The Art of the Journey: Rivers & Rails Evening
Join Awaken Travels for a complimentary evening of culinary delights and expert insights into the world of luxury river and rail travel with our esteemed partners, AmaWaterways, and the world-class rail experiences of Rocky Mountaineer and Canyon Spirit.
Event Details at a Glance
Date & Time
October 16, 2025
Food & drinks: 5:30 PM
Presentation begins: 6:00 PM
Location
Chestnut Hall at The Commons
4950 Swinyar Drive, Collegedale, TN
What's Included
Complimentary dinner & beverages, expert presentations, Q&A, and VIP preview of hosted journeys
Your Hosts
Cindi Sanden & Denise Karnes, Awaken Travels
Space is limited!
A Personal Note from Your Travel Coaches
"We founded Awaken Travels on a simple but powerful belief: travel can be transformative. It's more than just seeing new places; it's about creating memories with those you love, expanding your perspective, and connecting more deeply with the world and with yourself. As your Travel Coaches, our greatest joy is guiding you toward these life-enriching experiences.
We've designed this evening as a space for inspiration and community. It's an opportunity for us to share our passion, introduce you to partners we trust implicitly, and dream alongside you about the adventures that await. We can't wait to welcome you."
Discover the Heart of the River
An Introduction to AmaWaterways
The World Unfolds from Your Twin Balcony
Imagine waking up to the gentle glide of the river, stepping onto your private balcony as fairytale castles and vineyard-clad hills drift by. This is the AmaWaterways experience. As a family-owned company, their name, 'Ama,' meaning 'love,' is at the heart of everything they do.
From the warm, attentive service of the crew to the intimate size of their ships, you feel less like a passenger and more like a cherished guest. Explore the legendary Danube, the romantic Seine, or the vibrant Magdalena River in Colombia, unpacking just once and letting Europe and South America's most historic waterways carry you to the heart of each destination.
A Culinary Journey as Rich as the Scenery
On an AmaWaterways cruise, every meal is a destination in itself. As the only river cruise line inducted into the prestigious La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs gastronomic society, their commitment to culinary excellence is unparalleled. Enjoy exquisite, farm-to-table cuisine sourced from local family farms along the river, ensuring every dish is a fresh, authentic taste of the region.
More AmaWaterways Experiences
Experience the Majesty of the Canadian Rockies
An Introduction to Rocky Mountaineer
At night, you'll rest comfortably in a hotel, ready for the next day's adventure. Step onto the exclusive outdoor viewing platform to feel the crisp mountain air, or indulge in the premium GoldLeaf Service, featuring a bi-level coach with a full glass-dome on the upper level and a private dining room below serving gourmet, regionally-inspired cuisine.
This is a bucket-list journey through some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on Earth.
A Front-Row Seat to Nature's Grandest Theatre
There are landscapes so vast and majestic they demand to be seen in their full glory. Rocky Mountaineer offers the ultimate front-row seat to the untamed wilderness of the Canadian Rockies. Journey by daylight in a luxurious, glass-dome coach, ensuring you never miss a moment of the breathtaking scenery—from cascading waterfalls and turquoise glacial lakes to the potential sighting of a grizzly bear or soaring bald eagle.
More Rocky Mountaineer Views
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Discover the Soul of the Southwest
An Introduction to Canyon Spirit
Journey Through America's Iconic Canyon Country
From the creators of Rocky Mountaineer comes Canyon Spirit, a new brand dedicated to the soul-stirring landscapes of the American Southwest. On the celebrated "Rockies to the Red Rocks" route, you will glide past stunning deserts, towering red rock formations, and deep canyons carved by the Colorado River—vistas inaccessible to most travelers.
While the name is new, the world-class service and onboard experience remain the same, delivered by the same dedicated team. Travel by daylight in a custom-designed glass-dome coach, enjoying panoramic views, rich storytelling from your hosts, and regionally-inspired cuisine, all while sleeping comfortably in a hotel each night.
This is an unforgettable rail journey into the vibrant heart of America's canyonlands.
More Canyon Spirit Adventures
Our Expert Travel Partners
Carson Hobart
Business Development Manager, AmaWaterways
Representing the Heart of the River™, Carson brings a wealth of knowledge about AmaWaterways' award-winning fleet and diverse itineraries. He is passionate about sharing the stories behind their family-owned company and helping travelers discover the magic of luxury river cruising.
Jeff Caesar
Key Account Manager, Armstrong Collective
Representing both Rocky Mountaineer and the new Canyon Spirit brand, Jeff is an expert on North America's most iconic rail journeys. He will transport you from the heart of the Canadian Rockies to the vibrant canyons of the American Southwest with stunning visuals and insider tips.
The Evening's Itinerary
What to Expect
Your complimentary evening at the beautiful Chestnut Hall at The Commons includes:
A Culinary Welcome
Mingle with fellow travelers over a delicious complimentary dinner and beverages in a warm, inviting setting.
Journeys of Discovery
Be transported to Europe's rivers and North America's mountain ranges through stunning visual presentations and captivating stories.
Insider Conversations
Enjoy a relaxed, informal Q&A session. Ask the experts anything—from the best time to travel to what to pack.
A Glimpse into the Future
Get a VIP preview of exclusive, hosted group departures for 2026-2027 curated by Awaken Travels.
An Exclusive Gathering with Limited Seating
Reserve Your Place for an Evening of Inspiration
This is an intimate gathering designed for conversation and connection. To ensure a personal and comfortable experience for all our guests, space is limited. We anticipate this complimentary event will fill up quickly.
Please RSVP by 10/2/2025 to secure your seat.