Avalon Waterways Expands Themed Cruises with Arts & Impressionist Cruise

LONDON, Feb. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Avalon Waterways has introduced a new Arts & Impressionist river cruise for 2011 to add to the choice of cruises specially tailored to special interests such as wine appreciation, jazz and classical music in Europe.

Following Avalon's popular 8 day 'Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches' itinerary through Northern France, the new cruise highlights the famous landmarks, museums and points of interest associated with the well-known French Impressionist artists.   The itinerary includes sightseeing in Paris with visits to Paris' Musee d'Orsay to see the 19^th century art collections and a walking tour around Montmartre and the Sacre Coeur.  Highlights also include guided sightseeing of Monet's House at Giverny and Musee des Impressionism.  A visit to Rouen Cathedral will give visitors an idea of Monet's inspiration to paint the cathedral and seeing the collection of Impressionist paintings at Le Havre's Musee Malraux is also a wonderful highlight of the cruise.

To give passengers a real insight into the history of the Impressionist movement and its artists, a knowledgeable local expert will hold a fascinating onboard lecture.

Offering great value, the Arts & Impressionist cruise is priced from 1,565 pounds Sterling per person. The special departure is from 1-8 November aboard one of Avalon's newest ships, the Avalon Creativity.   The price includes return flights, transfers, guided sightseeing, seven nights full board cruise with complimentary wine and beers served with dinner and a free door-to-door home pick-up service.  Alternatively, those not wanting to fly can travel via the Eurostar train service with the cruise holiday priced from 1,515 pounds per person.

Existing themed cruises include a selection of itineraries tailored to wine enthusiasts and those wanted to improve their appreciation and knowledge with prices leading in from 1869 pounds on the 11 day 'Legendary Danube' special departure on 23 October.  Alternatively, the Jazz cruise on the 11 day Burgundy and Provence itinerary includes soaking up the atmosphere at Vienne's Jazz Festival and costs from 2219 pounds per person.  Classical music lovers can explore Mozart's hometown of Salzburg and enjoy a concert of Strauss music in Vienna.  Prices lead in at 2249 pounds on our Magnificent Europe itinerary on the 'suite ship', the Avalon Panorama due to launch this May.

To make a reservation ring Avalon Waterways on 0800 668 1865 or visit www.avaloncruises.co.uk

Avalon Waterways are backed by over 80 years experience in travel and offer some of the world's finest river cruise holidays including Danube river cruises and Rhine cruises. As part of the Globus family of brands – a group unmatched in providing world-class holidays for the modern traveller.

SOURCE Avalon Cruises