Table Of Content
In Durnstein, bikers will stop to see the blue Stiftskirche, a gorgeous, Baroque-style church. An added treat for cyclists is the opportunity to taste local culinary specialties. Another major European river line, Avalon Waterways carries 16 complimentary bicycles on each of its European river ships. Plus, the line offers two electronically assisted bikes (e-bikes) on every Suite Ship. These offer motorized propulsion or pedal power assistance, depending on the specific e-bike type. So, less active cruisers – perhaps accompanying a more fit companion – can pedal as much or little as desired.
Waterproof Bag
Try me a river: Cruising the Moselle on an active adventure with Avalon Waterways - Travelweek
Try me a river: Cruising the Moselle on an active adventure with Avalon Waterways.
Posted: Tue, 19 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
This Rüdesheim excursion offered a perfect blend of spirituality and wine culture, leaving you with an appreciation for Rüdesheim’s holy wines and the traditions they embody. During this tour we were immersed in the serene atmosphere of this historic Hildegard Abbey, named after the renowned mystic Hildegard of Bingen. Besides the castle, a visit to the Pinnerkreuz lookout point is a must-do.
Southern and West African River Cruises
That’s a guided e-bike ride through the Gard region (the area around Nimes, France). We dismounted our bikes several times to walk along boardwalks through the Douro River estuary near the ocean and down to the beach. As we did, our biologist guide offered a running commentary on the migratory and local birds we were seeing and explained the natural landscape.
Yoga Top
Ahoy advisors! Get on board these themed 2024-25 Europe river cruises - KarryOn
Ahoy advisors! Get on board these themed 2024-25 Europe river cruises.
Posted: Wed, 29 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
As someone very aware of my impact on not only the environment but also on local communities when I travel, I take sustainability pretty seriously. On the Avalon Impression, all main meals are served in the dining room at set times, but you can technically show up any time during meal service and be served. Every meal in the dining room comes with an al la carte menu, though breakfast and lunch also usually have a large serve-yourself buffet.
Go for Tauck River Cruises for its Guided Cycles
AmaWaterways leads the river cruise industry in innovation highlighted with the launch of the revolutionary AmaMagna, and the introduction of the history-making Seven River Journey itineraries. The company also offers a variety of themed sailings and brand relationships, with sailings geared towards active travelers and families as well as group and charter options. These active river cruise options have grown to be so great that we’ve created a chart outlining some of the most popular active amenities, from complimentary onboard bicycles to guided hiking tours and even kayaking excursions.
Active River Cruises: 6 Routes for Younger and Adventurous Passengers
As a heavy water-drinker myself, I must also mention the constant availability of drinking water onboard. Your room is supplied with two large bottles of water, which are refilled twice every day, and there are at least two water bottle refilling stations onboard. Not all cruise ships supply this (in fact, very few do), so this small yet meaningful gesture goes a long way in terms of healthy living -- and healthy cruising. The line’s Active & Discovery cruises aim to take guests to charming destinations along European rivers, while providing more daily excursion options than any other sailing -- all the while being more physical, too.
Cruisers can concoct their own personalized bike tour, based on their personal interests. Or, they can join a Uniworld-arranged, guided bike shore excursion, at times accompanied by a sports guide or expert naturalist. Crystal Mahler’s seven-night Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland voyage during 2022, offers a complimentary “Bike Tour through Waterland” excursion from Amsterdam. During this three-hour, guided bike tour, cruise guests will pedal into the Dutch countryside. While staying active, they’ll view bucolic scenes of windmills, farms, flowers and charming villages. Fortunately, today’s European river cruises are a world apart from past voyages on those same waterways.
Can You Stay Active on a River Cruise? Yes! Live from an Avalon Waterways’ Active & Discovery European River Cruise
Having taken river cruises all over the world—Southeast Asia, India, Europe, and North America—I know their advantages well. Walking sticks, bicycles, e-bikes and binoculars can be rented by guests on their own terms in port. Note that each Avalon ship has 14 bicycles but only two e-bikes in total. We recommend reserving at least one day in advance for these, especially the e-bikes which go quickly.
