Backroads 2025-26 Active Cruises

2025 – 2026 ACTIVE OCEAN & RIVER CRUISES

BIKE • HIKE • PADDLE • EXPLORE • CRUISE

ADVENTURE AWAITS From castles along the Danube to vibrant markets beside the Mekong, there’s nothing quite like discovering the world from its great waterways and seas. Pair that with active days of biking and hiking while only unpacking once, and you have a journey that blends ease with adventure. Many of our guests say our active cruises feel like two vacations in one. With our expert trip design and dedicated onshore crew, you’ll be greeted at the port with your custom titanium bike for exploring the back roads, or with a van that whisks you to hidden hiking trails away from the crowds. Every day offers a deeper immersion into your destination, guided by the world’s best Trip Leaders while enjoying the company of fun-loving active traveling companions. We invite you to join us and discover why these trips are some of the most beautiful and diverse experiences we’ve ever offered.

Tom Hale President, Founder & CEO

Avery Hale Smith Executive Vice President

Unpack once. Explore multiple regions. Travel with best-in-class Backroads leaders. Go at your own pace and genuinely connect with the region in a way that no other cruise experience can. Backroads has redefined cruising by blending the best cruise adventures with the best of active travel. SMALL SHIPS. BIG ADVENTURES.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS Choose Your Activity

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Cruise in Style

Adventures Are Better Together

The Backroads Difference

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OUR TRIP COLLECTION Active River Cruises

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Active Ocean Cruises

Land + Active Cruise Adventures

RESERVING YOUR TRIP Important Information

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Calendars

BIKING

JOURNEY ON TWO WHEELS The joy of exploring new landscapes under your own power, the moments of shared discovery and the satisfaction of celebrating it all with an espresso in the next village—all at your own pace, with no obligation to slow down or keep up with anyone else.

WALKING & HIKING

SAVOR EVERY STEP We’ve been exploring the world’s wild trails and ancient footpaths for more than three decades. Hitting the trail with your fellow travelers is exhilarating, immersive and simply fun—and the support of multiple leaders guarantees you can always go at your perfect pace.

MULTI-ADVENTURE

THE BEST OF ALL WORLDS Join us as we bike, hike, paddle and so much more on these active and culturally rich adventures, expertly planned to highlight the unique character of your destination. Experience a region from different angles, discovering exhilarating activities and immersing yourself in its culture and landscapes.

DOLCE TEMPO

EASYGOING BY DESIGN

Easier than our other trips but still wonderfully active, these journeys are the perfect way to explore a region up close and in depth with fellow travelers who also want to slow down and savor the experience. Visit backroads.com/dolcetempo to learn more.

CRUISE IN STYLE We journey on the best small cruise ships that deliver genuine journeys and experiences.

OUR INTIMATE SHIPS OFFER... Access to remote ports and true immersion in your surroundings

Impeccable and personalized service from the ship crew and Backroads Trip Leaders Private cocktail and wine receptions or tastings that spotlight regional favorites Delicious onboard dining with wine included Full access to all ship amenities All onboard and onshore gratuities throughout your trip are taken care of by Backroads (Backroads leader tips not included)

ANCHORS AWEIGH AmaWaterways Acclaimed for its elegant river cruise ships with spacious staterooms, expansive outdoor decks, panoramic windows and attentive personal service. 100-194 passengers Emerald These luxurious and sleek vessels have an intimate atmosphere and boast an open-air bar, two lounges and a team of master chefs crafting gourmet dishes. 100 passengers Ponant French-owned, award-winning and known for delighting travelers with luxurious sailing experiences to legendary ports of call and hidden harbors. 180-260 passengers See web for our full fleet of cruising purveyors

“I LOVED being on a boat and cruising from place to place. It was so cool to see 5 different countries, all within the same time zone and all the while not having to change rooms once. Loved the ship, the food, the staff, the leaders, the schedule, the options—all of it!”

Sydney Doolittle • Charlestown, MA

ADVENTURES ARE BETTER TOGETHER

Since 1979, we’ve built a community around our love of active travel. That’s why our trips are so special: because of the people you share them with. Our group sizes are small enough to deliver the personalized support you need, and large enough to keep the conversations interesting. And with unique trips thoughtfully tailored to different travelers, your adventure will feel like it was designed just for you—because it was.

Couples, Friends & Solos Enjoy enormous flexibility on our small group trips. Discover the world and savor the fun-loving company of your fellow Backroads travelers with as much or as little camaraderie as you like.

Family Only Backroads offers trips for three distinct age groups, where you can enjoy the kind of unique, authentic experiences that families just can’t find elsewhere. • Families with Kids & Teens • Families with Older Teens & 20s • Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Visit backroads.com/family to learn more.

Your Private Group

Whether you’re traveling with friends, family or colleagues, our Private Trips are a great way to see the world. You get the same amazing Backroads itineraries—continually refined and improved for over four decades—enjoyed with the traveling companions of your choosing. Visit backroads.com/private to learn more.

BACKROADS EXPERIENCE THE

Unbeatable Choice Backroads is unmatched in our offering of 6,500 Biking, Walking & Hiking and Multi-Adventure Trips. No matter where, when, how and with whom you want to travel, we have a trip for you. Active for Everyone Take it easy or take it up a notch. It’s up to you—do as much or as little as you like even if your traveling companion prefers a different speed. Multiple Daily Route s Choose from several routes to give you the freedom to explore at your own pace every day of your trip, always with empowering GPS maps/directions via the Backroads On Trip App—plus Wahoo GPS devices on bikes for easy navigation. Straight Talk From terrain and climate notes to local customs and quirks, we tell it like it is—we want you on the right trip for you.

