e bike river cruises

Cycling and River Cruises with Backroads & Ama Waterways

By Brian E. Clark

I’ve done cycling trips from Canada to Chile to Cuba to Ireland – to say nothing of pedaling through California’s wine country and riding across Iowa as part of RAGBRAI, an annual tour which attracts more than 10,000 cyclists every summer and is sometimes referred to as a “rolling Woodstock.”

But I’ve never done a river cruise in Europe that includes cycling excursions through vineyards, orchards, small villages and fields of flowers.  One of those adventures, however, is definitely on my bucket list.

Holly Hunter and her husband Mark Kelleher of Jackson, Wyoming floated down the Danube from Prague to Budapest a few years back as part of a Backroads’ ( backroads.com ) cycling trip on an AmaWaterways ( amawaterways.com ) vessel. They said they’d do it again in a heartbeat.

“Our boat – which had about 120 guests – was lovely, even luxurious and the staff was spectacular,” said Hunter, a retired businesswoman.

“The food was delicious and it never felt crowded,” she said of the seven-day trip, which included 22 Backroads riders. “One of the nicest things was that our hotel floated along with us, so we never had to move our luggage.”

Hunter used an electric-assist, e-bike for her pedaling and did shorter excursions, while her husband – an avid rider – did longer trips and rode every day.

“The guides were great and got the bikes all set up for you at the start with GPS systems and there was always a sweep vehicle for anyone who was straggling,” she said. “Why, they’d even hold your hand, if you needed that.”

“There were some spots I wouldn’t have wanted to tackle without the e-bike, but most of what I did was rolling hills,” she said of the colorful, late autumn trip.

“And when I wasn’t cycling, there were other things that we could do, like hike, visit a castle or tour a winery,” added Hunter, who said Budapest was the highlight of the trip for her. “That was great, because often couples have different interests and cycling abilities.”

Kelleher, who worked for the National Park Service for 40 years, said he rode between 150 and 200 miles on the trip.  Because he usually logs between 2,500 and 3,000 miles a year on his road bike, that was a mellow amount for him.

“It was relaxing, though one day was tough because the route the guides chose had a lot of climbing,” he said.

Like his wife, he said he appreciated that they did not have to switch hotels and move their luggage.

“You could settle in and not have to worry about where your bags were going next.

As for the boat, he, too, was impressed.

“It was quite nice and the food was delicious,” he recalled. “But I ate too much and drank too much wine, which is why I wanted to get out and bicycle every day.”

Liz Einbinder, a spokeswoman for Backroads, said her company and AmaWaterways will offer more than 150 Bordeaux, Danube, Douro, Rhine and Seine River departures this year and 2023, including nine full-ship charters and select sailings on board AmaWaterways’ new ship  AmaMagna .

Marking the seventh year of their collaboration, Backroads will also bring what she called their “best-in-class” adventure tours to Dutch & Belgian waterways. Three departures are slated for April 2023, where guests can enjoy the region’s famed tulips, windmills and cuisine as they sail and cycle between Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Bruges, Belgium.

In 2015, AmaWaterways and Backroads teamed for a variety of active travel river cruising experiences – adventuring through Europe’s most captivating destinations with what she called Backroads’ “immersive, meticulously planned biking and hiking tours, then ending the day in the comfort and luxury of an AmaWaterways river ship.”

She said Backroads’ thoughtful trip design and unique routes take guests away from busy port and tourist destinations to explore the best biking in the region and immerse them in the local culture.

On every Backroads trip, she said expert trip leaders and attentive support with multiple vans allow for greater flexibility and more route options each day.

In addition, Einbinder said Backroads’ new Dolce Tempo Easygoing E-bike River Cruise on the Rhine River is for travelers new to active travel, or those who want to explore the world actively and at a more leisurely pace. Two departures are scheduled for September 2022 with another three planned for 2023.

