Cycling along the Danube

Avalon Waterways UK has launched its 2017 brochure with a new type of European river cruise featuring active excursions and local authentic experiences for groups.

Available on one particular stretch of the Danube, from Linz to Budapest, the new nine-day Active Discovery on the Danube cruises have been planned so Avalon guests can experience the area like a local. 

Depending on a group’s interests, local experiences on offer are based on culture, cuisine, outdoor pursuits and even the harvest of local produce.

Those wanting to be active can join guided mountain climbing, hiking through picturesque landscape, paddling a canoe or cycling alongside the Danube.

For a more cultural experience, groups can opt to learn how to conduct an orchestra, learn the Viennese waltz, explore an ice cave or visit a local farm to help with an apricot harvest.  

Culinary experiences include a lesson to make authentic Austrian Linzer Torte, and a brewery tour to taste locally produced cheeses and beer brewed by Trappist monks. There’s also the option to hike through a vineyard and take a wine tasting session at a traditional Austrian wine tavern.

Further cruise highlights include stops in Linz, Grein, Durnstein, Krems, Vienna, Bratislava, Visegard and Budapest.

The new cruise choice coincides with the launch of Avalon Fresh, a range of innovative and healthy menus for all Avalon cruises using fresh, local produce from small farms and producers.

Available on all European cruises for 2017, the new menus will include regional dishes as well as more western style dishes accompanied with regional wines at both lunch and dinner.

David Binns, Avalon head of product commented: “We are really looking forward to being able to offer our customers such a thrilling and fun choice of activities. They will be able to fully immerse themselves in local life and be as active as they wish as they sail through the stunning landscapes of Austria, Bratislava and Hungary.”  

For further information visit www.avaloncruises.co.uk.