Avalon Waterways has expanded its Europe portfolio with three new cruise-and-tour itineraries developed alongside sister company Globus. The additions target travelers seeking a blend of escorted land touring and river cruising, reducing the complexity of multi-country European trips.
The new packages are designed to deliver a seamless experience across multiple countries. According to Avalon president Pam Hoffee, the concept allows guests to focus on the journey itself while logistics are handled behind the scenes. “Travelers can be fully present for the best moments without worrying about transfers, hotel changes, or timing,” Hoffee said.
Three New Itineraries
Essential Britain & Ireland with Romantic Rhine is a 17-day journey priced from $11,707 per person. It spans the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland, combining castles, cobblestone streets, and classic Rhine river scenery.
The Best of Spain with Paris and Normandy runs 16 days, starting in Madrid and Barcelona before moving to the Seine for Paris, Normandy’s beaches, and the medieval spires of Rouen. The itinerary is built for travelers who want a mix of culture, coast, and iconic cities in one trip.
Italian Vista with Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights in Lucerne is the longest at 17 days. It begins in Italy with visits to the Colosseum, Venice, and Lake Como, then moves to Lucerne for a lakeside stay before finishing with a Rhine cruise that includes Strasbourg and Amsterdam.
These itineraries combine guided touring with river cruising, appealing to travelers who want the depth of a land trip but the relaxed pace of sailing through Europe by river. The format also minimizes the need to constantly pack and unpack, a significant advantage on multi-country holidays.
With these additions, Avalon’s cruise-and-tour collection now includes seven itineraries across Europe, strengthening the brand’s footprint in the region. The new departures reflect continued demand for trips that combine structure with flexibility, especially in Europe where travelers often want to cover several countries in one holiday.
The launch comes amid a broader surge in European travel demand. As noted in our analysis of Southern Europe and North America leading summer 2026 travel demand, river cruising and escorted tours remain popular choices for multi-destination itineraries. Meanwhile, cruise lines like Princess Cruises setting a record with 291 departures for its 2028 Europe season underscore the growing appetite for structured European travel.
For travel agents and tour operators, these itineraries offer a turnkey solution for clients seeking comprehensive European experiences without the planning burden. Avalon and Globus are positioning these packages as ideal for first-time Europe visitors as well as repeat travelers looking for a more effortless way to see familiar regions differently.
