AmaWaterways and Backroads have announced more than 140 European river cruise departures featuring Backroads biking tours in 2023 and 2024. During this eighth year of collaboration, guests can join these designated departures that bring Backroads bike adventure tours to the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Rivers of Bordeaux; the Danube, Douro, Rhine and Seine Rivers; and the Dutch & Belgian Waterways.
Travellers can explore the best cycling routes in European destinations with Backroads' services and expertise on bicycle trips during the day, returning to the comfort of an AmaWaterways river ship. River cruising takes guests into the heart of a region, and Backroads lets guests explore the best biking routes of the region while immersing themselves in the local culture and regional cuisine.
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.
“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 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.”
For more information about AmaWaterways river cruises with Backroads' biking experiences, visit backroads.com.
