River cruise line AmaWaterways and adventure tour operator Backroads have announced a strategic business alliance that will begin this year and expand in 2016.
Beginning in the spring of 2015, the duo will offer European travelers two different Backroads' Danube River Cruise itineraries onboard nearly two dozen AmaWaterways sailings.
"Backroads is a leader and innovator in the active travel market, so they are a natural fit for us, as we are so focused on finding new, unique ways to enhance the luxury river cruise experience," said AmaWaterways executive vice president and co-owner Kristin Karst in a statement.
"We are delighted to join forces with Backroads, enhancing the experience of our guests while attracting new categories of travelers to the rapidly expanding river cruise market."
Next year, AmaWaterways and Backroads will introduce new tours along the Rhine, Rhone, Seine, Douro, Garonne and Mekong rivers.
"As the leader in active travel, Backroads has spent the past 36 years continually in motion, always focused on turning great ideas into reality for our guests," said Backroads founder and president Tom Hale. "There's so much to be gained by exploring actively and immersing yourself in the life of another place-all in your own style and at your own pace."
"In teaming up with AmaWaterways, we are excited to combine our trademark biking, walking and hiking experiences with the luxury of river cruising," he added. "With these ship-based adventures, guests will have the opportunity to conveniently explore European cities and countryside on a Backroads trip, with the bonus of only having to unpack once."
Pricing for the aforementioned 2015 offerings starts at $5,398 per person, double occupancy. For details, click here.
2016's expansion will offer travelers opportunities to combine their river cruising and bike touring experiences in Asia as well as Europe.
According to a press release, every Backroads tour for AmaWaterways guests will feature "multiple expert trip leaders, custom titanium bikes, support vans, and flexible itineraries with a range of cycling routes ideal for all abilities."
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
