Indulge your passions at no additional cost with Avalon Waterways' exclusive and diverse selection of themed river cruises. Enjoy a luxury river cruise holiday to some of Europe's best destinations. If you have a special interest in wine, beer, food, jazz or classical music, fine art, Jewish heritage, wellness, golf, history and politics, or WWI, our specially packaged, limited-edition themed cruises are the perfect way of capturing the true essence and culture of a European destination - all at no additional cost. Enhance your personal knowledge with expert on board presentations and enjoy unique travel opportunities to share your interests with like-minded passengers.
Wine Theme River Cruises
Expand your wine appreciation skills on our Wine Theme River Cruises, where an acknowleged wine expert explains how the various and distinct grape varieties are cultivated. Learn how to determine the best wines from the regions you cruise through, taste samples on board, enjoy a gala wine and food pairing dinner, and join an included visit to a local vineyard for wine tasting to test your new-found knowledge.
Beer Tasting Theme River Cruises
A visit to Austria and Germany is even better when it includes a discovery of their famous beers, and this special departure delivers just that with onboard tastings, visits to a number of historic breweries and dedicated onboard lectures about European beer-brewing techniques.
Culinary Theme River Cruises
Expand your culinary appreciation skills on our Culinary Theme River Cruises, where acknowleged chefs and food critics give advice and teach how to determine the best ingredients, dishes and accompaniments from the regions you cruise through, taste samples on board to test your new-found knowledge.
Jazz Theme River Cruises
Jazz enthusiasts will love our Jazz Theme River Cruises that take in the exciting atmosphere and a performance at the Jazz Festival in Vienne, an annual event on the world jazz scene. Joining you on board your Avalon ship, will be a jazz expert to provide regular entertainment and give fascinating lectures on the history of jazz in France. On shore there's a visit to a local club for a concert and plenty of time to explore the jazz scene at leisure in the various ports of call.
Music Theme River Cruises
Let Avalon Waterways waltz you to a symphony of destinations. Classical music lovers will enjoy our Music Theme River Cruises, on which local experts provide insights into European music. Shore excursions on the way take in a Strauss concert in beautiful Vienna, an organ recital in Melk, and explore Mozart’s hometown of Salzburg, where 'the hills are alive with the sound of music!'.
Art & Impressionist Theme River Cruises
Appreciate art as never before on this special art-focused cruise. In Paris, a local expert guides you through Musée d’Orsay to see its incredible collection of masterpieces. Marvel at Rouen’s lovely cathedral and perhaps visit another of Monet's inspirations at the gardens at Giverny. Also admire works by artists at Montmartre’s Place du Terte, and attend special on board art lectures from a local art expert.
Jewish Heritage Theme River Cruises
Gain an understanding of how the Jewish culture was formed on this dedicated Jewish Heritage theme river cruise, and explore landmarks, monuments and museums significant to Jewish history. Visit the Jewish Museum in Budapest, Jewish Vienna, the Jewish quarter in Regensburg, Prague's Jewish Museum, Jewish Cemetery, and synagogues, and the haunting former WWII Jewish ghetto of Terezin.
Wellness Theme River Cruise
For the perfect feel good factor and guilt-free cruising, cruise into total body wellness with our dedicated Wellness Theme Cruise and start your mornings with onboard exercise programmes featuring stretching and yoga; attend helpful lectures on healthy lifestyles and enjoy healthy but delicious dining options, crafted daily on board.
Golf Theme River Cruises
If leaving the golf course at home is too much to bear, then our new golf cruise is just the tonic to get you all teed up again. A local golf enthusiast will arrange tee times on select nearby courses, so you can maintain your swing whilst sampling fairways and greens that you may not otherwise have experienced. There will be alternative programmes for the non-golfers.
History & Politics Theme River Cruises
For those with more than a passing interest, this cruise will be accompanied by a diplomacy expert who has worked at the UN, on the NATO/Warsaw Pact and on EU security and economic issues, with special lectures to give unique insight into all things European.
WWI History Theme River Cruises
It's been nearly a hundred years since the start of World War I, and this dedicated World War I History departure focuses on the 'Great War' which claimed more than 9 million lives. Visit some of the most famous and shocking theatres of war and learn little known facts during the fascinating onboard lectures.
President's Cruise
Join the President of Avalon Waterways on an exclusive President's River Cruise departure. Enjoy exclusive highlights including special excursions and a President's Gala Dinner at no additional cost.
Christmas Market & Festive Cruises
There's no more evocative way to experience the festive season than by a cruise that takes you to the heart of Europe's Christmastime markets. Delight in the sights, scents and sounds of delicious Christmas treats, observe the local traditions and customs typical of Germany, Austria and Alsace. All the while enjoying the fun atmosphere on board your Avalon ship, decked out splendidly for the season.