Here’s a rundown of Backroads river cruise trips for 2022 and 20223:

Recommended For Couples, Friends & Solos

• Bordeaux River Cruise Bike Tour (space available on 2023 sailings)
• Dutch & Belgian Waterways River Cruise Bike Tour (sailing beginning in 2023)
• Rhine River Cruise Easygoing E-bike Tour – Dolce Tempo

Recommended For Families

• Danube River Cruise Family Bike Tour – 20s & Beyond
• Portugal’s Douro River Cruise Family Bike Tour – 20s & Beyond | Older Teens & 20s
• Rhine River Cruise Family Bike Tour – 20s & Beyond | Teens & Kids

Full-Ship Celebration Bike Tour River Cruises

• Danube River Cruise Full-Ship Celebration Bike Tour
• Portugal’s Douro River Cruise Full-Ship Celebration Bike Tour
• Rhine River Cruise Full-Ship Celebration Bike Tour

Tom Hale, Backroads’ founder, said his company’s river cruises have been guest favorites since it launched its first departure with AmaWaterways in 2015.

“The opportunity to only unpack once while relaxing in comfort aboard such a luxurious ship is the perfect way to explore multiple countries, get immersed in the beautiful back roads and trails of Europe, and enjoy the truly impressive accommodations and hospitality of AmaWaterways,” he said. “Our new Dutch & Belgian Waterways tour is the perfect trip for anyone who loves biking, tulips or Belgian beer.”

While aboard, he said Backroads participants and their companions 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.

Brian E. Clark is a Madison, Wisconsin-based writer and photographer who contributes to the Chicago Tribune and LA Times on a regular basis. He also writes a weekly travel column for the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.  A native of Iowa, Clark is a University of Colorado, Boulder, graduate who focuses on adventure travel. He’s a veteran whitewater kayaker and skier who has lived in Norway, Sweden, Brazil and Bolivia. He worked for newspapers in Washington State and California for 25 years, including the San Diego Union-Tribune, before returning to the Midwest. He manages to head back West several times a year when he’s not off in other corners of the globe. Or poking around Wisconsin.

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• Destinations

Bike Tours on River Cruises in Europe

Popular with more active guests, bike tours on river cruises are a lot of fun. Several higher-end river cruise lines carry their own fleet of bicycles onboard. Guided bike tours can have as many as 20 riders or as few as in my group below, five. 

Unique to truly luxury river cruise lines, like Crystal River Cruises, are new e-bikes to make the riding easier and more extensive.

How it works for a bike tour on a river cruise

If a guided bike tour is something you’d like to experience, be sure to ask someone at the Front Desk when sign-up begins. These complimentary bikes are filled to capacity as soon as they are announced.

Read next:  Our CroisiEurope bike tour  

Once reserved, you bike is placed at the bottom of the gangway at the designated time. Everyone is required to sign a liability waiver or release. You’ll be given a bike helmet and off you’ll go!

Companies like Backroads specialize in bicycle tours and have exclusive river ship charters for their guests. Some river ships also offer guests the use of Nordic walking sticks. Again, reserve at the Front Desk at no charge.

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Updated on May 8, 2020 by Sherry Laskin

Discovering in a visionary way

8 days passau-budapest-passau 2019.

Vibrant metropolises, stunning landscapes, and a whole new river experience! On this cruise on our new nickoVISION ship you will experience the popular cities of the Danube with ultimate comfort and sophisticated elegance. You can expect a cruise full of cultural highlights in the most beautiful landscapes, from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wachau valley to the Hungarian capital of Budapest. With our new, innovative concepts we create your dream river cruise based on your individual preferences - countless opportunities for excursions and three on-board restaurants ensure that no two days of your cruise will be the same.

Why this river cruise?

New ship, built in 2018, >  innovative on-board design with three restaurants to choose from at no extra charge, >  state-of-the-art comfort in an elegant environment, >  countless opportunities for you to create a cruise according to your own preferences, >  special excursions, for example the technical experience in the ybbs-persenbeug hydroelectric power plant or maria taferl, one of austria’s most important pilgrimage sites, >  time to make your own discoveries in vienna, budapest, and bratislava, >   new:  can be combined to make a cycle tour cruise with e-bike package.

Casting off 5:00 pm - Embark 4.00 p.m.

From Ybbs you will drive with your E-Bike towards Pöchlarn, the Nibelungen city. On a flat bike route along the winding Danube river, you'll drive via Marbach with view on to Maria Taferl back to Ybbs (27 kilometers by bike)

Mooring 8:30 pm

Evening excursion to the Prater

The Prater is a large amusement park in the Second District and its official name is the Wurstelprater. It is equally popular with Viennese locals and tourists and this is its symbol: the Ferris wheel. It attracts visitors with its great view of the city.

