Small Group Tours FAQ: River Cruises, Booking, Insurance, and Travel Questions

Everything you need to know before you travel with us

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Small Group Tour FAQs

Many tours open 12+ months in advance, and popular destinations like Iceland, Ireland, and Christmas Markets often sell out early. Booking early ensures availability and preferred room options.

Most tours include: Premium or boutique hotel accommodations Guided sightseeing and excursions Transportation within the destination Expert tour leaders and local guides These tours are designed to be well-organized and stress-free.

These tours focus on: Smaller group sizes Authentic, immersive experiences Carefully curated itineraries Access to unique destinations and local culture They prioritize quality over quantity.

Yes. Itineraries are thoughtfully designed to balance: Guided activities Structured sightseeing Free time to explore independently This creates a flexible and enjoyable pace.

Travel insurance is absolutely necessary.  A travel insurance policy is needed for health and/or accident expenses.  Emergency evacuation can cover expenses to return home for health care.  We strongly recommend trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your financial investment. 

Small Group Tours are intentionally limited in size somewhere between 10-16, creating a more personal, intimate travel experience compared to large bus tours.

Yes. Solo travelers are very common, and the small group setting makes it easy to connect with others in a friendly, inclusive environment.

You’ll stay in carefully selected hotels and lodges, often in prime locations, with a focus on comfort, charm, and convenience to major attractions

AmaWaterways River Cruise FAQs

AmaWaterways European river cruises include your stateroom, daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine at breakfast, and a daily cocktail hour. Guests also enjoy a variety of included shore excursions in port, such as guided walking tours, bike rides, and other sightseeing experiences, along with many onboard amenities like Wi-Fi, fitness facilities, entertainment, and complimentary use of bicycles on many ships. In short, AmaWaterways offers a highly inclusive river cruise experience with very few extra onboard costs.

You can book directly through Small Group Tours and receive confirmation from both Small Group Tours and AmaWaterways. You’ll have full verification access and can confirm your reservation directly with the cruise line at any time.

We have a generous refund policy detailed on our General Guidelines and Conditions for Traveling Professor AmaWaterways Cruises page. 

Airfare is not included. However, we are happy to advise you on selecting the best air itinerary for your trip. While airfare can be booked through AmaWaterways, we generally recommend purchasing directly with the airline for greater flexibility and control over your reservation.

An AmaWaterways pre-cruise tour typically includes accommodations in carefully selected 4- or 5-star hotels that are centrally located, allowing you to comfortably explore the destination with easy access to major sights, restaurants, and local attractions. Daily breakfast is included, along with guided sightseeing led by professional local guides to help you make the most of your time before the cruise begins. All transportation is arranged for you, including a seamless transfer from your hotel directly to the ship on embarkation day, so there is no need to manage logistics on your own. These packages are designed to provide a smooth, comfortable start to your journey while offering a deeper and more relaxed introduction to your destination.

Traveling Professor guests can expect everything that any other traveler would receive on an AmaWaterways cruise. The staterooms are the same, the dining is the same, the included excursions are the same, and the high level of professional service provided by AmaWaterways is the same. In other words, our guests enjoy the full AmaWaterways experience just as they would if they booked directly with AmaWaterways or through another travel advisor. The difference is that Traveling Professor clients also receive the professional, responsive service and personal attention our travelers have valued for many years, along with advantageous pricing and the pleasure of traveling with a familiar, like-minded group.

The Traveling Professor goes above and beyond to help travelers feel welcome, informed, comfortable, and fully prepared before departure. We assist with important details such as selecting the most suitable stateroom, offering guidance on air travel planning, explaining what to expect during both the pre-cruise tour and the cruise itself, and providing practical advice on packing and trip preparation. When appropriate, we may also help introduce travelers before the trip so the experience feels more familiar and enjoyable from the very beginning. Our goal is to make the entire process smoother, easier, and more personal for every traveler. It is this added layer of personal attention, on top of the excellent professional service provided by AmaWaterways, that makes a Traveling Professor cruise especially distinctive.

