Port wine tastings, historic places that have been the destinations of pilgrims for hundreds of years and the wonderful tradition of Flamenco.

AMA Dara-

Envision Vietnam and Cambodia and you think of the exotic Mekong river, ancient temples and a culture very different from our own. You will experience all these and more with an AMA Waterways cruise. I will always remember when Jacqueline Kennedy visited Angkor Wat to fulfill one of her “lifelong dreams”. At that time, it was not something you or I could do. Rudi Schreiner and AMA Waterways have now made it possible for us to make this journey on the intimate 124-passenger AMA Dara.

You will visit rural villages, colorful markets, and a monastery, where you will receive a special Buddhist blessing. Delve into the peaks and valleys of Cambodia’s history in the Royal Palace and National Museums of its beautiful capital, Phnom Penh. Witness skilled artisans who create exquisite handicrafts and delicacies, and be treated to authentic experiences, including rides via oxcart, tut tut and trishaw. On this transformative journey, the Mekong truly reveals a vibrant world along its shores.

NOW IS NOT TOO SOON to begin taking steps to find your next exciting river cruise. Unique Journeys is a valuable asset to make certain you get the right cruise at the right time and for the right price. Don’t go it alone and risk not having the best experience possible. Together we will give you the vacation you deserve.