A Soulful Experience
By Lola Méndez

A Soulful Experience
By Lola Méndez

Celebrate Black history & culture on an AmaWaterways river cruise.

Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback from AmaWaterways’ first-ever “Soulful Experience” in France on the Rhône River in 2023, they are delighted to share even more opportunities for travelers to discover more about the African and Black Diaspora around the globe. The expanded offerings include five new Soulful Experiences along our world’s rivers in 2024 and 2025, all celebrating Black heritage. Plus, enjoy the exquisite cuisine, enriching guided excursions, unparalleled service and exclusive experiences only AmaWaterways provides.

Sailing through Portugal on the Enticing Douro Soulful Experience route, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a three-night pre-cruise land package where you can learn about the history of the African diaspora in Lisbon, before embarking on AmaDouro in Porto for a seven-night river cruise along the Douro River. Onboard, enjoy fado music and authentic Portuguese culinary experiences along with unique wine tastings at local wine estates known as quintas.
The Colors of Provence Soulful Experience includes three nights in Paris pre- or post-cruise where you will learn about France’s Black heritage and the impact historical Black artists, writers, and entertainers had on the City of Love. Sail the Rhône River from Arles to Lyon on AmaKristina. Exclusive experiences celebrate Black heritage including guided tours highlighting jazz in addition to enjoying regional cuisine.

Sailing through Portugal on the Enticing Douro Soulful Experience route, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a three-night pre-cruise land package where you can learn about the history of the African diaspora in Lisbon, before embarking on AmaDouro in Porto for a seven-night river cruise along the Douro River. Onboard, enjoy fado music and authentic Portuguese culinary experiences along with unique wine tastings at local wine estates known as quintas.
The Colors of Provence Soulful Experience includes three nights in Paris pre- or post-cruise where you will learn about France’s Black heritage and the impact historical Black artists, writers, and entertainers had on the City of Love. Sail the Rhône River from Arles to Lyon on AmaKristina. Exclusive experiences celebrate Black heritage including guided tours highlighting jazz in addition to enjoying regional cuisine.
When sailing on the 11-night Secrets of Egypt & The Nile Soulful Experience, you’ll experience a pre-cruise land package in Cairo with visits to the city’s extraordinary museums and The Great Pyramid, the only Wonder of the Ancient World still in existence. After Cairo, guests board the 72-passenger AmaDahlia for a leisurely seven-night river cruise down the Nile. The roundtrip route begins and ends in Luxor, with stops in Edfu, Aswan, Esna, Kom Ombo, and Qena, all of which are home to ancient Egyptian temples. Daily tours and onboard experiences illuminate the rich African history of the region and local culinary delights. A highlight of the trip is a visit to a Nubian Village to meet locals who conserve the traditions of their ancestors that once ruled Egypt.

When sailing on the 11-night Secrets of Egypt & The Nile Soulful Experience, you’ll experience a pre-cruise land package in Cairo with visits to the city’s extraordinary museums and The Great Pyramid, the only Wonder of the Ancient World still in existence. After Cairo, guests board the 72-passenger AmaDahlia for a leisurely seven-night river cruise down the Nile. The roundtrip route begins and ends in Luxor, with stops in Edfu, Aswan, Esna, Kom Ombo, and Qena, all of which are home to ancient Egyptian temples. Daily tours and onboard experiences illuminate the rich African history of the region and local culinary delights. A highlight of the trip is a visit to a Nubian Village to meet locals who conserve the traditions of their ancestors that once ruled Egypt.


In 2025, AmaWaterways will debut two new Soulful Experience destinations: South Africa and Colombia. The Stars of South Africa sailing is a 4-night cruise with a 10-night post-cruise land excursion including safaris by river and land, African penguin spotting in Cape Town’s Boulders Beach, a visit to the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula, and a walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela during a visit to his Soweto home.
The Magic of Colombia’s seven-night sailing on the Magdalena River will introduce guests to Colombia’s storied Black history. Guests will experience a cumbia performance in El Banco and an exclusive colorful Carnaval experience in Barranquilla. Also, on the itinerary are plenty of chances to enjoy Colombian coffee, and spot endemic birds and wildlife.

In 2025, AmaWaterways will debut two new Soulful Experience destinations: South Africa and Colombia. The Stars of South Africa sailing is a 4-night cruise with a 10-night post-cruise land excursion including safaris by river and land, African penguin spotting in Cape Town’s Boulders Beach, a visit to the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula, and a walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela during a visit to his Soweto home.
The Magic of Colombia’s seven-night sailing on the Magdalena River will introduce guests to Colombia’s storied Black history. Guests will experience a cumbia performance in El Banco and an exclusive colorful Carnaval experience in Barranquilla. Also, on the itinerary are plenty of chances to enjoy Colombian coffee, and spot endemic birds and wildlife.

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I have had the pleasure of being a senior executive in several top travel companies over the past 30 years and learned all sides of the travel business from the inside out. With my passion for travel, insider knowledge, my connections and understanding of how to create unforgettable experiences, Insider Luxury Travel was created.
The definition of luxury travel to me is to have a new experience and immerse oneself in a destination.
The mode of travel and type of accommodation used can vary from a 5-star hotel or a boutique property to an eco-style lodge but the common theme is that the experience is a special one.
I deliver seamless and personal service helping you to plan and then enjoy authentic, quality experiences that will be long remembered.
I am a travel coach, that will help you to get the best value for your travel dollar. You may enjoy searching on the internet for travel inspiration (I do too!), but when you would like sound advice and someone who will provide you wit ...