Travel insurance is absolutely essential and should be considered a required part of your trip planning. At a minimum, travelers should have coverage for medical expenses and accidents that may occur while traveling, especially outside the United States where Medicare and many domestic health insurance plans may provide little or no coverage. Emergency evacuation coverage is equally important, as the cost of transporting a traveler to an appropriate hospital—or even back home for continued care—can be extremely expensive. We also strongly recommend trip cancellation and interruption insurance to help protect your financial investment in the event of illness, injury, family emergency, weather disruptions, or other covered situations that may force you to cancel, delay, or cut short your trip. In short, travel insurance helps protect both your health and your travel investment.

AmaWaterways excursions are designed to be highly inclusive. In most cases, the guided tours offered in each port are included in the cruise fare, along with professional local guides, entrance fees to featured attractions, and transportation when needed. Guests may often choose from different excursion options based on activity level and interest, and bicycles are also included for guided rides or independent use on many sailings. This gives travelers the flexibility to enjoy sightseeing, cultural experiences, and active touring without paying extra for each excursion.

  • Airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses or optional upgrades

It’s always recommended to review each itinerary for specifics.

Booking, Payment, and Travel Policy FAQs

We specialize in intimate, curated travel experiences with smaller group sizes, personalized service, premium accommodations, and expert-led itineraries. Our tours are designed for meaningful connections — not crowded bus trips.

A valid passport is required for international travel. Visa requirements depend on the destination and your citizenship.

We have a very liberal refund policy.  At any time, if a replacement can be found to take your place, and the cruise is full, all payments are 100% refundable.  Under any circumstances, if you ask for a refund more than 11 months before departure, all payments you have made to us, minus a $25 processing fee, are refundable. 

Airfare is not included.  However, we can advise you on an air itinerary.  It is possible to purchase to purchase airfare through AmaWaterways, but we recommend purchasing it directly from the airline.

If you are traveling to the United Kingdom (including England or Scotland), U.S. passport holders may be required to apply for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), depending on the latest regulations. We advise checking official UK government requirements prior to travel. Requirements can change, so we provide guidance in your pre-departure communication.

Travel insurance is absolutely necessary.  A travel insurance policy is needed for health and/or accident expenses.  Emergency evacuation can cover expenses to return home for health care.  We strongly recommend trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your financial investment. 

For most international tours, we recommend arriving at least one day early to adjust to time changes and avoid travel delays. This helps ensure you’re rested and ready to enjoy the full experience starting on Day One.

We select boutique hotels and premium accommodations that reflect the character of each destination while offering comfort and convenience.


A single supplement is an additional fee that covers the cost difference between double occupancy and single occupancy hotel rooms. Hotels charge per room, not per person — so the supplement ensures solo travelers have a private room.

Single travelers are always welcome on our tours, and availability for single rooms is limited.


We have over 17 years experience as tour operator with a strong reputation for curated travel and personalized service.

Croatia Small Cruise FAQs

This is a true small group experience with approximately 20–34 travelers onboard, creating a relaxed and social atmosphere

The group typically includes a mix of couples, solo travelers, and friends, making it easy to connect with like-minded travelers.

Unlike large ships, this experience offers:

  • A private charter just for your group
  • Access to smaller ports and hidden coves
  • A more personal, uncrowded atmosphere

It focuses on authentic experiences and destination immersion.

Airfare is not included.  However, we can advise you on an air itinerary.  It is possible to purchase to purchase airfare through AmaWaterways, but we recommend purchasing it directly from the airline.

Travel insurance is absolutely necessary.  A travel insurance policy is needed for health and/or accident expenses.  Emergency evacuation can cover expenses to return home for health care.  We strongly recommend trip cancellation/interruption insurance to protect your financial investment. 

Yes. All listed tours, excursions, and cultural experiences are included, such as guided walking tours and special onboard events

Unlikely. The cruise:

  • Travels only a few hours per day
  • Stays close to the coastline
  • Avoids rough open waters

This results in a smooth and comfortable sailing experience.

The itinerary includes iconic stops such as:

  • Dubrovnik
  • Hvar Island
  • Korčula
  • Mljet

Guests also enjoy daily swim stops, island hopping, cultural tours, and local dining experiences.

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