Avalon redesigns 'Sail & See', 'Dock & Do' on Rhine

Cruise operator unveils favourite experiences along the river

Meandering through storied scenery including hillside castles, craggy cliffs, terraced vineyards and the medieval towns of five countries, the Rhine River weaves together a tapestry of history and culture, plus countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

“River cruising along the Rhine River with Avalon Waterways offers travellers the ease, the breeze and the do-as-you-please experience they’re looking for their next holiday,” said Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways.

“And, with not-so-common Panorama Suites featuring the widest-views in river cruising, we’re also bringing the outside in.”

To showcase the types of experiences in store for travellers, Avalon has unveiled some of its favourite “Sail & See” and “Dock & Do” experiences along the Rhine River.

Sail & See

Through the widest windows in river cruising, these are just a few of the divine sights of the Rhine that cruisers will see – and savour – with Avalon Waterways.

1) The alluring Lorelei

The iconic Lorelei rock formation is shrouded in mystery and the myth of a maiden who sat atop the cliff and serenaded sailors through the centuries.

2) Sweet Cologne

Built from 1248 to the 1880s, the magnificence of the Cologne Cathedral makes one feel incredibly small. And it should. Its two towers were once the tallest structures on Earth.

3) Romantic Rudesheim

Made popular by the Romantics in the early 19^th century, Rudesheim delights with its terraced vineyards, medieval alleyways and quirky, mechanical music museum.

4) Gorge-ous castles

Experience whiplash in the best way as you sail through the Rhine Gorge and the 40 castles rising high above medieval villages and vineyard-clad hillsides.

5) Storybook Strasbourg

From its twisting, old town alleyways and crooked, half-timbered homes to its cosy winstubs, or Alsatian taverns, Strasbourg offers a walk through the pages of a Grimm fairy tale.

6) Brewtiful Bamberg

Dubbed the “Rome of Germany,” the cobblestoned town of Bamberg is not only a beautiful, UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s also known for its signature, smoked beer.

Dock & Do

While the Rhine conjures up fairy tale fantasies of the Old World, Avalon invites you to enjoy new, memorable experiences with immersive sightseeing and active discoveries in every port.

1) Swirl, sip and swoon

Travel along the famed Alsace Wine Route on an enchanting excursion into the countryside for an underground, wine cellar tasting of local wines.

2) Have a barrel of fun

Join an expert guide for a tour of Düsseldorf’s world-famous Altbiers. Learn about these historic, top-fermented brews, including what gives them their dark, copper colouring and crisp, fruity taste.

3) Make your mark

Walk through Graffiti Street in Ghent where artists create striking spray-can art to their heart’s content. Here, you’re welcome to grab a can and make your own art in the ever-changing, anything-goes alley.

4) Ride like the wind

Join a biking tour through the Dutch countryside past polders, dykes, windmills and quaint, centuries-old villages.

5) Take a bite out of time

Visit Nijmegen’s 12^th-century Commanderie for a fascinating foodie workshop featuring long-forgotten European foods, recipes and ingredients.

6) Say “Oui!” say “Ja!”

Discover the fusion of German and French culture through storybook Colmar – the “Little Venice” of France and capital of the Alsace Wine Region.

Meanwhile, Avalon has unveiled six Rhine River getaways for different types of cruisers in 2021 and 2022.

“With nearly two dozen cruise itineraries in our Rhine holiday portfolio, Avalon Waterways offers more ways to discover the Rhine River Valley, year-round, than any other river cruise line,” said Ms Hoffee.

“Whether you’re dipping your toe into river cruising or diving headfirst into your next cruise, the Rhine realizes the Europe of every traveller’s dreams.”

International newbies:

The Rhine River not only winds, bends and meanders through several, must-see countries, it takes travellers to the storybook settings of fabled, fairy tale lands – often on week-long or even shorter itineraries. Perfect cruising holidays for first-timers include:

A Taste of the Rhine (5 days). Bookended by two bucket-list cities – Amsterdam and Frankfurt – this short and “suite” sailing adventure gives travellers the opportunity to test the river cruise waters while enjoying the sweeping, dramatic views of the Rhine Gorge.
The Romantic Rhine (8 days) is a better choice for a week-long holiday.

Seasoned sightseers:

One river. Five countries. The Rhine River not only weaves together diverse countries, cultures and cuisines, it also connects to other legendary waterways to create an in-depth, well-rounded river cruise holiday. The perfect pick holiday for travellers interested in getting the most out of their river cruise is:

The Rhine & Moselle – Canals, Vineyards & Castles (8 days). Combining the romance and Rieslings of the Rhine with the untouched, storybook settings of the Moselle, this cruise drifts through time, traditions and three fabulous countries.

Returning revellers:

Anchored in picturesque ports, Avalon takes travellers off-the-beaten path to discover – and re-discover – the Old World in new ways. Perfect holidays for returning Rhine cruisers include:

Active & Discovery on the Rhine (8 days). Explore the Rhine River your way with a varied selection of classic, active and discovery excursions. From history to food and nature to art, our breadth of excursions includes everything from a regional wine-tasting in Eltville and hike up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress to a Düsseldorf biking tour and Dutch painting class.
For a more, in-depth adventure, consider 15-day Magnificent Europe or 16-day Enchanted Europe.