Avalon Waterways has unveiled five new river cruise itineraries and a new themed cruise for its 2013 Europe program. The new culinary-themed cruise is available on two itineraries for 2013 -- “Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches” (departure 1029; priced from $2,399) and “Grand France” (departure 1022; $4,999).

“On this cruise, travelers will enjoy cider, wine and oil tastings,” said Managing Director Patrick Clark. “They will also visit a Calvados distillery and a farm that produces the delicious Pont l’Evêque and Liarot cheeses. In addition, a local chef will prepare for guests a menu of regional specialties while sharing tips for food preparation.”

Avalon’s new eight-day “Tulips of Northern Holland” vacation, priced from $2,449, originates in Amsterdam and heads for Friesland, Hoorn, Enkhuizen, Lelystad, Volendam, Arnhem and Rotterdam.

Other new European cruises for 2013 include:

• The nine-day “Austrian Highlights & Bavaria,” which visits Vienna, Melk, Dürnstein, Grein, Germany’s Bavaria, Munich and a visit to Oberammergau. This trip is priced from $2,579 land and cruise or $1,849 cruise only.

• The 10- and 12-day “Capitals of Central Europe” vacation focuses on Europe’s capital cities -- Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest -- as well as small towns along the way. It is priced from $2,939 land and cruise or from $2,299 cruise only.

• The 13-day “Highlights of Germany” sails from Munich to Basel, visiting King Ludwig’s famous Newuschwanstein, the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle, and Linderhof. The cruise also visits Nuremberg, Regensburg, Bamberg and Würzberg. This trip is priced from $4,129 land and cruise or $3,399 cruise only.

Also next year, Avalon is introducing two new ships in Asia -- the Century Legend and Century Paragon -- and adding a fourth itinerary, the 15-day “Enchanting China & the Yangtze River,” priced from $3,629. On this new itinerary, travelers will visit Beijing, Xian, Lijiang, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Avalon is offering up to $1,000 off per couple on “Book Now Sailings” as well as an early airfare price guarantee for Europe sailings.

For more information river cruises, visit Sell River Cruises.