Backroads Media Center: Press Releases

June 2019

Backroads Announces New 2020 Destinations

Berkeley, CA (June 13, 2019) Backroads, the leader in active travel, today announced new trips for 2020 and expands its collection of active adventure destinations to include places as far north as the Faroe Islands and Lapland, and as far south as Chilean Patagonia with Cape Horn. The company has also added new biking itineraries in popular regions like Northern Portugal, Croatia, Berlin to Prague, and exciting new hiking trips in Netherlands & Belgium and Israel & Jordan.

“Backroads has been at the forefront of the active and adventure travel industry for 40 years,” said Backroads Founder and President, Tom Hale. “Every year our research and development teams create trips to new and interesting regions of the world, expanding our offerings to suit every type of traveler. This year they’ve done that and then some. In addition to new locations, we’re also offering more trips in the off-season months and more winter trips to satisfy the trend of travelers looking to go further afield – or vacation closer to home – year-round.”

In 2020, Backroads will offer even more new ways to explore time-tested destinations, including:

Multi-Adventure Trips: The company’s hot Multi-Adventure Tour segment, a favorite for guests seeking a fun and easygoing mix of activity, is growing with itineraries that feature biking, hiking and more in favorite destinations including the French & Italian Alps, Switzerland and Sicily.

More Trips with Casual Hotels: In Norway, France’s Pays Basque and Spain’s Mallorca, Backroads now offers itineraries with Casual Hotels—the same high-caliber experience with welcoming but less extravagant accommodations that provide convenient access to trip activities.

Year-Round Departures: While warm locations like Costa Rica and Hawaii continue to be best-sellers in winter and shoulder seasons, Backroads offers an array of exotic and off-the-beaten-path destinations year-round including:

  • Canadian Rockies Snow Adventure Tour
  • Iceland Northern Lights Multi-Adventure Tour (also available with yoga)
  • New Zealand (Biking, Walking & Hiking, Ocean Cruise and Multi-Adventure Tours available)
  • Wyoming & Montana: Yellowstone & Tetons Snow Adventure Tour

Hot New Trips in 2020 – Europe, North America & Beyond:

  • Berlin to Prague Bike Tour
  • Chile Patagonia & Fjords Cruise Walking & Hiking Tour
  • Croatia: Northern Dalmatia Bike Tour
  • Finland & Sweden Northern Lights Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Iceland & Faroe Islands Walking & Hiking Tour*
  • Israel & Jordan Walking & Hiking Tour
  • Netherlands & Belgium Walking & Hiking Tour*
  • Northern Portugal & Douro Valley Bike Tour*
  • Pays Basque Walking & Hiking Tour
  • Scotland Bike Tour*
  • Sicily Multi-Adventure Tour**
  • Umbria to Adriatic Bike Tour
  • Vancouver & Salt Springs Islands Bike Tour*

*also available for Families with Older Teens & 20s.

**also available for Families with Older Teens & 20s and Families with Kids & Teens

Backroads will also be adding more Active Ocean & River Cruise trips and continues to grow its Private & Custom Trips, providing guests with unlimited ways to explore the world actively. More information on all of Backroads new 2020 trips at our website.

About Backroads: Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for 40 years. The company hosts thousands of guests each year, 75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests, in hundreds of locations across the globe. Backroads is a founding member of the Adventure Collection. For more information, please visit our website or call 800-462-2848 daily, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pacific time.

Backroads Media Contact: Liz Einbinder | Liz_Einbinder@Backroads.com | 510-292-2753 

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May 2019

Backroads Celebrates National Bike Month With New Cycling Trips And A Pro Carbon Fleet Upgrade

Berkeley, CA (May 7, 2019) In recognition of National Bike Month this May, Backroads, the leader in active and adventure travel, celebrates its deep roots in biking with an impressive collection of new biking trips. New biking adventures include trips in Japan, Poland, Norway & Sweden, Kentucky and several Active Ocean & River Cruises. Adding to the excitement, Backroads offers custom-designed titanium Performance Road Bikes (included in trip price) built for a race-ready, high-tech yet comfortable journey through the countryside. Backroads also offers best-in-class custom-designed titanium Touring Bikes and Electric-Assist Bikes to give guests extra power as they pedal.

