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You Don’t Want to Miss These 4 Soulful Journeys with AmaWaterways

February 11, 20254 min read

By Michelle Marks - Dragon Wolf Travel

Travel is more than seeing new places—it’s about immersing yourself in the stories, cultures, and histories that shape the world. With AmaWaterways’ Soulful Epicurean Experience, you’ll enjoy luxury river cruising while connecting with African heritage and cultural influences along the way.

For 2025, AmaWaterways presents four thoughtfully curated itineraries that go beyond sightseeing. These journeys take you from the mystical Nile in Egypt to the vineyards of Portugal’s Douro Valley, blending gourmet cuisine, soulful music, and rich history for a one-of-a-kind travel experience.

Note: Some 2025 sailings have limited availability, but don’t worry—AmaWaterways has opened select itineraries for 2026. Book early to secure your spot!


1. Secrets of Egypt & The Nile (2026 Sailing Available)

Scenic Cruise On The Nile River

📅 Departure Date: May 14, 2025
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Route: Roundtrip Luxor, Egypt 7-night cruise plus 4 nights in Cairo

Step back in time on a journey along the legendary Nile River, where ancient wonders and powerful stories of the African diaspora await. On this cruise, you’ll visit iconic landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings while enjoying onboard performances that honor African heritage.

Highlights:

  • Private tour of the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx

  • Visits to Luxor Temple and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites

  • Soulful evening performances onboard

💡 Why This Matters: This journey bridges history and heritage, offering a deeper connection to the African influence on one of the world’s most significant civilizations.


2. Colors of Provence (Limited Availability; 2026 Sailing Available)

Beaujolais, France

📅 Departure Date: August 21, 2025
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Route: Arles to Lyon, France 7-night cruise plus 3 nights in Paris

Cruise through the lavender fields and vineyards of southern France, with stops that highlight the profound impact of African-American artists, musicians, and writers who made Paris their home during the Harlem Renaissance. Pair these cultural explorations with world-class French cuisine and wine for a truly enriching experience.

Highlights:

  • Guided tours of Montmartre and other Paris landmarks tied to African-American history

  • Wine tastings in the Rhône Valley, accompanied by soulful music performances

  • Evening jazz concerts celebrating the legacy of African-American artists in France

💡 Why This Matters: This itinerary honors the cultural contributions of African-Americans in France, blending art, music, and history into an inspiring journey.


3. Magic of Colombia (Limited Availability)

Cumbia in El Banco, Columbia

📅 Departure Date: October 18, 2025
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Route: Barranquilla to Cartagena. Columbia 7-night cruise (optional 3-night extension in Medellín)

Colombia’s vibrant Caribbean coast is alive with culture, rhythms, and history. This cruise takes travelers to the heart of Afro-Colombian heritage through visits to historic towns, lively music performances, and mouthwatering cuisine.

Highlights:

  • Immersive tours of Cartagena, including a visit to Palenque, the first free African town in the Americas

  • Evenings filled with traditional Colombian music and dance

  • Optional extension to Medellín to explore the city’s transformation and Afro-Colombian influences

💡 Why This Matters: This itinerary showcases Colombia’s rich Afro-Caribbean culture, offering a look into the resilience and vibrancy of its people and history.


4. Enticing Douro (Limited Availability)

Pinhao Vineyards, Portugal

📅 Departure Date: November 14, 2025
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Route: Roundtrip Porto, Portugal plus 3 nights in Lisbon

Sail through Portugal’s Douro Valley, where terraced vineyards, charming villages, and a deep cultural history await. This cruise dives into the African and Moorish influence on Portuguese culture, blending soulful experiences with wine tastings and historical tours.

Highlights:

  • Tours of Lisbon’s Alfama district, exploring its African and Moorish roots

  • Visits to wine cellars in Porto for tastings of the region’s famous Port wine

  • Onboard events featuring soulful music and storytelling

💡 Why This Matters: Portugal’s long history as a meeting point of cultures is celebrated through this journey, offering a soulful perspective on the region’s African influence.


Why Choose the Soulful Epicurean Experience?

These cruises are much more than luxury vacations—they are opportunities to:

  • Celebrate the contributions of the African diaspora through meaningful cultural experiences.

  • Relax and indulge with world-class amenities on AmaWaterways’ luxury river cruise ships.

  • Immerse yourself in the history, music, and cuisine that define each destination.


Tips for Planning Your Soulful Journey:

🌟 Book Early: These exclusive itineraries tend to fill up fast, so don’t wait too long to secure your spot.
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Extend Your Stay: Consider the optional extensions in destinations like Paris or Medellín to dive even deeper into local culture.
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Get Travel Insurance: Protect your trip with coverage for cancellations, delays, and more.

👉 Explore Travel Insurance Options


Ready to Set Sail on a Soulful Journey?

Whether you’re exploring the ancient wonders of Egypt, enjoying jazz-filled evenings in France, or tasting wine in Portugal, these cruises are designed to connect you with culture, history, and community in meaningful ways.

📖 Visit our website, Dragon Wolf Travel, to view full itineraries and book your trip, or fill out our Travel Request Form for personalized planning support.

📧 Contact us: support@travelwiththedragon.com
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Call us: (888) 561-6115


Travel Prepared: Free Travel Checklist

Even experienced travelers can miss a step. Download our Ultimate Travel Checklist tand stay organized for every part of your Black History Month adventure!

👉 Download Your Free Checklist Now!


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We may receive compensation from third-party providers if travel plans are booked through the links on our site. This helps us continue to offer valuable travel resources and recommendations.


Michelle Marks is the co-owner of Dragon Wolf Travel with her husband, Christopher. An educator and lifelong travel enthusiast, Michelle loves crafting seamless and memorable journeys for families and clients, turning travel dreams into unforgettable adventures.

Florida Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST15578, California Seller of Travel No. 2090937-50, Washington UBID No. 603189022, Iowa Registered Agency No. 1202

Michelle Marks

Michelle Marks is the co-owner of Dragon Wolf Travel with her husband, Christopher. An educator and lifelong travel enthusiast, Michelle loves crafting seamless and memorable journeys for families and clients, turning travel dreams into unforgettable adventures. Florida Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST15578, California Seller of Travel No. 2090937-50, Washington UBID No. 603189022, Iowa Registered Agency No. 1202

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