Today you start your bike tour up the Danube towards the Vienna Forest. At Heurigendorf you hike on to the Leopoldsberg (you can take the accompanying bus if you want). On top, your E-Bikes are waiting for a leisurely and easy ride to Klosterneuburg Monastery, after the visit you cycle back to your cruise ship in Vienna (34 kilometers by bike).

Casting off 6:00 pm

Mooring 9:30 

After a visit of the Visegrád Citadel your bike towards the Danube river. You'll take a ferry towards an island in the Danube Knee (Dunakanyar), where you proceed your e-bike tour. You head towards Szentendre which is known for its museum's galleries, and artists located on the banks of the Danube. From there you take a bus back to your luxury NickoVision cruise ship. (28 kilometers by bike)

Budapest by night with traditional Hungarian folk music performance.

With a 2-hour E-Bike city tour, you will experience the top highlights of Budapest, the Hungarian Parliament building, a magnificent example of Neo-Gothic architecture, which is just over 100 years old. Along the Andrassy Avenue which runs from the city center to City Park, an elegant avenue with its Eclectic Neo-Renaissance palaces and houses you ride towards the Heroes' Square, one of the most-visited attractions in Budapest. (18 kilometers by bike)

Casting off 2:00 pm

Mooring 7:30 am

You drive by bus from Bratislava to Austria on top of the Braunsberg, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Danube between Austria and Slovakia. From here your bike tour starts down to the Danube bank. Past the Baroque palace complex of Schloss Hof, you drive to the impressive Devín castle ruins on the Slovak side. From there a bus will take you back to the ship to Bratislava. (28 kilometers by bike)

Casting off 1:30 pm

Transfer by bus to picturesque Dürnstein, from there you cycle through the vineyards with small winegrower's houses and Heurigenschänken to Weißenkirchen, from where it goes by bike to the ship in Melk. (34 kilometers by bike) in the excursion package at a preferential price.

Mooring 7:30 am -  Disembark by 9.30 a.m.

Your ship on its journey: nickoVISION

From July 2018, our new nickoVISION ship with its innovative design and a completely new onboard concept will be providing a new standard on the river! A ship for anyone who used to find river cruises “outdated”. For anyone who doesn't want to have to decide what they are eating for dinner at breakfast time. For anyone who wants spontaneous experiences and individual enjoyment while on holiday.

The services provided during your trip:

✅ 8-day cruise in an outside cabin in the category booked nickovision full board:.

✔ Eat in three restaurants at no additional cost ✔ Generous breakfast buffet with coffee/tea, and juices ✔ Choose between multi-course menus, light meals & themed buffets for lunch and dinner ✔ Coffee/tea after lunch and dinner ✔ Coffee/cake or midnight snack depending on the daily itinerary ✔ Festive gala dinner ✔ Welcome & farewell reception with the captain

✅ Nicko Cruise director and local tour guides

✅ Comfortable Sennheiser Audio system for all excursions

✅ Onboard entertainment programme

✅ Use of SPA with gym, sauna and steam bath

✅ Luggage service from the landing stage to the cabin for embarking and disembarking

✅ All port and passenger fees

✅ E-bike package included (minimum number taking part: 10 persons)

✅ Travel Insurance Package:

✔ Travel Cancellation Insurance ✔ Health Assistance ✔ Travel Assistance For safety, mobility, money and authorities, home and family ✔ Travel Curtailment Insurance ✔ Cover for Rebooking Fees ✔ Cruises Delay Insurance

Available dates:

22.04.-29.04.2019 - Price starts at Euro 1.519,- 01.07.-08.07.2019 - Price starts at Euro 1.719,- 29.07.-05.08.2019 - Price starts at Euro 1.719,- 30.09.-07.10.2019 - Price starts at Euro 1.619,-

per person in one double cabin main deck

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• River Cruises

15 of the Best River Cruises in Europe

See fairy-tale villages, iconic landmarks, and vineyards as you explore the continent's waterways.

Much of the appeal of European river cruises lies in the small size of the ships, casual atmosphere, and accessibility. Unlike oceangoing ships that carry thousands of passengers, these vessels typically accommodate around 150 guests for a more intimate experience. Balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and open-air viewing are features of most river cruise ships. Many also include fitness centers, spas, and internet access.

Cruises usually offer several daily shore excursions with options based on interests and activity levels. Biking and walking tours are available in most ports. On boats traveling along rivers at all hours, collecting passengers from another port, guests can choose a leisurely day in a comfortable lounge enjoying the passing scenery.