Backroads designs, owns and maintains all the bikes within its fleet. In 2019 the company will offer guests the option to ride like a pro and upgrade to top-of-the-line, all-new carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod. This bike delivers phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package. It's built for avid riders who are looking for pro-level technology that doesn't sacrifice comfort. Retailing for nearly $10,000, the bike is available by request for $400 on Biking Trips in Europe, United States and Canada.

With tours for avid cyclists, newcomers, leisure riders and everyone in between, Backroads combines meticulously researched routes with skilled Trip Leaders, deep local knowledge, rich cultural experiences and unrivaled on-trip van support.

"I founded Backroads on the belief that the best way to see the world is by adventuring actively," said Backroads Founder and President, Tom Hale. "We're proud to offer best-in-class bikes and options for every type of rider. Introducing our new titanium Performance Road Bikes and offering guests the option to upgrade to the Cannondale Synapse."

Founded in 1979 as a bike tour travel company, the first Backroads trips included tours to California Wine Country, the California Coast, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, the Canadian Rockies and San Juan Islands. Backroads now offers more than 130 biking itineraries throughout the United States and across almost 60 countries and 5 continents. For 2019, Backroads has scheduled more than 1,600 dedicated bike tour departures. Biking is also a featured activity on over 1,000 Backroads multi-adventure trips.

For a complete listing of Backroads bike tours, go to https://www.backroads.com/award-winning-tours/biking.

Below are roundups of new and most popular Backroads bike tours for 2019.

New Backroads Bike Trips in 2019

  • Columbia River Gorge & Willamette Valley – Oregon's Waterfalls & Wine Country
  • Japan – The Noto Peninsula to Kyoto
  • Kentucky – Louisville to Lexington
  • Norway & Sweden – Seaside Scandinavia – Waterways & Spas South of Oslo
  • Poland – Rich Heritage & Inspiring Nature from Kraków to Warsaw

Best-Selling Backroads Bike Trips for 2019

  • Croatia – Dalmatian Coast Adventures on the Adriatic
  • Danube River Cruise – The Blue Danube—Prague to Budapest
  • Netherlands & Belgium – Windmills & Canals from Amsterdam to Bruges
  • Portugal – From Lisbon to Vineyards, Castles & Beaches

Top Backroads Bike Trips for Avid Riders

  • Southern Spain's Andalucía – Flamenco & Vistas from Sevilla to Granada
  • California Wine Country – Napa & Sonoma Vineyards, Redwoods & Pacific Coast
  • Classic Provence – The Luberon & Renowned Wine Villages
  • North & South Carolina – Outdoorsy Greenville to Artsy Asheville & the Blue Ridge Parkway
  • Tuscany's Chianti – A Journey through Hilltop Towns

Top Backroads Trips for Leisure Riders

  • Bali – Sacred Temples, Beaches & Rice Terraces
  • Baltic Sea Ocean Cruise – Copenhagen, St. Petersburg, Helsinki & Stockholm
  • Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket – Massachusetts' Colonial Islands
  • Netherlands & Belgium – Windmills & Canals from Amsterdam to Bruges
  • Secret Provence – Avignon to Aix-en-Provence

Backroads Hidden Gems

  • Chile – Chilean Lakes & Volcanoes District
  • Cuba – National Parks & Latin Rhythms into Havana
  • Hudson Valley – New York's Hudson Valley & the Catskills
  • Ireland – Counties Cork & Kerry
  • Santa Fe & Taos – New Mexico's Land of Enchantment
  • Sonoma Wine Country Weekend – From Redwoods to Sonoma County Vineyards

For riders inspired by National Bike Month to start a cycling training plan – in anticipation of a summer biking trip or to jump-start a more active lifestyle – Backroads offers Pro Tips on our website.

