Forget passive sightseeing – Avalon Waterways’ Active & Discovery cruises invites you to explore Europe’s rivers with purpose and passion.
Whether you’re kayaking past castles, painting with local artists, or hiking through vineyards, every day brings a new way to dive deeper into culture, adventure and connection.
Designed for history buffs, foodies and active travellers alike, these cruises along the Rhine, Danube and Rhône cater to a range of interests and fitness levels.
Explore Your Way
While river cruising is known for its relaxed pace, Avalon’s Active & Discovery program adds a dynamic, personalised twist.
Cruises include a thoughtfully curated selection of Avalon Choice excursions, grouped into three categories to suit different interests and activity levels – with smaller group sizes for a more intimate experience:
- Active excursions: Hike, bike, or kayak through Europe’s scenic landscapes.
- Discovery excursions: Get hands-on with cooking classes, wine tastings and cultural workshops.
- Classic excursions: Dive into history with skip-the-line access and guided tours led by local experts. Classic sightseeing is available in every port.
It’s a cruise experience that adapts to you – not the other way around.
Three Rivers, Three Ways to Discover
Whether you’re drawn to the storybook charm of the Rhine, the cultural richness of the Danube, or the vibrant landscapes of the Rhône, Avalon’s Active & Discovery cruises offer something for every kind of traveller. Here’s a closer look at the highlights of each itinerary:
Active & Discovery on the Rhine
Whether you’re paddling through Amsterdam, hiking vineyard trails, or tasting your way through Strasbourg, Avalon’s Active & Discovery on the Rhine offers a rich blend of scenic beauty and hands-on experiences.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Ride an e-bike through vineyards where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet
- Hike the scenic Philosopher’s Way in Heidelberg
- Explore lava caves in Mendig, the “Lava City”
Active & Discovery on the Danube
From Dracula’s Visegrád prison to Vienna’s café culture, Avalon’s Active & Discovery on the Danube cruise takes travellers deep into the heritage of Hungary, Austria and Germany.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Canoe through the serene Bend region
- Watch medieval jousting at Visegrád Castle
- Meet the Count of Clam at Austria’s 12th-century Clam Castle
Active & Discovery on the Rhône
From Lyon to Arles, Avalon’s Active & Discovery cruise on the Rhône transforms Southern France into your playground of art, flavour and adventure.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Glide by kayak through the Pont du Gard, the tallest of all Roman aqueducts.
- Discover how essential oils are created at an authentic Provençal farmhouse.
- Savour fresh oysters and learn the craft of oyster farming in the Camargue Natural Park
The Avalon Waterways Difference
Avalon’s award-winning Suite Ships® set the standard for river cruising. Its Panorama Suites are over 30% larger than the industry average with more than 18 square metres of space, wall-to-wall windows and beds facing the view. These suites blur the line between indoors and out, creating your own private observation lounge.
With two full decks of Panorama Suites on every ship, more guests enjoy Avalon’s signature Open–Air Balcony® concept. Add fewer passengers, a diverse menu of included excursions and elevated dining experiences, and you have a river cruise that feels both luxurious and personal.
More Guests, More Rewards
Avalon’s group program unlocks meaningful perks for travel advisors with as few as eight passengers. Enjoy extra commission, exclusive discounts and more, making group travel easier to sell and more profitable to book.
Group benefits include:
- Free gratuities for groups
- One free passenger with every 10 paying guests
- Free marketing support to help you sell your group
- Tailored itineraries and custom pre/post extensions for groups of 20+
- Partial or full ship charter options for large groups or special interest travel
Secure your group pricing with a fully refundable deposit of just $250 per person, giving you time to promote the sailing and gather your group without financial risk.
For sales and marketing tools, visit the Travel Agent Portal. For group quotes or charter inquiries, contact the Groups team.
