Avalon Waterways

Daily Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Lima

   Peru

   

   The port of Lima is a vibrant gateway to Peru's rich history and culinary excellence, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. Savor local delicacies like ceviche and explore nearby attractions such as the coastal district of Callao and the breathtaking landscapes of Puno. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to September, when the weather is ideal for exploration.

2. Day 2

   Cairo

   Egypt

   

   Cairo, where five thousand years of civilization press upon the present with relentless intensity, is anchored by the Great Pyramid of Giza — the sole survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, already ancient when Cleopatra walked in its shadow. The Egyptian Museum's overwhelming treasure trove of pharaonic antiquities, including the golden mask of Tutankhamun, and the medieval labyrinth of Islamic Cairo, a UNESCO-listed district of a thousand mosques and medieval caravanserais, offer a lifetime of discovery in a city of twenty million souls. October through April brings the most tolerable temperatures. Luxor, with its Valley of the Kings, is a short domestic flight or overnight train journey south.

3. Day 2

   Cairo

   Egypt

   

   Cairo, where five thousand years of civilization press upon the present with relentless intensity, is anchored by the Great Pyramid of Giza — the sole survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, already ancient when Cleopatra walked in its shadow. The Egyptian Museum's overwhelming treasure trove of pharaonic antiquities, including the golden mask of Tutankhamun, and the medieval labyrinth of Islamic Cairo, a UNESCO-listed district of a thousand mosques and medieval caravanserais, offer a lifetime of discovery in a city of twenty million souls. October through April brings the most tolerable temperatures. Luxor, with its Valley of the Kings, is a short domestic flight or overnight train journey south.

4. Day 2

   Lima

   Peru

   

   The port of Lima is a vibrant gateway to Peru's rich history and culinary excellence, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. Savor local delicacies like ceviche and explore nearby attractions such as the coastal district of Callao and the breathtaking landscapes of Puno. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to September, when the weather is ideal for exploration.

5. Day 3

   Paracas

   Peru

   

   Paracas is a desert peninsula on Peru's southern coast where one of the world's most productive marine ecosystems meets a landscape of dramatic aridity, enigmatic geoglyphs, and ancient textile traditions. Must-dos include a boat tour to the wildlife-packed Ballestas Islands, exploring the red sand beach and flamingo bays of the national reserve, and dining on fresh ceviche. Visit year-round in this rain-free climate, with mornings best before the fierce afternoon winds.

6. Day 3

   Cairo

   Egypt

   

   Cairo, where five thousand years of civilization press upon the present with relentless intensity, is anchored by the Great Pyramid of Giza — the sole survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, already ancient when Cleopatra walked in its shadow. The Egyptian Museum's overwhelming treasure trove of pharaonic antiquities, including the golden mask of Tutankhamun, and the medieval labyrinth of Islamic Cairo, a UNESCO-listed district of a thousand mosques and medieval caravanserais, offer a lifetime of discovery in a city of twenty million souls. October through April brings the most tolerable temperatures. Luxor, with its Valley of the Kings, is a short domestic flight or overnight train journey south.

7. Day 3

   Cairo

   Egypt

   

   Cairo, where five thousand years of civilization press upon the present with relentless intensity, is anchored by the Great Pyramid of Giza — the sole survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, already ancient when Cleopatra walked in its shadow. The Egyptian Museum's overwhelming treasure trove of pharaonic antiquities, including the golden mask of Tutankhamun, and the medieval labyrinth of Islamic Cairo, a UNESCO-listed district of a thousand mosques and medieval caravanserais, offer a lifetime of discovery in a city of twenty million souls. October through April brings the most tolerable temperatures. Luxor, with its Valley of the Kings, is a short domestic flight or overnight train journey south.

8. Day 4

   Lima

   Peru

   

   The port of Lima is a vibrant gateway to Peru's rich history and culinary excellence, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. Savor local delicacies like ceviche and explore nearby attractions such as the coastal district of Callao and the breathtaking landscapes of Puno. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to September, when the weather is ideal for exploration.

