7 incredible experiences to have along Europe’s rivers

An aerial view of Danube with Avalon Waterways.

Cruise through history, culture and adventure with these 7 must-try experiences.

| THIS ARTICLE WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Avalon Waterways |

BY Nicole Edenedo

Last updated . 07 March 2025

Explore Europe’s scenic landscapes and historic cities on a river cruise filled with engaging adventures.

A river cruise through Europe is an iconic way to experience the rich culture and cuisine of this continent. Taste the best of Wachau Valley’s wine region in Austria, take foodie walking tours through Provence or join scenic bike tours around Budapest. And do it all on Avalon Waterways‘ Europe river cruises.

Getting there

Avalon Waterways offer Active & Discovery itineraries with activities for all interests and energy levels. Choose from three different excursion types: Classic, Discovery and Active.

Push yourself on an Active hike to a hilltop castle in the Rhine Gorge Valley for the reward of stunning views and medieval history, brush up on your culinary skills during an interactive cooking class on a Discovery excursion along the Danube River, or admire Dutch Old Master paintings on a Classic museum visit in the Netherlands while doing a deep dive into the region’s art history.

Sailings take place on Avalon’s signature Suite Ships^SM, with an average of just 150 guests onboard. They feature the line’s award-winning Panorama Suites^SM; these are 30 per cent larger than industry standard cabins and have beds facing floor-to-ceiling windows so you’ll never miss the scenery.

Dining options are flexible and abundant, whether you’d like to opt for a more traditional sit-down meal in the Panorama Dining Room, enjoy lighter bites in the Panorama Bistro or dine al fresco at the Sky Grill on the sundeck.

Adventure your way with Avalon Waterways.

1. Canoe on the Danube River

Explore the Danube River from a different perspective on a canoe ride on an Avalon Active & Discovery on the Danube cruise between Budapest and Vilshofen. Join your Adventure Host to paddle through the picturesque Danube Bend north of Budapest, famous for being one of the most beautiful stretches of river in Europe.

An aerial shot of the Danube river with Avalon Waterways.

Paddle through the breathtaking Danube Bend.

2. Awaken the artist within

Channel your inner Vincent van Gogh on an Avalon Active & Discovery on the Rhône from Arles to Lyon. Van Gogh spent some of his life in Arles, where he was inspired to create 300 paintings and drawings; on this Discovery excursion, you’ll attend a painting workshop to learn his techniques and master your own painting style while using his works as inspiration.

An artist-led painting class, part of your Avalon Waterways experience.

Unleash your creativity in the footsteps of Van Gogh.

3. Bike your way through the Wachau Valley

Cycle from Krems to Spitz along the Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour, taking in the surrounding scenery on an Avalon Active & Discovery on the Danube cruise. You’ll stop at Dürnstein along the way, where you’ll visit the town’s iconic monastery and famous blue church tower. Afterward, refuel with a tasting of some local specialities.

Two cyclists pause for a well-earned break, with their Avalon Waterways cruise waiting in the background.

Cycle through vineyard-lined paths.

4. Tour Rotterdam’s architecture

Take a unique bike tour to see the architectural highlights of Rotterdam on the Active & Discovery in Holland & Belgium itinerary. This is a fun and energising way to explore the city’s highlights, including the popular Market Hall, Erasmus Bridge and iconic Central Station.

Stop to admire the iconic Market Hall. (Image: Mike Van Den Bos)

5. Walk beautiful Heidelberg

In Heidelberg, take the road less travelled on a guided hike along the Philosophers’ Way for an inspiring view of the city below on the Avalon Active & Discovery on the Rhine cruise. This Active walking tour unveils stunning postcard views of the river, Altstadt (Old Town), Old Bridge and Heidelberg Castle.

Stroll the Philosophers’ Way for a picture-perfect views of Heidelberg. (Image Tobias Reich)

6. Learn from chefs in Chantilly Castle

Satisfy your sweet tooth on the Avalon Active & Discovery on the Seine cruise. Travel to Chantilly Castle, where the experts of La Confrérie des Chevaliers Fouetteurs de crème Chantilly will show you how to prepare authentic Chantilly cream, a lightly sweetened whipped cream often flavoured with vanilla.

7. Eat your way through Lyon

Walk and eat your way through the gastronomic capital of France, Lyon. On the Avalon Active & Discovery on the Rhône itinerary, you’ll go on a guided culinary and architecture walking tour, combining two of Lyon’s best assets. Later, join a cooking class to test your skills at making traditional Lyonnaise fare.