Go exotic with Avalon Waterways

For those with an adventurous spirit Avalon Waterways presents a compendium of exotic options across the globe, beyond the traditional river cruise heartlands of Europe.

Heading out to Asia, Africa or South America in the comfort of a luxury river liner achieves the perfect balance of authentic exploration and boutique luxury.

Exotic river cruise itineraries offer the rare treat of visiting unique and hard-to-reach riverside destinations, immersing yourself in some of the world’s most fascinating cultures, and all while knowing that the logistics, language-barriers, and comfort have all been carefully considered by an expert travel team who curate and lead the experience.

In short, an exotic river cruise equips you with the comfort, confidence and company of experts, giving you the chance to explore further and deeper than most of us would independently achieve.

Galapagos Islands are a rare treat to explore
If marine wildlife is your passion, then a voyage to the celebrated Galapagos Islands is sure to fill your camera roll and mind with scenes to last a lifetime. Come face-to-face with the islands’ tremendous diversity of animal life, from the famous giant tortoises to colonies of penguins, and a joyful choir of birds.

Only approved ships sail around the Galapagos Islands, which are carefully protected to ensure their natural beauty and wildlife continue to flourish, so you’ll fly from Quito, Ecuador, to board your luxury yacht on Baltra Island.

For a sensational circumnavigation of the islands, choose the eight-day round-trip from Quito, but if eight days in paradise sounds too short, there are lengthier voyages that are a true treat for explorers with more time on their hands.

The 15-day Galapagos and Peru combination starts in Lima and includes an overnight stay in Machu Picchu before flying north to Quito for the start of the Galapagos Islands stint of the adventure.

The mighty Amazon
Deep in the Amazon rainforest, you’ll uncover a world totally distinct from anything you might be used to. This mighty river, weaving through the world’s most famous (yet unexplored) rainforest is so vast that it really is like entering another world.

The river basin spans a larger area than the entirety of Western Europe, and the region is teeming with colourful wildlife, gorgeous orchids and other plants, and shaded by monumental, towering trees.

It’s also hot and humid, so what a treat to explore this majestic Eden with the comfort of refreshing air-conditioning, the comfiest of beds, and Avalon Waterways’ signature service.

Discover the Inca Empire and dive into the Peruvian Amazon on an 11-day escapade, currently booking for 2024 and 2025, or extend the foray into the exotic with a 20-day package that combines land and sea, from Lima to Machu Picchu, along the Amazon River and voyaging out to the Galapagos Islands.

From the Amazon to the Nile
If the ancient empires and majestic waterways of South America sound impressive to you, then you’ll also relish a voyage to the land of the ancient Egyptians, with its far-reaching history still proudly standing before us to this day.

Marvel at the architectural and cultural magnificence of this bastion of the ancient world, with itineraries dedicated exclusively to the Nile for a ‘Taste of Egypt’, or including extensions into neighbouring Jordan, where many have discovered the true meaning of awestruck standing in front of the Treasury at Petra.

Avalon Waterways’ inspiring sailings along the Nile cover a stretch from Luxor to Aswan, which features many ancient temples and monuments.

To book any of these cruises – and take advantage of Avalon Waterways’ offer of up to £800 per couple off, plus deposits start from £400 per person – visit avalonwaterways.co.uk