9. Day 5

   At Sea

   

10. Day 6

    At Sea

    

11. Day 6

    Machu Picchu

    Peru

    

    Machu Picchu is a fifteenth-century Incan citadel set high in Peru's Andes Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary archaeological and spiritual significance. Visitors should not miss the sunrise panorama from the Sun Gate and a guided exploration of the Intihuatana stone and Temple of the Sun, followed by a journey to Lake Titicaca near Puno. The optimal season to visit is May through September — Peru's dry winter — when clear skies unveil the full drama of the surrounding peaks and cloud forest.

12. Day 7

    Machu Picchu

    Peru

    

    Machu Picchu is a fifteenth-century Incan citadel set high in Peru's Andes Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary archaeological and spiritual significance. Visitors should not miss the sunrise panorama from the Sun Gate and a guided exploration of the Intihuatana stone and Temple of the Sun, followed by a journey to Lake Titicaca near Puno. The optimal season to visit is May through September — Peru's dry winter — when clear skies unveil the full drama of the surrounding peaks and cloud forest.

13. Day 8

    Cusco

    Peru

    

    Cusco is the former Inca capital at 3,399 meters in the Peruvian Andes, where precisely fitted Inca stonework supports Spanish colonial churches in a city that is the gateway to Machu Picchu and one of South America's most exciting culinary destinations. Must-dos include exploring the Plaza de Armas and its twin cathedrals, visiting Sacsayhuamán fortress, and dining on cuy and alpaca with Andean superfoods. Visit May to October for dry weather, with June for the Inti Raymi festival.

14. Day 9

    Rudesheim

    Germany

    

    Rüdesheim am Rhein, a jewel of the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, is where Germany's most storied wine river cuts through vine-terraced slopes and medieval castle ruins. The pedestrianised Drosselgasse laneway — beloved since the Romantic era — hums with wine taverns pouring the region's celebrated Rieslings, crisp and mineral from the slate soils. The Niederwald Monument surveys the river from the heights, reached by cable car above the vineyards. Day trips by boat unlock Bacharach, Boppard, and the legendary Lorelei rock. September's harvest festivals transform the entire valley into a convivial celebration of the vintage.

15. Day 9

    Rudesheim

    Germany

    

    Rüdesheim am Rhein, a jewel of the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, is where Germany's most storied wine river cuts through vine-terraced slopes and medieval castle ruins. The pedestrianised Drosselgasse laneway — beloved since the Romantic era — hums with wine taverns pouring the region's celebrated Rieslings, crisp and mineral from the slate soils. The Niederwald Monument surveys the river from the heights, reached by cable car above the vineyards. Day trips by boat unlock Bacharach, Boppard, and the legendary Lorelei rock. September's harvest festivals transform the entire valley into a convivial celebration of the vintage.

16. Day 9

    Rudesheim

    Germany

    

    Rüdesheim am Rhein, a jewel of the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, is where Germany's most storied wine river cuts through vine-terraced slopes and medieval castle ruins. The pedestrianised Drosselgasse laneway — beloved since the Romantic era — hums with wine taverns pouring the region's celebrated Rieslings, crisp and mineral from the slate soils. The Niederwald Monument surveys the river from the heights, reached by cable car above the vineyards. Day trips by boat unlock Bacharach, Boppard, and the legendary Lorelei rock. September's harvest festivals transform the entire valley into a convivial celebration of the vintage.

17. Day 9

    Cusco

    Peru

    

    Cusco is the former Inca capital at 3,399 meters in the Peruvian Andes, where precisely fitted Inca stonework supports Spanish colonial churches in a city that is the gateway to Machu Picchu and one of South America's most exciting culinary destinations. Must-dos include exploring the Plaza de Armas and its twin cathedrals, visiting Sacsayhuamán fortress, and dining on cuy and alpaca with Andean superfoods. Visit May to October for dry weather, with June for the Inti Raymi festival.

