AmaWaterways Expands Soulful Experience Sailings To Incorporate Colombia

AmaWaterways has announced it will be offering four different ‘Soulful Experience’itineraries in as many countries for 2025, including for the first time its newest destination, Colombia. These curated experiences celebrate the heritage, traditions and cultures of the Black community in international destinations rich with African history. Guests can choose to cruise Egypt’s Nile (14th May 2025), France’s Provence region (21st August 2025), Portugal’s Douro (14th November 2025), and Colombia’s Magdalena River (18th October 2025).

Every Soulful Experience sailing presents genuine experiences and excursions that honour Black history and heritage. Complementing AmaWaterways‘ renowned warm and personalised onboard service, as well as locally inspired dining, guests can anticipate nightly entertainment while surrounded by fellow travellers who share their enthusiasm for uncovering Black culture.

Magic of Colombia

Black history in Colombia is rich and complex, defined by the interplay of slavery, resistance, and cultural preservation. Cartagena, the heart of this history, is the last port of call of AmaWaterways’ seven-night Magic of Colombia sailing on the Magdalena River.

Both Colombia and the 60-guest AmaMagdalena are new for AmaWaterways in 2025, so guests on this 18thOctober, 2025 sailing will be among the first to take in the rich history and culture of this often-overlooked part of the world. Every day is an education of Latin American musical styles including cumbia and vallenato, and exciting performances at a colourful Carnaval in Barranquilla (AmaWaterways exclusive). Stops in Nueva Venecia, Santa Barbara de Ponto, Mompox, El Banco and Calamar offer tours of stilt houses, jazz street performances, exploration of Cienága Pijiño (known for its diverse bird life), and a tour of Getsemaní – a colourful neighborhood in Cartagena, known for its street art, bars, restaurants, and cafes. Three-night land packages are offered pre- and/or post-cruise in Medellín or Panama. 

Colours of Provence

France has a rich history of Black culture, art, and history, and AmaWaterways’ 10-night Colours of Provenceopens the doors to much of it. The cruise on the award-winning AmaKristina departs 21st August 2025, sailing from Arles to Lyon before spending three nights in Paris, a city steeped in the history of famous Black artists, writers and entertainers. In Avignon, guests visit the Blachère Foundation, which promotes the contemporary creation of artists from Africa and its diaspora; a truffle farm in Viviers; and Roman ruins in Vienne. They also partake in an evening wine and chocolate experience, jazz performance, steam train ride and a tasting tour at Lyon’s Les Halles Market. Highlights in Paris include the Arc de Triomphe, the Monument to the Abolition of Slavery, and insights into the Code Noir (the decree that defined the conditions of slavery conduct until 1789). Guests explore Montmartre’s jazz roots, visit Little Africa in La Goutte d’or, and end with the Latin Quarter and Pantheon Square’s tribute to Josephine Baker from 2021. 

Enticing Douro

Lisbon has a rich history of African and Black presence. The city was home to a significant population of free Africans, played a key role in the transatlantic slave trade, and was the site of Europe’s first African neighborhood. AmaWaterways’ 10-night Enticing Douro (departing 14th November 2025) includes three nights in Lisbon followed by a seven-night sailing along Portugal’s Douro River on board the 102-passenger AmaSintra. The Douro is known for some of Europe’s most beautiful scenery, great wines and foods, and friendly people. In Lisbon, guests tour “City of Seven Hills”; and the Royal Sintra – Portugal’s best-preserved medieval royal residence. Along the journey, guests are treated to exclusive Brazilian and African food tastings and authentic Portuguese cuisine and port wines during two shoreside dinners at local wine estates, known as quintas. All while taking in the mournful sounds of fado music. 

Secrets of Egypt & The Nile

The 11-night immersive sailing on AmaDahlia, departing from Cairo on 14th May 2025, offers guests an exceptional journey of discovery and is aptly named Secrets of Egypt & The Nile. The programme begins with three nights in the vibrant city of Cairo, where guests will tour the Egyptian Museum (featuring King Tut’s treasures), the Alabaster Mosque, and the ancient pyramids of Memphis. The exploration continues to Luxor for a seven-night Nile cruise aboard the luxurious 72-passenger AmaDahlia. Stops in Edfu, Aswan, Esna, Kom Ombo and Qena allow for exclusive access to the tomb of Queen Nefertari on a private tour, a private lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace, and a visit to a Nubian village where the people who live there carry on the traditions of their ancient African roots, considered one of the earliest cradles of civilization. Daily tours and onboard experiences illuminate the rich African history of the region and its culinary delights. 

The seven-night Soulful Experience – Secrets of Egypt and the Nile cruise combined with three nights in Cairo pre-cruise and two nights post cruise costs from €5.255 per person on cruise only basis. Cruising with AmaWaterways includes fine dining in multiple venues, including The Chef’s Table speciality restaurant, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, a daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks, a daily variety of small group excursions, including hiking, biking and special interest tours, high-quality Wi-Fi, a complimentary Wellness programme in Europe and on the Mekong with a variety of host-led fitness classes, and much more.

To book an AmaWaterways river cruise visit AmaWaterways.eu or call +44 (0) 333 305 3926.