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Avalon Waterways | Free Air or Save $1,500 on 2026 European River Cruises

  • Writer: McNellis Travel Team
    McNellis Travel Team
  • Jan 17
  • 3 min read
Avalon Waterways River Cruises | Free Air or Save $1,500

Discover the River Cruise Line with the Most Included Excursions

Avalon Waterways is redefining European river cruising by giving travelers more freedom, more choice, and more ways to experience each destination. Known for offering more included excursions than any other river cruise line, Avalon’s signature Avalon Choice program allows you to tailor each port day to your interests—whether that means guided market visits, hands-on culinary experiences, biking through vineyards, kayaking beneath historic bridges, or cultural excursions led by expert local guides.


With thoughtfully designed ships, spacious Panorama Suites℠ featuring the industry’s only Open-Air Balconies®, and flexible dining options, Avalon Waterways delivers a relaxed, personalized cruise experience that never feels rushed or restrictive. And now, they’re giving you a choice on how to save.


Free Air or Save $1,500 Per Person

Book a select 2026 Avalon Waterways European river cruise and choose between:

  • Free round-trip trans-Atlantic airfare, or

  • Save $1,500 per person on select sailings

Plus, on select Active & Discovery cruises, enjoy free prepaid cruise gratuities—an agency-exclusive bonus.


Why Choose Avalon Waterways

  • Smaller ships with best-in-class comfort and personalized service

  • Smaller excursion groups for closer access to landmarks

  • Knowledgeable local guides for deeper cultural connections

  • FlexDining® lets you choose when and where you dine

  • Panorama Suites℠ with wall-to-wall windows and Open-Air Balconies®

Our travel professionals agree:“For travelers who want flexibility and choice without sacrificing comfort or quality, Avalon Waterways is an outstanding option. Travel isn’t one-size-fits-all—and Avalon understands that.”

Featured Sailings

Kayaking, Pont du Gard7-Night Active & Discovery on the Rhône Northbound

Vacation Code: 4118

Avalon Poetry II

Departing April – September 2026*Arles to Lyon

From $5,030 per person

★ Highlight: Rogue on the Rhône: An Epic Voyage with Graham McTavish. Join the legendary actor, author, and Avalon Waterways spokesperson for a once-in-a-lifetime cruise where history, adventure, and storytelling collide. (June 9, 2026 departure)


Avalon Panorama Suite in Budapest7-Night Active & Discovery on the Danube Westbound

Vacation Code: 4118

Avalon Expression, Avalon Visionary, Avalon Illumination

Departing May – October 2026 Budapest to Vilshofen

From $4,330 per person

★ Agency Exclusive: Free Prepaid Gratuities


Amsterdam, Netherlands7-Night Active & Discovery on the Rhine Southbound

Vacation Code: 4118

Avalon Vista, Avalon Panorama

Departing May – October 2026 Amsterdam to Basel

From $4,830 per person

★ Agency Exclusive: Free Prepaid Gratuities


Giverny, France8-Night Active & Discovery on the Seine (Southbound)

Vacation Code: 4118

Avalon Tapestry II

Departing May – June 2026 Roundtrip Paris

From $5,419 per person

★ Agency Exclusive: Free Prepaid Gratuities


Plan Your Avalon River Cruise with McNellis Travel

These sailings and offers are capacity-controlled and change frequently. Our advisors monitor availability, airfare options, and promotions to ensure you get the best possible value—without the stress.


👉 Request your Avalon Waterways quote with McNellis Travel today and let us handle every detail of your European river cruise.



*Terms & Conditions

Travel advisors may charge an additional planning fee depending on the complexity of the trip.

Vacation Code: 4118

*Book a select 2026 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise to receive free round-trip economy class trans-Atlantic air from ATL, BOS, CHI (MDW, ORD), CHS, CLT, DFW, DTW, FLL, IAH, LAX, MIA, MCO, MSP, NYC (EWR, JFK, LGA), PBI, PHL, PIT, RDU, RSW, SAN, SFO, SLC, TPA, WAS (BWI, DCA, IAD). Other gateway cities available from $100 to $1,075/person additional (inclusive of taxes/fees). Free air offer is based on lowest-priced economy class Flex airfare available at time of reservation and scheduled to coincide with cruise itinerary. Pre-assigned airline seats are limited and may not be available on all segments.


Alternate schedules may be available at additional cost. Quotes available through our agency. Offer combinable with valid Welcome Back credits and offers of $500, $1,000, or $1,500 on select departures. Limited to new bookings for U.S.-originating travelers; must be booked and under deposit between December 11, 2025 and February 28, 2026. $550 non-refundable deposit required. Not valid for instant purchase air. Groups of 8+ passengers do not qualify. Airfare changes may incur penalties up to 100% of ticket value. Baggage fees may apply. Schedules available approx. 330 days prior to return. Air carriers and routings determined by Globus family of brands. Offer capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time. Air tickets are non-commissionable. Additional restrictions apply.


**Book a select 2026 Avalon Waterways Active & Discovery river cruise (excluding Storyteller sailings) and receive standard prepaid cruise gratuities for the cruise portion. Booking must be made and under deposit between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026 for travel within the same period. Applies to new bookings only; not combinable with multiple agency promotions. Subject to availability and cancellation penalties. Prices are in USD, per person, double occupancy, land only, subject to change.

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