TAKE ME TO THE RIVER
Almost five years ago, I took my first-ever river cruise on Europe’s Danube River. Despite having cruised for nearly two decades, I’d never tried a river cruise before. My (mistaken) impression was that I’d be bored. In fact, that couldn’t have been further from the truth: river cruises are so immersive that they could almost qualify as an expedition cruise without the inflatable zodiac rafts.
These journeys, however, aren’t merely confined to sailing the same stretch of the river each week. Avalon Waterways (avalonwaterways.com) is pulling out all the stops for the 2017 river cruise season in Europe, even as ships continue to sail right up until the end of December of this year.
For the active river cruiser, Avalon has its “Active Discovery on the Danube” cruises. A nineday journey between Budapest, Hungary and Linz, Austria, these voyages offer a variety of active excursions, from hiking tours to guided cycling excursions. There’s even a canoe trip that guests can indulge in, and a hike up to a vineyard.
“Our Active Discovery itineraries give cruisers the opportunity to bike, hike and canoe along the Danube,” said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways. “They can also explore an ice cave, take an archery lesson, descend into an underground salt mine or ascend up a mountain during a guided climb. This is a European vacation focused on enjoying every moment of the journey.”
I think this voyage is a real winner — even if you’re not inclined to hop on a bike and cycle the paths that run along the Danube. Avalon also offers some great excursions that should appeal to novice and experienced river cruisers alike on this run.
Avalon’s Active Discovery on the Danube voyages are offered on four departure dates next year: July 14; Aug. 12; Sept. 9; or Oct. 8. All are operated aboard the striking, 138-guest Avalon Luminary and offer port calls throughout Austria.
This active journey is just one of several themed cruises that Avalon has lined up for next year. Theme river cruises are absolutely fantastic. They have all the regular ports of call that you’d expect, but with excursions and onboard offerings that are tweaked to fit within a single theme.
This is a European vacation focused on enjoying every moment of the journey.