Small Cruise Ships Set sail in comfortable and stylish cruise ships and experience the Backroads way of exploring actively, unpacking only once. Top-Tier Bikes for Every Rider Our custom bike fleet is unrivaled with more than 10,000 professionally maintained bikes, including complimentary performance road bikes and e-bikes throughout Europe and North America and on most southern hemisphere trips. Experts at Trip Design With over 45 years of experience, our trip design team includes 15 Regional Managers (with an average tenure of 18 years) and 30 Regional Coordinators that partner with 250 Trip Experts in the field to create the ultimate experience for you.

DIFFERENCE Always Focused on Making Your Trip Better

The Very Best Leaders Our guests consistently rate Backroads Trip Leaders 9.8 out of 10. Our world-class recruiting, hiring, training, benefits, compensation and performance programs are second to none. More Leaders Not only are our leaders world class, there are more of them, with at least three on each trip.* They’re our employees—not independent contractors. Two or More Support Vans Multiple support vans each day make all the difference. When one van is spoken for the additional van(s) remain at your service.* Never Subcontracted We’ve been dedicated to quality since our founding in 1979. We don’t subcontract because we don’t trust others to do the job we’ve promised you we’ll do.

*Less than 5% of our guests choose trips that are small enough to support with one van and less than three leaders. Our groups are small enough to explore the world with optimum flexibility and big enough to welcome a variety of fun-loving travel companions. Family Travel Perfected With over 1,000 scheduled departures for families in more than 30 countries, we’re the only company offering distinct family trips for three different kids’ age ranges so that you can connect with travelers in similar life stages. Unmatched Private Trips No other company rivals our selection of ready-to- book Biking, Walking & Hiking and Multi-Adventure Trips with locales worldwide, dates year-round and our unequaled hotels, leaders and support. The Right Group Size

ACTIVE RIVER CRUISES

ACTIVE RIVER CRUISE

BIKING

Let the river be your guide from Prague to Passau, Vienna to Bratislava and on to Budapest. Bike through the Bavarian Forest. Walk among baroque architecture. Sample local beer and wine. And discover tucked-away villages. Then relax on board the ship as it carries you to your next adventure. Prague to Budapest through Five Countries DANUBE RIVER CRUISE

HIGHLIGHTS Discover a medley of landscapes as you pedal on the scenic Donauradweg (Danube bike path) alongside locals Ride through the vineyards, orchards and villages of the Wachau Valley, beloved for its Grüner Veltliners and Rieslings Delight in the ever-changing views from your stylish stateroom, knowing that you only have to unpack once Linger in Prague and Budapest, our captivating gateway cities that teem with dazzling sights, culture and cuisine

POLAND

BERLIN

GERMANY

Prague

CZECH REPUBLIC

SLOVAKIA

Weissenkirchen

Vilshofen

Vienna

Passau

Bratislava

Melk

Linz

Budapest

AUSTRIA

HUNGARY

ITALY

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8 Days Activity Levels 1-4 AmaWaterways Ship from $7,699 to $11,699 / person double occ. , includes port fee. See web for date-specific pricing. Choose a Trip for • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Families with Kids & Teens • Families with Older Teens & 20s • Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search DANB on backroads.com

DAYS 1–2 Warm up with a ride through the Bavarian Forest • Nothing like a bit of oompah music to get things started—enjoy an Oktoberfest- style celebration before we set sail • Fall in love with Bavaria’s quiet biking routes and stunning views into Austria • Stroll amid Italian baroque architecture in Passau, the City of Three Rivers. DAY 3 Ride in the Austrian countryside along the famed Donauradweg (Danube bike path) • Visit Linz, home to baroque buildings and a vibrant main square • Take a break from the saddle and opt for an excursion to Salzburg or Český Krumlov—both spectacular World Heritage sites. DAYS 4–5 Bike or cruise the most stunning stretch of the Danube through Wachau Valley vineyards and sleepy hamlets • Visit majestic Melk Abbey, inspiration for Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose • Stop for a taste of the local Grüner Veltliner as you pedal past traditional Austrian vineyards • Discover Vienna, imperial city of the Hapsburgs and a hub of Central European culture and tradition. DAY 6 Follow bike paths in serene Donau-Auen National Park, keeping an eye out for kingfishers and herons • Ride between two capital cities—Vienna and Bratislava—passing remnants of the former Iron Curtain • Dine at Schloss Hof, a famous castle and working farm • Join a walking tour of Bratislava’s charming medieval center. DAYS 7–8 Discover Budapest’s historic landmarks and hidden history on a guided walk • Hop on one of the oldest Metro systems in the world to link Buda and Pest, once two distinct sister cities facing each other across the river • Take the afternoon to explore this remarkable capital with its posh coffeeshops, hip ruin pubs, thermal bathhouses and countless museums • Raise a toast to a memorable Danube River Cruise Bike Tour. » AmaWaterways Ship

877.462.2848 | 7–5 Monday–Friday, 7–3 weekends PT |

ACTIVE RIVER CRUISE

NEW!

