There is no better time to experience Europe’s rivers than fall through the holidays. Our travel agency can help you plan an Avalon Waterways river cruise during this unforgettable season, when golden vineyards, historic towns and festive markets bring Europe to life. Whether you want to admire autumn scenery along the Rhine, celebrate harvest season with local wines on the Danube or explore Europe’s famous Christmas markets, we can help you find the right itinerary and secure your perfect sailing.
Why an Avalon Waterways River Cruise Is Different
Autumn transforms European river landscapes into a showcase of rich colors, charming villages and unforgettable views. Avalon Waterways’ Romantic Rhine cruises are especially beautiful during this season, with vineyard-covered hills, medieval castles and riverside towns creating a picture-perfect backdrop. Avalon’s Suite Ships® make the journey as memorable as the destination — every Panorama Suite® features a wall-to-wall panoramic window that opens into an Open-Air Balcony®, with Comfort Collection beds facing the river. At 200 square feet, suites run about 30% larger than the industry standard.
What’s included on every Avalon Waterways sailing:
- All onboard meals including four-course à la carte dinners with regional wine and beer
- Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast
- Avalon Choice® excursions give you a choice of Classic, Active or Discovery activities at every port
- Complimentary Happy Hour nightly in the Panorama Lounge
- 24-hour specialty coffee and tea at the Club Lounge
- Starlink Wi-Fi and the AvalonGO app
- Avalon Fresh® menu options with farm-to-table and vegetarian selections
Avalon Waterways' Special Interest Cruises
Avalon Waterways’ Special Interest cruises celebrate Europe’s most memorable seasons, from harvest-inspired wine journeys through renowned river regions to festive sailings that bring Europe’s Christmas markets to life. Our travel advisors can help you choose the right itinerary, secure the best options for your travel style and handle the details that make your river cruise seamless.
Featured Sailings:

Cologne, Germany
8-Day Romantic Rhine (Northbound)
Departing October 27, November 10 & 17, 2026
Avalon Envision, Avalon Vista, Avalon View, Avalon Panorama, Avalon Expression
Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Netherlands
Deluxe Stateroom from $4,030 per person

Strasbourg, France
8-Day Romantic Rhine (Southbound)
Departing October 31, November 7 & 10, 2026
Avalon Envision, Avalon Vista, Avalon View, Avalon Panorama, Avalon Expression
Amsterdam, Netherlands to Basel, Switzerland
Deluxe Stateroom from $4,030 per person

Budapest, Hungary
8-Day Danube Dreams for Wine Lovers (Westbound)
Departing November 10, 2026
Avalon Illumination, Avalon Impression
Budapest, Hungary to Vilshofen, Germany
Deluxe Stateroom from $4,230 per person

Dürnstein, Austria
8-Day Danube Dreams for Wine Lovers (Eastbound)
Departing November 17, 2026
Avalon Illumination, Avalon Impression
Vilshofen, Germany to Budapest, Hungary
Deluxe Stateroom from $4,030 per person

Nuremberg, Germany
7-Day Christmastime on the Danube (Eastbound)
Departing December 4 & 17, 2026
Avalon Vista, Avalon Visionary, Avalon Impression, Avalon Passion, Avalon Expression
Nuremberg, Germany to Vienna, Austria (Vienna to Nuremberg dates available)
Panorama Suite from $5,325 per person

Frankfurt, Germany
6-Day Christmastime in the Heart of Germany
Departing December 6 & 14, 2026
Avalon Tranquility II, Avalon Imagery II
Frankfurt, Germany to Nuremberg, Germany (Nuremberg to Frankfurt dates available)
Panorama Suite from $4,521 per person