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While "Active" is self-explanatory, the "Discovery" excursions were geared toward hands-on experiences and the "Classic" excursions were more typical river cruise activities, such as a gentle walk or motorcoach tour. In theory, any river cruise can be an active one, given that shore-centric itineraries allow passengers to pursue all manner of land-based activities. For a more active excursion, you can opt for a moderate hike to the Landshut Castle (it’s an included one too!). This castle ruins is one of the oldest structures in the Moselle, perched upon the remnants of a fort that dates back to the 4th or 5th century. We opted for the Walking and Wines in Bernkastel tour, but had plenty of time after to navigate our way to Landshut Castle on our own.
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We represent all the major river cruise operators and offer the best discounts and deals on every sailing. Avalon takes pride in offering exceptional dining experiences onboard, with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and regional dishes that reflect the destinations visited along the river route. The small port town of Cochem is situated in the western region of Germany and is home to just under 5,000 people. Though it is small in size, it is large in history, old world charm and things to do, like visiting it’s gorgeous hilltop castle—Reichsburg. While afloat on Europe’s rivers, it’s heavenly to kick back, relax and sip on a glass of wine while taking in the scenery. If vacationing on Viking’s “France’s Finest” and “Lyon & Provence” itineraries, canoeing is possible too.
Highlights from an Active River Cruise with Avalon Waterways
On some cruises, the line runs an included "Active Tauck" hike that is relatively tame in nature. Today, active river cruises are increasingly popular, so much so that nearly every river cruise line has been adding active, engaging features to its European river cruise voyages. Some lines have even partnered with other companies to offer special themed voyages that can range from cycling to hiking. In 2022 and 2023, Backroads will offer a handful of active river cruises.
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Another option is European river line, CroisiEurope, which offers a “Beautiful Blue Danube” itinerary. While the line also doesn’t carry bikes aboard its river ships, on that itinerary, one highlight is a DISCOVERY guided bike tour of Budapest, Hungary. It gives guests a chance to “chase the ship.” That’s done safely, of course and doesn’t jeopardize the bike experience of castle views and guide-provided commentary. But it’s fun to see whether the river vessel or the cyclists arrive first in Bacharach, Germany. AmaWaterways’ guests also might choose a guided bike excursion through French wine country, Austria’s Wachau Valley or the Dutch countryside. Ratcheting up the intensity level, AmaWaterways also partners with Backroads for select “active itinerary” and full-ship charter sailings.
The Onboard Activities
If you're looking for just a taste of kayaking that isn't too strenuous and gets you outdoors, it's a perfect excursion. If you're hoping for a more serious kayaking adventure, you'll likely be disappointed. The outing was as much a winery tour as it was a walk in the vineyards, as we soon looped around to the estate's production facilities, where we saw the rooms where grapes are turned into wine and stored in giant oak barrels. After traveling by van to the Quinta do Bomfim vineyard, which covers the hills surrounding Pinhao, we set off at a slow pace upward into the estate's undulating rows of grape vines, walking on the stone-lined tractor paths between them.
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Our group consisted of six people, almost all of which were in their 50s and 60s -- and in great shape. We ambled through the heartwarming town of Cochem with our guide, then to our hiking trail's starting point. The hiking trail was straight up a mountain face with numerous stairs zig-zagging upwards. Of course, you can spend days exploring the city, but don’t miss the iconic Romer, a collection of nine houses forming the Frankfurt city hall (Rathaus). The Old Opera House (Alte Oper) is a Frankfurt highlight with its grand architecture and world-class performances, such as a captivating orchestral rendition of classic pieces by the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra. For a glimpse into the city’s recent past, the New Frankfurt Old Town presents a meticulously reconstructed quarter, capturing the essence of pre-war Frankfurt.
