AmaWaterways bulks up its included biking, hiking tours

[HostDave]

AmaWaterways is expanding its lineup of biking and hiking tours in 2016, citing increased demand for active options on board its Europe river cruises.

Among the newly added escorted bike tours are such itineraries as the historic waterfront town of Willemstad and cycling along the Sava River and through Kalemegdan Park in Belgrade. A ride through Antwerp with a visit to a fortress, museums and hidden quarters is another new option.

So, too, are tours of the Wachau Valley along the Danube; a ride through Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with famous breweries and market gardens; and a tour through wooded hills and beaches of poplars along the scenic shores of the Inn River in Passau.

AmaWaterways' Europe ships have always carried bicycles for complimentary use, and they'll continue to be available for individual or escorted bike tours. In 2015, the company introduced a partnership with Backroads to cater to even more adventurous bicycling tourists, with those sailings beginning this year.

Additionally, in 2016, 12 port cities offer AmaWaterways’ new hiking tours. These include two wine-tasting options during the fortress hike in Durnstein. Other options are hikes to Fourviere Hill in Lyon, Passau Castle, Mount Pipet in Vienne, Chateau Gaillard in Les Andelys and the Dom Luis Bridge, Old Harbor Quarter and cathedral in Porto.

The guided biking and hiking tours are included in the cruise fare in addition to standard tours that are often offered at a variety of paces, including gentle, regular and active. Travelers can also participate in Limited Edition Tours, which give smaller groups special opportunities to experience local culture.