If you’re planning an AmaWaterways river cruise in 2025 and you actually want to move your body (not just get on a bus, take a photo, and get back on the ship), this video is my complete guide to AmaWaterways shore excursions—walking, biking, hiking, and the little “gotchas” that can trip people up. I walk you through how I preview excursions before booking, how Ama’s activity levels (1–5) translate in real life, and what the process looks like once you’re on board and reserving tours in the AmaWaterways app. I also explain why Ama’s approach felt like a game-changer for us compared with Viking: you typically get more than one included option per port, so you can choose the pace and style that fits your day. I share what to expect in ports like Strasbourg, Mainz, and Cologne, plus practical tips for using your free time wisely (yes, shopping and wandering time matters), what I pack for changeable European weather, and my personal tipping guidelines for local guides and drivers. This isn’t sponsored—just the exact planning framework I use so you can book the right excursions and feel confident stepping off the ship.