If you want to see the world, cruise down its legendary rivers. If you want to see more of the world, look no further than Avalon Waterways.

Short and Suite: 4-day European river cruises may be just the ticket

River cruising is one of the biggest trends in travel, and each year more Canadians are opting for this leisurely way of exploring Europe’s countryside and famous cities.  But if they’re not quite yet sold on the concept, a four day mini-cruise may be just the experience they are looking for.

(Photo: couple enjoy panorama view from cabin onboard AvalonWaterways Passion vessel)

Award-winning Avalon Waterways offers four-day cruises between Vienna and Budapest from May to November. These “Taste of the Danube” cruises include as ports of call Bratislava (Slovakia) and Melk and Durnstein in Austria, with splendid river vistas of vineyards and villages in between.

Like all of Avalon’s European cruises, each includes all meals, with wine included at lunches and four-course dinners; charming light entertainment and port talks in the evening; and a choice of optional shore excursions at each stop, such as a sightseeing tour of Melk’s 11th century Abbey or an invigorating hike up to Bratislava Castle. And you needn’t sign up in advance, so you can decide each morning what you are in the mood for! Or if touring independently is more your style, you’re free to explore on your own. The ship has bicycles for your complimentary use and the AvalonGO app is full of sightseeing suggestions and tips.

(Photo: AvalonWaterways "Passion" deck)

The Passion, launched in 2016, features two full decks of Avalon’s signature Panorama Suites, with window-facing beds that provide the perfect vantage point from which to view the passing scenery. Every 200 square foot Panorama Suite features a marble bathroom and an 11 foot window wall which opens a full six feet to create an “open air balcony,” bringing in the sights and sounds of Europe.

A similar, 5-day “Taste of the Rhine” cruise sails between Amsterdam and Mainz in Germany.

And because Avalon is a member of the Globus family of brands, it’s easy to combine your short-and-suite cruise with a tour from their sister companies, Monograms (pre-packaged independent touring) or escorted tour companies Globus and Cosmos.