Smithsonian Journeys and AmaWaterways are expanding their 2028 river cruise offerings with 50 departures across 15 itineraries, including two new voyages and new departure dates on several returning favorites.
The collection gives travel advisors more options for clients who want to combine river cruising with deeper cultural and historical exploration. Each sailing features exclusive excursions and opportunities to engage with Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including art historians, archaeologists, scientists, anthropologists and other scholars.
New Ways to Explore Holland, Belgium and the Rhine
The new Waterways of Holland and Belgium: Timeless Cities, Art and Heritage is an 8-day sailing from Amsterdam that visits Bruges, Rotterdam and Antwerp. Departures are set for July 22–29 and Sept. 2–9, 2028.
For advisors, the excursion choices make this itinerary particularly flexible. Clients can bike to the Kinderdijk windmills, visit world-class museums or make chocolate in Ghent, allowing the sailing to be tailored to interests ranging from active travel to art and culinary experiences.
Also new for 2028 is Cruising the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, an 8-day journey through historic cities, medieval villages and celebrated wine regions. Departures are scheduled for May 31–June 10, Oct. 4–14 and Dec. 23, 2028–Jan. 2, 2029.
New 2028 Dates Across Europe
Several returning Smithsonian Journeys itineraries will also add new 2028 departure dates.
Along the Seine: A River Cruise from Paris to Normandy itinerary takes guests from Paris through Normandy, with opportunities to explore Rouen, Omaha Beach, and the region’s culinary traditions, while following connections to artists including Claude Monet and Josephine Baker.
Burgundy and Provence River Cruise adds three 2028 departures, sailing the Saone and Rhone. The 8-day itinerary focuses on French food, culture and scenery, with optional guided bike rides and hikes.
For clients looking for a longer European river cruise, The Grand Danube: A River Cruise from Germany to Romania spans 15 days and eight countries, with visits to Budapest and Vienna as well as destinations in Croatia and Bulgaria.
And for holiday travelers, Christmas Markets along the Danube adds two 2028 departures from Nuremberg to Budapest. The 8-day sailing visits Christmas markets in Germany, Austria and Hungary, with rates starting at $4,139 per person.
The 2028 river cruise collection is now available to book through Smithsonian Journeys and AmaWaterways.
For more information, visit smithsonianjourneys.org.