While there are several famous rivers in Europe, the Danube and the Rhine are the most popular cruise options, according to  River Cruise Advisor . The Danube River tends to be more scenic, studded with charming cities and the UNESCO-recognized Wachau Valley. Alternatively, the Rhine offers access to bustling metropolises and passes Europe's industrial hubs. Both rivers flow through excellent wine country as well. Whether you want to explore an iconic route or less-traveled waterways, these are the best river cruises in Europe.

Viking Cruises

Perhaps the best-known river cruise company, Viking Cruises promotes its “longships,” which are designed to deliver maximum space and comfort. There are ample staterooms with full balconies to choose from — including two-room suites. Guests enjoy Viking's destination-focused dining as well as the variety of itineraries.

Trip to Try: Portugal's River of Gold

This nine-night trip begins in Lisbon with a walking tour before heading to Porto, home of Port wine, to board the ship on the Douro River. Guests can explore baroque palaces, vineyards, and lush scenery along the way, arriving in the World Heritage city of Salamanca, Spain, on day six. The itinerary includes visits to Portuguese villages Pinhão and Régua to sample local food and wine before returning to Porto.

AmaWaterways

A family-owned and -operated cruise company, AmaWaterways focuses on excellent food and wine, tasteful decor, stateroom views, and innovation in its luxurious fleet. Fares include fitness classes, shore excursions, and all dining on board, including The Chef's Table specialty restaurant. New ships debut each year, but the AmaMagna, which traverses the Danube, features the most spacious suites available. Rooms outfitted with full-sized balconies are worth the splurge on these small ships; it's like having a bonus room in your cabin. For a wider berth, book a part-charter to accommodate large groups.

Trip to Try: Taste of Bordeaux

Wine lovers will want to experience this seven-night journey with visits to iconic châteaux, timeless vineyards, and delicious wine tastings while cruising the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. Excursions include a Saint-Emilion tour and tasting, a stop in the Medoc wine region, and a tasting of Sauternes in medieval Roquetaillade Castle. Returning to Bordeaux, guests will explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and capital of the wine world.

Adventures by Disney River Cruises

Chloe Rice/Adventures by Disney River Cruises

Partnering with AmaWaterways, Adventures by Disney offers cruises on the Seine, Rhine, and Danube rivers. In true Disney style, specially designed itineraries create experiences for parents, children, and teens, from active excursions to unique onboard activities. Entertainment for guests of all ages includes adults-only dinners and wine-tasting experiences, teen programming, Disney movie nights, karaoke, and trivia nights.

Trip to Try: Danube River Cruise

The seven-night trip starts in Budapest where excursions include a horse show at an equestrian park, a petting zoo, and a goulash-making competition. In Bratislava, wander cobblestone streets on a walking tour. Visit Schönbrunn Palace, enjoy a marionette show, or learn to make strudel while in Vienna. In Melk, Austria, hike to a castle or bike along the Danube for an active day. Dock in Linz, then visit Salzburg to see famous film locations featured in “The Sound of Music.” A stop in Passau, Germany allows guests to walk among treetops on a high-ropes course or spend a more leisurely afternoon with a monastic brewery tour and tasting. Say farewell to the ship in Vilshofen, Germany, before transferring to Munich for the flight home.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

Uniworld's one-of-a-kind vessels are inspired by the locations they visit, making them luxurious destinations in their own right. Amenities include in-suite butler service, world-class cuisine, and all-inclusive rates that cover premium spirits and wines as well as gratuities.

Trip to Try: Enchanting Danube

The seven-night Danube cruise aboard the S.S. Maria Theresa or the S.S. Beatrice begins in Budapest with a choice of tours, such as a food tour or a panoramic drive with a guided visit to the Franz Liszt Academy. In Vienna, walk between the city's best attractions or take an early-access guided tour of the Vienna Art History Museum. Excursion options include a vineyard visit and tasting or a saffron workshop in Dürnstein, or a stop at an abbey library in Melk. Dock in Linz for a full day of culinary exploration or transfer to Salzburg to visit music-themed highlights like Mozart's birthplace and "The Sound of Music" filming locations. The cruise ends in Passau after a walking tour of the city and a riverside stroll or a hike along the Ilz, a Danube tributary.

