We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394
Month:
Life Along the Mekong (Thailand & Laos), 14 to 26 October 2022 with Miru Adventures
Uniquely curated expeditions, imagined by the very Field Leaders who will take you there.
Miru Adventures are creators of a new kind of travel experience – unique, one-time-only adventures to the most amazing places on Earth.
Led by a group of passionate expedition and adventure-travel experts with decades of experience in tour planning, trip operations, and guiding across all seven continents, each trip combines exceptional leaders, remote destinations and a genuine love for detail.
All of our adventures are hand-curated by us in collaboration with the very Field Leaders who will take you there. Experts in their respective fields, they include archaeologists, anthropologists, geologists, historians, polar naturalists, marine biologists, ornithologists and more. These remarkable guides, through their knowledge and enthusiasm, will expand your perspective on the world and the people we share it with.
Join us for the adventure and education; let us give you an experience you’ll remember forever.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394
Cycling & Walking holidays including River & Ocean cruises
I simply can’t imagine a better way to immerse yourself in the life of a region, to explore hidden corners and appreciate nuances while enjoying the benefits and enormous satisfaction of traveling under your own power. These are experiences you cannot have behind the wheel of a car, or on a train or a tour bus. Active travel is, at its heart, a way of connecting more authentically with the world. Sure, Backroads provides amazing leaders, superb accommodations and meals, and opportunities you could never arrange on your own. But all of our comprehensive planning and support is aimed at something far simpler: bringing you the immediate, highly personal satisfaction of discovering a new world on your own terms.
Tom Hale, Founder & President
Why Travel with Backroads
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 40 years. The company offers biking, walking & hiking and multi-adventure tours, small ship active cruises, private trips and family trips designed for three distinct age groups: Teens & Kids (typically 9-16), Older Teens & 20s (17+) and 20s & Beyond (adult kids through their late 20s). Active travel is about journeying through a fascinating region under your own power.
Backroads hosts thousands of guests each year—75% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests—in hundreds of locations across the globe and raising the bar that all such travel should aspire to. And while it may sound like boasting, we don’t think anyone does it better. Let us show you why. Herewith a link to a 3-minute video including guests experiences.
The Backroads Difference
From our Founder & President Tom Hale to the Trip Leaders on your adventure, everyone at Backroads is motivated first and foremost by our commitment to quality. When it comes to choosing an active travel company, values matter—these are ours.
8 Ways to Go Active
Something for everyone—give us your definition of active and we’ll deliver. We set the standard for on-trip support; our leaders, vans and equipment give you the flexibility you’re looking for. From easygoing to avid—all activity levels are welcome.
Ocean Cruises: Walking, Biking or Multi-Adventure
Experience classic Backroads active travel combined with the ease, relaxation and luxury of small ocean ships. It’s an exhilarating way to enjoy the best of both worlds—all around the world!
Nature lovers, picture yourself snowshoeing in Antarctica, kayaking in the realm of humpbacks in Alaska, swimming with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands or hiking a volcanic crater in Iceland. Rich culture awaits amid the tori gates and Shinto shrines of Japan and the castles and medieval towns of the Baltics. The perfect multi-adventure can be found in the island paradise of New Zealand, where stunning fjords, waterfalls and abundant native birdlife awaits.
River Cruises: Walking & Biking
Our active river cruises span the globe, featuring luxurious small ships and incredible biking & hiking in some of the world’s most beautiful places. Whether your interests lead you to castles along the Danube or colorful markets along the Mekong, you’re sure to love these river cruises, which give you the comfort, flexibility and convenience you need to enjoy an epic active adventure on and off the boat.
Only unpack once and enjoy the unmistakable magic of discovering your destination actively.
Herewith links to the Backroads trips in Europe; Asia & the Pacific; Africa; Middle East; Canada; South America; Caribbean; Central America and United States.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394
Luxury Hotel Barge Cruises in Europe
Luxury Hotel Barge Cruises
A gentle cruise on a deluxe hotel barge is the perfect way to discover the very soul of Europe, exploring its wonderful countryside and historical treasures and meeting its many friendly, diverse people. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, hotel barge voyages allow you to travel in luxury without the strains of packing and unpacking, whilst enjoying a balanced blend of daily excursions and fascinating cruising. Expect the onboard chef to turn out mouth-watering food with fresh ingredients, plenty of regional cheeses and baked goods; all complemented by fine regional wines.
The pace is slow, often covering little more than 80 km’s along a rural canal. Passengers can walk or bike the towpaths as their floating hotel glides gently along.
The barges are small and intimate with 6 to 20 guests and offer a full immersion into the most charming and picturesque areas. On board, there is a relaxed, intimate ‘house party’ atmosphere, whether you choose to cruise with other like-minded people, or charter the whole barge as a family or group of friends. This is a fabulous way to celebrate a special occasion!
A wide selection of themed charter cruises can be arranged, centred around interests from local culture and gastronomy, to more pursuits such as golf, tennis, walking and cycling. As well as a Royal Cruises and Opera Cruises, Whisky Trail Cruises in Scotland or a wine appreciation cruise that provides an introduction to crisp Vouvrays and Touraines, nurtured for centuries by their Chateau-owning families.
A Voyage of Discovery wherever you choose to cruise
These 6-night cruises gently introduce you to some of Europe’s finest scenery, fascinating history and local culture as they cruise the charming inland waterways of England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Holland and Italy. From the picturesque vineyards of Burgundy, to the spectacular Scottish Highlands; from the sun-drenched waterways of the South of France to the beautiful Moselle in Germany; from the storybook Alsace region to the serenity of the Loire Valley.
Daily excursions are included to some fascinating local places of interest – imposing citadels or elegant chateaux, colourful markets or renowned wine cellars, medieval hilltop villages or magnificent palaces and cathedrals.