About Backroads: Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for 40 years. The company hosts thousands of guests each year, 75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests, in hundreds of locations across the globe. Backroads is a founding member of the Adventure Collection. For more information, please visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848 daily, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pacific time.

Backroads Media Contact: Liz Einbinder | Liz_Einbinder@Backroads.com | 510-292-2753 

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March 2019

Backroads Expands Family Summer Offerings With Trips For Kids Of All Ages

Berkeley, CA (March 28, 2019) Backroads continues to innovate and lead in active and adventure travel with even more family trips this summer to hundreds of coveted destinations. Backroads family trips are uniquely designed for distinct youth age ranges, with activities and routes tailored to families with younger kids (aged 4-12), families with teens and older kids (aged 9-19), and families with older teens and 20-somethings (aged 17+).

Offering Biking, Walking & Hiking and Multi-Adventure Tours around the world, Backroads runs family trips to popular summer destinations including national parks like Yosemite, Glacier, Yellowstone, the Tetons, Bryce, Zion and the Grand Canyon in addition to European favorites like the Dalmatian Coast, Iceland and Switzerland. Trips are designed so families can enjoy time together as well as independently, parents can connect with other parents and kids can have fun with new friends of similar ages during kids-only activities that keep them engaged and entertained.

With over 30 years of experience creating and leading trips for families, Backroads is the only company today offering distinct trips designed for families at a particular life stage. By creating trips for kids in specific age groups, Backroads is responding to a growing demand for active family travel, as well as requests from repeat guests who travel with Backroads as their kids grow.

"We understand the unique dynamics at play when families travel, from that first real summer vacation when kids are old enough to enjoy it, to the milestone trips that expose older kids and teens to new cultures and experiences," said Backroads Founder and President, Tom Hale. "We know that family interests and fitness levels vary and life stages and ages play a key role. We design our trips with this in mind."

Backroads family trips include fun activities and rich cultural experiences tailored to families and kids. On family adventures in Italy, parents can select the biking or hiking route that suits them while kids learn how to make pizza in a hands-on cooking class. In South Africa, Tanzania, or Ecuador's Galápagos, families can witness incredible wildlife in their natural habitat. Whether hiking in a national park, sea kayaking along the Dalmatian Coast, learning to surf in Spain's Basque Country or riding horseback in Iceland, on Backroads trips, kids of all ages experience one-of-a-kind adventures.

Best-Selling Family Trips: North America

Family Trips: Hot Destinations in Europe

For the complete collection of Backroads Family Trips and for more information, visit www.backroads.com/award-winning-tours/all-family or call 800-462-2848.

About Backroads
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for 40 years. The company hosts thousands of guests each year, 75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests, in hundreds of locations across the globe. Backroads is a founding member of the Adventure Collection. For more information, please visit www.backroads.com or call 800-462-2848 daily, 6 am - 6 pm, Pacific time.

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January 2019

Backroads Launches New Ocean and River Cruise Adventure Trips for 2019 and 2020

Berkeley, CA (January 30, 2019) Backroads, the leader in active and adventure travel, today announced new active Ocean and River Cruise Adventure Trips to destinations spanning the globe from Alaska to New Zealand, including Antarctica, Iceland, Japan, the Dalmatian Coast and the Baltic Sea. Over the next two years, Backroads will roll out more than 250 Ocean and River Cruise Adventure departures, along with additional Full Ship Celebration departures on the Danube and Portugal’s Douro River.

Backroads pioneered the concept of “Active Cruises,” an exciting new mode of ship-based adventure travel, with the launch of Active River Cruises in 2015. Guests live aboard the ship at night and spend the days actively exploring a region, going at their own pace and connecting with locals in a way no other cruise experience offers. By sailing on small ships, guests access remote ports for unique immersive experiences in the surrounding areas. On board, travelers enjoy private cocktail and wine tastings, delicious dining with wine included, full access to ship amenities and personalized service from the ship crew and Backroads Trip Leaders.

Backroads has teamed up with the best small luxury ship purveyors – AmaWaterways, Ponant and KleinTours – to deliver genuine and one-of-a-kind journeys and experiences.

