River cruising and wine tasting go hand-in-hand, but so too does beer tasting. Austria and Germany boast some of most diverse and varied breweries in Europe, and Avalon Waterways has put together a Beer Tasting River Cruise that lets guests fully immerse themselves in the rich history of beer making.
Departing October 13, 2014 aboard the forthcoming Avalon Artistry II, this beer-themed voyage begins in the Austrian city of Vienna. Known best for its café culture and social epicenter, Vienna is also the gateway to some of Austria’s most charming towns and villages.
Durnstein and Melk all reside within the fabulous Wachau Valley, famed for its wine production. Breweries were just as important to this stretch of the Danube, and the chance to sample both along this itinerary makes for a diverse and rich experience. Melk is most famous for its Benedictine Monastery, while a hike up to the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in Durnstein in 1192 is a must for its views.
Following visits to Grein and Linz, Avalon Artistry II makes its way into Germany’s Bavaria region, famed for its fairytale castles like Neuschwanstein (a must-see) and Linderhof. Beer has always been crucially important to this region of Germany, which may come as no surprise considering Munich plays host to Oktoberfest.
On this voyage, guests will disembark Avalon Artistry II in Passau and make their way to Munich via motorcoach for a three-night stay. There’s so much to see and do in this Bavarian city that you’ll find yourself pulled in every direction. Don’t worry: There’s always time for some bratwurst, sauerkraut and a hearty pint.
The full itinerary on this immersive journey:
| DAY | PORT | ACTIVITIES |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Vienna, Austria | Embark Avalon Artistry II; Welcome reception & dinner. |
| Day 2 | Vienna, Austria | Guided sightseeing; optional concert in the evening. |
| Day 3 | Durnstein / Melk, Austria | Guided walk / Choice of guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey or Schallaburg Renaissance Castle |
| Day 4 | Grein / Linz, Austria | Guided walk; theatre visit / Free time in Linz. |
| Day 5 | Linz, Austria / Passau, Germany | Guided tour of Passau |
| Day 6 | Passau / Munich, Germany | Disembark Avalon Artistry II and transfer to Munich. Optional excursion to Salzburg, Austria. |
| Day 7 | Munich, Germany | Guided sightseeing, see the Marienplatz. |
| Day 8 | Munich, Germany | Excursion to Hohenschwangau & Oberammergau; visit Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Palace |
| Day 9 | Munich, Germany | Transfer to Munich Airport for onward flights. |
October 2014 may still be a long way off, but we’d bet this is one voyage that’s going to sell out quickly, so if you’re an appreciator of good beer, you may want to at least get a deposit down on what promises to be a fun voyage.
More information on Avalon Waterways and the Avalon Artistry II can be found by viewing our complete Avalon Waterways profile here on River Cruiser Advisor.
