Excursions

Excursions

This. That. And Everything.

Having the most thoughtfully designed, newest ships in the industry isn't the only advantage of Avalon. We tailor experiences too. Our handpicked Cruise Directors and Certified Local Guides in Europe, China, Egypt and the Galápagos Islands are the best in the business.

Avalon's inspired, 360-degree, engaging cruise experiences afford travelers the chance to immerse themselves into a destination and culture thanks to award-winning land programs and world-class guides. Our Egyptologists (along the Nile), Naturalists (in the Galápagos), Cruise Directors (in Europe Southeast Asia and China) and special guest lecturers also offer them a vast onboard educational program, giving cruisers the chance to soak in the history and culture of a region as they drift from village to village or island to island.

It's not easy to be an expert on everywhere. Thanks to Avalon's relationship with Globus – an award-winning tour company more than 80 years of experience – and 300 support staff on the ground in 65 countries around the world, our cruisers are privy to the best, all-inclusive land programs available.

We transform tourists into travelers and storytellers and help them truly experience each destination with guided sightseeing in every port (complete with headsets), daily port lectures, VIP access into key destinations, no waiting in lines and great cultural immersion and storytelling thanks to highly skilled Cruise and Tour Directors.

Biking

Avalon is also encouraging cruisers to drive their personal enrichment by experiencing ports on two wheels (from the seat of a bicycle). Adding to our already robust roster of activities, we have partnered with bicycle tour specialists in Amsterdam, Maastricht, Lyon, Durnstein and Breisach for optional, guided excursions.
Learn more about bike excursions

Stroll Along Ancient Roads & Feel the Strange Become Familiar.

Stroll Along Ancient Roads and Feel the Strange Become FamiliarAt Avalon, we never lose sight of the reason you're traveling—to see the people, places, and sights on shore. And because we're part of the Globus family of brands, we're backed by more than 85 years in the travel business…which means you'll experience the world in a way that no other river cruise operator can deliver!

Included Guided Sightseeing & Excursions

When it comes to showing you the world, we select the very best guides—professionals who are certified locally in each destination and selected by the Globus family of brands. These Certified Local Guides are recognized for their expertise, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the area. They will lead you on engaging, included sightseeing tours, delivering genuine, behind-the-scenes destination experiences. You'll even benefit from the use of personal headsets for sightseeing, which gives you the freedom to roam through some of Europe's most famous attractions without missing a moment of fascinating commentary.

MyAvalonSM

Avalon offers a great selection of optional excursions to help you further personalize your cruise. Whether it's a classical music concert in Vienna, a visit to a French winery, time at the colossal Romanian Parliament building in Bucharest, or a guided bicycle tour through town, with MyAvalon, selecting and paying for your optional excursions before your cruise is a cinch! Just go to AvalonWaterways.com/MyAvalon.

Sightseeing at Just the Right Pace

Sightseeing at Just the Right PaceSightseeing should never be a one-size-fits-all proposition. Travelers like to see the sights in different ways, so we've developed three sightseeing pace options to choose from:

    Leisurely Sightseeing
    A Certified Local Guide shows you the destination's highlights in a relaxed and unhurried way.

    Traditional Sightseeing
    Led by a Certified Local Guide, you'll explore a wide range of sights at a moderate pace.

    Essential Sightseeing
    This orientation shows you the must-see sights, with plenty of time to explore on your own.

Explore on Your Own

Feel like discovering your destination on your own? Your onboard Guest Services is happy to assist you in making a dinner reservation on shore, getting tickets to the opera or a local cultural performance, or hiring a taxi so you can visit a friend or explore outlying areas. And for a more active experience on shore, consider the complimentary use of a Nordic walking stick.