I sailed with Avalon Waterways on the Irrawaddy River in Burma last year, and it was the voyage of a lifetime. I already had plenty to love about the river cruise company, from the wonderful crew I met to the lovely design of the 36-passenger Avalon Myanmar vessel and incredible itinerary and excursions we enjoyed.
Now, Avalon Waterways has made a move to impress In The Loop Travel even more. OK, the company probably didn't have me in mind, but as you know, I certainly can appreciate a fitness-focused approach to travel. And Avalon Waterways has announced two initiatives that will be a hit for the active cruise traveler.
Avalon offers "Active Discovery on the Danube" sailings. Who wouldn't like to immerse themselves in the history of the region around this European river gem while working up a little sweat?
"Our Active Discovery itineraries (nine days from Linz to Budapest or the reverse) give cruisers the opportunity to bike, hike and canoe along the Danube," said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways. "They can also explore an ice cave, take an archery lesson, descend into an underground salt mine or ascend up a mountain during a guided climb. This is a European vacation focused on enjoying every moment of the journey."
Highlights include (Each excursion features an active portion and discovery portion):
Engelhartszell-Schlogen Oxbow-Linz: Active -- hiking tour to retrace the World War II smugglers route plus a guided hike on the Danube Trail. Discovery -- Beer tasting at an abbey brewery, Linz music theater program or pub-crawl.
Linz-Mauthausen-Grein-Spitz: Active -- biking along the Roman Limes. Discovery -- Mauthausen concentration camp visit and Q&A with a count at Clam Castle.
Spitz-Krems-Vienna-Wachau Valley: Active -- canoe tour down the Danube, biking from Spitz to Durnstein or hiking the vineyards of Vienna. Discovery -- meet with an apricot orchard farmer, a chef cooking local produce or enjoy a wine-tasting.
Vienna: Active -- sightseeing by bike or run. Discovery -- Spanish horse riding school, Belvedere Palace, Viennese cooking class and/or private entry to the Museum of Fine Arts.
On top of the "Active Discovery on the Danube" program, Avalon Waterways unveiled "Avalon Fresh," a collaboration with Karl and Leo Wrenkh, brothers from Vienna, Austria, and operators of the Wrenkh Vienna Culinary School 2.0. The Avalon Fresh menu focuses on a creative way to make delicious and nutritious meals from fresh produce and meats brought onboard from small local farms. The Wrenkhs will create wholesome and healthy innovative cuisine, including gluten-free options. A reason to get back onboard an Avalon cruise, again and again.
Thanks for reading.
Travel fit! Travel happy! Travel often!
JR