“The service, wines, cheeses, and varied menus daily were all 5 stars! During the week we experienced 18 different cheeses at lunch and dinner as well as 22 different wines from the region. Fresh pastries from a local bakery were brought in each morning. The crew knew our names from the get-go and were always very attentive and friendly. We thought this would be a once in a lifetime adventure, but we now think we are going to do it again!” – Kirk Landjoe
European Waterways
The largest luxury hotel barging company in Europe offers a varied collection of luxury hotel barges cruising the charming inland waterways of England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Holland and Italy.
European Waterways offers cruising, but in a very different style to ships plying the big rivers or oceans. The pace is slow, with a 6 day cruise often covering little more than 80 km’s along a rural canal. Passengers can walk or bike the towpaths and never be left behind as their floating hotel glides gently along. A gentle cruise on a hotel barge is the perfect way to discover the very soul of Europe, exploring its wonderful countryside and historical treasures and meeting its many friendly, diverse people. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, hotel barge voyages allow you to travel in luxury without the strains of packing and unpacking, whilst enjoying a balanced blend of daily excursions and fascinating cruising.
European Waterways offer guests full immersion into the culture, history and gastronomy of one of a number of fascinating regions. Every day, when not cruising, a crew member leads an excursion, perhaps to a vineyard for a wine tasting, a market where the chef might buy fresh local ingredients for the evening meal or a visit to a unique “off the beaten track” location that you would never find on your own. These could be to still inhabited troglodyte cave dwellings, a private chateau or to see an olive oil press at work and sample its produce.
There is a wide selection of cruises to choose from, such as the canals of Burgundy, Alsace and the Canal du Midi, as well as the Venetian Lagoon and Po Valley in Italy, Holland in the spring time and the spectacular Scottish Highlands. The relaxing cruises along the smaller inland waterways of these regions feature wonderful scenery, stimulating history and local culture and of course fine cuisine and wines.
European Waterways has been operating for over 40 years and their 17 luxury vessels can accommodate between 6 and 20 guests in air-conditioned accommodation. You may choose to join a small group of like-minded travellers on an individual cabin basis, or you can charter a whole hotel barge with family and friends, perhaps for a special occasion or to enjoy a specific theme cruise such as golf, walking, or wine appreciation.
Herewith a link to a 8 minute video giving you an in depth idea of what you can expect with European waterways: European Waterways
Herewith a link to the European Waterways website where there are a number of clips you can watch on the different regions that they visit: European Waterways – Video Gallery
Each cruise has a full crew and includes the following:
6 night’s accommodation (Sunday to Saturday) on board in air-conditioned en-suite cabins.
Transfers to and from a convenient location; plus daily excursions as advertised by chauffeured minivan with inclusive entry fees.
The services of an experienced Captain, Chef, Housekeeper(s) Deck Hand / Tour Guide. The average crew ratio is one crew member for every two passengers
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner aboard. All lunch and evening meals are a gastronomic adventure with local produce delicately prepared by your Private Chef.
Local lunch or dinner ashore at a Michelin Star restaurant or similar.
An excellent selection of fine regional and international wines and spirits, plus all day open bar, tea and coffee.
Use of the barge facilities such as bicycles, boules, barge library and the spa pool.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394
Le Ponant, a legendary sailing yacht in Croatia, Greece, the Seychelles & the Kimberley
Le Ponant, a legendary sailing yacht with 32 guests
Meditate on the deck as the sun rises, walk barefoot on the warm teak, dive into a remote idyllic bay, listen to the wind in the sails and the waves lapping against the hull, and share in the passion of a wine or olive oil producer. Move at your own pace, just as you please. Let the sea set you free…
This sleek, expertly designed 88-metre-long and 56-metre-high three-master is one of the most majestic yachts in the world. In an age when everything is becoming computer controlled, it shines the spotlight back on the more manual, skilful art of sailing (sail-powered whenever conditions allow), combined with comfort, elegance, exclusivity and sustainability.
The sailboat includes 4 stand-up paddle boards and 4 kayaks, including 2 with a clear bottom; snorkelling and fishing equipment; diving gear (groups of 4 people); safe sea swimming; kids equipment (pool noodles, swim rings, armbands and safety gear); bikes available. A wellness area including massage and treatment room plus a fitness area with a dedicated wellness coach for exercise sessions, yoga, Pilates, meditation and more.
Le Ponant has a guest capacity of 32 and an attentive crew of 34. Let us know if you’re interested in a charter option with friends or family as this will be a wonderful holiday and also great for a special celebration or reunion.
Accommodation
16 staterooms and suites with a choice of a porthole or balcony, including an Owner’s Suite.
Marina on Alizes Deck
Main Lounge
Panoramic Dining Area
The fares include
All meals on board
A choice of complimentary Shore Excursions
Unlimited Wi-Fi
Port charges
Complimentary “Open Bar”, pouring wines, house champagne and alcohol excluding premium brands.
24-hour room service
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394
2023–24 Luxury Expedition Cruises with Abercrombie & Kent
Explore the World with the Pioneers of Luxury Expedition Cruising
Discover inspiring destinations ranging from timeless Japan, sun-drenched Greece and the Italian coast to the ends of the earth in the Arctic and Antarctica. Set sail on exclusively chartered luxury small ships, enjoying all-balcony accommodations and experiencing your choice of included shore excursions or Zodiac excursions. Leading the way is A&K’s famed Expedition Team, who craft a remarkable enrichment program that illuminates every remarkable day.
Cruises to book in 2024, with more destinations coming soon. Book now to secure your preferred stateroom or suite and enjoy Early Booking Savings.
Choose from These Inspiring Luxury Expedition Cruises
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you plan your ideal holiday – 021 434 9394