Avalon puts the “you” in “unique” with special interest themed river cruises. These have been curated to suit your passions and pursuits, providing river cruises for every type of traveller. 

Active & Discovery 

Bike riding in Lyon

If you want your holiday to include action-packed experiences and interactive discoveries, look no further than an Active & Discovery river cruise. Avalon offers an Active & Discovery cruise on almost every European river – the Danube, Rhine, Rhône, Seine and the waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium. One day you could be hiking to a hillside castle, the next you could be in the kitchen learning how to cook local specialties. There are still the traditional sightseeing excursions available, too.  

Storyteller Series 

Diana Gabaldon

Combine scenic ports with the inside scoop on your favourite books, songs, movies and more on Avalon’s Storyteller Series! These river cruises are hosted by celebrity authors, actors, artists and musicians – like Graham McTavish of Outlander and The Hobbit fame, and Diana Gabaldon, the author of the No. 1 New York Times best-selling Outlander series. 

Wine & Beer Lovers 

Wine tasting

If you’re a wine or beef aficionado, elevate your river cruise with a special wine or beer-themed departure. You’ll cruise with a certified sommelier or beer expert, imparting their sage wisdom at every sip. There will be bonus food and wine pairings onboard, and excursions to biergartens, historic breweries and lush vineyards. 

Culinary Experiences 

French market

We all know France’s cuisine is one of the best in the world, so a culinary cruise through Burgundy and Provence should be on your bucket list. From haute cuisine to traditional classics, indulge in the birthplace of crêpes and Chardonnay!  

Festive Season 

Budapest

Feel the spirit of the season onboard a festive river cruise along the Rhine, Danube and Main Rivers. Not only will your Suite Ship be decorated to the nines, but you’ll also learn about each city’s special Christmas traditions along the way. It truly is a magical way to begin the silly season! 

European History 

Normandy Landing Beaches

From the legends and legacies of the Normandy Landing Beaches to the architecture of the Habsburg dynasty, travel with an expert history guide in Europe. There is much history to delve into, so expand your horizons with special onboard lectures and visits to historic sites and monuments.  

Garden & Nature 

Keukenhof Gardens

The Netherlands and Belgium are world-famous for showcasing what spring truly is, with fields of fresh blooms making their appearing each spring. Backed by a kaleidoscope of horticultural traditions and history, discover Keukenhof Gardens or head to one of Amsterdam’s flower auctions on a Garden & Nature river cruise. 

Photography Enthusiasts 

Avalon excursion with camera

What better way to capture the world than on an Avalon river cruise? Join an award-winning photographer, Brenda Tharp, to learn about, and hone, your photography skills on the Rhine, Rhône and Saône.  

Music & Jazz Cruises 

Vienna Opera House

America may have given birth to jazz, but Paris was the first to hail it as a true art form. Avalon offer a Jazz Lovers cruise through France, adding extra pizzazz to your journey; and a Music Lovers cruise along the Danube where you can enjoy talented musicians in beautiful concert halls, playing the tunes of legendary musicians like Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss who began their journeys here, too. 


No matter your interests, Avalon Waterways offers river cruises for every type of traveller. Take a look at the full range of cruises today. 

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