MULTI-ADVENTURE

The Danube has always been a great connector. Cultural and political, east and west: divisions that have written European history are just stops along its shores. For us, the Danube is the perfect link between bike paths and hiking trails. Urban escapes and tranquil natural beauty. It’s your highway to a European adventure with a little bit of everything. Prague to Budapest through Five Countries DANUBE RIVER CRUISE

HIGHLIGHTS Hike lush Bavarian woodlands, Austrian mountaintops and fascinating urban neighborhoods alongside local hosts Pedal scenic bike paths through the vineyards, orchards and hidden villages of the Wachau Valley Voyage through a vibrant tapestry of cultures and landscapes on an intimate custom-designed ship Explore the exquisite World Heritage sites and cities that make this region so architecturally and historically rich

POLAND

BERLIN

GERMANY

Prague

CZECH REPUBLIC

SLOVAKIA

Weissenkirchen

Vilshofen

Vienna

Passau

Bratislava

Melk

Linz

Budapest

AUSTRIA

HUNGARY

ITALY

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8 Days Activity Levels 1-4 • Bike • Walk/Hike • Kayak AmaWaterways Ship from $9,099 to $12,099 / person double occ. , includes port fee. See web for date-specific pricing. Choose a Trip for • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search DANM on backroads.com

DAYS 1–2 Welcome to the Danube River Valley! • Enjoy a picnic lunch at a traditional farmstead in Schofweg • Hike in the lush Bavarian Forest, the largest protected woodland area in central Europe • Climb to Brotjacklriegel for stunning views of the countryside • Board your floating hotel in Vilshofen • Get into the spirit of the region with a festive welcome celebration complete with music and dancing. DAYS 3–4 Hop a gondola up into the nearby Alps for rugged trails, vast views and sweet Tyrolean desserts at a cozy mountain hut • Visit Linz, home to baroque buildings and a vibrant main square • Want a more leisurely day? Choose an excursion to Salzburg or Český Krumlov • Traverse one of the most scenic parts of the Danube, the Wachau Valley, along the famed Donauradweg (Danube bike path) • Visit majestic Melk Abbey, inspiration for Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose • Stop for a taste of Grüner Veltliner as you pedal past Austrian vineyards. DAYS 5–6 Get to know Vienna, imperial city of the Hapsburgs and a hub of Central European culture and tradition • Take to kayaks and glide along the peaceful urban waterways surrounding Vienna’s Donauinsel (Danube Island) park • Spot abundant birdlife as you bike in Donau-Auen National Park, one of Europe’s last remaining wetlands • Savor lunch fit for royalty at Hof Castle, a stunning baroque palace, as you pedal from Vienna to Bratislava • Join a walking tour of Bratislava, where medieval buildings house chic chops and eateries. DAYS 7–8 Explore dynamic Budapest, from its gilded and dignified Buda side to lively lived-in Pest • On a guided walk, gain an insider’s perspective on this World Heritage city’s history and architecture •With golden hour lighting up the skyline, celebrate an incredible voyage. » AmaWaterways Ship

877.462.2848 | 7–5 Monday–Friday, 7–3 weekends PT |

ACTIVE RIVER CRUISE

BIKING

Five incredible countries. Eight epic days. One stellar river ship exclusively for us—all enhanced by the camaraderie of up to 150 Backroads travelers! Sail and ride along the Danube, past castles, onion-domed churches and legendary vineyards. Local beer, bratwurst and welcoming wine taverns await. Let the fun begin! Prague to Budapest with 100+ Backroads Friends DANUBE RIVER CRUISE FULL SHIP CELEBRATION

HIGHLIGHTS

POLAND

BERLIN

GERMANY

Bike on the world-famous Donauradweg (Danube bike path), with views of the region’s diverse landscapes Explore the Bavarian Forest, Europe’s largest protected woodland area, steeped in lore and legends Connect with stunning sights and rich culture in Prague and Budapest and explore historical wonders in Vienna Celebrate your passion for cycling in the splendid Wachau Valley, passing vineyards of acclaimed Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners

Prague

CZECH REPUBLIC

SLOVAKIA

Weissenkirchen

Vilshofen

Vienna

Passau

Bratislava

Melk

Linz

Budapest

AUSTRIA

HUNGARY

ITALY

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8 Days Activity Levels 1-4 AmaWaterways Ship from $6,699 to $11,999 / person double occ. , includes port fee. 2025 sold out—book now for September 23, 2026 Choose a Trip for • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search DAFB on backroads.com

DAYS 1–3 Bike from a living-history reconstruction of a Bavarian village along a former train route • Settle into your stylish stateroom, your home away from home on the Danube • Cross over from Germany’s Bavarian hillside to Austria on two wheels • Enjoy lunch at a charming country guesthouse • Get to know Passau’s ornate baroque façades or relax on the ship’s aptly named Sun Deck • Join hundreds of local cyclists on Austria’s celebrated Danube bike path • Explore the gingerbread-house streets of Linz • Opt to spend a day on foot with a guided excursion to World Heritage Salzburg or Český Krumlov. DAYS 4–6 Discover the Wachau Valley, where the Danube snakes between steep bluffs green with vineyards and apricot orchards • Behold stately Melk Abbey, commanding its hilltop since the 10th century • On a private walking tour, admire Vienna’s St. Stephen’s cathedral, the imperial castle complex, Mozart’s residence and the Spanish Riding School • Bike in Donau-Auen National Park, a tranquil wetlands that’s home to an incredible array of rare species • Ride to Bratislava where a local guide highlights the city’s Gothic and baroque architecture juxtaposed by modern additions like a communist-era UFO-topped bridge. DAYS 7–8 Arrive in Budapest, a dynamic city with a fascinating history and storied architecture • Soak at a thermal spring spa, see the second-largest synagogue in the world in Pest’s Jewish quarter, visit one of the city’s 140 museums or shop for delicious Szamos marzipan to bring home • Join a ship full of fellow Backroads guests and leaders in a toast to this week’s celebration! » AmaWaterways Ship

