Hi there! It’s Kate, and I am so glad you’re here. If you’ve been dreaming of a European getaway that feels a bit more intimate and “undiscovered,” I have a secret to share with you.
I have a river you can sail that I think is one the prettiest: the Seine River. I first hosted a group on this route in June 2023, and I loved seeing the french houses, chateaus, and swans along the river.
I actually brought my “adopted parents” along on that trip—you know those special neighbors who become family? They told me it was one of the best trips they had ever had. Seeing the joy on their faces as they explored the French countryside is exactly why I do what I do.
The Seine feels remarkably different from other European rivers. It’s a lot less industrial than the Rhine or the Danube; instead of busy factories, you’ll see graceful swans gliding past, chalky white cliffs, and rolling green hills. Because this is a round-trip river cruise that starts and ends in Paris, it is incredibly convenient for an extended stay in Paris as well. We sail north into the heart of Normandy and then meander back toward the “City of Light.”
What makes this journey so special is how the scenery evolves:
This year, I am thrilled to be working with Amadeus for this route and I will fill you in on why. While they aren’t widely advertised on TV in the United States, they are a hidden jewel among travel advisors that know about them.
As a family-owned Austrian company, they bring a level of care that fits our group perfectly. I absolutely love that it is an Austrian company and they even have a Vienna Cafe on board their ships!
They do things a little bit differently, which I find very refreshing:
My goal is always to make your travel as seamless as possible. With Amadeus, we have the flexibility to choose the exact excursion packages we want. Whether you’re excited to say “Bonjour” to the friendly locals in Paris or ready to see the cliffs of Normandy, this trip offers a little bit of everything.
I would love for you to join us on this special departure. There is nothing quite like the peace of the French countryside combined with the elegance of a boutique ship to truly recharge your spirit. I’ve taken care of all the “behind the scenes” logistics so that all you have to do is show up, relax, and let the beauty of the Seine unfold before you. It’s going to be an absolutely wonderful experience!
Ready for more French inspiration? If you are still daydreaming about your time in France, be sure to check out some of my other favorite blogs to help you prepare. You can dive into Paris in Seasons to discover the best time to visit the City of Light based on your trip style, or check out Myths About France so we can clear up some common misconceptions before you arrive. I also recommend reading Different Ports, Food & Delights for a guide to the flavors and local treats you’ll find at each stop, and of course, The Europe Bucket List to see why this journey belongs at the very top of your list!
I truly believe that the best stories are found between the pages of a passport, and I would be honored to help you write your next chapter in France.
Have you ever walked into a ship and immediately felt your shoulders drop? That was my exact experience when I stepped aboard the Amadeus Riva recently. I often hear from my group members that they want a modern but beautiful ship. This ship delivers exactly that with its airy design and calming jewel tones. It feels like a boutique hotel that just happens to float.
I finally discovered why everyone is buzzing about Amadeus recently. The real magic happens right in the local kitchen on board. We need a little sit-down about why this food tastes so special. Many travelers often overlook this boutique line for the larger corporate names.
I am so happy to have you along for this journey through the Netherlands and Belgium with Amadeus. After a busy River Cruise conference in Amsterdam, stepping onto the Amadeus Diamond felt like a breath of fresh air.