“There is something very special about exploring a region by both water and land,” said Backroads President and Founder, Tom Hale. “When we first launched our Active River Cruises I could never have imagined their popularity with Backroads guests. This year we’re rolling out some fabulous small ship ocean cruises, so Backroads guests can enjoy all the amenities on the ships, while exploring the nooks and crannies of popular destinations across the world.”

Small Ship Ocean Cruises

In 2018, Backroads debuted its first small ship Ocean Cruise Tour to Iceland with 100% of guests rating those trips 10 out of 10. The company is now introducing more ship-based active adventures in the Baltics, Venice to Croatia, New Zealand, Antarctica, Japan and the Galápagos in 2019 and 2020.

Backroads’ intimate ocean cruises offer thoroughly planned active trips with unparalleled ship- and land-based support. On the ship, Backroads staffs multiple Trip Leaders, plus activity guides and dedicated vehicle support onshore, so guests are supported to explore as they wish. Backroads guests can enjoy Full Ship Celebration departures on the Danube and Portugal’s Douro Rivers, meaning all guests aboard the ship will be Backroads travelers. It’s a unique opportunity to share a common interest in exploring the world actively. All equipment and activities are included in the trip price.

A pioneer in active and adventure travel, Backroads celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2019. Backroads was founded on the principles of creating extraordinary experiences for its guests, being the most guest-focused travel company on the planet and incorporating the highest quality possible into the philosophy and fabric of the company.

Backroads Active Ocean Cruises

  • Alaska Multi-Adventure (launching in 2020)
  • Antarctica Multi-Adventure
  • Baltic Sea Biking
  • Galápagos Multi-Adventure
  • Iceland Walking & Hiking
  • Japan Walking & Hiking
  • New Zealand Multi-Adventure
  • Venice to Croatia Biking
  • Backroads Active River Cruises
  • Danube River Biking + Full Ship Celebration
  • Douro River Biking, Walking & Hiking + Full Ship Celebration
  • Galápagos, Andes & Amazon Walking & Hiking
  • Rhine River Biking
  • Seine River Biking

For a complete listing of new Backroads Ocean and River Cruise Adventure tours and more information, visit https://www.backroads.com/award-winning-tours/cruises or call 1-800-462-2848.

About Backroads: Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for 40 years. The company hosts thousands of guests each year, 75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests, in hundreds of locations across the globe. Backroads is a founding member of the Adventure Collection. For more information, please visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848 daily, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pacific time.

Backroads Media Contact: Liz Einbinder | Liz_Einbinder@Backroads.com | 510-292-2753 

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December 2018

Backroads Announces Hottest Destinations for 2019

Berkeley, CA (December 19, 2018) Backroads, the leader in adventure travel, announced the most sought-after destinations for 2019. Europe topped the list, as Backroads guests are showing particular enthusiasm to explore classics like France, Italy, Portugal, Scotland and Spain, plus the newest Mediterranean hot-spot of Croatia. Interest in Active Africa Safaris is strong, inspiring new Backroads trips in Tanzania, Zambia and Botswana. Argentina, Iceland and New Zealand remain extremely popular with travelers of all ages.

These hot-spots are some of the most sought-after 2019 destinations for early-booking.

  • Patagonia - Argentina
  • Dolomites – Italy
  • North and South Islands – New Zealand
  • Lofoten Islands – Norway
  • Camino de Santiago - Spain and Portugal
  • Mallorca and Menorca Islands - Spain

“It seems people want to get out in front of their New Year’s goals this year and plan early for 2019 adventures,” said Backroads President and Founder, Tom Hale. “Europe and Africa are hot destinations for active travel, particularly for families traveling together. With these trends in mind, we’re introducing some exciting new trips in 2019, including yoga and expanded options for families with older kids.”

A pioneer in active and adventure travel, Backroads celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2019. Backroads was founded on the principles of creating extraordinary experiences for its guests, being the most guest-focused travel company on the planet and incorporating the highest quality possible into the philosophy and fabric of the company.