877.462.2848 | 7–5 Monday–Friday, 7–3 weekends PT |

ACTIVE RIVER CRUISE

BIKING

The Douro River Valley—an idyllic place to venture off the beaten track. From Spain to Portugal, discover old-world Europe along this enchanting river. Jumbled hillside villages and sun-soaked vineyards. Churches clad in gleaming azulejos. Port wine in Porto. Experience one of Europe’s best-kept secrets with us. Splendid Salamanca to Historic Porto PORTUGAL’S DOURO RIVER CRUISE

HIGHLIGHTS

Salamanca

Behold Porto’s colorful history, with its splendid plazas, churches and houses adorned with brilliantly tiled façades Bike amid terraced vineyards along some of the wildest parts of the Douro River valley, which are best accessed by boat Savor the full-bodied reds, crisp whites and luscious aromatic Port of this world-renowned wine region Connect with the rich history of Portuguese music and its fascinating Fado roots

PORTUGAL

Lisbon

Peso da Régua

Porto

Pocinho

Pinhao

Atlantic Ocean

Douro River

Vega Terron

Lumbrales

From Salamanca

SPAIN

To Lisbon

PORTS OF CALL Vega Terrón | Pocinho | Pinhão | Peso da Régua | Porto

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8 Days Activity Levels 2-4 AmaWaterways Ship from $8,899 to $11,499 / person double occ. , includes port fee. See web for date-specific pricing. Choose a Trip for • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search DURB on backroads.com

DAYS 1–2 From Salamanca, one of Spain’s magnificent World Heritage sites, venture to the sleepy village of Lumbrales • Savor sweeping views as you bike into the Douro Valley and arrive at our ship • Settle into your elegant stateroom, unpacking once for this extraordinary eight-day journey • Pedal amid a patchwork of pastures, almond orchards and olive groves • Ride to a fortified hilltop village for epic vistas into Portugal and Spain. DAYS 3–4 Check out the dazzling tiles in Pinhão, which also happens to be a mecca for wine lovers • Bike through lush forests and Portugal’s World Heritage Alto Douro region, with showstopping panoramas • A scenic ride brings you to tucked- away hamlets before descending back to the river and the now- familiar comforts of the ship • Enjoy lunch at a family-run quinta (country estate) accompanied by beautiful views of the riverscape • Visit Lamego, known for its baroque architecture and fine wine. DAYS 5–6 Ride along the Douro with a lovely backdrop of world-class wine estates, perhaps catching a glimpse of our floating hotel from high above • Admire the countryside from the vantage point of the ship’s sun-deck pool • Bike or cruise the final stretch of the Douro into magnificent Porto, where we meet up with a local expert for a private guided walking tour • This legendary city will charm you with its splendid architecture, winding alleyways and ever-changing views. DAYS 7–8 Breathe in fresh ocean air along a bike path that traces the Atlantic coast • Get a feel for local life in the vibrant Vila Nova da Gaia neighborhood • Back at our ship, take in superb vistas of Porto from the deck • Extend your vacation in Porto or Lisbon. » AmaWaterways Ship

877.462.2848 | 7–5 Monday–Friday, 7–3 weekends PT |

ACTIVE RIVER CRUISE

BIKING

Decadent. Sophisticated. Extraordinary. Last night’s glass of Bordeaux or your week along the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers? There’s no difference when the most coveted wines in the world are at your fingertips. When gorgeous scenery unfolds from the seat of your bike. All making for a cruise much like the perfect red: well-balanced and intoxicating. Vineyards & Châteaux of Garonne, Dordogne & Gironde BORDEAUX RIVER CRUISE

HIGHLIGHTS

St-Estephe

FRANCE

PARIS

Pedal in the romantic realm of vineyards and châteaux: Yquem, Rothschild, Angelus and beyond Ride along the Garonne River, discovering the rolling hills and dramatic terrain of Bordeaux’s wine regions Stroll through St-Émilion, a beautiful World Heritage site and epicenter of French wines Taste exquisite local specialties—superb wines, fresh oysters, flavorful cheeses and decadent macarons

Blaye

MORAN STATE

Cussac Fort Medoc

Atlantic Ocean

Bourg

St Emilion

Libourne

Bordeaux

Dordogne

Garonne

Arcachon Bay

Sauternes

Cadillac

Cap Ferret

Dune de Pilat

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8 Days Activity Levels 1-3 AmaWaterways Ship from $8,199 to $10,799 / person double occ. , includes port fee. See web for date-specific pricing. Choose a Trip for • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search BDRB on backroads.com

DAYS 1–2 From an ancient abbey, ride forested paths along the river to the heart of enchanting Bordeaux, seeing the city’s iconic sites as you pedal • Get to know St-Émilion’s Romanesque architecture and narrow cobblestone streets • An oenologist at a wine school offers an initiation into the art of tasting—you’ll learn how to recognize Bordeaux vintages by color, smell and flavor • Spin through a grapevine-laden landscape • Pedal to the wine-making town of Libourne, where the Isle and Dordogne Rivers meet. DAYS 3–5 Follow a gorgeous corniche road to the town of Blaye, known for its impressive 17th-century citadel, a World Heritage site • Venture into the rolling hills of the Côtes de Bourg AOC and admire the bounty of the Dordogne River as you ride by stately châteaux • Wine and revelry await you in Bourg • Cruise the Dordogne River and then spin through Haut-Médoc’s most celebrated AOCs of Saint Julien, Pauillac and Saint Estèphe • Soak up fairy-tale scenery paired with some of the world’s most prestigious vineyards, from Pichon Longueville and Pontet-Canet to Mouton Rothschild. DAYS 6–8 Bike into the coastal Sauternes AOC, renowned for its fungus-affected sweet wines • Leave vineyards behind to explore the Atlantic coast, catching sight of the Dune de Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune • Discover the golden beaches of Arcachon Bay, a favorite seaside escape of the 19th-century French bourgeoisie • Cap off your adventure with a ferry ride and the chance to sample fresh Cap Ferret oysters • We dock in the heart of Bordeaux, where city lights accompany a memorable meal on our final night aboard the ship. » AmaWaterways Ship

