AmaWaterways and Backroads Continue Collaboration with More Than 140 Active River Cruise Departures in 2023-2024
AmaWaterways and Backroads - together leaders in active river cruising - today announced an exciting 2023 and 2024 lineup of more than 140 European river cruise departures featuring Backroads enhanced biking tours. During this eighth year of collaboration, guests can join these designated departures that bring Backroads best-in-class bike adventure tours to the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Rivers of Bordeaux; the Danube, Douro, Rhine and Seine Rivers; and the Dutch & Belgian Waterways.
In 2015, AmaWaterways and Backroads created the ultimate active river cruising experience - inviting travelers to explore some of Europe’s most captivating destinations with immersive, meticulously planned bike trips with the world-class services and expertise that Backroads is known for, and then ending each day in the comfort and luxury of an AmaWaterways river ship. River cruising takes guests into the heart of a region, and with Backroads thoughtful tour design and unique biking routes, guests can explore the best biking in the region while immersing themselves in the local culture and regional cuisine.
Whether as part of a Backroads group or on a full ship charter, every Backroads departure with AmaWaterways provides expert Trip Leaders and individualized support with multiple vans, which allow for optimum flexibility and a variety of biking route options each day. With trips in over 55 countries and 44 years of experience running exceptional adventures, Backroads offers unmatched expertise in the world of active travel.
“Being active by day while living aboard a luxurious ship and unpacking just one time makes our active river cruises a perfect way to experience up to five different countries during an eight-day vacation,” said Backroads Founder & President, Tom Hale. “We were the first company to offer guests this unique way to enjoy an adventure vacation along with the luxury of an AmaWaterways ship. Since our very first collaboration with AmaWaterways in 2015, our offerings have continued to grow to include trips for families, full ship celebrations, leisurely e-bike only departures and now our new Bordeaux Active River Cruise, which is a perfect combination of beautiful biking, gourmet cuisine and superb wines from one of the best regions in France.”
2023-2024 river cruise trips available through AmaWaterways and Backroads include:
Recommended for Couples, Friends & Solos
- Bordeaux River Cruise Bike Tour
- Danube River Cruise Bike Tour
- Dutch & Belgian Waterways – Tulip Time from Amsterdam to Bruges – River Cruise Bike Tour
- Portugal's Douro River Cruise Bike Tour
- Rhine River Cruise Bike Tour
- Seine River Cruise Bike Tour
Recommended for Families
- Backroads runs unique family-focused itineraries for three distinct age groups: Teens & Kids; Older Teens & 20s; Adult Kids 20s & Beyond
- Danube River Cruise Bike Tour
- Rhine River Cruise Bike Tour
Dolce Tempo Easygoing Active River Cruises
Backroads Dolce Tempo tours are perfect for travelers new to active travel, or those who want to explore the world actively at a more leisurely pace.
- Danube River Easygoing E-bike Tour
- Rhine River Cruise Easygoing E-bike Tour
Full Ship Celebration Bike Tour River Cruises
Backroads Full Ship Celebration tours are exclusive sailings where the complete ship is reserved to host 100+ Backroads guests.
- Danube River Cruise Full Ship Celebration Bike Tour
- Portugal’s Douro River Cruise Full Ship Celebration Bike Tour
“Our collaboration with Backroads is one of our most valued partnerships, as it is a natural extension of our commitment to health and wellness on all our sailings, and it allows us to further cater to the growing active traveler market,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways. “Guests choosing to join a Backroads group or full ship charter are able to participate in active biking experiences as part of Backroads’ program, while those looking for more relaxed tours of the destinations are still able to have a wonderful experience by participating in AmaWaterways’ cultural or culinary tours each day, so there truly is something for every type of traveler.”
While on board, guests enjoy AmaWaterways’ award-winning cuisine, welcoming service and comfortable staterooms - many with signature twin-balconies and connecting and triple occupancy that are ideal for the growing multi-generational group travel market. Additional amenities include a daily Sip & Sail complimentary cocktail hour, heated Sun Deck pool or whirlpool, hair and massage salons, fitness center and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ships.
For more information and to book an AmaWaterways river cruise with enhanced biking experiences, visit backroads.com.
Visit AmaWaterways.com/special-offers for details on applicable dates and terms and conditions for all offers.
To reserve an AmaWaterways river cruise for a client, visit AmaWaterways.com or call 1.800.626.0126. Follow AmaWaterways on Facebook at Facebook.com/AmaWaterways, Instagram @AmaWaterways, Twitter @AmaWaterways, and YouTube at YouTube.com/AmaWaterways.
MEDIA NOTE: Hi-res images can be found HERE.
About AmaWaterways
Family-owned and operated for 20 years, AmaWaterways offers unparalleled river cruise experiences with 28 custom-designed ships sailing Europe’s Danube, Douro, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Saône, Seine, Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, and Dutch and Belgian Waterways; Southeast Asia’s Mekong River; Africa’s Chobe River; Egypt’s Nile River and Colombia’s Magdalena River (2024). Co-founded by pioneering river cruise executives Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy, the company is renowned for its warm and welcoming crew; innovative and sustainable ship design; wellness activities (including a wide choice of included small group shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options); and award-winning, locally sourced cuisine paired with complimentary fine wine. Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, most AmaWaterways ships welcome an average of just 150 guests and feature onboard amenities such as a stunning Main Lounge, specialty Chef’s Table restaurant, hair and massage salons, Sun Deck walking track, and heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation, highlighted by the launch of the revolutionary AmaMagna, and the introduction of the history-making Seven River Journey itineraries. The company also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, with sailings geared towards active travelers and families, as well as group and charter options.
About Backroads
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. Guests join Backroads to bike, hike, and so much more—on expertly planned active adventures highlighting the unique character of each destination. The company offers multiple ways to go active: Biking, Walking & Hiking and Multi-Adventure tours; Active Ocean & River Cruises, Safari, Culinary and Snow Adventures; and Dolce Tempo trips, featuring the same great itineraries at a more leisurely pace. Backroads also offers Private Trips and Family Trips designed for three distinct age groups: Families with Teens & Kids (best for ages 9+), Families with Older Teens & 20s (one or more kids age 17+) and Families with Adult Kids 20s & Beyond (one or more kids age 20+). Repeat guests and referrals from past guests make up many of the travelers that Backroads hosts each year in hundreds of locations across the globe. For more information, please visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.
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Backroads Media Contact
Liz Einbinder
liz_einbinder@backroads.com
510-292-0753
AmaWaterways Media Contact
Becca Maroney or Lily Dyrsten
203-807-3450 or ama@hemsworthcommunications.com