In 2023, AmaWaterways River Cruises, a luxury river cruise line, introduced a unique event on the Rhône River called “Soulful Epicurean Experience.” Unique because they artfully curated a Black History experience aboard the award-winning AmaKristina in Arles, France that sailed through the South of France along the Rhône River to Lyon.
The sailing was such a success that the celebrated experience has been expanded for 2024; and recently 2025 sailings have been announced!
You can enjoy a variety of experiences exclusive to these special itineraries, such as guided tours showcasing artists, food and wine, all while shining a light on Black heritage.
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What’s Included on the AmaWaterways Soulful Experiences Sailings?
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Reserve your preferred stateroom on select departures before January 31, 2024 to enjoy special pricing on your uniquely curated river cruise journey.
River Destination Highlights
*2024*
COLORS OF PROVENCE – LYON to ARLES or ARLES to LYON
June 17 – 27, 2024 (two dates available), includes 3 nights in Paris
Join AmaWaterways aboard the award-winning AmaKristina in Arles/Lyon as we cruise along the Rhône River to Lyon/Arles. Explore the cultural history of Marseille, delight in live performances on board and on shore and conclude your journey in Paris, where many Black artists, writers and entertainers made their mark. Enjoy a variety of experiences exclusive to this special itinerary, such as guided tours showcasing jazz, food and wine, all while shining a light on Black heritage. Plus, commemorate Juneteenth on board or in Paris!
Example of What’s Included:
- 7-night river cruise in an elegantly appointed riverview stateroom
- All fine dining in multiple venues on board, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
- Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Daily Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour
- A variety of included excursions each day, such as guided hikes, bike rides and tasting tours
- Complimentary high-quality Wi-Fi
- Transfer from the ship to your hotel in Paris via TGV high-speed train
- A 3-night stay at the Renaissance Arc de Triomphe hotel in Paris* with daily breakfast
- Specially curated Josephine Baker (“the world’s 1st black superstar”) excursion and “Black History of Paris” city tour
- The services of one of our wonderful Cruise Managers throughout your river cruise and land journey
ENTICING DOURO – ROUNDTRIP PORTO
Nov. 13 – 23, 2024, includes 3 nights in Lisbon
Explore the history of the Black and African diaspora in Lisbon and along the breathtaking Douro River. Be treated to authentic Portuguese cuisine and Port during two shoreside dinners at local wine estates known as quintas. Be moved by the mournful sounds of fado music. And above all else, revel in the special feeling that comes from cruising alongside like-minded travelers with a shared heritage and experience. Stay tuned for more details coming soon as we continue to curate experiences to this very special sailing!
Example of What’s Included:
- A 3-night stay at the Intercontinental Lisbon* (or similar), including city tour, Royal Sintra excursion with Pena National Palace visit and daily breakfast
- Transfer from your hotel in Lisbon to your ship in Porto
- All fine dining on board, as well as two authentic Portuguese meals on shore
- Complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Welcome Dinner, Captains Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- Guided excursions including historic walking tours, guided hikes and tastings of Port and local delicacies
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
- Well-equipped fitness room
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- The services of one of our wonderful Cruise Managers throughout your river cruise and land journey
See all 2024 itineraries HERE.
All-New Soulful Experience Destinations
*2025*
STARS OF SOUTH AFRICA – CAPE TOWN to JOHANNESBURG
June 13 – 27, 2025, 14 night River Cruise and Land Safari
On this special departure taking place during both South Africa Youth Day (June 16) and Juneteenth (June 19), celebrate the beauty, history, culture and wildlife along the Chobe River and throughout South Africa. Enjoy safaris by land and river, marvel at the Cape of Good Hope and delight in the sight of African penguins on Boulders Beach. You will also visit one of Soweto’s unique neighborhoods – the center of the uprising against the apartheid state; and walk in the footsteps of activist, Noble Peace Prize Winner and former president Nelson Mandela, visiting his Soweto home as well as UNESCO-designated Robben Island where he was once imprisoned. With a maximum of 28 guests and special speakers in Johannesburg, this once-in-a-lifetime Soulful Experience itinerary promises to be unforgettable.
Example of What’s Included:
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RIVER CRUISE
- 4-night Chobe River cruise on board 28-passenger Zambezi Queen in an air-conditioned balcony suite
- Game viewing deck with pool
- All fine dining on board, including a traditional African dinner and Welcome Dinner
- Complimentary wine, beer and local spirits
- Chobe National Park safari
- Exclusive private picnic in Chobe National Park
- Private boat safaris along the Chobe riverbank
- Visit to an African village for a unique cultural interaction
LAND PACKAGES
- 3 nights at the Cape Grace Hotel in an upgraded Luxury room, including daily breakfast
- Welcome Reception with drinks and tapas
- Full-day Cape of Good Hope tour and local lunch with drinks
- Cableway to the summit of Table Mountain (weather permitting)
- Cape Winelands tour including tastings and lunch OR guided visit to Robben Island followed by lunch
- 2-night stay at the Victoria Falls Hotel in an upgraded Stable Wing room, including daily breakfast
- Cocktail reception aboard a vintage steam train followed by dinner
- Guided tour of Victoria Falls National Park
- Exclusive Sundowner Cruise with tapas
- 2 nights at the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel in a Chateau Suite, including daily breakfast
- Special dinner and presentation
- Soweto tour with local lunch
- 3 nights in a suite at an exclusive and luxurious lodge (Thornybush Lodge)
- Daily morning, afternoon and evening game drives
- All meals, drinks and laundry service
- All airport transfers
MAGIC OF COLOMBIA – BARRANQUILLA to CARTAGENA
Oct. 18 – 25, 2025 (optional 3 nights in Medellin)
Embrace the magic of Colombia as you explore the country along the magical Magdalena River during this special 7-night journey. Move to the beat of a variety of Latin American musical styles including cumbia and vallenato, and revel in exciting performances at a colorful Carnaval experience in Barranquilla just for AmaWaterways guests. Drink a steaming cup of the country’s famous coffee. Listen for the calls of distinctive birds and wildlife not found anywhere else on the planet. Discover timeless traditions while getting to know the friendly guides and residents from diverse backgrounds who live beyond the riverbanks. Enjoy the soul and spirit of Colombia as you sail this river along with AmaWaterways.
Example of What’s Included:
- 7-night river cruise in elegantly appointed twin-balcony stateroom
- All fine dining on board plus a special dinner on shore in El Banco
- Complimentary, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Daily Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour
- A variety of included excursions each day, including birdwatching and boat tours
- Exclusive year-round Carnaval celebration in Barranquilla and cumbia performance in El Banco
- Nightly entertainment including cultural performances
- High-quality Wi-Fi
- Wellness program with daily fitness activities led by a dedicated Wellness Host
- The services of one of our wonderful Cruise Managers throughout your river cruise and land journey
See all 2025 itineraries HERE.
| Hear From Past Guests |
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| For a glimpse of the excitement that awaits on the 2024 & 2025 Soulful Experiences, watch a testimonial video and read about the experience of guests Karen and Monique, a mother-daughter duo who embarked on a journey back in August HERE |
Would you like to learn more and inquire into groups, deals or general information? Let’s set-up a call and I’ll guide you through choosing your Soulful Experience, HERE: calendly.com/theurbantraveler/15min
Jasmin Linton, TICO licensed Travel Agent
Visit me on Instagram, @Urban_Traveler
Visit my Expedia webpage, expediacruises.ca/en-CA/JasminLinton