877.462.2848 | 7–5 Monday–Friday, 7–3 weekends PT |

ACTIVE RIVER CRUISE

BIKING

This is a new perspective. It’s Monet’s quiet Seine. Joan of Arc’s last moments. Richard the Lionheart’s medieval château. And an American soldier’s Omaha Beach. Every turn of the Seine reveals another story, another piece of history, another impressionist’s impression. It’s not just another trip to France. Paris Lights, the Land of Monet, & Normandy’s D-Day Sites SEINE RIVER CRUISE

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the glittering urban playground of Paris as you start and end your cruise in the City of Light Journey to Honfleur, Rouen and Giverny, scenes brilliantly captured by Monet and van Gogh, among other luminary artists Pedal, cruise and even hike if you wish in the shadows of riverside châteaux both gilded and crumbling Bike among hallowed D-Day hedgerows and take a private tour of the American Military Cemetery at Omaha beach

English Channel

PARIS

Caudebec-en-Caux

Le Havre

Rouen

Omaha Beach

Les Andelys

Honfleur

Auvers- sur-Oise

Giverny

Bayeux

Vernon

Conflans

FRANCE

Paris

Versailles

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8 Days Activity Levels 1-3 AmaWaterways Ship from $8,099 to $10,899 / person double occ. , includes port fee. See web for date-specific pricing. Choose a Trip for • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search SERB on backroads.com

DAYS 1–2 Ride through the outskirts of Paris, known for exquisite grand châteaux • Bike to the posh neighborhoods surrounding the City of Light • Pedal along the banks of the Seine where your floating luxury hotel awaits • Roll through rural Normandy to Les Andelys • Hike to Château Gaillard for vistas of the village and Seine Valley below • The ruins of this medieval fortress beckon a visit • Meet our local friends and try their homemade Norman produce. DAYS 3–4 Bike through the lush landscape and thatched-roof cottages of Marais Vernier • Stroll in colorful Honfleur • Join a local historian for a private tour of the American Military Cemetery • Take a coastal ride along Omaha Beach and amid World War II battlefields • Visit the Mulberry Harbours or learn about the Battle of Normandy during an experience at the 360 cinema at Arromanches. DAYS 5–6 Explore medieval Rouen on foot • On a private tour, see where Joan of Arc was sent to the stake and admire Notre Dame Cathedral • Wonder at the Romanesque remains of Jumièges Abbey, known as the most beautiful ruin in France • Visit impressionist master Monet’s home, gardens and water lily ponds at Giverny • Ride along the Seine to Château de La Roche-Guyon. DAYS 7–8 A scenic ride leads you through the sweeping plains of Versailles, Louis XIV’s old hunting grounds, before reaching the Grand Parc de Versailles • Pedal along the Grand Canal and take in views of France’s most iconic château, embellished by generations of architects, sculptors and decorators • Explore Versailles’ extraordinary gardens • Cruise back to Paris, enjoying views of the Seine. » AmaWaterways Ship

877.462.2848 | 7–5 Monday–Friday, 7–3 weekends PT |

ACTIVE RIVER CRUISE

BIKING

A four-country journey has never been this relaxed. And when you’re this content, you’ll want to say yes to everything. Pedal the lush Black Forest? Yep. Hunt for the Lorelei between Rhine Valley vineyards? Ja. Sip brews at a biergarten, see Strasbourg’s soaring Gothic cathedral and cruise through Amsterdam’s canals like a local? Of course! Basel to Amsterdam—Switzerland, France, Germany & the Netherlands RHINE RIVER CRUISE

HIGHLIGHTS

NETHERLANDS

Amsterdam

Savor a rich and ever-changing tableau as you cruise the Rhine’s mighty waters and pedal some of its most scenic stretches Explore the romantic streets of baroque Heidelberg, medieval Strasbourg and impeccably preserved Riquewihr Bike the evocative Route des Vins in Alsace, and stop to taste world- class Gewürztraminers and Rieslings Cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, admiring its multitude of fortress ruins and castles

Utrecht

GENEVA

North Sea

Cologne

BELGIUM

Bonn

Koblenz

Lahnstein

Rudesheim

Bingen

FRANCE

Ludwigshafen

Heidelberg

GERMANY

Rhine River

Strasbourg

Riquewihr Eguisheim

Breisach

Basel

SWITZERLAND

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8 Days Activity Levels 1-3 AmaWaterways Ship from $8,299 to $11,799 / person double occ. , includes port fee. See web for date-specific pricing. Choose a Trip for • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Families with Kids & Teens • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search RIRB on backroads.com

