Just as the great cities of the world arose along the great rivers of Europe, so did the gentle hills and humble villages that you’ll encounter on an Avalon European river cruise. From the rich heritage of Budapest to the rare haunts of Bucharest, and from the castles of Germany to the classics of Vienna, the treasures of the Danube River beckon to us. And while we may follow the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Saone, Moselle, and Main Rivers, you need only follow your passions to experience your cruise your way. From active pursuits on a bike or a hike in Burgundy to a new discovery in a painting class in Amsterdam; from the beloved classic sights in Paris to Portugal’s vibrant vineyards — how you experience an Avalon European river cruise is up to you. Your captain, cruise director, and caring crew deliver relaxed luxury from start to finish.
HAPPINESS FLOWS IN EVERY DIRECTION
From windmills and wine to castles and coastlines, all are in your view on an Avalon river cruise in Europe. Tip your beret to bountiful France. Mosey on the Moselle or make waves on the waterways of Holland. Find serenity on the Seine or roam the Rhine Valley. Waltz through history on the Danube or revel on the Rhône. Rock the boat with countless ways to discover your choice of European river cruises where happiness flows!
DANUBE RIVER CRUISES
As Europe’s second-longest river and a vital means of transportation for 2,000 years, the Danube is the only major European river to flow from the west to the east. A stunning course in any direction!
DOURO RIVER CRUISES
Meaning “River of Gold,” the Douro truly is a treasure that reveals the gems of Portugal’s wine region. Weaving a course through some of Europe’s most captivating vistas and charming villages
Springing from the Spanish Pyrenees to the Gironde estuary at Bordeaux, the Garonne River flows through some of France’s most idyllic landscapes rich in history, artistry, cuisine, and wine, of course.
RHINE RIVER CRUISES
Flowing from the Swiss Alps to Holland’s North Sea, the Rhine is perhaps most famous for its legendary Lorelei rock and the imposing medieval castles that line its banks.
MAIN RIVER CRUISES
Quaint, quiet, & quintessentially German, the Main winds leisurely through the country’s most stunning areas, passing hilltop castles & storybook medieval villages alike.
MOSELLE RIVER CRUISES
Flowing through France, Luxembourg, and Germany, the Moselle River is known for the excellent wines produced along its banks as well as for its picturesque medieval castles.
RHÔNE RIVER CRUISES
An important inland trade and transportation route since Greek times, the Rhône River flows south from the Swiss Alps to the Mediterranean Sea, winding through the orchards and vineyards that inspired great artists in the Rhône Valley.
SAÔNE RIVER CRUISES
The Saône River-its name derived from the Gallic river goddess, Souconna-flows from northeastern France to join the Rhône River in Lyon. The Saône passes through the picturesque wine-making landscapes of Burgundy and Beaujolais.
SEINE RIVER CRUISES
The Seine rises just northwest of Dijon and flows in northwesterly through Paris before emptying into the English Channel at Le Havre. It’s one of Europe’s great historic rivers and since the early Middle Ages has been considered the river of Paris.
THE NILE RIVER
Follow the lifeline of Egyptian civilization and customs of ancient temples, royal tombs, and local villages along longest river in the world. Unravel the mysteries and marvel at mammoth feats that defy explanation and drive the imagination along the mysterious and legendary Nile River.
THE MEKONG RIVER
From its source high up in the Tibetan Plateau, the powerful Mekong River courses for over 3,000 miles through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, providing a lifeline for millions of people. Discover the graceful life along the Mother of Water through Cambodia and Vietnam.
THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
Consisting of 13 large and hundreds of small islands in the Pacific Ocean off the western coast of South America, the Galápagos Islands are home to some of the world’s most fascinating animal species found nowhere else in the world. Here, perfectly adapted giant tortoises, penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and birds thrive on these rugged volcanic isles that inspired Charles Darwin.
THE MIGHTY AMAZON RIVER
The Amazon River brims with biodiversity at its greatest in the untamed rainforest of Peru. This perfect ecosystem teems with flora and fauna in a kaleidoscope of life–with more than 800 species of bird, 7,000 flowering plants, and nearly 2,500 varieties of butterfly–not to mention a menagerie of exotic mammals and reptiles. Oh, and pink river dolphins, too.
