For those who really like to dig deep and fully immerse themselves in local history and cuisine on their river cruise experiences, AmaWaterways has introduced just the program for you.

The 2009-built AmaDolce docked in Budapest, Hungary. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

Dubbed Bites and Sights, these new tours are designed to highlight the proud heritage of various ports along the waterways of Europe, coupled with local culinary explorations. Cooking classes, walking tours and tastings are offered on select European itineraries, and passengers can even participate in the selection of local produce and preparation of traditional specialties.

“Culinary connoisseurs and wine enthusiasts will fall in love with this great addition to our city tours,” said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ executive vice president and co-owner. “From cooking multi-course meals to tasting local wines, fresh artisanal cheeses and hand-crafted delicacies, our guests are exposed to a true taste of Europe and we hope it will inspire their fondest memories.”

Enjoy a piping cup of Gluhwein, or hot mulled cider. Many markets have unique cups, like these in Koblenz. Photo courtesy of Weihnachtsmarkt Koblenz.

Through AmaWaterways’ unique partnership with the famed La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary organization, guests will be able to set off on intimate group tours limited to 20 people at a single time. Along the way, they’ll visit local markets, cooking schools, and even distilleries as they travel back in time to experience the rich local history ashore like never before.

In Avignon, France, guests are treated to a visit to the Studio of Cabestan, while passengers arriving ashore in Amsterdam find themselves whisked on a panoramic tour of this vibrant city before experiencing a tasting of Jenever, a traditional Dutch liquor. In Belgium, dine on Belgian waffles and a chocolate tasting as only the city of Antwerp can provide.

These new Bites and Sights tours are offered on numerous AmaWaterways itineraries throughout Europe, and full details can be found by visiting the AmaWaterways website. Regardless of which ones you participate in, one thing is for sure: you won’t leave hungry for knowledge or lunch!

More information on AmaWaterways can be found by visiting our complete AmaWaterways company and fleet profiles right here on River Cruise Advisor.