I have joined Backroads and AaWaterways for active river cruises on their Danube River Cruise itineraries. This is an amazing way to explore the historic cities away from the crowds.
By John Roberts
River cruise leader AmaWaterways and top adventure-travel company Backroads have unveiled a lineup of more than 150 active cruise outings for 2022 and 2023, with itineraries on the Bordeaux, Danube, Douro, Rhine and Seine rivers, including nine full-ship charters and select sailings on AmaMagna.
Backroads and AmaWaterways have been partners for more than seven years and have set the standard for active river cruises. The adventure tours also will extend to the Dutch and Belgian waterways with the Backroads River Cruise Bike Trip. Three departures are slated for April 2023, and adventurous travelers will enjoy the region's famed tulips, windmills and cuisine as they sail and cycle between Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Bruges, Belgium.
I have had the fortune of taking a couple of these Backroads/AmaWaterways voyages and had an amazing time spending the days cycling and hiking while including a lot of camaraderie with new friends over shared cultural experiences, as well as delicious food and drinks.
7 Tips and Tricks to Get Ready for Your Backroads Biking River Cruise
In 2015, AmaWaterways and Backroads developed the ultimate active travel river cruising experience. You get to see the best highlights (and away-from-the-crowd spots) at your destinations on highly curated biking and hiking tours. Alongside this, cruisers immerse themselves in the comfort and hospitality of an AmaWaterways river ship. Backroads' routes take you away from busy port and tourist destinations to find the gems of your destination, as well as the culture and history of these places.
2022-23 river cruise trips available through the AmaWaterways and Backroads partnership include:
Best for Couples, Friends and Solo Travelers
Bordeaux River Cruise Bike Tour
Dutch and Belgian Waterways River Cruise Bike Tour
Rhine River Cruise Easygoing E-Bike Tour (Dolce Tempo program)
Best for Families
Danube River Cruise Family Bike Tour: 20s and Beyond
Portugal's Douro River Cruise Family Bike Tour: 20s and Beyond | Older Teens and 20s
Rhine River Cruise Family Bike Tour: 20s and Beyond | Teens and Kids
Full-Ship Celebration Bike Tours
Danube River Cruise Full-Ship Celebration Bike Tour
Portugal's Douro River Cruise Full-Ship Celebration Bike Tour
Rhine River Cruise Full-Ship Celebration Bike Tour
"Our active river cruises have been a guest favorite ever since we launched our first departure with AmaWaterways in 2015," said Tom Hale, Backroads' founder and president. "The opportunity to only unpack once while relaxing in comfort aboard such a luxurious ship is the perfect way to explore multiple countries, get immersed in the beautiful back roads and trails of Europe and enjoy the truly impressive accommodations and hospitality of AmaWaterways."
Check out the website for the full slate of active river cruise itineraries with Backroads and AmaWaterways.
Backroads' new Dolce Tempo Easygoing E-Bike River Cruise on the Rhine River is for travelers new to active travel, or those who want to explore the world actively but at a more leisurely pace. Two departures are scheduled for September 2022 with another three planned for 2023.
"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Backroads and introduce these exciting new itineraries for biking enthusiasts," said Gary Murphy, AmaWaterways co-owner and senior vice president of sales. "The unique aspect of bringing Backroads enhanced active biking experiences onboard our river cruise ships is that companions who may not wish to participate in the daily biking program with Backroads can still have a wonderful vacation experience by participating in AmaWaterways' many escorted cultural or culinary tours that are included each day.
"These new itineraries are the perfect opportunity for travelers to explore the beautiful landscapes of Europe on a bicycle."
Onboard, cruisers will enjoy the AmaWaterways' river ships that features twin-balconies in most staterooms, as well as connecting and triple occupancy staterooms that are ideal for families and friends who want to ride together on a vacation adventure.
Additional amenities include the daily "Sip & Sail" cocktail hour, heated sun deck pools with swim-up bar, hair and massage salons, fitness centers and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ships.
