The Rhine has welcomed visitors for many years now as a gateway for the hustle and bustle of big cities and the charm of smaller towns and villages. Fancy yourself a bit of a foodie? A history buff? Or do you like to keep active while away from home? Whatever your interests, we’ve created a river cruise that allows you to tailor your holiday with a plethora of included excursions to suit you! And if you’re a Rhine returnee, this cruise visits new ports that you mightn’t have explored before. So, let’s dive in and see what some of the excursions are that await you on Avalon’s Active & Discovery on the Rhine cruise… 

Sip Your Way Through Eltville 

German wine
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Eltville am Rhein is home to some of Germany’s most famous vineyards, so what better place to try the local tipples? Fondly known as the ‘City of Wine’, Eltville is well-known for its sparkling wine and roses. Explore its cobblestone alleyways and hidden courtyards on a guided walk, then quench your thirst with a wine tasting.  

On Your Bike!  

Avalon Waterways Adventure Host

Join your Adventure Host for a different way to explore Düsseldorf – by bike! Strap on a helmet and you’re away, with regular stops along the way so you can still learn about the city’s history. If you happen to visit in July, don’t miss Düsseldorf’s famous Grösste Kirmes am Rhein funfair that dates back to the 1800’s!  

Brush Up On Your Painting Skills 

Avalon Waterways Painting class

Known for its iconic narrow buildings, historic canals, and tulip fields, Amsterdam is the perfect place to garner some inspiration for a painting masterclass. Discover your inner artist and paint away to your heart’s content. Amsterdam is such a vibrant city that always has something going on everywhere you turn – locals commuting by bicycle, sipping coffee at a café, exploring a museum, or socialising with friends in a park.  

Get Your Blood Pumping 

Cologne, Germany
Photo by @tickettwotravel on Instagram

For a unique outlook on Cologne’s history and beauty, your Adventure Host will take you on a jogging tour of this 2,000-year-old city. You’ll see some of Cologne’s famous Romanesque churches, the Old Town, and many quaint houses. With such historic roots, Cologne is still one of Germany’s most important cultural centres and is home to a plethora of art and entertainment venues, more than 100 art galleries and at least 36 museums!  


Thinking of cruising in 2022? Now’s the time to book your 2022 river cruise! Take a look at our full range of Active & Discovery river cruises, and 2022 offers for your Avalon Waterways dream holiday. 

When you come to booking, rest assured that Avalon Waterways has you covered.  

For as long as the COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting travel you can buy now and change later with our Peace of Mind Travel plan for 2022 bookings, giving you the ability to move travel dates through 2023. 

Our Global Health & Safety team has established a worldwide Assurance program with enhanced on-trip protocols and procedures to ensure the health and happiness of our guests. 

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