Active Discovery River Cruises with Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways gives travellers more options to get hands on and actively discover the regions they visit. The Active Discovery collection of European river cruises is crafted to offer guests more ways to engage with the world around them and is full of interactive activities and adventures.

Three main itineraries have Active Discovery departures, including cruises along the Rhine, Rhone and Danube Rivers. Here is just a taste of what to expect on an Active Discovery river cruise with Avalon Waterways.

Active Discovery on the Rhine

This eight day itinerary operates from Wiesbaden to Amsterdam or in reverse, taking in the scenery and culture along the way. There are plenty of options to get active and immerse yourself in the region as you journey along the Rhine.

Join a guided hike through Eltville's Idyllic Forest & Vineyard, take a running tour to discover Cologne at a different pace, or enjoy a guided bike tour through the countryside from the port of Xanten.

If you are after something a little more leisurely you can join a walking tour and wine tasting in Wiesbaden, visit Cologne’s Chocolate Museum, or a test your creativity at a painting class in Amsterdam. With options aplenty guests can choose excursions that suit their interests – it’s all about personalising your holiday!

Active Discovery on the Rhone

River cruise from Lyon to Arles over eight days, stretching your legs and expanding your horizons. In Lyon you can choose to take a guided hike through Parc de la Tete d'Or, enjoy a guided culinary walk through the city, learn to make some local favourites in a cooking class, or take an optional mountain bike excursion through the Beaujolais wine country.

Beyond Lyon you can hike the vineyards of Tournon and Tain-l'Hermitage, paddle a canoe on a trip to navigate Gorges de l'Ardeche, and glide on your E-Bike through Avignon. Arles awaits with a guided hike, painting workshop, or a meet and greet with a local bullfighter to choose from.

A trip to Camargue Regional Nature Park gives you the chance to hike or bike through this marshland, spotting flora and fauna as you go. Finish your river cruise in Arles, or alternatively try the itinerary in reverse to travel between Arles and Lyon.

You can also add a Paris extension if you don’t want your holiday to end just yet!

Active Discovery on the Danube

The Danube River is full of scenic beauty, charming ports, and rich history. Travel west from Linz to Budapest, perhaps kicking off your trip early with some time in Prague or adding an extension to the Salzburg area. During your river cruise stop to pedal your way along the Limes Cycle Route, be stirred by a guided tour of Mauthausen Concentration Camp, or hike, bike or paddle your way through Austria’s wine country.

If you prefer, simply kick back and enjoy the regional produce at a wine tasting! In Vienna you’ll uncover the artistic side of this musical city. See the iconic sights, choose to join a guided jog through the Viennese streets, or for a change of pace meet the locals on an insider’s tour.

Finish your river cruise meandering along the banks of the Danube in Budapest or take to the streets by bicycle before bidding farewell to your fellow travellers. If you prefer to start your journey in this incredible city, you can river cruise east along the Danube from Budapest and take this itinerary in reverse, adding the extensions to Prague or Salzburg to the end of your trip.

This is river cruising with a difference. Run away with Avalon Waterways.