Thanks for reading,
JR
River cruise leader AmaWaterways and top adventure-travel company Backroads have unveiled a lineup of more than 150 active cruise outings for 2022 and 2023, with itineraries on the Bordeaux, Danube, Douro, Rhine and Seine rivers, including nine full-ship charters and select sailings on AmaMagna.
Backroads and AmaWaterways have been partners for more than seven years and have set the standard for active river cruises. The adventure tours also will extend to the Dutch and Belgian waterways with the Backroads River Cruise Bike Trip. Three departures are slated for April 2023, and adventurous travelers will enjoy the region's famed tulips, windmills and cuisine as they sail and cycle between Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Bruges, Belgium.
I have had the fortune of taking a couple of these Backroads/AmaWaterways voyages and had an amazing time spending the days cycling and hiking while including a lot of camaraderie with new friends over shared cultural experiences, as well as delicious food and drinks.
7 Tips and Tricks to Get Ready for Your Backroads Biking River Cruise
In 2015, AmaWaterways and Backroads developed the ultimate active travel river cruising experience. You get to see the best highlights (and away-from-the-crowd spots) at your destinations on highly curated biking and hiking tours. Alongside this, cruisers immerse themselves in the comfort and hospitality of an AmaWaterways river ship. Backroads' routes take you away from busy port and tourist destinations to find the gems of your destination, as well as the culture and history of these places.
2022-23 river cruise trips available through the AmaWaterways and Backroads partnership include:
Best for Couples, Friends and Solo Travelers
Bordeaux River Cruise Bike Tour
Dutch and Belgian Waterways River Cruise Bike Tour
Rhine River Cruise Easygoing E-Bike Tour (Dolce Tempo program)
Best for Families
Danube River Cruise Family Bike Tour: 20s and Beyond
Portugal's Douro River Cruise Family Bike Tour: 20s and Beyond | Older Teens and 20s
Rhine River Cruise Family Bike Tour: 20s and Beyond | Teens and Kids
Full-Ship Celebration Bike Tours
Danube River Cruise Full-Ship Celebration Bike Tour
Portugal's Douro River Cruise Full-Ship Celebration Bike Tour
Rhine River Cruise Full-Ship Celebration Bike Tour
"Our active river cruises have been a guest favorite ever since we launched our first departure with AmaWaterways in 2015," said Tom Hale, Backroads' founder and president. "The opportunity to only unpack once while relaxing in comfort aboard such a luxurious ship is the perfect way to explore multiple countries, get immersed in the beautiful back roads and trails of Europe and enjoy the truly impressive accommodations and hospitality of AmaWaterways."
Check out the website for the full slate of active river cruise itineraries with Backroads and AmaWaterways.
Backroads' new Dolce Tempo Easygoing E-Bike River Cruise on the Rhine River is for travelers new to active travel, or those who want to explore the world actively but at a more leisurely pace. Two departures are scheduled for September 2022 with another three planned for 2023.
"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Backroads and introduce these exciting new itineraries for biking enthusiasts," said Gary Murphy, AmaWaterways co-owner and senior vice president of sales. "The unique aspect of bringing Backroads enhanced active biking experiences onboard our river cruise ships is that companions who may not wish to participate in the daily biking program with Backroads can still have a wonderful vacation experience by participating in AmaWaterways' many escorted cultural or culinary tours that are included each day.
"These new itineraries are the perfect opportunity for travelers to explore the beautiful landscapes of Europe on a bicycle."
Onboard, cruisers will enjoy the AmaWaterways' river ships that features twin-balconies in most staterooms, as well as connecting and triple occupancy staterooms that are ideal for families and friends who want to ride together on a vacation adventure.
Additional amenities include the daily "Sip & Sail" cocktail hour, heated sun deck pools with swim-up bar, hair and massage salons, fitness centers and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ships.
Thanks for reading,
JR
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