DAYS 1–3 Cycle from a quaint village in the Black Forest toward the vineyards of the Rhine Valley • Make yourself at home in your elegant stateroom (complete with a French balcony) and get to know the joys of living aboard the ship • Enjoy superb riding and wine tasting along Alsace’s famous Route des Vins • Pedal to the beautiful medieval villages of Riquewihr and Eguisheim • Soak up magical views in Strasbourg and admire the Gothic cathedral on a guided city walk with a local expert • Spin along meadows and forests with views of France and Germany. DAYS 4–5 Bike to Heidelberg, a stunning German city dominated by impressive castle ruins • Meander ancient cobblestone streets, strewn with gorgeous buildings made with red limestone from the former fortress • Follow in the footsteps of Romans along the famed Weinstrasse (wine route) • Unwind like the locals at a festive biergarten with a few new friends and a refreshing beer or Radler • Pedal past fairy-tale towns, castles and vineyards through the Rhine Gorge, one of many spectacular World Heritage sites along the way • Take part in a wine tasting and enjoy a picnic lunch at a small family-owned winery • Delight in the culinary magic of AmaWaterways’ world-class chefs. DAYS 6–8 Explore cool German towns and learn about Brauhaus (brewery) culture • Take a late afternoon swim in the ship’s sun-deck pool • Get to know Dusseldorf’s vibrant culinary scene over dinner on your own • Arrive in a cyclist’s paradise • Amsterdam’s lovely waterways, arched bridges and crooked canal houses make for delightful riding • Two-wheel it through the serene Dutch countryside • Embark on a traditional canal boat cruise along the city’s intricate channels. » AmaWaterways Ship

877.462.2848 | 7–5 Monday–Friday, 7–3 weekends PT |

ACTIVE RIVER CRUISE

BIKING

Springtime here is breathtaking. Vivid fields stretch to the horizon and wrap around fairy-tale windmills. Bike through historic towns and medieval cities. And as you sail the waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium, captivating scenery delights, from romantic bridges to traditional gabled buildings. Iconic Canals, Windmills & Bike Paths from Amsterdam to Bruges DUTCH & BELGIAN WATERWAYS

HIGHLIGHTS

Hoorn Edam

Bike through scenery straight out of a Dutch masterpiece: windmills, canals, A-frame farmhouses and vast skies Experience local biking culture as you ride to places like unforgettable Amsterdam, charming Ghent and beautiful Bruges Clink your glass of Belgian beer—perhaps a singel, dubbel or quadrupel —and indulge in waffles, chocolate and gourmet cheese Learn about the Zeeland province and how it’s protected by the Delta Works—a masterpiece of engineering

PARIS

Amsterdam

North Sea

Gouda

Schoonhoven

Rotterdam

Kinderdijk

Willemstad

NETHERLANDS

Middleburg

Bruges

Antwerp

BELGIUM

Ghent

GERMANY

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8 Days Activity Levels 1-3 AmaWaterways Ship from $7,899 to $10,599 / person double occ. , includes port fee. See web for date-specific pricing. Choose a Trip for • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search NLRB on backroads.com

DAYS 1–2 Welcome to the Netherlands, where cycling is a way of life • Start your bike ride in the famous Dutch bulb region, home to seasonal rows of tulips • Before boarding our ship in Amsterdam, see the millions of flowers on display in Keukenhof Gardens • Settle into your spacious stateroom and get to know the ship’s ample amenities • Sail to idyllic Hoorn • Cycle along the coast, with green fields and windswept dunes as the backdrop • In Edam, sample its acclaimed cheese and discover waterways lined with colorful houses. DAYS 3–4 Ride on amazing bike paths and along the coast through the province of Zeeland • See the storybook village of Middelburg • Cross into Belgium and continue to Ghent, one of the country’s oldest cities • Bike along a canal and through picturesque countryside to magical Bruges • Explore the city’s well-preserved architecture, from medieval to classical design. DAYS 5–6 Pedal through the impressive historic center of Antwerp • Lunch on the footsteps of Westmalle Abbey, where monks have been producing beer since the 18th century • Back in the Netherlands, admire the country’s iconic windmills • As you bike through polders to Gouda, keep an eye out for warblers, buntings and bluethroats. DAYS 7–8 In Amsterdam, check out the gingerbread-house architecture of the Zaandaam neighborhood • Cycle into the countryside, past quaint villages and meadows • Enjoy views of stately homes, arched bridges and famous monuments as our ship weaves through Amsterdam’s canals. » AmaWaterways Ship

877.462.2848 | 7–5 Monday–Friday, 7–3 weekends PT |

ACTIVE OCEAN CRUISES

ACTIVE OCEAN CRUISE

MULTI-ADVENTURE

Off the sleepy west coast of Greece, island-hop pastoral Lefkada and dramatic, palace-studded Corfu. Discover the wild hills of Albania. Marvel at Montenegro’s fjord-like Bay of Kotor. And see why gleaming Dubrovnik has captured the world’s imagination. Let us show you these sun-kissed lands just off the beaten seaway, and they’ll live rent-free in your travel daydreams forever. Athens to Croatia’s Dubrovnik via Albania & Montenegro GREECE & MEDITERRANEAN

HIGHLIGHTS

CROATIA

MONTENEGRO

Dubrovnik

ROME

SERBIA

Trace the footsteps of ancient travelers as you journey by sea from Athens, cradle of democracy, to Dubrovnik, Pearl of the Adriatic Bike to the ruins of Delphi, hike the crumbling fortress walls of Kotor and kayak in turquoise waters off the shores of Greek islands Delve into this region’s centuries-old history with insider archaeological visits, and its modern living culture with olive-oil tastings, chats with our local hosts and more Unpack only once as you watch the spectacular coastlines of four countries scroll by your window

Kotor

NORTH MACEDONIA

Adriatic Sea

ITALY

ALBANIA

Sarande

GREECE

Corfu

Aegean Sea

Parga

Nydri

Ionian Sea

Itea

Athens Marathon

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8 Days Activity Levels 2-4 • Bike • Walk/Hike • Kayak Emerald Ship from $10,199 to $10,999 / person double occ. See web for date-specific pricing. Choose a Trip for • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search GRDM on backroads.com

