If your ideal holiday involves endless discovery and boredom-busting adventure, Avalon’s week-long Active Discovery cruises are not to be missed.
1. WHAT IS AN ACTIVE DISCOVERY CRUISE?
A new style of river cruising targeted at those who like to indulge their interests, while also seeking the culture of various destinations. Itineraries are currently European based, fun, engaging, and include at least one active excursion per day, such as guided e-bike rides or jogging tours. However, guests get to choose the pace that suits them best, with activities that complement every level of fitness.
2. WHAT DO GUESTS DISCOVER?
With Avalon, you’ll dig a little deeper into the regions visited, so that you benefit from an in-depth exploration of each place. Discovery options can be anything from painting workshops to master the techniques of Vincent van Gogh, to learning a little Hungarian in Budapest. Depending where your cruise sails, discoveries will complement both the landscape and your personal interests.
3. I’M A HISTORY BUFF BUT MY WIFE’S A FOODIE
Everyone’s passions are different, so Avalon’s excursions are as diverse as they are rewarding. Perhaps you’ll attend a medieval knights’ tournament in Visegrad, or visit the historical theatres of Vienna, while your wife joins a cooking class, or enjoys a guided tour of an oyster farm. You can reconvene later for a tipple on the deck to discuss your experiences.
4. I LOVE TO TRAVEL BUT WHAT ELSE WILL I ENJOY?
Hop on-board and you’ll soon find out. You might not know you were a born conductor until you give it a go in front of a real orchestra. Try making your own signature chocolate bar at the Valrhona chocolate factory, or your own unique blend of wine at Chateauneuf-du-Pape. From brewery inductions to learning a new language, or how to bottle your own signature perfume, new hobbies blossom aboard an Avalon Active Discovery cruise.
5. HOW ACTIVE IS ACTIVE?
As well as excursions full of discovery, guests can choose to get active. There are complimentary bikes on all of Avalons’ European ships, for use in every port, but with their Active Discovery cruises, it’s revved up a notch. There are guided bike tours, with partakers setting their own pace along the river banks, but if you’re more of a jogger, there are also jogging tours around Europe’s most breath-taking cities. Just don’t forgot to take your camera, these aren’t competitive races, so you’ll have plenty of prompts to stop and take a few shots of the stunning architecture, all while soaking up the rich history.
6. I’D LIKE TO TRY SOMETHING NEW
This is the perfect opportunity to try out a new hobby, such as canoeing, which is all kinds of fun when you’re paddling through the waters of Pont du Gard (the highest elevated Roman aqueduct), or gliding along the Danube; a river flanked by two formerly separate cities: Buda and Pest. If you tend to find more rhythm in your feet, you can learn how to waltz, or take an archery lesson - believed to improve coordination, balance, focus and concentration.
7. WHERE CAN I DO ALL THIS?
European rivers lead to places overflowing with history, culture and ample opportunities to feel exertive, and Avalon always encourage guests to actively engage with each destination. Current Active Discovery cruises include:
- 7-night cruise from Linz, Austria to Budapest, Hungary (1 night Budapest at the end)
- 7-night cruise from Budapest, Hungary to Linz, Austria (1 night stay Budapest at the start)
- 7 night cruise from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Wiesbaden, Germany
- 7 night cruise from Frankfurt, Germany to Amsterdam, Netherlands.
An Avalon Active Discovery cruise offers complete freedom of choice, combined with engaging activities, fascinating culture, discovery and adventure… Exactly how a holiday should be.
