Excursions & Tours: AmaWaterways vs Viking River Cruises

When it comes to river cruising, the journey isn’t just about luxury on the water—it’s about the unforgettable experiences on land. Excursions and tours bring destinations to life, and both AmaWaterways and Viking River Cruises offer distinct approaches to exploration.

Which cruise line offers the best excursion experience for your travel style? Let’s break it down.

AmaWaterways: Inclusive & Immersive Experiences

AmaWaterways is renowned for its all-inclusive approach to excursions, ensuring guests enjoy a variety of cultural and active experiences without extra costs.

✔ Excursions Included in the Fare – Most excursions are complimentary, meaning no surprise add-ons. Popular choices include the Taste of Bavaria tour, guided castle hikes, and immersive vineyard visits.

✔ Smaller Groups for a Personalized Feel – Tours are typically capped at 20-25 guests, allowing for a more engaging and less crowded experience.

✔ Active & Cultural Exploration – Many itineraries offer a mix of activities, including hiking, biking, and culinary tours, catering to active travelers who love hands-on experiences.

✔ Multiple Excursion Options Per Port – Unlike other cruise lines, AmaWaterways often provides two or more excursion choices per stop, letting travelers customize their experience.

📌 Best for: Travelers who enjoy immersive, all-inclusive excursions with cultural depth and activity variety.

Viking River Cruises: Informative & A La Carte Exploration

Viking River Cruises offers a structured approach to excursions, focusing on historical insights and classic sightseeing. However, many of their best experiences come at an additional cost.

✔ Introductory Walking Tours Included – Every port stop includes a standard walking tour led by knowledgeable guides, providing a great overview of each city.

✔ Optional Premium Excursions Available – For those who want a deeper experience, Viking offers optional paid excursions, such as exclusive wine tastings or behind-the-scenes cultural experiences.

✔ Larger Groups on Standard Tours – Viking excursions often include larger groups, which can make interactions less personal compared to AmaWaterways’ capped tours.

✔ Less Variety in Included Excursions – While Viking offers some great optional experiences, travelers who prefer multiple free excursion options per port may find their choices limited.

📌 Best for: Travelers who enjoy structured historical tours with the option to upgrade for exclusive experiences.

Excursion Comparison: What’s the Key Difference?

Feature	AmaWaterways	Viking River Cruises
Excursions Included	Yes, most are complimentary	Standard city tours included, premium excursions extra
Excursion Group Size	Smaller, 20-25 people	Larger groups
Activity Options	Cultural, active, and immersive	Primarily historical and sightseeing
Customization Per Port	Multiple tour choices	One main tour, with paid upgrades
Fitness-Friendly Excursions	Hiking & biking included	Limited active options

Key Takeaway: If you want a variety of included excursions with smaller groups, AmaWaterways is the better choice. If you prefer classic sightseeing with the option to pay for exclusive experiences, Viking may be a better fit.

Which Cruise Line Offers the Best Excursions for You?

🚢 Choose AmaWaterways if you:

• Want all excursions included without worrying about add-on costs.

• Prefer smaller group sizes and a more personalized tour experience.

• Enjoy active experiences, such as hiking and biking, in addition to sightseeing.

• Appreciate having multiple excursion choices at each destination.

🚢 Choose Viking River Cruises if you:

• Prefer structured city tours and are comfortable in larger groups.

• Like the option to pay for premium excursions for a deeper dive into select experiences.

• Enjoy a more traditional approach to sightseeing with an informative focus.

  
  

Final Thoughts

When it comes to excursions and tours, AmaWaterways provides a more inclusive, flexible, and immersive experience, making it ideal for travelers who want variety without extra costs. Viking River Cruises offers a structured, traditional approach with the option to enhance your experience through paid upgrades.

Which river cruise excursion style suits you best? Drop a comment and share your thoughts!

📍 Stay tuned for Part 5, where we’ll wrap up the series with our final thoughts on AmaWaterways vs. Viking River Cruises! 🚢

Excursions & Tours: – FAQ

1. Are AmaWaterways excursions really all included?

Yes! One of the standout features of AmaWaterways is that most excursions—whether it's a vineyard tasting, castle hike, or biking tour—are already included in your fare. No surprise costs. You’ll typically have two or more options per port, and group sizes stay small so it feels more personal and engaging.

2. What kind of excursions does Viking River Cruises offer?

Viking includes a standard city walking tour at every port, perfect for getting an overview of the destination. But if you want more in-depth or unique experiences—like behind-the-scenes access or wine-focused outings—those come at an additional cost. Their focus is more historical and

structured, so if you're looking for cultural deep-dives or active options, you'll need to upgrade.

3. Which cruise line is better for active travelers?

AmaWaterways wins here. They offer guided hikes, cycling tours, and other fitness-friendly options built into the itinerary. Viking, while strong on culture and history, has fewer active excursions and caters more to those who prefer a slower, classic sightseeing pace.

4. Do Viking excursions feel crowded compared to AmaWaterways?

In most cases, yes. Viking’s included tours often have larger groups, which can feel more scripted and less interactive. AmaWaterways limits their group sizes (around 20–25 guests), which creates a more personalized and flexible experience—especially great if you value meaningful guide interactions or a less touristy feel.

5. How do I choose the right river cruise excursion style for me?

It comes down to how you want to explore. If you’re into variety, flexibility, and immersive experiences included in your cruise fare, AmaWaterways is likely your match. If you’re more into structured, classic tours with the option to add a few premium moments, Viking could be a better fit. Not sure? That’s where I come in—I’ll help match your travel style to the perfect cruise experience.