For a complete listing of Backroads Adventures tours, visit www.backroads.com or call 1-800-462-2848.

About Backroads: Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for 40 years. The company hosts thousands of guests each year, 75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests, in hundreds of locations across the globe. Backroads is a founding member of the Adventure Collection. For more information, please visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848 daily, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pacific time.

Backroads Media Contact: Liz Einbinder | Liz_Einbinder@Backroads.com | 510-292-2753 

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August 2018

Backroads Celebrates 40th Anniversary

In celebration of the company’s 40th anniversary, Backroads today announced new trips and destinations for 2019.  Reaching new corners of the globe from Antarctica to Africa and adding exciting destinations, new routes and luxury as well as casual accommodations, more adventures that have departures for families with kids who are both younger and older, new active ocean cruises and even more trips in best-selling regions. Travel in Asia is growing, as the company rolls out a new Trekking & Safari Tour in Nepal and a Biking Tour in Sri Lanka. Safari tourism in Africa is also on the rise, with Multi-Adventure Tours in Tanzania as well as Zambia, Zimbabwe & Botswana. Europe continues to be a best-selling region, with new trips in even more exciting areas, including a Biking Tour in Ireland’s Connemara, Multi-Adventure Tours in Santorini & Crete, and Walking & Hiking in Norway’s Lofotens, Poland & Slovakia, Sicily, and Wales. North American travel is also hot, with new itineraries in Banff & Yoho, Columbia River Gorge & Willamette Valley, the Blue Ridge & Great Smoky Mountains, Kentucky Bourbon Trail and – just south of the border – in Mexico’s Yucatán.

Starting in 2019, for the first time ever, Backroads is offering daily yoga as a supplemental activity on 14 of the company’s itineraries – including Bali, India, Tuscany, Mallorca, Costa Rica, Maui and Santa Barbara – and other select departures on trips around the world.

A pioneer in active and adventure travel, Backroads’ celebrates 40 years in business in 2019. Tom Hale, Founder and President, started the active travel company in 1979 during a 5,000-mile bike ride when he mapped out the foundation of the company while also actively exploring the Western United States. Backroads launched its first trips in Death Valley, California’s Wine Country, California Coast, New Mexico, Yellowstone/Tetons, Glacier National Park, the San Juan Islands and the Canadian Rockies and continues to this day to run hiking, biking, multi-adventure and family trips in these destinations. Backroads was founded on the principles of creating extraordinary experiences for its guests, being the most guest-focused travel company on the planet and incorporating the highest quality possible into the philosophy and fabric of the company.

“When I first started Backroads 40 years ago, I never envisioned the active travel industry would grow to what it is today,” said Tom Hale, Founder and President of Backroads. “The fact that we’re launching new trips in Sri Lanka, Sardinia & Corsica, along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and other unique locations across the globe is truly amazing. Leading people on active adventures to explore new destinations while being immersed in local cultures and customs is what Backroads is all about and has been for 40 years.”

Backroads New Trips Launching in 2019 Include:

Europe & the Mediterranean

  • Baltic Sea Ocean Cruise Bike Tour
  • Ireland’s Connemara Bike Tour
  • Italy’s Lake Como Walking & Hiking Casual Tour
  • Norway & Sweden Bike Tour
  • Norway’s Lofoten Islands Walking & Hiking Tour
  • Poland Bike Tour
  • Poland & Slovakia Walking & Hiking Tour
  • Portugal’s Douro River Cruise Full Ship Bike Tour
  • Santorini & Crete Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Sardinia & Corsica Multi-Adventure and Walking & Hiking Tours
  • Scotland Walking & Hiking Casual Tour
  • Sicily Walking & Hiking Tour
  • Venice to Croatia Ocean Cruise Bike Tour
  • Wales Walking & Hiking Tour

