Sail Through History in Comfort

These remarkable river cruises offer a meaningful way to explore Europe’s most significant battlefields while enjoying the elegance and ease of an AmaWaterways holiday. Each journey combines expert historical guidance with the beauty, culture and cuisine of the regions you will sail through. It is a thoughtful blend of remembrance, education and luxurious travel, designed for those who want a deeper connection to the past without compromising comfort.

Whether you want to mark ANZAC Day on the Dutch Waterways, reflect at the Normandy landing beaches or follow the stories of Waterloo, the Great War and Operation Market Garden, these history cruises reveal the events that shaped modern Europe in an engaging and accessible way.

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What You Can Expect on Every History Cruise

Expertly Guided Experiences

Each tour is fully escorted by a specialist military historian who travels with you throughout the cruise. Their knowledge, stories and on-board seminars provide valuable context and help bring each site to life.

Exclusive Battlefield Touring

Enjoy dedicated battlefield excursions led by your historian. These carefully planned experiences focus on the most significant locations connected to each itinerary and ensure your visit is both respectful and informative.

Full Choice of AmaWaterways Shore Excursions

Outside of battlefield touring, you will have access to AmaWaterways’ full range of included shore excursions, giving you freedom to explore castles, vineyards, old towns and cultural landmarks at your own pace.

Luxurious On-Board Inclusions

Your time on board is just as memorable as your time on shore. Enjoy:

spacious and comfortable staterooms
gourmet dining with complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner
an inviting lounge and sun deck
wellness activities
free WiFi
attentive service throughout

It is a chance to unwind, reflect and enjoy the tranquillity of Europe’s rivers between your touring days.

Image by AmaWaterways

Image by AmaWaterways

A Thoughtful Way to Travel

These cruises offer something very special. They honour the ANZAC spirit, help preserve our shared history and provide a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made across Europe. At the same time, they deliver all the comforts and pleasures of an AmaWaterways holiday, allowing you to explore at a relaxed pace and enjoy the beauty of each region.

If you are interested in history, remembrance and immersive travel, these journeys offer an unforgettable way to experience Europe.

ANZAC Day 2027 Holland & Belgium

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours

From $9,895 pp/twin

8 days

Departs Amsterdam

23 April 2027

Mark Anzac Day in a truly meaningful way on a AmaWaterways river cruise through the scenic waterways of Holland and Belgium during tulip season. Travel aboard AmaSerena with an expert historian and visit three significant battlefields: Waterloo, the site of Napoleon’s downfall; the Ypres Salient, central to the First World War; and locations linked to Operation Market Garden in the Second World War. Spend Anzac Day in the Ypres region, where Australian and New Zealand troops served in 1917, and attend the commemorative service at the Menin Gate.

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Highlights Include

Services of an expert Historian throughout the journey

Commemorate Anzac Day with a special service at the Menin Gate

Spend Anzac Day exploring the battlefields of the Ypres Salient

4-days exclusive battlefield touring exploring Waterloo, WWI & WWII

Luxury accommodation aboard AmaSerena in stateroom of your choice; complimentary WiFi; luxurious on-board amenities

All tips and gratuities, port taxes, embarkation, disembarkation and lock fees are included.

From$9,895pp/twin

D-DAY Anniversary River Cruise Normandy

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours

From $10,763 pp/twin

8 days

Departs Paris

03 June 2027

Embark on a memorable AmaWaterways river cruise through Normandy to honour the anniversary of D-Day. Cruise along the Seine aboard the luxury AmaLyra and gain deeper insight into this pivotal moment in history with the guidance of a specialist military historian. The itinerary includes time at the Normandy landing beaches on June 6, time to wander the medieval streets of Rouen to learn about Joan of Arc’s final days, and to enjoy the serenity of Monet’s celebrated gardens at Giverny.

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Highlights Include

Services of an expert Historian throughout the journey

Commemorate D-Day Anniversary on the Normandy D-Day landing beaches

2-days exclusive battlefield touring Normandy D-Day landing beaches

Luxury accommodation aboard AmaLyra in stateroom of your choice; Complimentary WiFi; Luxurious on-board amenities

All tips and gratuities, port taxes, embarkation, disembarkation and lock fees are included.

From$10,763pp/twin

Waterloo WWI River Cruise 2027

Mat McLachlan Signature Tour

From $11,697 pp/twin

8 Days

Departs from Amsterdam

18 September 2027

This AmaWaterways cruise traces three defining moments in European history: the Napoleonic Wars, the First World War and the Second World War, including a tribute to the 83rd anniversary of Operation Market Garden. Sail with Mat McLachlan himself onboard the new AmaSofia to explore Waterloo, walk the historic fields of the Ypres Salient, and learn about the airborne landings of 1944.

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Highlights Include

Personally escorted by Mat McLachlan

Commemorate 110th anniversary of the Battle of Menin Road on the Ypres Salient

Commemorate anniversary of Operation Market Garden in Eindhoven & Arnhem

4-days exclusive battlefield touring

Luxury accommodation aboard brand new AmaSofia in stateroom of your choice; Complimentary WiFi; Luxurious on-board amenities

All tips and gratuities, port taxes, embarkation, disembarkation and lock fees are included.

From$11,697pp/twin

Plan Your Battlefields Commemoration Today

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Amazing Travel Agent!

While we were probably difficult clients with ever changing demands, Philip was very accommodating and sorted a fantastic holiday for us!He was always able to offer alternative options to us to plan our Honeymoon of 6 weeks in Europe.

Best travel agent I have used

Philip has helped us with three cruises now, along with associated tours, flights and accommodation. Philip is always super fast to respond to queries, making life easier if things go awry. Philip also knows our preferences and sends us details of holidays that match our needs. I highly recommend using a travel agent to book cruises. And as Philip is the best travel agent I have used, I highly recommend you use him.

A life changing journey

I’ve known Philip for many years, which only strengthens my view. He turned my complex South America plans into a seamless, life-changing journey. His dedication is unmatched – even on his family holiday, he paused celebrations to finalise a last-minute cruise booking for a client. That says it all. I wholeheartedly recommend Holidays Beckon.

We had an amazing trip

Philip was fantastic in planning our Europe holiday. The accommodation he booked was clean, well-located and met all our needs. His tour suggestions were spot-on, and he always responded quickly to our questions. We had an amazing trip and look forward to booking our next cruise with his help.

He is always so helpful

We have just returned from a holidays in Adelaide. This was the 4th trip Philip has organised for me & I will certainly be using Holidays Beckon to arrange our next one. He is always so helpful with ideas and planning, patient, and great with communication. Thanks again Philip.

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Battlefield River Cruises

Sail Through History in Comfort