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Avalon Waterways will introduce a handful of exciting new Special Interest cruises for its 2020 program – with itineraries specifically crafted for photography aficionados, culinary connoisseurs, history-buffs and nature-enthusiasts, there’s a cruise for every type of traveller.“Avalon’s ‘Special Interest’ itineraries complement stories with stout, history with harmony and impressions with impressionism,” said Gai Tyrell, Managing Director Australasia, Globus family of brands.  “In addition to announcing new author and photography cruises in 2020, we are also unveiling new culinary-themed cruises and favourites featuring wine, beer, history, heritage and of course, Christmas. Regardless of the theme, our passion-filled cruises have the great distinction of uniting our guests with their pastimes and other like-minded travellers.”

2020 Special Interest cruises include:

A Picture-Perfect Itinerary: New for 2020, Brenda Tharp, renowned photographer and co-author of Extraordinary Everyday Photography will lead photography enthusiasts and inspiring shutterbugs through the iconic landscapes of the Seine River. Guests will learn from a seasoned photographer, cruise through postcard-perfect backdrops and enjoy the beauty and scenes of France, from Paris, the “City of Light,” to La Havre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stops in between include the WWII Landing Beaches in Normandy, Monet’s Giverny, Rouen’s astronomical clock, Van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise and Napoléon’s Chateau del Malmaison.

  • NEW Reflections on the Seine for Photography Enthusiasts (May 5 departure)

Palate-Pleasing Adventures: Savour the culinary highlights of France – the land of haute cuisine. These new river cruises invite travellers to enjoy mouth-watering flavours, decadent aromas and delightful textures sure to send taste buds into overdrive.

  • NEW A Culinary Experience in Burgundy & Provence (March 29 departure)
  • NEW A Culinary Experience on Rhine & Rhone Revealed (March 24 departure)
  • NEW A Culinary Experience on Grand France (March 24 departure)

The World in Red & White: Whether travellers are aspiring sommeliers, or simply enjoy an evening tipple, it’s time to take a cruise where the river and Rieslings flow. On these 2020 wine cruises, vino lovers of the world unite with the renowned winemakers and masters on the rolling vineyards of Europe.

  • NEW Danube Dreams for Wine Lovers (April 30 and October 29 departures)
  • NEW The Danube From the Black Sea to Germany for Wine Lovers (April 20)
  • Burgundy & Provence for Wine Lovers (October 6, 20 & 27 departure)
  • Grand France for Wine Lovers (October 6 and October 20 departures)
  • Rhine & Rhône Revealed for Wine Lovers (October 6 and October 20 departures)

Adventure is Brewing: Pairing fascinating history with a beverage that goes just as far back in time, an Avalon Beer Cruise promises incredible scenery and visits to the greatest beer scenes in Europe.

  • Tulip Time Cruise for Beer Enthusiasts (April 4 departure)
  • Enchanted Europe for Beer Enthusiasts (July 16 departure)
  • Magnificent Europe for Beer Enthusiasts (October 27 departure)
  • German Grandeur for Beer Enthusiasts (July 23 departure)

Festive Time Cruises: Experience the holiday season the European way! Travellers will enjoy the jolly atmosphere on their festively decorated Suite Ship as they delight in the sights, smells, tastes and local traditions of Europe’s Christmas markets. In 2020, Avalon Waterways is offering 16 Christmas Cruises throughout Europe.

Wonder in Bloom: Spring in Holland and Belgium is no time to tiptoe through the tulips; it’s time to sail, stroll and skip through their glorious splendour.

  • NEW Tulip Time in Holland & Belgium for Garden & Nature Lovers (May 3 departure)
  • NEW Grand Tulip Cruise of Holland & Belgium for Garden & Nature Lovers (May 3 departure)
  • Tulip Time Cruise for Garden & Nature Lovers (April 11 and 18 departures)

Remembrance on the River: All river cruises venture back in time. These World War I and II history cruises make a special trip to honour and commemorate the significant sites of the fearless and fallen that fought for freedom.

  • NEW Tulip Time in Holland & Belgium WWI Remembrance & History Cruise (April 19 departure)
  • NEW Grand Tulip Time Cruise of Holland and Belgium WWI Remembrance & History Cruise (April 19 departure)
  • Paris to Normandy WWII Remembrance & History Cruise (June 2 departure)
  • Grand France WWII Remembrance & History Cruise (June 2 departure)

Once Upon a CastleIn the fairy-tale settings of Germany, Austria and Hungary, Avalon Waterways is rolling out the red carpet for travellers sailing along the Danube. From the palaces of Budapest and Vienna to the castles and estates of the surrounding countryside, it’s time to sip Champagne in the same reception rooms and walk the same art-filled corridors of Europe’s royal past.

  • Danube Dreams with Habsburg & Royalty (August 13 departure)

Under the Star: History’s most moving chapters come to life sailing down the Danube, Rhine and Rhône Rivers on an Avalon Jewish Heritage cruise. Deep in the Jewish quarters of Europe’s most historic cities, explore museums and monuments, cemeteries and synagogues and hear the touching stories behind each of them.

  • Romantic Rhine with Jewish Heritage (July 21 departure)
  • Rhine & Rhône Revealed with Jewish Heritage (July 14 departure)
  • The Legendary Danube with Jewish Heritage (August 13 departure)

Passion Play: Finally, for travellers who have been waiting years (and years) to experience Oberammergau’s Passion Play – a theatrical tradition that has taken place every ten years since 1634 – Avalon Waterways is delivering unforgettable cruise experiences and preferred seating at the Passion Play.

  • Danube Dreams with Oberammergau 2020 (multiple departures throughout 2020)
  • 13 day Romantic Rhine with Oberammergau 2020 (multiple departures throughout 2020)
  • 12 day Romantic Rhine with Oberammergau 2020 (July 14 and August 11 departures)

Avalon’s Best Deals are out now! Book a 2020 Europe river cruise and save up to $6,800 per couple (includes bonus savings of up to $2,200 per couple, when you book by 30 May 2019).