Active & Discovery River Cruises
With the “Let’s Go” program, Uniworld guests can go kayaking or borrow a Nordic walking stick to explore on their own. Or, they might tee off at Golf d’Etretat, perched atop Normandy’s cliffs in France. U by Uniworld’s fitness-focused guests visiting Rotterdam in the Netherlands can head out jogging on local running paths. During Scenic’s eight-day “Bordeaux Affair” itinerary operated by Scenic Diamond in 2022, cycling enthusiasts can head ashore at Blaye, France. During a Scenic Freechoice 18-mile bicycle excursion, they’ll pedal along Captain’s Road. It’s named in honor of the World War I captains who bought homes along this stretch of riverfront.
The average age of an Avalon cruiser has dropped from 68 to 62 in recent years, a top marketing executive at the company told me during this sailing — a significant drop. But even travelers closer to 60 years old than 70 years old on average are not a traveling cohort that necessarily wants to kayak for miles or for hours. The experience ended with a tasting of the port wines made at the estate — a common activity on trips on the Douro.
Why travel with Avalon?
Biking tours of many ports are offered, and a few hiking options are available as well, depending on the port. Dinnertime is a highlight of the day, and Avalon Waterways aims to provide a fine dining experience. It started with a happy hour (where there’s a menu of included wines, beer and cocktails), followed by the port talk.
The other unique aspect of this cruise was the variety of “Discovery” tours. Avalon goes beyond the classic “highlights” tour, offering instead all sorts of interesting excursions that delve deeper into local culture. Here are six river cruise routes that will appeal to active younger—and young-at-heart—cruisers. Everything is intimate and close up, from the scenery along the riverbanks to the convenient layout of the ship. Your cabin will never be far from the restaurant, lounge, or entry and exit points. And in port, vessels are often docked right in town, with tour buses or guided strolls departing from the end of a short gangway.
My go-to was Greek yogurt with granola, marinated apricots, granola and chia. Though for a couple of days I splurged on a strawberry waffle and yummy charcuterie. We learned about the fascinating tradition of winemaking and the spiritual significance of the vineyards surrounding the abbey. Year-round, guided by the master winemaker, the nuns and volunteers at the Abbey of St. Hildegard nurture grapevines with devotion. You can explore the historic heart at the Deutsches Eck, and take in the breathtaking views from the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, accessible by a scenic cable car ride. Or wander through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, adorned with charming squares and colorful buildings, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the city.
We even had half an hour to wander around the town of Dürnstein, which made this excursions extra memorable. While men, too, can wear yoga pants, most we've chatted with on cruises prefer shorts. Try out these Champion men's shorts, which are long enough to provide some modesty no matter the activity, yet not so long as to look like that weird shorts/capri pants hybrid.
We didn't go far — just 1.3 miles, according to one of my fellow tourgoers who tracked it on her phone. But it was a truncated outing that was unique to this preview sailing, Avalon Alegria's active travel coordinator told me later, due to christening festivities planned for the ship the same day. Led by a guide, the seven bikers in my group covered 9 miles in all — a not insubstantial distance — over a leisurely 2 1/2 hours.
The 10 Best River Cruise Lines in Europe for Every Traveler - Cruise Critic
The 10 Best River Cruise Lines in Europe for Every Traveler.
Posted: Fri, 22 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
There’s no assigned seating on a river cruise, and not really even set dining times. Unlike some other river cruise lines that just offer one big lounge onboard, the Avalon Impression makes use of all its space to offer not one, but two indoor lounges (along with a large Sky Deck, and small shaded outdoor lounge). If you're considering a heavy cycling trip, such as one offered via an AmaWaterways/Backroads or Scenic/Trek Travel partnership, you might want to get yourself some serious biking shorts.
For example, Viking’s river vessels have top-deck walking tracks but not fitness centers. Attracting many active, younger and young-at-heart guests for its focus on active river adventures is Scenic’s sister line, Emerald Cruises. The line’s dedicated activity managers support all EmeraldACTIVE shore excursions including guided bicycle excursions. While Viking River Cruises doesn’t carry a fleet of bikes on its river voyages, fitness-focused guests can book bicycle shore excursions. In select locations, that river line also works with a local partner-supplier to provide river cruisers with guided cycling excursions. Those Tauck tours feature either regular bicycles or e-bikes, depending on destination and specific excursion.
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