Avalon Waterways River Cruises in Europe: Excursions, Ships and What to Expect

A river cruise is one of the most relaxing ways to see Europe: you unpack once, the ship docks in the middle of historic towns, and a new city waits outside every morning. Avalon Waterways is known for its "Suite Ships" and for giving guests a choice of excursions in each port. This guide explains how Avalon's excursions work, what the ships are like, the best rivers and how to plan your cruise.

How excursions work

1. Choice in every port

Avalon builds a choice of included excursions into most stops, so you can match each day to your energy level and interests:

• Classic: guided city tours and the main sights – ideal if it's your first visit.
• Discovery: more hands-on experiences, such as cooking classes, workshops, tastings or visits with local people.
• Active: bike tours, hikes and kayaking for those who want to move.

You can also simply explore on your own – river ships dock close to town centres, so walking in is easy.

2. Special experiences

Some highlights, such as concerts, special dinners or longer trips, are optional extras. Book early, as places are limited.

The ships

3. Suite Ships and Panorama Suites

Most Avalon ships have Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall windows that slide open to create an open-air balcony, and beds that face the view rather than the wall. Public areas include a lounge with panoramic windows, a sky deck for watching the scenery and a small fitness room.

4. Food and drink

Meals focus on regional dishes from the countries you sail through, with wine, beer and soft drinks served at lunch and dinner. There's flexible seating and lighter options for casual meals – see our cruise drinks guide for how drinks work on other lines.

The best rivers

5. The Danube

The classic first river cruise links Vienna, Budapest, the Wachau Valley's vineyards and the abbey at Melk, with options to extend to Prague. The "Blue Danube" is also famous for its December Christmas market cruises.

6. The Rhine

The Rhine sails past castles, vineyards and the Lorelei rock in the UNESCO-listed Middle Rhine Valley, linking Amsterdam, Cologne, Strasbourg and Basel.

7. The Rhône, Seine and Moselle

The Rhône and Saône in France combine Provence, Avignon, Lyon and Burgundy's vineyards; the Seine links Paris with Normandy's beaches and Monet's garden at Giverny; the Moselle is quieter, with steep vineyards and riverside villages.

Planning your river cruise

8. Choosing a season

• Spring: blossom, pleasant temperatures and tulip season in the Netherlands.
• Summer: warm and lively, but busier in ports.
• Autumn: wine harvest and golden vineyards.
• December: Christmas markets along the Danube and Rhine.

Low water in hot summers or high water after heavy rain can occasionally force changes – good lines arrange coaches or ship swaps.

Tips for first-timers

• Pack light and casual – river cruises don't have big formal nights; see our dress code guide.
• Bring comfortable shoes for cobbled old towns.
• Book pre- or post-cruise stays in the start and end cities – Budapest, Vienna, Amsterdam or Paris deserve a few days.
• Compare lines: read our beginner's guide to picking a cruise line, and for river cruising further afield, see our guide to Nile cruises.