Experience Magic on Europe River Cruises

Set sail down the world’s most legendary rivers with Avalon Waterways, embarking on your choice of over 70 cruises on 12 rivers through 22 countries.

Discover charming towns and post-card perfect landscapes along Europe’s Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Saône, and Douro Rivers, to name a few. Discover ancient traditions and vibrant villages along the Mekong in Southeast Asia, the sacred Ganges in India, and the mysterious Nile in Egypt. Or sail away from the ordinary in South America.

No matter which of the world’s rivers you choose to explore, you’ll experience intriguing ports of call, immersive excursion choices, masterfully crafted cuisine, and first-class service on every journey.

Welcome aboard! Where shall we sail next?

Your Avalon Cruise includes

Luxurious suites

Choice of daily sightseeing

Services of a professional Cruise Director & Local Guides

All onboard meals

Wine & beer with lunch & dinner

Onboard entertainment

Destinations

Rhine River

A Rhine Romance

With so many alluring waterways in the world, it can be difficult to choose where to make your splash. Do you choose by country? By sights? By unique experiences? When you choose the romantic Rhine River – with its 1287 kilometres of winding whimsical wonder – you choose all of the above.

With its mysterious craggy cliffs, sacred ancient cathedrals, and storied medieval castles perched above quaint cobblestone villages, it’s easy to fall in love with the pillars of the Rhine River. Meandering through five captivating countries the Rhine weaves together a tapestry of history and culture (not to mention countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites), making it as fitting for first-time river cruisers as it is for seasoned off-the-beaten-path travellers. As you visit ancient stone churches, taste decadent Swiss chocolate, and indulge in rich French cheeses, an abundance of local delicacies and delights await.

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Danube River

The Original River

Winding through ten fascinating countries, four vibrant capital cities and thousands of years of history, the legendary Danube is the setting for some of the most dramatic chapters in time. As the river, Rieslings and pilsners flow from the Black Forest of Germany all the way to the Black Sea, colourful experiences await at every palatial port.

Just try to compose yourself through the harmonious streets of Vienna, the vineyard-clad hills of the Wachau Valley, and the medieval city of Bratislava. And that’s just the Upper Danube. Cruising from baroque Budapest to the Balkans, a wealth of elevating sights equally delight along the Lower Danube. As you follow in the footsteps of explorers, emperors, monarchs and musicians, you’ll see why the Danube presents more ports and possibilities than any other European river.

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Rhone River

Revelry on the Rhône

Flowing from the glacial waters of the Swiss Alps to the Mediterranean Sea, the Rhône River winds its way through the lush landscapes of sun-washed lavender fields and fabled French vineyards that once inspired van Gogh, Cézanne, and Gaugin. Marvel at medieval hilltop villages, treat yourself to world-renowned cuisine, and discover a dizzying number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Arles’ Roman theatre, Avignon’s Papal Palace, and Lyon’s Pont du Gard.

The Rhône River is perfect for any kind of traveller. It offers a gentle introduction to the loveliness of the fairytale French countryside, while satisfying savvy cruisers with the finest French vineyards and ancient touchstones of history.

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Seine River

The French Connection

The Seine River springs from picturesque Burgundy, France. It flows through the heart of Paris before threading its way through the orchards and fields-a-bloom in Normandy. Cruising along these waters combines the best of urban and rural French culture, from the burlesque cabarets of Paris to the sleepy medieval towns along the shoreline, and the breathtaking scenery in between.

Historians will enjoy a journey back in time along the Seine, with glimpses into antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the most critical moments of World War II. Whether travellers possess an appreciation of the arts and fine wine, or rolling hills and time-tested architecture, the gentle roll of the river Seine provides a relaxing rhythm to any French discovery.

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Moselle River

Storied Vineyards & Storybook Views

Meet the Moselle, the Rhine's peaceful little sister. The Moselle meanders from sleepy village to village, offering views of fairytale castles, ruins of ancient fortresses, and rows of lush vines that produce the region’s famed Riesling; where buildings have colourful flair, houses are half-timbered, and streets are twisted and winding. A trip down the Moselle takes you up close to the quaint countryside towns of France, Germany and Luxembourg, where buildings have colourful flair, houses are half-timbered, and streets are twisted and winding.

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Main River

Medieval & Modern Marvels

The lands along the Main River promise the epitome of Bavarian history and culture. Medieval villages, sprawling vineyards, quaint cottages, and ancient castles line the slopes of this peaceful, wandering waterway, providing a glimpse into a less-travelled side of Germany.

Winding across Central Germany, the Main River is formed by the joining of the Red Main and the White Main, meeting the Rhine River at the picturesque town of Mainz. A marvel of modern engineering, the Main-Danube canal stretches for 170 kilometres from Bamberg to Regensburg with a total of 16 locks, making it possible to travel via river cruise ship from the North Sea to the Black Sea.

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Douro River

Dream, Dream, Dream

Winding through terraced vineyards and remote, rustic villages, Portugal’s dreamy Douro River serves up medieval castles, cinematic scenery, and all the wine, bread, olives, and cheeses your heart desires. Discover why the Douro’s name translates to ‘River of Gold’ as you sail on our newest Suite Ship - the Avalon Alegria. With 14 deluxe staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites, the Alegria carries a capacity of just 102 passengers, giving you the room to relax and the space to savour the spectacular panoramas of the Douro Valley.

