I took a Backroads and AmaWaterways biking cruise in the early stages of their partnership, biking up to 50-plus miles on some days during our Danube River adventure. The two companies are adding more and more of these active river cruise journeys each year.
By John Roberts
Meeting the rising demand for active river cruise itineraries, AmaWaterways and Backroads are offering more exciting hiking and biking cruises throughout Europe.
No doubt, the expanding partnership between Backroads and AmaWaterways further strengthens these companies' places as the leaders in adventure river cruising.
Backroads and AmaWaterways have unveiled a lineup of more than 120 Danube, Douro, Rhine and Seine cruises for 2019 and 2020, including nine full-ship charters and select sailings onboard AmaWaterways' innovative new ship AmaMagna. Marking their fourth year of partnership, the companies also announced "expanded capacity" sailings which bring together more than 60 cyclists on a single ship to be led by Backroads trip leaders -- providing for a larger community of riding companions.
"We're excited to introduce new options with Backroads and to welcome even more active travelers onboard our ships . . ." said Gary Murphy, vice president of sales and co-owner of AmaWaterways. "2019 is going to be a banner year for AmaWaterways, and we're excited to continue our valued partnership with Backroads during this very exciting time."
After a nearly sold-out 2018 season, these companies made the jump to expand the partnership in 2019 and 2020. In 2019, Backroads will offer a total of 68 departures -- some tailored specifically for couples, families and solo travelers -- including bike tours along Europe's Danube, Douro, Rhine and Seine Rivers and walking tours along the Douro River.
In order to meet growing demand for adventure trips on the rivers, Backroads has announced 73 total departures for 2020 with six full-ship charters and additional group sailings on the one-of-a-kind AmaMagna. On the cruises, Backroads groups are noticeable as subset of the cruisers onboard an AmaWaterways ship, with the typical Backroads group size averaging around 26.
I have sailed on two of these trips, both on the Danube River, doing a cycling itinerary and a fun hiking route, too. They were both as fun as they were challenging.
Read about:
My Biking Cruise with Backroads and AmaWaterways
My Hiking Voyage with Backroads and AmaWaterways
Meeting the rising demand for active river cruise itineraries, AmaWaterways and Backroads are offering more exciting hiking and biking cruises throughout Europe.
No doubt, the expanding partnership between Backroads and AmaWaterways further strengthens these companies' places as the leaders in adventure river cruising.
Backroads and AmaWaterways have unveiled a lineup of more than 120 Danube, Douro, Rhine and Seine cruises for 2019 and 2020, including nine full-ship charters and select sailings onboard AmaWaterways' innovative new ship AmaMagna. Marking their fourth year of partnership, the companies also announced "expanded capacity" sailings which bring together more than 60 cyclists on a single ship to be led by Backroads trip leaders -- providing for a larger community of riding companions.
"We're excited to introduce new options with Backroads and to welcome even more active travelers onboard our ships . . ." said Gary Murphy, vice president of sales and co-owner of AmaWaterways. "2019 is going to be a banner year for AmaWaterways, and we're excited to continue our valued partnership with Backroads during this very exciting time."
After a nearly sold-out 2018 season, these companies made the jump to expand the partnership in 2019 and 2020. In 2019, Backroads will offer a total of 68 departures -- some tailored specifically for couples, families and solo travelers -- including bike tours along Europe's Danube, Douro, Rhine and Seine Rivers and walking tours along the Douro River.
In order to meet growing demand for adventure trips on the rivers, Backroads has announced 73 total departures for 2020 with six full-ship charters and additional group sailings on the one-of-a-kind AmaMagna. On the cruises, Backroads groups are noticeable as subset of the cruisers onboard an AmaWaterways ship, with the typical Backroads group size averaging around 26.
I have sailed on two of these trips, both on the Danube River, doing a cycling itinerary and a fun hiking route, too. They were both as fun as they were challenging.
Read about:
My Biking Cruise with Backroads and AmaWaterways
My Hiking Voyage with Backroads and AmaWaterways
The popular full-ship charters -- known as "Full Ship Celebration Cruises" -- will have two trips on the Danube and one on the Douro in 2019 (including departures for families with older teens and kids in their 20s). In 2020, there will be three full-ship cycling voyages on the Danube and three on the Douro. During these cruises, 100 to 150 fellow biking enthusiasts come together on one of the largest active group tours in the world.
Every Backroads river cruise trip features four or more expert trip leaders on ship and on shore, dedicated support vans and innovative itineraries with a choice of cycling and walking routes for all abilities. Backroads bike tours also feature custom-designed titanium bikes for all rider types --performance, touring and electric-assist -- and include fully loaded GPS routes.
"For almost 40 years, Backroads has been taking guests on expertly supported, highly flexible and individualized active vacations across the globe," said Tom Hale, Backroads founder and president. "Our active river cruises offer a one-of-a-kind experience where we take guests not only along the rivers but beyond, creating opportunities for a deeper dive into the region's culture and history with authentic local connections and the freedom to explore at your own pace."
Backroads will also host several departures onboard AmaMagna, which is set to debut in May 2019. AmaMagna will measure nearly twice the width of a traditional European river cruise ship and offer and new amenities, such as the expansive Zen Wellness Studio, complete with a newly expanded AmaWaterways' Wellness Program.
Thanks for reading and happy active sailing!
JR
Every Backroads river cruise trip features four or more expert trip leaders on ship and on shore, dedicated support vans and innovative itineraries with a choice of cycling and walking routes for all abilities. Backroads bike tours also feature custom-designed titanium bikes for all rider types --performance, touring and electric-assist -- and include fully loaded GPS routes.
"For almost 40 years, Backroads has been taking guests on expertly supported, highly flexible and individualized active vacations across the globe," said Tom Hale, Backroads founder and president. "Our active river cruises offer a one-of-a-kind experience where we take guests not only along the rivers but beyond, creating opportunities for a deeper dive into the region's culture and history with authentic local connections and the freedom to explore at your own pace."
Backroads will also host several departures onboard AmaMagna, which is set to debut in May 2019. AmaMagna will measure nearly twice the width of a traditional European river cruise ship and offer and new amenities, such as the expansive Zen Wellness Studio, complete with a newly expanded AmaWaterways' Wellness Program.
Thanks for reading and happy active sailing!
JR
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