18. Day 9

    Rudesheim

    Germany

    

    Rüdesheim am Rhein, a jewel of the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, is where Germany's most storied wine river cuts through vine-terraced slopes and medieval castle ruins. The pedestrianised Drosselgasse laneway — beloved since the Romantic era — hums with wine taverns pouring the region's celebrated Rieslings, crisp and mineral from the slate soils. The Niederwald Monument surveys the river from the heights, reached by cable car above the vineyards. Day trips by boat unlock Bacharach, Boppard, and the legendary Lorelei rock. September's harvest festivals transform the entire valley into a convivial celebration of the vintage.

19. Day 10

    At Sea

    

20. Day 11

    At Sea

    

21. Day 12

    Iquitos

    Peru

    

    Iquitos, the world’s largest city unreachable by road, sits on the Peruvian Amazon amid rubber-boom mansions and serves as the gateway to some of Earth’s most biodiverse rainforest. Must-dos include exploring Pacaya-Samiria’s flooded forests for pink dolphins, browsing the Belén market’s Amazonian ingredients, and tasting paiche ceviche. Visit June through October for low-water wildlife concentration, or December through May for canoe exploration of the flooded forest.

22. Day 13

    Lima

    Peru

    

    The port of Lima is a vibrant gateway to Peru's rich history and culinary excellence, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. Savor local delicacies like ceviche and explore nearby attractions such as the coastal district of Callao and the breathtaking landscapes of Puno. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to September, when the weather is ideal for exploration.

23. Day 13

    Quito

    Ecuador

    

    Quito, Ecuador’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colonial architecture and rich history. Visitors must savor local dishes like locro de papa and hornado while exploring vibrant markets. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to September, when the weather is ideal for discovering nearby attractions like Isabela Island and Cajas National Park.

24. Day 14

    Quito

    Ecuador

    

    Quito, Ecuador’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colonial architecture and rich history. Visitors must savor local dishes like locro de papa and hornado while exploring vibrant markets. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to September, when the weather is ideal for discovering nearby attractions like Isabela Island and Cajas National Park.

25. Day 15

    Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island

    Ecuador

    

    Baltra Island is a pivotal port in the Galápagos, historically rooted and now a gateway to adventure. Must-do experiences include sampling fresh ceviche de mero and exploring the nearby Isabela Island and Las Tintoreras Islet. The best season to visit is during the warmer months from December to May.

26. Day 15

    Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island

    Ecuador

    

    Baltra Island is a pivotal port in the Galápagos, historically rooted and now a gateway to adventure. Must-do experiences include sampling fresh ceviche de mero and exploring the nearby Isabela Island and Las Tintoreras Islet. The best season to visit is during the warmer months from December to May.

27. Day 15

    Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands

    United States

    

    Santa Cruz Island is the hub of the Galápagos Archipelago, home to the Darwin Research Station's giant tortoise breeding programs and wild tortoise populations grazing in misty highland meadows alongside pristine Tortuga Bay. Must-do experiences include encountering wild giant tortoises in the highlands, snorkeling with sea turtles at Tortuga Bay, and visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station. Year-round pleasant conditions, with January-May best for nesting wildlife and June-December offering the clearest snorkeling.

28. Day 16

    Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands

    United States

    

    Santa Cruz Island is the hub of the Galápagos Archipelago, home to the Darwin Research Station's giant tortoise breeding programs and wild tortoise populations grazing in misty highland meadows alongside pristine Tortuga Bay. Must-do experiences include encountering wild giant tortoises in the highlands, snorkeling with sea turtles at Tortuga Bay, and visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station. Year-round pleasant conditions, with January-May best for nesting wildlife and June-December offering the clearest snorkeling.

29. Day 17

    Floreana Island

    Ecuador

    

    Floreana Island, part of the Galápagos archipelago, is a historically rich destination known for its intimate port and stunning landscapes. Must-do experiences include savoring local dishes like ceviche de mero and exploring nearby attractions such as Isabela Island and Cajas National Park. The best season to visit is during the dry season from June to December, offering ideal conditions for exploration and wildlife viewing.

