Cruising the Danube… but make it Active & Discovery style 🚴‍♀️🍷🛶

By Shannan Goins, CTC

If you’ve ever thought a river cruise down the Danube was just for relaxing and watching the world go by—think again. The Avalon Waterways  is flipping the script with its Active & Discovery on the Danube cruise, and it’s the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and chill time.

Even though the theme is active and relaxed, you still get all the perks of a luxury river cruise—gorgeous panoramic suites, incredible meals, and European views—but this journey is all about getting off the ship and into the experience.

Want to bike through Austria’s Wachau Valley?

 Taste wine in a 900-year-old cellar?

Learn to make Viennese strudel from scratch?

Or kayak down the Danube at your own pace?

You can do all of that and more. With a mix of active, discovery, and classic excursions included every day, you get to choose your own adventure—no matter your travel style.

The vibe onboard is laid-back and an Avalon ship is the perfect home base for recharging after a day of exploring. Whether you’re sipping wine on the Sky Deck or watching castle views from your bed (yes, really), it’s the kind of trip that balances movement and magic.

This itinerary onboard the Avalon Passion began in Budapest, Hungary with stops in Visegrád, an overnight in Vienna, Grein, Linz and Spitz to name a few. There were also a few surprises along the way. One evening we were escorted to Clam Castle to meet the Count. He invited us to see a part of a concert that was being held there with Melissa Etheridge and Billy Idol. That was definitely not part of the itinerary! 

I also watched a jousting tournament and visited a concentration camp. There are just so many options it’s had to make the decision of which excursion to choose! 

One of my favorite stops was to an apricot orchard. We were invited to taste apricots straight from the trees and then headed inside to sample jellies, liquors and nectars, 🤤.  Oh, and the cider cellar! Just be careful with how any samples you have before 10 am…. 

This is the Danube… just with a whole lot more energy, creativity, and connection.

I traveled in a completely different way than ever before—and I loved it! I can’t wait to do it again, maybe at a Christmas market next time. 🤔 🎄