Avalon Waterways

When you cruise with Avalon Waterways, you can observe the riverfront scenery from the comfort of your bed. The line's spacious staterooms and suites boast wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows, luxurious linens, and ample closet space. Large bathrooms include full showers and L'Occitane bath amenities. Avalon offers “Active and Discovery” river cruises with options for a variety of fitness levels, from traditional sightseeing to action-packed experiences like hiking or rail cycling, which is a bike fitted to a former train track.

Trip to Try: Active & Discovery on the Rhône

Southbound on the Rhône River, this cruise begins in Lyon and heads south through the French countryside with picturesque towns and villages. Throughout Provence, stops include Avignon, Port-Saint-Louis, and Arles. During the seven-night journey, Avalon Choice excursions include culinary walks with cooking classes, hikes with panoramic views, a painting workshop, wine tastings, classic sightseeing, and more directed by three available activity levels.

Started as a New England motor coach tour company, Tauck is a family-owned travel firm offering tours and cruises to destinations worldwide. Its award-winning European river cruises are praised for personalized service, exclusive destination experiences, luxurious cabins and suites, fine dining, and professional, caring staff.

Trip to Try: Impressions from the Seine: Paris to Normandy

This seven-night round-trip cruise from Paris features stops in historic small villages and towns after sightseeing in the City of Light. In the days following embarkation, highlights include a guided tour of Versailles, Louis XIV's magnificent palace and gardens, Rouen Cathedral, and Joan of Arc Square. See the D-Day beaches of Normandy, and the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach. Art lovers will enjoy a private experience of Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny and a visit to the Impressionist Museum.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic Cruises offers both ocean and river voyages. Both feature its fleet of “Space-Ships,” which are meticulously designed for spacious quarters. Guests enjoy personalized butler service and all-inclusive cruising. Ships offer a wellness area, massage services, a gym, and onboard entertainment. Scenic's “FreeChoice” excursions offer something for all activity levels.

Trip to Try: Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle

Board the ship in Basel, Switzerland. For seven nights, slowly sail up the Rhine to Breisach in the Alsace region of France. Stops include Koblenz, where guests can take a walking or e-bike tour. There's a private classical music concert and tour of Reichsburg Castle along the way, as well as optional visits to the iconic Eltz Castle or a walking tour of Strasbourg and its magnificent cathedral. Disembark in Mainz to conclude the trip with a transfer to Frankfurt.

Emerald Cruises

For its European river cruises alone, Emerald features a fleet of eight “Star-Ships” with stylish suites, first-class amenities, and room for 180 guests. Most carry bicycles, and all staterooms are equipped with hiking poles. Excursions include EmeraldPlus, a program of special experiences to connect with destinations, and EmeraldActive, which offers faster-paced guided tours, bike rides, hikes, and other activities.

Trip to Try: Sensations of Lyon & Provence

Travel from Lyon to Marseille on a seven-night cruise on the Rhône River. Overland to a quaint village before returning to Lyon to set sail. The ship cruises south toward Tournon, with its 16th-century castle. Other stops include Avignon and Arles. Throughout the cruise, choose from optional activities such as canoeing, hiking through vineyards, walking tours of villages, or onboard wine tastings.

CroisiEurope Cruises

Established in 1976, Croisi holds a fleet of oceangoing ships, canal barges, and river cruise ships. The company's innovative approach stems from basing its ships' design on the characteristics of the waterways. This allowed them to be pioneers on several European rivers including the Gironde, Loire, Po, and Elbe.

Trip to Try: Hamburg to Berlin: Discover the Medieval Charms of Hanseatic Cities

CroisiEurope's six-night cruise starts with guided tours of Hamburg and Lübeck, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a morning cruise, the ship passes through the Scharnebeck twin ship lift. This industrial marvel vertically raises vessels to 125 feet where the River Elbe connects to a canal. An optional visit to the Autostadt theme park, dedicated to German car design, and an afternoon cruise fill day four. The next day, there's a tour of Magdeburg, known for its fascinating architecture and culture. In Potsdam, wander the Sanssouci Palace gardens before enjoying an evening gala. The boat then docks in Berlin, where guests can tour the city before disembarking the following day.

A-ROSA River Cruises

This German cruise company's distinctive ships are easy to recognize by the large red lips and rose on the bow. The 15-strong fleet includes a hybrid-powered ship, A-Rosa Sena , that cruises the northern Rhine almost silently and emission-free. Family-friendly amenities include a kids club, heated outdoor pools, and free passage for children ages 15 and under.