North America

  • Banff & Kananaskis Country Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Banff & Yoho Walking & Hiking Casual Tour
  • Blue Ridge & Great Smoky Mountains National Park Walking & Hiking Tour
  • Bryce & Capitol Reef Walking & Hiking Tour
  • Columbia River Gorge & Willamette Valley Bike Tour
  • Crater Lake Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Glacier & Waterton Lakes Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Kentucky Bike Tour
  • Mexico’s Yucatán Multi-Adventure Tour
  • San Juan Islands Multi-Adventure Tour

South America

  • Antarctica Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Chile Walking & Hiking Tour
  • Galápagos Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Patagonia Walking & Casual Hiking Tour

Africa, Asia & the Pacific

  • Japan Bike Tour
  • Japan Ocean Cruise Walking & Hiking Tour
  • Nepal Trekking & Safari Tour
  • New Zealand Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour/li>
  • Sri Lanka Bike Tour
  • Tanzania Safari Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Vietnam & Cambodia Bike Casual Tour
  • Zambia, Zimbabwe & Botswana Safari Multi-Adventure Tour

Family: Older Teens & 20s; Teens & Kids

  • Amalfi Coast Walking & Hiking Tour
  • Bali Bike Tour
  • Banff to Jasper Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Banff & Yoho Walking & Hiking Tour
  • Berlin to Dresden Bike Tour
  • Big Sky Country, Yellowstone & Tetons Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Bryce & Capitol Reef Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Champagne & Alsace Bike Tour 
  • Chile Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Columbia River Gorge & Mount Hood Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Crater Lake Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Cuba Bike Tour
  • Dolomites Multi-Adventure Casual Tour
  • Galápagos Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Iceland Northern Lights Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Iceland Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Ireland Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Ireland’s Connemara Bike Tour
  • Kauai Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Mallorca Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Maui Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Mexico’s Yucatán Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Norway Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Norway & Sweden Bike Tour
  • Norway’s Lofoten Islands Walking & Hiking Tour
  • Mallorca Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Patagonia Walking & Hiking Casual Tour
  • Prince William Sound to Denali Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Provence Bike Casual Tour
  • San Juan Islands Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Santa Barbara to Ojai Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Santorini & Crete Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Sardinia & Corsica Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Sicily Walking & Hiking Tour
  • Spanish Pyrenees & Costa Brava Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Sri Lanka Bike Tour
  • Tanzania Safari Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Venice to Croatia Ocean Cruise Bike Tour
  • Vietnam & Cambodia Bike Tour
  • Wales Walking & Hiking Tour
  • Yellowstone & Tetons Walking & Hiking Tour

Family: Younger Kids

  • Banff & Kananaskis Country Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Costa Rica Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Hawaii’s Big Island Multi-Adventure Tour
  • Loire Valley Bike Tour
  • Netherlands & Belgium Bike Tour
  • Switzerland Multi-Adventure Tour

Backroads brings its 40-year expertise, commitment to quality, flexible itineraries and unparalleled leaders to these new trips and regions. The company is poised to see continued growth as it expands its offerings in all segments and makes available even more dates to private groups.

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More Than 120 Departures Now Open to Book for 2019 and 2020 Travel

AmaWaterways and Backroads – who, together, are leaders in the active river cruise travel segment – today announced an exciting lineup of more than 120 Danube, Douro, Rhine and Seine departures in 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 are also introducing select “expanded capacity” sailings, which will bring together more than 60 fellow Backroads cycling enthusiasts onboard a single ship, providing for a larger active community and more riding companions.

“We’re excited to introduce new options with Backroads, and to welcome even more active travelers onboard our ships, including the beautiful AmaMagna,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president 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, the two companies have their sights set on expansion in 2019 and 2020. In 2019, Backroads will offer 68 total departures perfect 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. Continuing the trend for increased capacity, 2020 will welcome 73 total departures with six full-ship departures and additional sailings on the one-of-a-kind AmaMagna. Backroads groups make up a subset of AmaWaterways guests, with the typical group size averaging around 26 guests.

The popular full-ship charter – otherwise known as the Full Ship Celebration River Cruise – will now offer two departures on the Danube and one on the Douro in 2019 (including departures for Families with Older Teens & 20s), and three on the Danube and three on the Douro in 2020. During these cruises, 100 to 150 fellow biking enthusiasts will come together on one of the largest active group tours in the world.

