Get Off the Boat and Start Making Memories

Huffing and puffing, I cracked the tree line after another 30-plus minutes of staring down at the rocky footing and carefully picking my way over the steep path.

Then, it all came into view: The snow-capped peaks across the valley and the blue lake below. I was hiking in the Austrian alps. 

This was why I came on a hiking cruise with Backroads and AmaWaterways.  

Yes, a river cruise offers an itinerary full of incredible daily hiking excursions like this one on the grueling Feuerkogel trail in Austria.  

Adventure travel company Backroads and award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways began a partnership in 2016 to offer such active itineraries. If you have always wanted a little more action on your river voyage, I've got 10 reasons you'll love a Backroads and AmaWaterways active river cruise:  

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Hike It or Bike It 

You can choose a biking river cruise to explore the Rhine, Danube, Seine and Douro rivers in Europe. Backroads and AmaWaterways also offer hiking/walking river cruise adventures on the Danube and Douro rivers. They have more than 60 departures planned during 2017. 

The Food

You need a lot of calories to fuel all those pedals strokes and hiking strides. These cruises include gourmet food onboard AmaWaterways' ships as well as lunches and dinners hosted by Backroads when you're off on daily excursions. You'll enjoy the finest regional cuisine at farmhouses, castles, pubs and restaurants. 

Plus, you get a lot of sweet treats and snacks on the trails during your hiking and biking.  

The Beer 

Whether onboard or ashore, there is ample opportunity to enjoy the rich beer traditions of Germany, Austria and Slovakia.

Prefer wine? Of course, you're in some of the best places in the world for that, too! You'll be sharing plenty of bottles of your favorite blends with newfound friends. 

The Cruising

It's not all about pushing yourself. You came for the physical challenges, sure, but you also get a lot of down time to take in the scenic sights as you sail.

The winding waterways are a beautiful place to be in the afternoons while you pass castle ruins and sprawling vineyards. At sunset, enjoy a cocktail and conversation with like-minded travelers. 

WATCH: Life on Board an AmaWaterways River Cruise

The Flexibility 

Choose a long hike or bike, shorter outings or none at all. You can pick how you want to enjoy your day.

You could have a fun day enjoying an active pursuit with Backroads or pick a cruise ship excursion offered by AmaWaterways instead, which can take you to interesting destinations like the Austrians Lake District, Salzburg, Cesky Krumlov or a German Castle. Or just stay on the ship and enjoy a massage! 

The Comfort

You might be out in the forests and wilderness surroundings for part of your day, but you'll also be pleased by the creature comforts back onboard. These include lounge spaces, a steady flow of food and beverages, and luxurious staterooms—most with balconies allowing views as you sail past villages and countryside. 

The ships also have a rejuvenating spa. 

The Service 

Tour leaders for Backroads and the crew on AmaWaterways ships aim to ensure you have a fantastic travel experience. Staffers are constantly asking whether you are having fun as they remind passengers to just ask if having any special requests.

Most of the superb service happens when these workers anticipate your needs and likes by simply paying attention to your habits during your first day or two on the trip. 

WATCH: The Benefits of Small Ship Cruising

The Destinations

Both of my weeklong biking and hiking river cruises began in Prague and visited the Bavaria region of Germany; Vienna and Linz in Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; and Budapest, Hungary. These trips offered the ideal mix of scenic countryside, charming villages, food and culture. 

Other itineraries travel the Rhine River to see castles and vineyards, along the Seine from Paris to Normandy where you ride at D-Day sites, or in Portugal along the Douro River to explore the terraced vineyards and ancient trails. 

The Bragging Rights 

You get to return to the ship each day and tell your fellow cruisers (20 to 30 of the 158 total passengers on the ship are typically part of the Backroads itineraries) what you did during the day and what you saw with your group. Watch as their jaws drop in envy.

And just imagine the stories you'll be able to tell friends and family when you return home.

Hiking more than 40 miles across Europe in one week or spending a day biking from Vienna to Slovakia is surely something to brag about. Not your traditional lazy river cruise, is it? 

The Memories

Likeminded adventure-seekers bond quickly on these outings, and you are likely to make new lifelong friends. This is an intense and joyous travel experience that imprints itself into your memory banks.

You'll find yourself reminiscing often and itching to try another trip like this soon.