DAYS 1–2 Set sail from Athens’ port of Piraeus, home of the original pirates, on our intimate Emerald cruise liner • Bike in the footsteps of history’s first marathon in the town of Marathon and perhaps visit the Running Museum • Olive groves, wild fennel and rocky mountains line our bike routes through rural western Greece • Enjoy lunch in a traditional country taverna • Tour the ancient city of Delphi, once home to the famous Oracle. DAYS 3–4 Hike a forested island route through grottoes and springs that would be a nymph’s delight • Dine alfresco on the shady cobbled square of a Greek island village • Kayaks take us into a spectacular sea cave and to the secluded paradise of a white-sand beach • Stroll from cove to cove on Greece’s mainland coast, in the shadow of Orthodox church domes and Ottoman castles • Taste the local liquid gold at an olive oil factory. DAYS 5–6 Hills and views await as we cycle a spectacular route through Corfu’s rugged mountains • An islander gives us a tour of fortified Corfu Town, whose colorful palaces and marble piazzas hark back to British, Venetian and Turkish rule • Explore the restaurant scene in Corfu Town’s moonlit alleyways • Go ashore in up-and-coming Albania to hike to the remarkable freshwater grotto of the Blue Eye. DAYS 7–8 Cruise between the spectacular cliffs of the labyrinthine Bay of Kotor • Hike from the Old City of Kotor up a winding stair that links the lush port city to its mountaintop defenses • Wander Kotor’s mysterious alleyways, befriend a street cat or stop at a café for a rakija (grappa) or kava (espresso) • Toast to our week together with one of Croatia’s world-renowned wines • Stunning Dubrovnik welcomes you back to terra firma with its World Heritage monuments and Adriatic Sea vistas » Emerald Ship

877.462.2848 | 7–5 Monday–Friday, 7–3 weekends PT |

ACTIVE OCEAN CRUISE

MULTI-ADVENTURE

La Serenissima. The most serene. An ancient title given to the bygone Republic of Venice, and how you’ll feel as you explore its former territory. Discover the Istrian Peninsula. Cruise from Korčula’s stone palaces and vineyards to bustling Split and medieval Dubrovnik. Savor the history and scenery of a region that will surprise you at every turn. Biking, Hiking & Cruising along the Adriatic Coast CROATIA

HIGHLIGHTS

SLOVENIA

Island-hop the cities and archipelagos of the Adriatic Sea, which divides Italy from Croatia Cycle scenic island roads on Korčula and Hvar and sun-soaked wine routes in coastal Konavle Delve into Dubrovnik, a World Heritage site beloved for its exquisite old town, and explore Split’s unique core of lived-in Roman remains Traverse this utterly dynamic region on foot, by kayak and via cultural-insider encounters with our local friends

CROATIA

Venice

ROME

Rovinj

PAKLENICA NP

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Zadar

Sibenik

Split

ITALY

Hvar Korcula

Dubrovnik

MONTENEGRO

Adriatic Sea

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8 Days Activity Levels 2-4 • Bike • Kayak • Walk/Hike Emerald Ship from $9,299 to $23,699 / person double occ. See web for date-specific pricing. Choose a Trip for • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search DCTM on backroads.com

DAYS 1–2 Start in Venice, a labyrinth of meandering canals and dazzling old-world monuments • A resident takes us strolling through the district of Dorsoduro • Get hands-on with Venetian artistry as you create your own carnival mask • Set sail for Croatia, where the pastel-colored fishing town of Rovinj awaits • Countryside and villages set the scene on the Istrian Peninsula. DAYS 3–4 Take to the trails of Krka National Park to see the area’s vistas of waterfalls and electric-blue lakes • Bike through the rugged Dalmatian hinterland of rocky gorges and pine forests • Let yourself be surprised as every turn reveals cozy mountain huts and remote villages where time moves at a different pace • Drop anchor in lively Trogir, whose World Heritage old city on a fortified island is an ornate treasure trove of Venetian architecture. DAYS 5–6 Take the plunge in the pristine waters off of Vis, which was off-limits to foreigners until 1989 • Kayak around rocky islets and drift through the remarkable sea grotto of the Green Cave • Relish 360-degree views on a sunset cruise to Hvar Island • Hop on your bike to traverse a narrow ridge lined by lavender and heather • Marvel at the World Heritage site of Stari Grad Plain • Stroll and people-watch in the gleaming nighttime streets of chic Hvar Town. DAYS 7–8 Discover the medieval town of Korčula, whose narrow alleys are a warren of stone palaces • Awesome vistas keep you pedaling along Korčula Island’s hills past quaint villages and vineyards • Arrive in Dubrovnik, a World Heritage site and architectural masterpiece encircled by massive stone walls. » Emerald Ship

877.462.2848 | 7–5 Monday–Friday, 7–3 weekends PT |

ACTIVE OCEAN CRUISE

WALKING & HIKING

Discover Iceland as the Vikings did... by sea! Aboard a luxury ship, journey toward the Arctic Circle. Sojourn on secluded islands with vast puffin colonies. Cruise down magnificent fjords toward unspoiled wilderness. Venture inland to explore the wild volcanic landscape. Feel your own saga unfold as you glide effortlessly through Nordic waters. Passage to the Land of Fire & Ice ICELAND

HIGHLIGHTS

ICELAND

Grimsey Island

Hike amid ancient volcanoes, bizarre rock formations, thundering waterfalls and pristine fjords as you voyage near the Arctic Circle Experience outings exclusive to Backroads guests through dramatic landscapes and on secluded islands with cliff-nesting birds Rejuvenate in mineral-rich thermal pools, venture near steaming mud pots and hidden cascades and witness geothermal power in action Indulge in the luxury of the intimate Ponant superyacht—with fine French cuisine, open-air lounges and spa treatments

