AmaWaterways Introduces New Paris & Normandy Itineraries on the Seine River

CHATSWORTH, Calif., June 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating the land of Claude Monet, Victor Hugo and Napoleon Bonaparte, AmaWaterways invites guests to explore the rich history and culture of France with two new 2013 itineraries: Paris & Normandy and The Jewels of France. The Francophile cruises will visit classic French landmarks, enchanting towns and famous wine regions.

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"These itineraries take our guests through the heart of France," said AmaWaterways Founder Rudi Schreiner. "From the design of the French Balconies onboard our ships to the locally-sourced ingredients, menu selections and wines, AmaWaterways combines old-world French charm with a luxury travel experience."

AmaWaterways' French cruises highlight the charm of the Seine and Rhone Rivers with visits to Paris, Vernon, Giverny, Rouen, Les Andelys, Conflans, Barcelona, Perpignan, Arles, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, Vienne, Treveux and Lyon. The itineraries include shore excursions through Roman ruins and medieval villages, wine tastings at rustic French vintners, expeditions to the famous Normandy beaches and walking tours through some of Europe's most beautiful cities and picturesque harbors. AmaWaterways' new 2013 French cruise itineraries are as follows:

PARIS & NORMANDY – Aboard the AmaLegro, the seven-night Seine River cruise will travel through Europe's enchanting cities of Vernon, Rouen, Les Andelys and Conflans before returning to Paris. Excursions include visits to the village of Giverny, where Monet lived for 43 years and tours of Honfleur, a charming French harbor town made famous from artist's paintings. Passengers will say "Oui" to a stroll through Rouen, the historic capital of Normandy, followed by an unforgettable excursion to the famous Normandy beaches. Visit the charming town of Les Andelys, home of the impressive Chateau Gaillard. The trip bodes "au revoir" in the magical city of Paris, where guests will spend two nights.  North American travelers can book voyages from March 29 - Nov. 8, 2013.

JEWELS OF FRANCE – Combining two of France's most beautiful rivers, the seven-night Rhone River cruise and the seven-night Seine River cruise showcase Europe's most charming cities.  Starting with 3-nights in Barcelona, passengers will explore Spain's second largest city. In Arles, France, passengers will board the AmaDagio to cruise through France's legendary wine regions. Excursions include wine tastings; exploring Roman ruins at Pont du Gard & Uzes and visits to the Renaissance palace in Grignan. Disembarking in Lyon, France, passengers will travel to Paris aboard the high-speed TGV train to embark on a seven-night Seine River cruise aboard the AmaLegro through historic northern France. Passengers will visit charming villages, the French harbors made famous by many artists, the famous Normandy Beaches and the impressive Chateau Gaillard before returning to Paris. North American travelers can book voyages from March 26 – Oct. 25, 2013.

The AmaLegro and AmaDagio are luxurious cruising experiences featuring spacious staterooms and suites, which range up to 255 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy Chaine des Rotisseurs culinary creations with free-flowing wine, and unforgettable shore excursions that will immerse them in the local culture and history.

In-room furnishings include plush down bedding, a cozy sitting area, flat-panel TV, hair dryer, safe, terry bathrobes, slippers, individually controlled air-conditioning, ample closet space and bottled water replenished daily. The bathroom features a shower with multi-jet shower heads, spa bath and body toiletries and a magnifying mirror.  Passengers can stay connected with complimentary Internet & Infotainment System with Hollywood movies. Other amenities include a massage and beauty salon. Special highlights include lectures, themed dinners, cooking demonstrations and onboard music performances. For passengers wanting to explore the serene paths along the rivers, AmaWaterways offers a fleet of bicycles onboard.

To download AmaWaterways' 2012 and 2013 brochures, and for more information, please visit www.amawaterways.com. To book, please contact a local travel agent or visit www.amawaterways.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

About AmaWaterways
Founded in 2002 by river cruise pioneer Rudi Schreiner, river cruise executive Kristin Karst and founder of Brendan Vacations, Jimmy Murphy, AmaWaterways is the premier river cruise line on Europe's Danube, Rhine, Main, Mosel and Rhône rivers. Known for its custom-designed ships, extensive complimentary amenities and personalized service levels, AmaWaterways consistently leads the way in river cruising. With destinations traveling through Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia, and new voyages to Africa and Portugal the line's award-winning fleets compliment a variety of travel plans.

The Europe fleet includes the AmaPrima (2013); AmaCerto (2012); AmaVerde (2011); AmaBella (2010); AmaLyra (2009); AmaDolce (2009); AmaCello (2008), AmaDante (2008); AmaLegro (2007) and the AmaDagio (2006).  In the spring of 2012, AmaWaterways will introduce the new 164-passenger AmaCerto in Europe, joining the AmaVerde and AmaBella in offering an exclusive Twin Balcony design in the majority of staterooms; multiple dining venues; complimentary Internet and Infotainment system, a heated swimming pool or whirlpool on the Sun Deck plus many more unique design elements.

In addition to the European destinations, AmaWaterways offers the separate and distinct AmaVoyages to Vietnam and Cambodia via the AmaLotus (2011) and the La Marguerite (2009); Russia via the AmaKatarina (2011); Portugal via the AmaVida (2013); and Africa via the Zambezi Queen (2009).

MEDIA CONTACT:
Mandev Khalsa / Nick Valente
310-395-5050
[email protected] / [email protected]

SOURCE AmaWaterways