Avalon Waterways

There’s something truly romantic about river cruising. It’s a luxury that provides a real delight in seeing the world glide by, a happiness and relaxation so different to any other travel. Avalon Waterways understands the joy that comes with booking a river cruise and wants each guest to experience its unique kind of relaxed luxury.

Whether they’re exploring the many rivers of Europe, the Mekong in South East Asia or the waterways of South America, travellers with Avalon Waterways are encouraged to be themselves and indulge in the comfort and tailored experiences each Avalon Waterways journey provides. Relaxing with a glass of fine wine looking out from the suite’s floor-to-ceiling open air balcony, the breeze brushing their skin; choosing when and where they want to dine as part of the FlexDining™ options on board or gearing up for a shore adventure that suits their own tastes and interests.

Avalon Waterways understands that everyone is different and on every 2019 river cruise, guests can select from a Classic, Discovery or Active option for their included tours.

What does this mean?

CLASSIC: The local expert guides their group through the history and heritage of local destinations. Marvel at the legends and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.   

DISCOVERY: Inspiring and interactive activities have been selected with different interests in mind. Learn the secrets of local cuisine with a cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City or tap into creativity with painting workshops in Provence, a truly immersive cultural experience.

ACTIVE: For travellers who love to keep moving while on holiday, embark on one of the many energetic excursions; from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to cycling, paddling, and hiking their way through scenic locales in places like Austria and France.

Guests choose Avalon Waterways because they want to cruise their own way with a flexibility and personal approach – without sacrificing the luxe touches. There is a desire for a more immersive experience and taking the Classic, Discovery and Active tour options to the next level – Avalon Waterways offers Active Discovery on the Rhine and Active Discovery on the Danube – for passengers who crave a more interactive shore experience in each destination.

Guests have even more options for active and discovery excursions, making these type of interactive cruise experiences even more attractive to a slightly younger crowd.

Avalon Waterways offers laid back luxury and the chance to see new destinations from a unique vantage point that will make memories that last.

www.avalonwaterways.com.au

For years Avalon Waterways has catered to its guests who wanted relaxed luxury, a window into the destinations they sailed through and a taste of what was on offer; from the history and food to the shopping and scenery.

Avalon Waterways designed ships that encouraged socialising amongst guests and crew, and developed included tours that were sure to showcase the best of the best in each port.

And when travellers revealed they were seeking even more interactive, more immersive tour experiences, Avalon Waterways crafted Active Discovery cruises. These itineraries cater to the active traveller; those who crave movement and action on their travels, as well as the guests who want to discover the hidden gems of a place or learn the local secrets.

Active Discovery on the Rhine

Departing from either Amsterdam or Wiesbaden, Germany, this seven-night, eight-day itinerary is available north to south or vice versa. Snaking its way through Germany and the Netherlands, guests will discover both well-known and off-the-beaten-path treasures at each stop, via their choice of active outing. These include climbing the UNESCO World Heritage Marksburg Castle in Braubach; cycling along the Rhine; participating in a re-enactment of Roman Games in Xanten, or joining a running tour in Amsterdam.

For those looking to discover the gems of the area, guests will also have the option to sip on the fine local wines at a tasting in Eltville, learn the art of chocolate at the Chocolate Museum in Cologne and try German delicacies during a culinary tour in Duisburg. Walk the mining corridors of an ancient volcano, marvel at a live concert at Castle Engers, and visit the Zollverein Coal Mine, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or perhaps take part in a Roman Clothes Workshop and get creative with a paintbrush at a painting class in Amsterdam.

From 2019, all ships on the Active Discovery itinerary will feature suite rooms with floor-to-ceiling open air balconies and the bed perfectly positioned facing towards the water, ideal for taking in the scenery.

The FlexDining™ option allows guests to choose when and where they want to dine onboard, with a choice of three different restaurants. Featuring mouthwatering cuisine from regional delicacies to traditional favourites, as well as Avalon’s Avalon Fresh menu, offering an array of healthy dining options.

The inclusions of active and discovery excursions mean those who’ve always loved Avalon Waterways can now enjoy a more hands-on travel experience and for those who haven’t considered river cruising in the past, the new excursions and approach might just tempt them to take a look.

Visit Avalon Waterways: https://www.avalonwaterways.com.au/en/2018/europe-river-cruises/popular-river-cruises/popular-river-cruises/tour?prod=2018.WAW-E&tourcode=WAW

River cruising has fast become a popular way to experience some of Europe’s most treasured cities, offering travellers the chance to unpack just once. They call home to a luxurious suite on board modern and intimate ships full of world class amenities, dining and being entertained as they sail to new and exciting destinations each day.

With so many options available, it’s hard to set your heart on just one, as each river offers a distinct personality and landscape; whether it’s the Rhine (often heralded as the Romantic Rhine) dotted with medieval castles, hillside vineyards and quaint towns; the Seine, Saone & Rhone Rivers of France offering superb wine tasting opportunities and visits to many historical points of interest or the mighty Danube River which offers a glimpse into many fascinating cultures passing up to 10 countries along the way. As a seasoned river cruiser, here are insights into my favourite rivers to visit in Europe…

The Danube

The Danube River is the second longest river in Europe and the main artery on the continent stretching at 2,860 kilometres long. Rising from the Black Forest mountains and flowing south to the Black Sea, the river rages through:

• Germany
• Austria
• Slovakia
• Hungary and
• Romania, just to name a few

Thus, giving you the chance to discover the diversity and rich history of so many of Europe’s cultural gems.

Take in UNESCO World Heritage listed Bamberg and see the medieval 14th century Old Town Hall built on the middle of the Regnitz river, accessible only by two bridges.

Fall in love with the magical city of Vienna home to the finest music and art ever created and spend time in grand Budapest one of Eastern Europe’s liveliest cities offering a vibrant art scene and traditional coffee house culture. The city is packed with famous attractions such as Fisherman’s Bastion offering incredible sweeping views of the Danube River and the Parliament Building and Chain Bridge, beautifully illuminating the Danube and the most photographed of the eight bridges in the city.

The Rhine

The Rhine River boasts some of the most incredible vista’s lined with ancient castles, sprawling vineyards, historic towns, and winding gorges that simply take your breath away.

Starting in the Swiss Alps, the river flows through the Rhineland before spilling onto the North Sea in the Netherlands.  Some of the highlights on the Rhine include:

• Amsterdam and its network of canals and classic architecture
• Cologne buzzing with cafes, bars and shopping opportunities and famous for its gothic twin steepled Cathedral
• Rudesheim deep in the Rhine Valley known for its lush vineyards and famed Riesling wines and
• Strasbourg, with its canals and half-timbered houses perfectly blending both German and French culture.
  

The Seine, Saone and Rhone

Cruising along the Rivers of France you are spoilt with exquisite countryside, ancient Romanesque architecture, monumental war heritage and word class wine and cuisine.

From Paris, the romantic City of Light, you can choose to cruise the Seine River through Northern France to the upper Normandy region visiting Monet’s House and Gardens in Giverny and Normandy’s Landing beaches.

Or south, down the Saone and Rhone Rivers traversing through the Burgundy Region past vivid lavender fields, rolling hills sprinkled with vineyards and ancient roman ruins sparkling with the Provencal light that inspired the likes of Van Gogh and Picasso.

Whichever river you choose to journey on, you will be captivated by France’s grandeur and beauty.

Visit www.avalonwaterways.com.au