Active River Cruises

Unpack once and explore more as you experience Europe and beyond with Backroads' Active River Cruises, going at your own pace and genuinely connecting with the region. Bike along the Danube, Rhine, Rhône and Seine Rivers or cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium, or Portugal’s Douro Valley. From Switzerland to Vietnam, our expert leaders and unique itineraries offer an active adventure no other cruise can match.

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203 Dates

Unplugged

New! Unplugged Dates Now Available
For guests who prefer to ride acoustic bikes - not on e-bikes. Look for the Unplugged label.

Solo Room Savings

We’ve made it even easier to go solo or enjoy your own space on select dates with reduced private room fees.
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2026

2027

Active River Cruises

Pair our insider route design and signature support with the romance of small ship travel as you unpack once and cruise in style. Cyclists will be greeted at every port with a custom titanium bike, perfect for exploring the back roads, and hikers will be whisked away to hidden trails far from the crowds. Watch the world’s best views slide past your private stateroom or mingle with other guests in inviting spaces designed for relaxing and socializing. And at night, enjoy meals prepared by classically trained chefs.

Choose between hiking, biking and multi-adventure trips with us sailing from every port of call. In Europe, the home of river cruising, border-hop five countries while biking along the Danube River, or make it a Multi-Adventure Trip for extra time out of the saddle to hike and kayak. Let canals, channels and levees carry you between the charming cities of the Netherlands and Belgium. Follow the Rhine from Switzerland to Amsterdam, joining families and commuters along some of Europe’s finest long-distance cycling paths. Explore the rugged wine country of Portugal’s Douro Valley. Discover sun-drenched Alpine foothills as you sail up the Rhône. Explore colorful dockside markets alongside the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. Float beneath the towering trees of Ecuador’s Amazon rain forest.

If you love immersing yourself in your destination, all while being guided by the world’s best Trip Leaders and in the company of fun-loving active traveling companions, we invite you to join us. Come discover how Backroads has redefined cruising. Welcome aboard.