Conjure up in your mind’s eye the picture of you cruising down the Danube River, sailing past charming medieval villages and grand capitals that look like they’ve sprung right out of a fairy tale. AmaWaterways’ seven-night itineraries on the Upper Danube offer you front-row seats to the Wachau Valley’s autumnal splendor that will have you climbing up on deck in your coziest cardigan so you don’t miss any of the glorious fall foliage on display. Meanwhile, the Gems of Southeast Europe cruise takes you along the Lower Danube’s Iron Gates, which will be draped in fall’s warmest shades for breathtaking views you’ll truly never forget.

Now, picture yourself snuggled up on the Sun Deck, sipping hot chocolate, as you’re escorted through the Rhine Gorge – a veritable pageant of more than 40 castles standing and preening like fashion models along the riverside. With innumerable trees in their full fall glory everywhere you look, AmaWaterways’ seven-, 10-, and 11-night escapades on the Rhine, Main, and Moselle rivers are the autumnal joyride you’ve been dreaming of. You’ll sail through countries like the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Hungary, and Romania, and become fully immersed in all the cultural intricacies that have made these places must-see destinations for centuries.

Euripides, who said, “Where there is no wine, there is no love,” would highly appreciate AmaWaterways’ France and Portugal itineraries during the autumn season. This is the time when the festive wine harvest takes center stage and riverbanks are bathed in warmth as leaves shed their greens and don orange, red, and golden yellow hues. Wine connoisseurs, in particular, will delight in the Essence of Burgundy and Provence, Taste of Bordeaux, Enticing Douro, and Flavors of Portugal & Spain sailings, which include visits to grand châteaux and sweeping vineyards and, of course, wine tastings aplenty. Fill up on wine and love regardless of which country you visit, while also dabbling in local café culture, bargaining at bustling markets, basking in the glory of grand cathedrals, and getting a front-row seat at harvest festivals.

One highlight of sailing on AmaWaterways’ autumn itineraries is celebrating holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving on board with fellow revelers. On October 31st, the entire ship is decorated in honor of the spooky holiday and crew members even dress up in costume. Both Canadian and American Thanksgiving celebrations are also honored with delicious feasts and the ship is festooned with harvest-themed decorations throughout. The month of October also sees an Oktoberfest celebration exclusive to AmaWaterways cruisers in the heart of the quaint Bavarian village of Vilshofen. A brew-filled extravaganza complete with pretzels, polkas, and plenty of lederhosen always gets guests into a festive mood. However, travelers craving the real Munich Oktoberfest can add a sprinkling of Munich magic to their Romantic or Grand Danube cruises through the optional land package.