It’s been awhile since we last wrote about our Avalon Waterways’ Storyteller river cruises, a series of engaging, celebrity-hosted cruises. So, we are thrilled to announce our latest one for 2024 – Kiltn’ It: Facts, Fiction & Fairytale Settings on the Rhine with Graham McTavish.
Graham McTavish is not only known for his roles in several popular television series ‘Outlander’, ‘The Witcher’, ‘House of the Dragon’ and ‘Men in Kilts: A Road Trip with Sam and Graham’, he is also the best-selling author of Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other. McTavish is also the face of our ‘Cruising. Elevated’ advertising campaign.
“Rivers have shaped our destiny since the dawn of time,” said Graham McTavish. “As humans, we are drawn to them. Civilisations have been built around them and they have become part of our collective memories. A river tells a story, not just through its history – one of my passions – but through sharing in its flow. Joining this Avalon Active and Discovery Cruise will allow us all to share in that flowing story that we will help to write together. I hope you can join me.”
Join us on this special Active & Discovery on the Rhine sailing in 2024, a cruise with character as you visit these thrilling destinations with our range of included Avalon Choice excursions throughout this cruise.
Amsterdam
Affectionately known as the ‘Venice of the North’ with its quintessential canals and grachtenpand (narrow houses), what better way to start this Storyteller cruise than in a picture-perfect city like Amsterdam?
The Classic way to experience Amsterdam is with a guided canal cruise. If you want to take it up a notch, choose our Active excursion and kayak your way through tranquil settings. Or, if you feel like putting paint brush to paper, the Discovery excursion allows you to express yourself in a myriad of colours with a painting workshop.
Düsseldorf
Photo by @metarts.raw on Instagram
With its avant-garde architecture and Altbiers, Düsseldorf is an important cultural centre with its diverse number of museums and art galleries.
Put your foot to the pedal for a city biking tour, a unique way to learn about a new city. Something unexpected is the city’s culinary scene so a walking foodie tour through its Old Town may just be the ticket for the foodie within. Düsseldorf is also well-known for its unique subway stations along its U-Bahn line which a Local Guide will take you through. These stations were artfully created in a joint project by architects, engineers and artists. To finish off your exploration of Düsseldorf, you may want to visit a microbrewery for a paddle of the aforementioned Altbiers, a popular style of beer brewed in the Rhineland and near Düsseldorf itself.
Koblenz
Photo by @j_leelieb on Instagram
Koblenz is a picturesque city, sitting in prime position at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.
Whether you prefer to delve into the ancient city, complete with panoramic views from the cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress; hop on an e-bike to cycle through vineyards that surround the city; or go further afield to Mendig to explore volcanic caverns and corridors where basalt was mined, the choice is up to you! Later on, you’ll enjoy daytime sailing through the famous Rhine Gorge where you’ll find the highest concentration of castles along this stretch of the river.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg is a vibe with its Old World charm juxtaposed against its university city atmosphere. You can’t miss its dominating castle, which is what each excursion has been designed around. Join a local beer sommelier for a beer tour and stroll through the castle gardens; or lace up your shoes to hike along the Philosophers’ Way to be rewarded with a spectacular view across Heidelberg. There is also a Classic excursion available for you to dive into the castle’s history, along with a few tastings of local specialties.
Strasbourg
While located in France, Strasbourg has also had German influences throughout its history. As you can imagine, these two cultures have had an impact on its cuisine and traditions so take advantage of an educational, and tasty, guided culinary walk. Stroll through its cobblestone streets and romantic Petite France district, or hike alongside the Rhine and Marne-Rhine canal.
Breisach
Breisach is renowned for being the gateway to the Black Forest and for its strong wine production – both of which you can learn more about! The Black Forest awaits, whether by e-bike or on foot; or for the wine aficionados, visit a local winery to learn about German winemaking traditions while you try a selection of wines.
Whatever your interests, Avalon has you covered! Join us for this Storyteller river cruise with Graham McTavish on the Rhine in 2024.
