Spend a week in Europe exploring storybook settings alongside your favourite storytellers.
Do you think Jamie from Outlander is a dreamboat? Then the new celebrity-hosted Storyteller Series by Avalon Waterways is your dream cruise.
Sam Heughan, the dashing actor who plays the Scottish highlander in the TV series, is not going to be onboard. But the author of the bestselling books will be.
Meet the storytellers
Diana Gabaldon is one of many world-renowned authors and musicians who is joining this new series of sailings in 2021 and 2022. Other big names include:
- Candace Bushnell, international bestselling author of the Sex and the City anthology
- Cheryl Strayed, international bestselling author of Wild
- Gillian Flynn, international bestselling author of Gone Girl
- Christopher Moore, international bestselling comic fantasy novelist
- Edwin McCain, Billboard-topping singer-songwriter
What sets the Storyteller Series apart from other river cruises?
The Storyteller Series will cruise some of Europe’s most popular waterways, on Avalon Cruises’ highest-rated itineraries.
All itineraries will be aboard the company’s award-winning Suite Ships. These feature the industry’s only Panorama Suites and Open-Air Balconies.
“On each sailing, with no more than 160 fellow travellers, fans of our celebrity hosts will be privy to special gatherings – from book-signings to concerts and Q&A sessions – not to mention, off-the-cuff opportunities to interact with their host, while on ship or in port,” Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways said.
Step through the Outlander stones with Diana Gabaldon
Departing: 30 October 2021 (rescheduled from June 2020)
Itinerary: Romantic Rhine
You’re invited to get insider stories from Outlander author Diana Gabaldon on a week-long Romantic Rhine cruise from Basel to Amsterdam. Highlights along the way include the 2,000-year-old city of Cologne, known for its Gothic architecture, and passing through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, where ancient castles stand on cliffs 120 metres above the water.
Sex & The City of Lights with Candace Bushnell
Departing: 19 July 2022
Itinerary: ‘Active & Discovery on the Seine’
All Carries, Samanthas, Charlottes and Mirandas will have the opportunity to sail the Seine River from Paris to Le Havre with stylish storyteller Candace Bushnell. Fans of the TV and book series will be able to finally ask all the questions you have always discussed with your friends, such as “Did Aidan deserve better?” and “How did Carrie afford that amazing New York City apartment?”. All while falling in love with the stunning scenery of the French countryside, of course.
Get wild and whimsical on the water with Cheryl Strayed
Departing: 22 July 2022
Itinerary: ‘Active & Discovery on the Danube’
Fans of Wild can join author Cheryl Strayed on a journey from Budapest to Deggendorf along the second-longest river in Europe, the Danube. Sampling cheese and beer made by Trappist monks, sipping local vintages at an Austrian wine-tasting and browsing the art collection of the Habsburg Empire are a few of the fabulous optional experiences guests can enjoy en route.
Be gone (girl) on the river with Gillian Flynn
Departing: 14 September 2022
Itinerary: ‘Active & Discovery on the Danube’
She’s known for her runaway hits – Gone Girl, Sharp Objects and Dark Places – and now, Gillian Flynn is inviting you to run away to the Danube River. Hear about her twisted narratives while you wind your way along the Danube from Budapest to Prague, discovering the Old World in new ways.
Scenery, satire and sarcasm with Christopher Moore
Departing: 20 September 2022
Itinerary: ‘Romantic Rhine’
The Rhine isn’t just a river for poets, princes and painters… with Avalon Waterways, it’s a river for satirical scribes. Fans of Christopher Moore must jump on this meander through storied scenery from Basel to Amsterdam with a comic spin from your favourite novelist.
I’ll be… romancing the Rhine with Edwin McCain
Departing: 3 May 2022
Itinerary: ‘Active & Discovery on the Rhine’
Who’s ready to sail the romantic Rhine River with musician Edwin McCain? You’re invited to take a trip with this tireless troubadour who’s known for leaving his heart on the road (or, in this case, river) while floating along the Rhine River through the Netherlands and Germany.
This article on the Outlander author cruise was produced with content supplied by Avalon Waterways and is a Signature Luxury Travel & Style digital exclusive. Be the first to see more exclusive online content by subscribing to the enewsletter.
Lead image: Karl Theodor bridge and castle, Germany
