I’m trying to stay focused on the paved path in front of me as I pedal alongside the Danube River through Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley. But I can’t help myself: I turn my head left and right to gawk at the lush, green hills rising from the river.
This picturesque scene unfolded while riding a bike on a warm September morning with fellow passengers on an AmaWaterways European river cruise, including many silver-haired women. While most everyone else stayed onboard the AmaSonata for a few hours of leisurely sailing, a few of us disembarked in the small Austrian town of Weißenkirchen in der Wachau for a port-to-port cycling excursion.
After watching the ship pull away and continue west on the Danube, we clambered onto our bikes and followed behind local guide Monica Baptist. For 15 miles, she led us past quaint villages, historic churches, vineyards and apricot orchards, stopping periodically to tell us about the region.
“People come from all over to get these apricots when they ripen in July — they’re very well-known,” she says.
A few hours of easy riding later, we rejoined the ship at its next stop, just in time for lunch.
This excursion is just one of the many active offerings I enjoyed on AmaWaterways’ "Melodies of the Danube" itinerary, which is perfect for older travelers. Before the ship embarked from Budapest, I hiked to the top of Castle Hill to admire the panoramic views from Fisherman’s Bastion. A few days later, I biked around Vienna on a tour that ended at the elaborate Hofburg Palace. And, as the vessel glided from Passau to Vilshofen, I joined an on-board yoga class.
Many travelers equate European river cruises with easy guided walks and gentle bus tours — and you can still do those types of excursions. But, as I learned this summer, there are also plenty of options for older travelers who like to stay active on vacation.
Be as active — or as relaxed — as you want.
River cruising is appealing for many reasons. The ships — which typically accommodate fewer than 200 passengers — are beautifully designed and small enough to dock in the heart of many cities. You only unpack once, but you get to explore multiple different places in a short amount of time. Someone else does all the hard work of researching the best tours and activities at every port.
Since most meals and drinks are included, you don’t have to worry about finding a new restaurant every night for dinner. And speaking of the food, it’s delicious — you’ll enjoy fine-dining cuisine and service at every meal (and your wine glass will never be empty).
River cruises are great for girlfriend trips, wedding anniversary getaways and even solo sojourns for older women. “It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want to explore Europe actively while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a luxurious floating boutique hotel,” says Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ co-founder and executive vice president.