Trip to Try: Highlights of the Rhine

This five-night, round-trip Rhine river cruise begins in Cologne, Germany, followed by stops in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Each city has a unique style of architecture and a thriving art scene. Sightseeing options include guided tours by bus, private car, or even pedal boats on Amsterdam's canals, each at an additional cost. Turning back toward Cologne, enjoy two days in Utrecht before disembarking.

Lüftner Cruises

Lueftner Cruises

This Austrian family business dates back more than 40 years and offers European river cruises on its fleet of 11 Amadeus ships. Five-star service, facilities, and cuisine are hallmarks, and the ships feature panoramic windows and a spacious sundeck.

Trip to Try: Saar and Moselle Fairytales

Board the ship in Cologne and spend seven nights cruising down the Rhine River to its tributary, the Moselle River, one of Europe's best-kept secrets , and the Saar River. The ship passes the Mosel vineyards and docks in the medieval town of Cochem for a guided walking tour. Guests can tour the town of Bernkastel-Kues and enjoy a wine tasting. After a morning tour of medieval Saarburg, the ship cruises along the Saar with panoramic views of Great Bend, an impressive curve in the river. It then stops in Luxembourg and Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, before returning to Cologne.

Nicko Cruises

Plying Europe's rivers since the early 1990s, this German company has a fleet of over 20 river ships. Nicko Cruises focuses on giving guests a flexible itinerary to explore destinations in a way that best suits their tastes. While guests might have to pay more for a drinks package or additional excursions, this river cruise line delivers value.

Trip to Try: Renaissance and Reformation

The seven-night cruise sets off along the Elbe and Havel rivers from Potsdam, Germany, aboard the Katharina Von Bora . In Magdeburg, visit the Green Citadel, a unique space with shops and cafes designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The next stop is Wittenburg, home to the Castle Church where Martin Luther sparked the Protestant Revolution in 1517. From Bad Schandau, guests have the option to take an excursion by bus to Prague for the day. Having seen the impressive architecture, cathedrals, and Prussian fortresses, travelers sail back to Dresden to end the week.

Teeming River Cruises

Jeff and Gina Paglialonga/Teeming River Cruises

Founded in 2017 with the goal of making European river cruises more economical and personalized, this American company developed a different model. Teeming River Cruises offers a mix of programmed group activities and free time, and guests get a complimentary city tour app to explore each destination on their own. Passengers can also opt for excursions on top of the basic itinerary for an extra fee.

Trip to Try: From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua

Set in northern Italy along the Po River, this six-night trip starts in Venice where guests can discover the most popular sites like St. Mark's Square. In partnership with CroisiEurope aboard the M.S. Michelangelo , the ship heads west to Chioggia. Join an excursion to Vicenza before boarding again in Porto Viro and cruising to Rovigo. After arriving in Torretta, spend time in Verona, with its ancient amphitheater and Giusti Gardens. The next days are spent in Cremona, with a visit to a violin workshop, and Mantua, where key properties of the House of Gonzaga are located. After disembarkation, take a bus back to Venice.

Les Bateaux Belmond

Belmond has another way to cruise some of Europe's rivers — on luxury barges with private chefs and excursions like truffle hunting, hot-air ballooning, canoeing, and wine tasting. Seven private charter barges make up Les Bateaux Belmond, each with its own style and size. The elegant barges cruise the waterways of Burgundy, Provence, Camargue, and Champagne. Each can accommodate four to 12 passengers, making this a personal experience.

Trip to Try: Les Bateaux Belmond's Napoleon

On the Belmond Napoleon , which runs scheduled trips as well as private charters, guests cruise the Rhône River past châteaux, rural river towns, and expansive vineyards. Begin the journey in Tain l'Hermitage and enjoy a wine tasting. After a stop at the medieval village of Viviers, the cruise continues to Grignan, where you can participate in a luxurious truffle tasting at a farm. Visit the palace where 14th-century popes lived in Avignon. In Arles, explore the surrounding landscape that inspired Van Gogh's work. Along the cruise, enjoy fragrant fields of lavender and wild roses, too.