OSLO

Isafjordur

LONDON

Sudavík

Akureyri

LAKE MYVATN

Grundarfjordur

Hengill

THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK

Reykjavik

Heimaey Island

North Atlantic Ocean

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8 Days Activity Levels 1-3 Ponant Ship from $9,099 to $14,599 / person double occ. See web for date-specific pricing . Choose a Trip for • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Your Private Group o \ Search ICCW on backroads.com

DAYS 1–2 Begin your adventure in Thingvellir National Park • Trek through a geothermal valley past bubbling mud pots • Be swept away by magnificent Snæfellsjökull National Park • On foot, discover Iceland’s quintessential landscapes, including seaside cliffs, otherworldly rock formations and rolling farmlands • Keep an eye out for kittiwakes, gulls and arctic terns • While our ship sails, grab a pair of binoculars and search for whales and seabirds. DAYS 3–4 Greet one of the largest colonies of Iceland’s most famous seabird, the Atlantic puffin (making their home here during April through August) • The vibrant green and grassy island of Grímsey is home to more than 60 species of birds • Marvel at beautiful basalt columns created when heavy lava flow met with the cold sea • Peek into Grjótagjá Lava Cave—a brilliant cavern where scenes of Game of Thrones were filmed • Take in the views of serene and surreal Lake Mývatn. DAYS 5–8 Explore the charming fishing village of Grundarfjörður, admiring views of the largest fjord in the Westfjords • Hike through a spectacular ravine with a mighty waterfall • Amble through the bustling fishing town of Ísafjördur • At Heimaey, climb to the crater rim of Eldfell Volcano, where panoramic vistas await • Cruise to one of the country’s most active geothermal regions • Trek near the active volcano of Mount Hengill • Hike along steaming waterfalls and take a dip in thermal waters • Head further into the breathtaking Reykjadalur Valley, past bubbling mud pots and a hidden cascade • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board before bidding farewell and disembarking in Reykjavík or Hafnarfjördur. » Ponant Ship

877.462.2848 | 7–5 Monday–Friday, 7–3 weekends PT |

ACTIVE OCEAN CRUISE

MULTI-ADVENTURE

Your tropical paradise. Biking past vanilla fields, hiking through a lush tropical forest and snorkeling amid a kaleidoscope of life. Sailing on azure waters from one incredible Polynesian isle to the next. The taste of fresh island fare, the warm smiles and a feeling of adventure all wrapped up into one. It’s Tahiti and the Society Islands. And it’s waiting for you. Sailing Idyllic Isles from Tahiti to Bora Bora TAHITI

HIGHLIGHTS

FRENCH POLYNESIA

Behold white-sand beaches, mountains jutting up from the sea and bungalows stilted over impossibly clear waters as you sail in luxury Snorkel a crystalline inlet among tropical fish and swim at Bora Bora’s iconic Matira Beach—one of the most stunning in French Polynesia Explore the coastline on legendary Bora Bora, bike to ancient sacred sites on Huahine and immerse yourself in Polynesian culture on Moorea Bike and hike off the beaten path with a visit to a black pearl farm and a tour of a picturesque vanilla plantation

Society Islands

Bora Bora

Motu Mahana

TAHA’A RAIATEA

Huahine

Pacific Ocean

Moorea

Papeete

Pacific Ocean

TAHITI

PORTS OF CALL Papeete | Huahine | Taha’a (Motu Mahana) | Bora Bora | Moorea

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8 Days Activity Levels 1-3 • Bike • Walk/Hike • Snorkel Ponant Ship Le Paul Gaugin from $8,699 to $18,399 / person double occ. See web for date-specific pricing. Choose a Trip for • Couples, Friends & Solos shown here • Your Private Group Price & availability varies based on date & group size o \ Search TIIM on backroads.com

DAY 1 Your adventure begins in Papeete, Tahiti, the heart of French Polynesia • Hike the spectacular Fautaua Valley amid lush tropical jungle with our friend and expert local guide • Cool off with a dip in a crystalline river • By the sea, relish simple dishes that burst with island flavor • Set sail for the Society Islands in style aboard your intimate Ponant ship • Take in your first dazzling tropical sunset as we raise a toast to the week ahead. DAYS 2–3 Rich with culture and strewn with coconut palms, Huahine is spellbinding • Bike to the ancient Maeva marae and Fare Pote’e, sacred gathering places • Pedal past aromatic vanilla fields on secluded Taha’a • Visit a fascinating black pearl farm and vanilla plantation • On a private islet, enjoy a sumptuous barbecue lunch, snorkel with colorful fish in impossibly blue waters and kick back on the beach. DAYS 4–5 Island-hop to famed Bora Bora, a place even more beautiful than you might imagine • Snorkel amid myriad sea life, including manta rays, clownfish and moray eels • Cycle to famous Matira Beach, with its pillowy white sand and crystal-clear waters • Experience Bora Bora’s hidden coastline—and WWII history—on two wheels • Board traditional Polynesian outrigger boats to explore Bora Bora’s turquoise lagoon for a once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling experience. DAYS 6–8 Cruise to idyllic Moorea, blanketed in velvety green mountains • Walk the path of ancestors through pineapple plantations and palms to the sacred site of Marae Ti’i-rua • Relax on the shore or take a dip in the sea—it’s up to you! • A scenic coastal bike route delivers breathtaking views over sapphire Cook’s Bay • Catch an evening dance show on board our luxury ship or lounge in the piano bar • Sail back to Tahiti, the picture-perfect place to extend your vacation. » Ponant Ship - Le Paul Gauguin

877.462.2848 | 7–5 Monday–Friday, 7–3 weekends PT |

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