Calling All Epicures
By Sasha Anesa

Calling All Epicures
By Sasha Anesa

Culinary and wine lovers can find the perfect match in a themed Avalon Waterways river cruise.
Designed for elevated palates, Avalon Waterways’ specialty sailings celebrate two of Europe’s greatest pleasures: exceptional food and world-class wine. Avalon’s Wine Lovers and Culinary river cruises are created for travelers who thrive on experiencing destinations through their unique flavors, combining the ease of river cruising with immersive tastings and authentic encounters. Sail through Europe’s renowned wine regions and culinary capitals while indulging in meaningful moments that bring local cultures to life.

Uncorked Fun on the River
Enjoying a glass of wine in the vineyard where the grapes were grown makes for an unforgettable experience. Avalon’s Wine Lovers river cruises offer just that, guiding guests through Europe’s most celebrated wine regions during harvest, the vineyards’ most vibrant season. Throughout the cruise, guests can participate in guided wine tastings, educational presentations and expertly curated food and wine pairings. Sampling regional vintages with artisan cheeses while learning the characteristics of local grape varietals helps travelers gain a greater appreciation for both the wines and the cultures that produce them. And on select departures, a certified sommelier further enriches the journey, offering insight into every tasting and pairing.

A Feast Beyond the Glass
While wine is an essential part of Europe’s cultural identity, Avalon’s Culinary river cruises tell the rest of the story through the region’s celebrated cuisine. Immersive itineraries introduce travelers to classic recipes, culinary traditions and local ingredients through hands-on experiences both onboard and ashore.
Together, these cruise collections showcase more than exceptional meals and fine wines; they provide cultural and culinary experiences that connect travelers with the people, stories, and craftsmanship behind every bottle and dish.
“Immersive itineraries introduce travelers to classic recipes, culinary traditions and local ingredients.”

Regions Worth Savoring
Across Europe’s most celebrated wine regions and culinary destinations, Avalon’s itineraries reveal the unique flavors and traditions that define each place.
Burgundy & Provence
Sip: Avalon’s Burgundy & Provence for Wine Lovers itinerary invites guests to explore southern France’s historic vineyards and wine cellars, discovering culinary traditions that made the region famous. Guests can sail the Mâcon for an excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar, tour Châteauneuf-du-Pape, stroll through Beaujolais, and even enjoy a wine and chocolate tasting that brings the destination to life.
Taste: A Culinary Experience in Burgundy & Provence brings unforgettable gastronomic experiences. Guests can sample regional French cheeses, observe a pastry-making demonstration, and indulge in a curated menu created by the legendary chef Paul Bocuse.
Danube Dreams
Sip: Danube Dreams for Wine Lovers sails from Vilshofen, Germany to Budapest, Hungary, highlighting distinctive Central European wines and regional Danube specialties. While exploring picturesque medieval towns, guests taste regional wines throughout the journey.
Taste: On a Culinary Experience on Danube Dreams, guests can enjoy a guided foodie tour of Vienna, hearty Goulash, and of course a taste of Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel for a sweet treat. Travelers can explore regional food and wine pairings while sharpening their skills with a hands-on cooking class.
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Similar journeys sail through the Rhine River Valley, the Moselle, the Seine, and the Rhône Valley, each offering their own regional adventures with food and wine at the forefront. From vineyard-lined hillsides to local experts sharing generations of tradition, Avalon invites travelers to discover the stories and flavors that define each destination. Blending luxury accommodations with authentic food and wine experiences, Avalon creates a memorable journey where every destination is savored one glass and one plate at a time.
Welcome to a New Wave of Cruising
Avalon Waterways is rewriting the rules of the river.

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