Riviera River Cruises

WESTEND61/GETTY IMAGES 

United Kingdom-based Riviera River Cruises has four decades of experience traversing Europe's best-known waterways and lesser-visited regions. The ships, many named after British literary greats, feature standard amenities such as Wi-Fi, a fitness room, a pool, and a sauna. Staterooms have plush furnishings and balconies for outdoor lounging.

Trip to Try: Budapest to the Black Sea

While many European river cruises cover the most popular stretches of the Danube, this itinerary picks up where most end, in Budapest. The 15-day cruise follows the Danube through Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania to the Black Sea. Along the way, passengers see pastoral lands and steep river canyons. Picturesque stops include Novi Sad with its beautiful baroque architecture, the Iron Gates Gorge marking the boundary between Serbia and Romania, and Oltenița from which guests can visit Bucharest. After reaching the Danube Delta, travelers return to Budapest for disembarkation.

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Danube River Cruise Bike Tours

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Premiere Hotels - From lavish luxury to on-trend boutique, offering experiences as unique as the regions we explore.

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Danube River Cruise Bike Tour

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From $5,599 /person

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Danube River Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour

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Step aboard your elegant floating hotel and let the Danube River be your guide through history. Germany’s fairy-tale Bavaria, the Czech Republic’s pastoral Bohemia, Austria’s idyllic vineyards, Prague, Vienna, Budapest... some of Europe’s most glorious ports of call are yours to discover. Venture ashore and explore charming towns and bucolic countryside on foot or by bike. On board the ship, enjoy an array of culinary options and comforts while cruising onward toward the next adventure. And relish the convenience of only unpacking once on these one-of-a-kind Danube river cruises, which combine the magic of active travel with the luxury of a small ship river cruise. 

The banks of the Danube are soaked in history, having witnessed the rise and fall of countless empires. Our Danube river cruises highlight the eagerness of residents of the Czech Republic, or Austria, or Hungary, to share their cultures and display their proud pasts. Behind the towering cathedrals and grand palaces are local stories of people free to thrive in a hopeful present. 

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• River Cruising

Black Forest E-bike tour from Breisach

By californiagirl , January 25, 2020 in River Cruising

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californiagirl

I have done a search on this topic with very limited success.  Has anyone done this tour?  Was it worth the money?  How strenuous was the ride with an e-bike?  How much of the Black Forest is experienced?  I realize Breisach is a fair distance from the Black Forest but that is how Viking lists this tour.  It looks like the biking is one way as the participants take a bus back to the ship.    

Thank you in advance for your help. 

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Share on other sites, laverendrye.

Unless you are transported there by bus as well as back, I doubt that this tour will actually take you into the Black Forest, which is really too far away by bike for the time available. It would also involve some fairly steep climbs. More likely, it will be through the foothills of the Black Forest north or south of Freiburg, which is largely a wine growing area with many pretty villages. Or perhaps most likely, it will be through the Kaiserstühl, an area between the Rhine and the foothills to the east. The Kaiserstühl is also quite pretty, with its old volcanic hills rising from the Rhine valley.  It has lots of vineyards and picturesque villages and Breisach is its principal town.  

Thank you Lavernedrye for your response.  We went ahead and booked the tour.  Even if it’s small villages and hills I think we will enjoy it.  We’ve decided to do three days post-cruise in the Black Forest.  We would like to hike and perhaps do a genuine bike ride in the forest.  We plan to rent a car in Frieburg so we can go off the beaten path.  

• 2 years later...

SteamboatFilly

On 1/27/2020 at 11:05 PM, californiagirl said: Thank you Lavernedrye for your response.  We went ahead and booked the tour.  Even if it’s small villages and hills I think we will enjoy it.  We’ve decided to do three days post-cruise in the Black Forest.  We would like to hike and perhaps do a genuine bike ride in the forest.  We plan to rent a car in Frieburg so we can go off the beaten path.  

@californiagirl  Wondering if you did take the mentioned E-Bike tour through the Black Forest on your trip? And if so, what were your thoughts?  We are considering this tour in July but can not find much information other than the light description that Viking provides.  

I can't speak to this tour, but we took a shore excursion with Scenic that utilized their E-bikes. Jane and I were looking for the exercise so we pedaled almost the entire trip. Others barely pedaled at all and let the bike do the work. There was one short steep climb and the extra 'oomph' provided by the battery power made for a quick easy climb. The bikes were great fun and we enjoyed the tour. Enjoy!

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Read the original article on Islands .