Every Backroads trip features the same quality experience as traditional Backroads adventures, and include four or more expert Trip Leaders on ship and on shore, dedicated and at-the-ready 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 Backroads Founder and President, Tom Hale. “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 the luxurious AmaMagna. Set to debut in May 2019 and measuring nearly twice the width of a traditional European river cruise ship, it allows for added personal space in the larger staterooms and suites (355 sq. ft. and larger); more tempting dining venues, including the Al Fresco Restaurant, Jimmy’s Wine Bar Restaurant and The Chef’s Table Restaurant; and new enticing amenities, such as the expansive Zen Wellness Studio, complete with the newly expanded Wellness Program.

Travelers interested in booking 2019 or 2020 departures will enjoy the comfort and luxury of an AmaWaterways river cruise combined with Backroads’ immersive, expertly designed Biking and Walking & Hiking tours. Onboard, guests will enjoy unique signature twin-balconies in most staterooms, as well as connecting and triple occupancy staterooms that are ideal for the growing multi-generational travel group markets. Additional amenities include a daily “Sip & Sail” complimentary cocktail hour, heated sun deck pools with swim-up bar, hair and massage salons, fitness centers and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ships.

About Backroads
Backroads offers luxury biking, walking & hiking, multi-adventure and family vacations around the globe plus active river and ocean cruising. For nearly four decades, Backroads has set the standard for active travel with its innovative leader hiring and training program, unrivaled trip planning and support, flexible daily route options and exceptional hotels and cuisine. All Backroads trips are fully escorted by 3-4 Trip Leaders and two or more support vans while guests travel at their own pace, enjoying a perfect blend of exhilarating activities, cultural encounters, scenery, camaraderie and fun. Backroads hosts thousands of guests each year, 75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests, and operates trips on six continents and in 58 countries.

Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been in business for more than 39 years. Backroads is a founding member of the Adventure Collection. For more information, please visit www.backroads.com or call 800-462-2848 daily, 6 am - 6 pm, Pacific time.

About AmaWaterways
A family-owned company celebrating 16 years on the river, AmaWaterways offers unforgettable river cruises with 23 ships in 2019 sailing Europe’s Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhone, Seine, Garonne, Dordogne, Dutch and Belgian Waterways and Douro Rivers, Southeast Asia’s Mekong and Africa’s Chobe River. The company is renowned for its innovative stateroom design featuring unique “twin balconies”; its wide choice of included shore excursions featuring biking and hiking options for the active traveler; and its award-winning dining—including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant as well as complimentary fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Modern, spacious and tastefully decorated, each ship features onboard amenities such as hair and massage salons and a fitness room, and many have heated outdoor swimming pools with swim-up bars. AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation including the 2019 launch of AmaMagna, a new dimension in luxury river cruising at twice the width of traditional river ships, plus a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, offering group or chartered sailings geared towards active travelers and families.

With the highest-rated ships in Europe according to the third edition of Berlitz: River Cruising in Europe & the USA, AmaWaterways has received countless honors and accolades including Town & Country’s River Cruise Awards as “Best Overall,” “Best for Food,” “Best for Onboard Activities” and “Best for On-Shore Activities,” as well as 2017 AFAR and Recommend magazine Reader’s Choice Awards for “Best River Cruise Line.” For more information or to book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your preferred travel professional, visit AmaWaterways.com or call 800-626-0126.

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March 2018

Backroads Continues to be a Trailblazer with New Hut-to-Hut, Premiere, Easy, Challenging and Unique Trekking Trips

Berkeley, CA (March 27, 2018) – Backroads, the World’s Leading Active Travel company, today announced growth in its walking and hiking trip segment with new tours ranging from easy to challenging – including new Hut-to-Hut, family and unique trips – across the globe. The company broadens its offerings in already popular destinations tying two countries together in one trip, and in the case of the new Italian, French & Swiss Alps Walking & Hiking Trip, it’s three-in-one! Backroads has seen its walking and hiking segment more than triple in size over the last five years and expects numbers to continue to rise with new trips.

