A Few of Our Favorite Shore Excursions with Avalon Waterways

Van Gogh Painting Workshop

Never thought of yourself as an artist? Van Gogh once said, "What would life be if we had no courage to anything?"

Channel your inner Van Gogh with this Discovery shore excursion, exclusively available in this Dutch port. You’ll spend the session learning about Van Gogh’s work and life in Amsterdam while enjoying easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions to mimic the master’s techniques — culminating in your own keepsake canvas to take home and show off for years to come.

Düsseldorf Altbier Discovery Tour

This copper-colored ale owes its hints of fruitiness to both top-fermenting yeast and the town's cooler temperature.

The brew of Düsseldorf is legendary. While lagers and pilsners are plenty, the star of the show in this town is the fabled altbier. Though it boasts an ancient lineage, altbier in its current form is the product of modern brew techniques and Düsseldorf’s unique geographical conditions. As such, this town reserves a special place in its collective heart (and on drink menus) for the local tipple. With this excursion, an expert guide will lead you on a tour and tasting of altbier’s home turf, where you can expect to learn all about the intricacies of this historic beer in a hands-on approach.

Into the Alsace Countryside with Vineyards Tour

Good company, great wine and stunning views can turn any half day into one to remember.

While at the port of Kehl, you’ll have the option to add a tour of the Alsace countryside (and its many vineyards) to your itinerary — an option that is frankly too good to pass up. A string of picturesque villages and serene vineyards stretching across stunning landscapes, the Alsace Wine Route is the stuff of legend. As France’s oldest wine route in the literal heart of France’s wine country, the experience of meandering through this quaint stretch of Earth, sipping delightful reds and whites, all while gazing out over dreamlike hills and valleys has aged like … well, a fine wine. While this excursion is only a half day long, the calm it instills in the soul seems to linger for weeks and months down the line.

Ready to Set Sail with Avalon? Give Our Travel Agents a Call

Eager to experience any (or all!) of the following excursions? Your ticket to all the above is on board one of Avalon Waterways’ luxe river cruises … and your best next step for booking with them is connecting with one of our travel agents. Our travel agents are certified experts at all things Avalon — from their many different cruise excursions to their onboard cultural presentations and FlexDining® menus — and on call for the duration of your trip, so you’ll never need to stress on a detail, no matter how big or small.

Connect with a travel agent today to get started planning your dream getaway along Europe’s enchanting rivers.