Fitness Afloat
But younger, in this case, is relative, as is the activity level that these travelers are seeking. My favorite active excursion was a 19-kilometer guided bike tour along the Danube Bike Path in Austria’s Wachau Valley. We rode past vineyards and quaint Austrian villages along a paved bike path, stopping frequently to see churches or learn about wine production. I fell in love with the style of travel back in 2015, and have been on 4 river cruises throughout Europe since then. Located in the heart of the world’s most famous wine region, Bordeaux is set along the Garonne river in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France. River cruises here of course offer wine-tasting tours at the many scenic vineyards that carpet the region, including tours by bicycle.
Over half of river cruisers — 51% — told Avalon that they want to reserve a two-week trip in 2023, versus the 38% who still prefer a one-week sailing. According to Hoffee, seven- to 10-day journeys were previously en vogue, as well as trialing the travel form on three- and four-night voyages. But the Wish List survey indicates that river cruisers are increasingly looking for longer vacations in 2023.
I’ll admit that I signed up for this excursion not really expecting much. From its Beauty-and-the-Beast-esque library to its crypt stacked with bones to its great Baroque Marble Hall, I was in a constant state of awe as we toured this place. After breakfast, we made our way over to the Museum of Fine Arts, where we got to wander through the museum with our guide before opening time. And the results for the top five rivers these clients wish to navigate are the Rhine River (76%), the Upper Danube River (64%), the Seine and Rhone Rivers (39%), the Lower Danube River (34%) and the Douro River (31%). The top five “must-see” countries for Avalon cruisers are France (39%), Portugal (31%), Germany (30%), Austria (25%) and Switzerland (24%).
They’ll take guests out for guided bike rides or recommend “on-your-own” biking routes. In 2006, AmaWaterways was the first major European river cruise line to introduce a “fleet of bicycles” carried on its river ships. Today, all the upscale line’s vessels (except for those in Portugal) each carry 25 bicycles, plus two child-sized bikes. Sailing the Danube River, the larger AmaMagna carries 50 bicycles and four child-sized bikes.
“Catering to this trend — and recognizing that river cruising is a perfect travel style for solo travelers — Avalon waives the single supplement on a select number of rooms on every departure across Europe and Southeast Asia,” Hoffee said. If you're looking for something that offers a handle -- for better portability -- get a Hydro Flask. This one's also vacuum insulated, and it comes in sizes from 18 to 64 ounces.
Along the way, they’ll see the famous equestrian statue of Friedrich Wilhelm III (King of Prussia). Other route highlights include Germany’s oldest City Hall and the magnificent, Gothic-styled Cologne Cathedral. The cycling route will take them into Cologne’s Old Town and along the Rheinauhafen waterfront.
Avalon Fresh items were crafted in collaboration with Austrian chefs, who use local and fresh ingredients to create healthy (and delectable) dining options. The portion sizes for all dishes are spot on for healthy, mindful eating. One of my personal favorites was our guide in Bernkastel, who led us through the town and told us quirky facts, like how the shackles displayed in the main square were for punishing those who committed social misconducts. She also informed us that one centuries-old, half-timber home was built smaller at the base yet wider on top.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. However, if you are ever dissatisfied with any aspect of our service or our Web site, pleaseclick hereto tell me about it. Now in our 41styear, Vacations To Go is the largest cruise-selling company in the world. We've built a reputation for discounts, service and professionalism that is second to none. It’s worth mentioning that a 24-hour coffee machine caters to caffeine enthusiasts, and my husband took full advantage of the cappuccinos it made. I was more impressed with the BeWell water machine that made me flavored sparkling water at the drop of a hat.
No comments:
Post a Comment