– FLY FREE offer with release of new 2017 brochure 

Avalon Waterways will set a new pace in European river cruising next year with the introduction of Active Discovery cruises, offering a new action-packed itinerary that gives travellers more to choose from as they bike, hike and canoe along the Danube.

The Active Discovery concept has been unveiled with the release of Avalon Waterways’ 2017 brochure, which is now available with a FLY FREE* offer on European cruises of 15 days or more or discounted airfares of $789 per person with cruises of 7-14 days.

Avalon’s new brochure features more than 55 exceptional river cruise itineraries on the great waterways of Europe, including the newly released Active Discovery on the Danube, a nine-day cruise between the Hungarian capital Budapest and the Austrian city of Linz.

Avalon Waterways National Marketing Manager Australia Chris Fundell said the new cruise was designed for an increasingly active generation of river cruisers who were seeking more hands-on experiences.

“Our Active Discovery itinerary gives cruisers the opportunity to bike, hike and canoe along the Danube,” Mr Fundell said. “They can also explore an ice cave, take an archery lesson, go underground in a salt mine or ascend a mountain on a guided climb. This is European travel with a focus on enjoying every moment of the journey.”

Eight departures of the Active Discovery cruise will operate between July and October 2017, priced from $5219* per person twin share. They are also available with optional three-day extensions to Prague (from $6124* including cruise and extension) or to Salzburg and Munich (from $6932* including cruise and extension).

Active choices are included in the fare and also provide a cooking class in Vienna, a viewing at a private Habsburg art collection, a trek along a World War II smugglers route, wine tasting in the renowned Wachau Valley and a brewery tour at the rococo Engelszell Abbey.

Other initiatives unveiled in the Avalon Waterways 2017 brochure include the new Avalon Fresh dining concept.  With the help of two rising Austrian culinary stars, brothers Karl and Leo Wrenkh, Avalon will introduce a series of wholesome new menu items that are both healthy and exciting, putting a fresh perspective on nutritious dining.

Best known for their Wrenkh restaurant and cooking school in Vienna, the brothers have developed a reputation for inventive cuisine that offers healthier options and vegetarian dishes that are as impressive as other signature dishes. The Avalon Fresh concept will feature local seasonal ingredients from small local farms and producers, and will be offered on European cruises in 2017 alongside Avalon’s other impressive dining options.

Avalon’s FLY FREE* offer is available with all 2017 European cruises of 15 days or more when booked by May 31, 2016. Popular options include:

• Magnificent Europe – 15 days between Amsterdam and Budapest, from $6920* per person twin share including free flights.

• Grand France – 16 days between Paris, Normandy and the Côte d’Azur, from $8255* per person twin share including free flights.

Avalon is also offering discounted airfares of $789 per person with 2017 European cruises of 7-14 days when booked by May 31, 2016.  Popular options include:

• A Taste of the Danube – eight days between Budapest and Vienna, from $2649* per person twin share, plus $789 flights.

• Romantic Rhine – eight days between Zurich and Amsterdam, from $3210* per person twin share, plus $789 flights.

• Burgundy & Provence – 11 days between Paris and the Côte d’Azur, from $5201* per person twin share, plus $789 flights.

Avalon Waterways operates among the most modern fleet of ships in Europe, offering a relaxed luxury aboard its revolutionary Suite Ships.  Offering 30 per cent more cabin space than the industry average, the Suite Ships feature two entire decks of all-suite accommodation.  Each suite has been cleverly designed to maximise the views, with beds that face the scenery instead of the wall in front and wall-to-wall panoramic windows that open to turn the entire cabin into an open-air balcony.

For full details and bookings see licensed travel agents, visit www.avalonwaterways.com.au or phone 1300 230 234.

*Prices per person twin share, subject to availability and conditions. Fly Free offer for cruises of 15 days or more and $789 airfare offer for cruises of 7-14 days valid for bookings until May 31, 2016, involving return economy flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin or Cairns and all taxes and charges.  Offers cannot be combined.  

SOURCE: Avalon Waterways