30. Day 18

    Espanola Island

    Ecuador

    

    Española is the Galápagos' oldest island and the exclusive breeding ground of the world's entire waved albatross population, alongside colourful marine iguanas, fearless mockingbirds, and sea lion colonies on pristine white sand. Must-do experiences include watching albatross courtship at Punta Suárez, snorkelling with sea lions at Gardner Bay, and observing blue-footed booby dances. April through December brings the albatross; marine iguanas display breeding colours December through March.

31. Day 19

    Galapagos Islands

    Ecuador

    

    The Galápagos Islands remain the ultimate destination for those who believe travel can still deliver genuine wonder: a volcanic archipelago one thousand kilometres off the Ecuadorian coast where evolution proceeded in isolation, producing wildlife of astonishing tameness and diversity that shaped Darwin's theory of natural selection. Blue-footed boobies perform courtship dances unperturbed by observers; giant tortoises lumber through highland mist; marine iguanas bask on black lava like prehistoric sentinels. Visitor numbers are strictly controlled within the UNESCO-protected reserve. The cool, nutrient-rich Garúa season (June–November) and the warm season (December–May) each offer distinct wildlife spectacles.

32. Day 19

    Galapagos Islands

    Ecuador

    

    The Galápagos Islands remain the ultimate destination for those who believe travel can still deliver genuine wonder: a volcanic archipelago one thousand kilometres off the Ecuadorian coast where evolution proceeded in isolation, producing wildlife of astonishing tameness and diversity that shaped Darwin's theory of natural selection. Blue-footed boobies perform courtship dances unperturbed by observers; giant tortoises lumber through highland mist; marine iguanas bask on black lava like prehistoric sentinels. Visitor numbers are strictly controlled within the UNESCO-protected reserve. The cool, nutrient-rich Garúa season (June–November) and the warm season (December–May) each offer distinct wildlife spectacles.

33. Day 19

    Quito

    Ecuador

    

    Quito, Ecuador’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colonial architecture and rich history. Visitors must savor local dishes like locro de papa and hornado while exploring vibrant markets. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to September, when the weather is ideal for discovering nearby attractions like Isabela Island and Cajas National Park.

34. Day 20

    Quito

    Ecuador

    

    Quito, Ecuador’s capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colonial architecture and rich history. Visitors must savor local dishes like locro de papa and hornado while exploring vibrant markets. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to September, when the weather is ideal for discovering nearby attractions like Isabela Island and Cajas National Park.

Cabin Categories

Amazon Suite

Suite

270 sq ftMax 3MS

Amazon Suites measure 270 sq.ft. and feature floor to ceiling windows for stunning views of the passing scenery. Includes two twin beds that can convert to a king-size bed, bedside tables with reading lamps, large window, comfortable sitting area with sofa. Bathrooms are spacious with a large shower, and large mirror vanity.

King or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaVanity AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedSafe+3

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Andes Suite

Suite

597 sq ftMax 2OS

The Andes Suite measures 597 sq.ft. and features a king bed with breathtaking views of the expansive river through forward-facing, 180-degree floor-to-ceiling windows. Amenities include bedside tables with reading lamps, comfortable sitting area with sofa. Bathrooms are spacious with a large shower, and separate bathtub and large mirror with double vanity.

BathKing or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaVanity AreaShowerToiletries Provided+4

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Suite

Suite

237 sq ftMax 2SU

Suites on this deck measure 237 sq.ft. and feature floor-to-ceiling windows for stunning views of the passing life along the river. Includes two twin beds that can convert to a king-size bed, bedside tables with reading lamps, large window, comfortable sitting area with sofa. Bathrooms are spacious with a large shower, and large mirror vanity.

King or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaVanity AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedSafe+3

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Upper Suite

Suite

237 sq ftMax 2US

Upper Suites on this deck measure 237 sq. ft. and feature floor-to-ceiling windows for stunning views of the passing life along the river. Includes two twin beds that can convert to a king-size bed, bedside tables with reading lamps, large window, comfortable sitting area with sofa. Bathrooms are spacious with a large shower, and large mirror vanity.

King or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaVanity AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedSafe+3

View Details ›