Avalon Waterways’ dream getaways for 2024

Now that we are beyond all that Christmas expenditure, it’s time to take care of yourself. January kick-starts a wanderlust you simply can’t ignore, with an ever-growing bucket list of cruises and explorations to contend with. That’s where Avalon Waterways ramps up the action.

An Avalon Waterways’ river cruise boasts of sparkling elegance and dignified sophistication that is rarely matched. Offering a wide array of different holiday styles amid an exotic itinerary of locations, for those with an adventurous spirit, Avalon can provide the greatest river cruises of 2024 – blowing your wish list clean out of the water.

For those who simply wish to relax and witness new surroundings beyond the cruise heartlands of Europe, Avalon has that covered, too. Regardless of your preferences, there’s a perfect balance of boutique luxury and authentic experience aboard each Avalon river cruise. The question is, which dream 2024 river cruise holiday is your perfect match?

We’ve taken a deep-dive into a selection of Avalon’s crème-de-la-crème to find out. It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it…

Cultural continent: Short European cruises
You’d be surprised how much you can fit into a short cruise. A spot of sightseeing around Europe? You got it – how about a wondrous journey through beautiful views of France, sailing along the Rhône and Saône Rivers with guided sightseeing?

Departing from Arles on May 24, 2024, for six nights, Avalon’s Burgundy & Provence (Northbound) river cruise takes in the historical Avignon – featuring the largest gothic fortress in the world – and the beautiful city of Tournon, nestled among vineyards and medieval splendour. The opportunity to walk through the city’s Roman ruins and witness a 16^th-century castle remains a seldom available dream.

No 2024 French river cruise would be complete without gastronomic excellence. Lyon, celebrated as the gourmet capital of France – situated at the junction of the Rhône and Saône Rivers – offers culinary perfection amid a blend of Renaissance and contemporary architecture. You’ve seen the area on postcards and historical dramas, now it’s time to experience the real thing.

Luxurious long haul from Romania to Amsterdam
Suppose you prefer your river cruises on the longer side. In that case, Avalon offers a bespoke European adventure from Bucharest to Amsterdam. Departing on June 26, 2024, from Fetesti, this sailing provides 24 nights of calming expedition – not to mention the finest food, crisp wines, and personalised service.

Take it from us. It's impossible not to relax and recuperate while gliding past stunning scenery and quaint towns, all steeped in rich heritage and cultural allure. There’s never a shortage of visual feasts as Avalon’s From Romania to the North Sea river cruise takes in the magnificence of all the Danube, Main, and Rhine have to offer.

From guided tours that traverse Budapest’s Arc de Triomphe and historical Royal Palace Square, to the stunning views of the Danube River Delta (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), you can also look forward to guided sightseeing in Constanta and Bulgaria’s ancient capital of Veliko Târnovo.

The best part? This cruise sails into the heart of the Wachau wine region before pushing on to Amsterdam, where you will receive a unique perspective of the famous city. We’ll leave the daydreaming on that one up to you.

Once-in-a-lifetime Galápagos cruise for 2024
Pushing the boat out for 2024? Avalon has you covered with an exciting four-day cruise sampling the natural wonders of Ecuador and its Galápagos Islands.

The soft rustle of exotic vegetation, paired with the tranquil motion of soft-lapping water upon golden shores, will provide the congenial symphony accompanying your guided sightseeing, of which Quito remains an exhilarating highlight – don’t forget to have your photo taken at the ‘Centre of the World.’

There’s ample opportunity to appease the foodie in you, with a taste of Ecuadorian chocolate while exploring the oldest streets in Quito and investigating the local chocolate artisans. The native produce will broaden your horizons and assist in your understanding of a hugely special place in our world, let alone our ancestry and nature’s importance – especially when visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station and overseeing the conservation of giant tortoises.

As the sun melts across turquoise seas and each glorious day aboard the recently refurbished Treasure of Galápagos glides forth, make sure you have your camera ready. There’s more to photograph than only beautiful meals. The dedicated onboard naturalist will point your lens toward sea lions, pelicans, marine iguanas, flamingos, and Darwin’s finches – to name but a few.

The adventure also offers a chance to snorkel through the tropical waters and make acquaintances with sea turtles and other friendly marine life. Once out of the water and making progress to your next thrilling destination, there’s the chance to see sharks and rays, too. Indiana Jones ain’t got nothing on you after enjoying Avalon’s Ecuador & Its Galapagos Islands cruise – departing from Baltra Island on September 27, 2024.

City breaks and foreign excursions that boast it all
Prefer a dreamy city break over sun-kissed exploration? Oh, boy, can Avalon supply the goods, especially when you book ahead and grab a serious bargain. Their ‘A Culinary Experience in Grand France’ river cruise departs from Arles on April 1, 2025. And that’s no April Fool’s joke, with a breath-taking opportunity to absorb all the French charm unobtainable by those opting for hotels rather than river cruise accommodation.

You’ll engage with an unsung culture that promises to showcase more than just beautiful countryside and sleepy villages, also sampling local lifestyles and relishing the legendary cuisine for which Burgundy and Provence remain famous. There’s cheese-tasting, pastry demonstrations, and unique dining to be enjoyed, crafted from the tradition set by Chef Paul Bocuse. Vive la Rêver!

Should you be seeking a taste of the Orient, then Avalon’s impressive roster will have you spoiled for choice. Tropical climates and tantalising cuisine await, with Avalon spearheading rare itineraries that take you deep into hard-to-reach riverside ports bustling with tradition, or cities that offer far more than the guidebooks state.

The river cruise line holds extensive knowledge that allows you to chill, rather than worrying about logistics and language barriers. Every one of Avalon Waterways passengers is made a priority by the expert travel team who curate and lead each river cruise experience, leaving only one big question – what are you waiting for?

Delve in and choose from an extensive range of dream river cruise deals. You can thank us later.

Book before February 29, 2024 and save up to £3,000 per couple.