From Porto to Porto be dazzled with dreamy excursions that speak to you. Drink in Portugal’s port wine paired with stunning scenery. Glide by kayak through the spectacular canyons of the Gorges de l’Ardèche – called the “European Grand Canyon”. Or join a professional painter to learn the art of azulejos (Portuguese tile). Cruise your way by choosing to add extra nights in lovely Lisbon before your cruise.

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Mekong River

The Mother of Waters

From its source high up in the Tibetan Plateau, the powerful Mekong River courses for over 4,000 kilometres through Asia, providing a lifeline for millions of people. Sailing through Vietnam and Cambodia on a Mekong River cruise delivers an unforgettable fusion of distinctive sights, colourful cultures, and ancient traditions.

Whether hearing historic tales in the Viet Cong’s Cu Chi Tunnels or participating in a traditional water blessing ceremony with local area monks, your Avalon Waterways cruise will show you the Southeast Asia that other travellers rarely get to see. By the end of your journey, you will have a better understanding of life along the river and the friendly people who depend on it.

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Amazon River

Exotic by Nature

Embark on a journey to one of the world’s vastly unexplored regions, the mighty Amazon. Peru’s Amazon Basin covers an area larger than Western Europe – it is where biodiversity is at its greatest and the rainforest is at its most incredible with thousands of indigenous plants and animals calling this jungle paradise home.

Imagine venturing deep into the Amazon jungle in search of elusive wildlife, before returning to an air-conditioned suite, hot shower, and an over-sized plush bed. Now you can on one of the region’s most luxurious small ships – the Delfin III. Each of the 44 guests aboard will enjoy fine wine and regionally inspired cuisine in all-inclusive comfort equivalent to a 5-star boutique hotel.

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Nile River

Elegant. Exotic. Egypt.

The course of Egyptian civilisation can be found on the Nile River. Africa’s longest river flows through Egypt’s sacred sites, ancient temples, tombs, and local villages as its waters travel more than 6,000 kilometres on its journey from Lake Victoria through Uganda, Sudan, and Egypt. Passing rainforests, mountains, savannas, swamps, and desert landscapes, it culminates in the fertile Nile Delta and pours into the Mediterranean Sea.

Avalon’s Nile River cruise aboard the MS Farah carries you into the exotic world of pharaohs, explorers, and legends, all while cruising in state-of-the-art comfort. Sail in elegant style with Deluxe Staterooms and first-class features, while enjoying the mysterious and magnificent sights and experiences only found in Egypt.

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Rhine River

Danube River

Rhone River

Seine River

Moselle River

Main River

Douro River

Mekong River

Amazon River

Nile River

Cruises

ROMANTIC RHINE

AMSTERDAM BASEL

Tour: WAZ

ROMANTIC RHINE

One of Europe’s most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey along the Rhine River, which takes you across Germany—and touches in Holland, France, and Switzerland! This magnificent river...

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BURGUNDY & PROVENCE

CHALON ARLES

Tour: WJL

BURGUNDY & PROVENCE

Take a delightful river cruise through France along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing in known French treasures and some hidden gems too! Take in the beautiful countryside, quaint...

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MAGNIFICENT EUROPE

AMSTERDAM BUDAPEST

Tour: WAB

MAGNIFICENT EUROPE

From Amsterdam to Budapest, and many exciting stops along the way, you’ll be immersed in the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this timeless river cruise holiday. Amsterdam is Holland’s...

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MEKONG DISCOVERY

HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON) PHNOM PENH

Tour: WHS

MEKONG DISCOVERY

On this unique and inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia, you’ll be immersed in the cultures and ancient traditions as you sightsee and spend time with locals in the most...

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THE LEGENDARY DANUBE

NUREMBERG BUDAPEST

Tour: WNB

THE LEGENDARY DANUBE

From the rich history of Germany to the unique culture of Hungary, this Danube River cruise travel through three countries rich in scenic beauty, charming towns, and historical locales. In Nuremberg,...

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PARIS TO NORMANDY

PARIS PARIS

Tour: WPP

PARIS TO NORMANDY

This fabulous river cruise begins and ends in Paris, with a spectacular cruise to Normandy. You’ll sail from Paris to Vernon with your choice of two included excursions—a guided visit to master...

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Rooms with a View

The window of opportunity to see and experience the world just got a whole lot wider. Our beds actually face the view with the widest-opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising. Think of it as a room with a view!

Relaxed Luxury

Delight in the difference and comfort. Leaving the rules behind, but not the luxury. From free time to optional excursions, enjoy your cruise at your pace, your way.

Taste the World

Great food feeds your soul, fuels your passion, and shapes your memories. Taste decadent local delicacies, fresh regional wine and produce. On an Avalon cruise, dining is part of the journey.

Unpack Once

We've mastered the art of blending luxury with comfort. Unpack once and its smooth sailing as we share our welcoming spirit throughout the ship.

Rivers

Destinations

Rhine River

Danube River

Rhone River

Seine River

Moselle River

Main River

Douro River

Mekong River

Amazon River

Nile River

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