Backroads launched walking and hiking tours in 1992 with departures in England, and added trips to California the following year. The company now offers more than 100 diverse walking and hiking itineraries across 35 countries and throughout the United States, including national parks.

The company’s walking and hiking trips immerse guests in the culture and natural beauty of a destination. From traditional Andean villages to rain forest trails and beyond, travelers with Backroads report feeling deeply connected with a region after experiencing its everyday life on foot, observing details that typical tourists miss and enjoying spontaneous encounters along the way. Exploring on foot offers a chance to feel the sand dunes shift beneath your feet, to follow the tracks of elephants, walk over hills and literally through the woods. Backroads guests go at their own pace, fully supported, stopping when the mood strikes just to take it all in.

“We believe that there is something very special about exploring a region on foot and our guests believe this to be true too,” said Backroads Founder and President, Tom Hale. “They have been asking for more hiking and walking trips, bigger challenges, and special lodging options like staying in old castles, lodges, or the unique opportunity to sleep in classic but upscale European hiking huts. In 2018, Backroads is rolling out a great new selection of walking and hiking trips for every kind of traveler.”

Outlined below are new Backroads trips launching in 2018, along with the company’s most challenging walking and hiking departures, most leisurely, unique trips, national park staples, most popular and family favorites.

Backroads New Walking & Hiking Trips in 2018 include:

Most Challenging Walking & Hiking Trips

Backroads More Leisurely Walking & Hiking Trips

Backroads Unique Walking & Hiking Trips

Trips for Every Type of Hiker/Walker

US National Parks Walking & Hiking Trips

Backroads Most Popular Walking & Hiking Trips

Family Favorite Walking & Hiking Trips

Backroads trips are designed to be incredibly flexible, a feat made possible in part thanks to Backroads’ industry-setting leader-to-guest ratio. Combined with our three or four Trip Leaders, two vans and multiple route options, guests have the freedom to explore at their own pace, without being forced to hike slower or faster than they want.

About Backroads
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been in business for more than 39 years. The company hosts thousands of guests each year, 75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests, in hundreds of locations across the globe. Backroads is a founding member of the Adventure Collection. For more information, please visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848 daily, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pacific time.

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January 2018

For the Love of Travel—Backroads Announces Top Ten Romantic Trips

Berkeley, CA (January 31, 2018) Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Backroads, the World’s Leading Active Travel company, today announced the Top 10 Trips for Romance. For almost 40 years, Backroads has been taking guests on active vacations in destinations across the globe. Since the company’s inception, guests have celebrated romantic milestones with Backroads. In 2017, Backroads guests enjoyed a Tuscan honeymoon private trip, an anniversary on the Danube Active River Cruise Full Ship Celebration and a mountaintop proposal in the California Wine Country, just to name a few.

Whether it’s a celebratory kiss on a mountain summit or a post-ride barefoot walk along a white sand beach, these 10 trips are sure to spark a flame of romance:

“I love hearing from Backroads guests that they met their spouse on one of our trips, or celebrated an anniversary while traveling with us,” said Backroads Founder and President Tom Hale. "Sharing the passion of adventure with a loved one is very special and something that we enjoy helping to facilitate.”

The Ultimate Wedding Gift

Because love and travel go hand in hand, Backroads offers a wedding registry. Couples can easily create accounts with the Backroads Honeymoon Registry and wedding guests can give the gift of adventure by contributing financially to a wedding gift and experience they’ll never forget. Contributors to the Backroads Honeymoon Registry receive a gift card to present to the wedding couple. To set up a Honeymoon Registry, please contact 800-462-2848.

More of Backroads’ Most Romantic Trips include:

France

Italy

Africa, Asia & the Pacific

Latin America & Caribbean

United States & Canada

About Backroads
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been in business for more than 39 years. The company hosts thousands of guests each year, 75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests, in hundreds of locations across the globe. Backroads is a founding member of the Adventure Collection. For more information, please visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848 daily, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Pacific time.

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