DANUBE CYCLING SENSATION

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1 RIVER CRUISE BIKING DANUBE CYCLING SENSATION September 27-October 4, 2017 On this voyage, let the Danube be your guide. Sail from Prague to Passau, Vienna to Bratislava and on to Budapest. Pedal through the Bavarian Forest. Stroll among baroque architecture. Sample local beers. And discover tucked away hamlets. Then luxuriate on board the ship as it carries you to your next adventure. 17BDASR1a 6/29/2016

2 The genius of Backroads is the combination of personal challenge and adventure with unsurpassed service and luxury that is ideal for those of us who want to be both active and spoiled on vacation. Edith Schonberg New York, NY Click HERE to read more guest reviews 8 DAYS, 7NIGHTS Sept. 27-Oct. 4, 2017 ROUTE RATING LEVELS 1 3 See page 7 for details Package Price From $ pp dbl occupancy Not Included: International Airfare & Travel Insurance TO RESERVE YOUR TRIP CONTACT Shelly McGann SMcGann@DMBClubs.com Jane Borman jane.borman@travelxperts.com Joan Herzog joan.herzog@travelxperts.com Or to Register: NEVER SUBCONTRACTED We operate our own trips around the globe. That way we control the quality and we're fully responsible for your great experience. TWO SUPPORT VANS We provide two support vans on all of our trips* so you can count on us to be there when you need us, regardless of the route you take. THREE LEADERS Our trips have three leaders*, for an average 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio. Guests consistently score our leaders 9.7 out of 10, telling us they make all the difference. THOUGHTFUL TRIP DESIGN We know how to create exceptional travel experiences, ensuring that you get the most from your trip as it unfolds. MULTIPLE DAILY ROUTES Being able to choose among several expertly designed routes each day gives you the freedom to enjoy the best of a region at your own pace. WE CELEBRATE MIXED ABILITIES To accommodate varied activity levels, you need three leaders, two vans, multiple route options, detailed directions, a rating system showing if shuttles are required, and plenty of well-matched riding/hiking companions. *Over 95% of Backroads guests on scheduled trips travel with three Backroads trip leaders or support staff, and two or more vehicles. We even add a fourth leader for meet and move days on some of our most logistically complex trips with the most guests to ensure everyone enjoys the best possible support. On less than 5% of scheduled trips, the number of guests is small enough that we can maintain our trademark high service standards with just two leaders and one van. Click HERE to learn more about the Backroads Quality Index

3 We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception. ACCOMMODATIONS, GROUP SIZE & MEALS The AmaWaterways ship is your floating luxury hotel, letting you visit new cities or countries without having to pack up your bags! We've limited our Backroads group size to 30, but just like any hotel, we'll be sharing the ship with other guests. These 164 passenger ships are custom designed with a variety of inviting common spaces so you'll have plenty of room for both relaxing and socializing with other guests. All dinners are prepared by the ship's classically trained chefs and are served on board in the ship's dining rooms. ITINERARY FLEXIBILITY: GOING WITH THE FLOW Our daily itinerary is based on scheduled sailing and port arrival times and as a result some days have more opportunities for exploring on land while other days have more sailing time. Every river has its own unique temperament and for centuries water levels have shifted due to rain, temperature and agriculture. High water levels may mean the ship cannot pass under a bridge, low water levels result in slower sailing, and a disabled lock can also lead to some extra cruising time. Should any unforeseen change happen during your river cruise, we will work closely with AmaWaterways' captain and staff, who are very experienced in going with the flow. STATEROOM CATEGORIES In contrast to our usual land based trips, which have similar room categories, the AmaWaterways ships offer a wide range of stateroom categories. The top tier staterooms often fill fast so book as early as possible if this is important to you. Day 1 On the first day of the trip, meet your Backroads Trip Leaders (the folks in Backroads T shirts) at 8 a.m. at Hilton Prague Old Town ( ), located at V Celnici 7 in Prague, Czech Republic. Please bring your luggage and a daypack with your biking clothes, rain gear and anything else you may want for today's activities (your luggage will be transported to our ship). Shuttle to Tittling, Germany 3½ Hours Skip the Hill Route: 16 Miles* (600' elevation gain) Vilshofen Route: 26 Miles (1,200') Embarkation in Vilshofen Welcome to the Danube River Valley! The mighty Danube flows through or along 10 countries from Germany to the Black Sea and is lined with countless biking paths, making for some spectacular (and virtually car free) riding. After meeting in Prague we shuttle to the town of Tittling in Germany, where we enjoy a lunch of traditional Bavarian fare. Afterward we visit Museumsdorf Bayerischer Wald, an open air museum showcasing over 150 historic Bavarian buildings built between 1580 and 1850, including farmhouses, mills and even a forest chapel it's easy to imagine what life was like here years ago! Then your Backroads Trip Leaders fit your bike and give a brief talk on biking techniques and safety and you're ready to ride through the Bavarian Forest, the largest protected woodland area in central Europe. Warm up your legs with a short, heart pumping climb before leveling out on a scenic bike path that was once a rail line connecting the Danube with the Ilz River. Follow the mellow trail through lush forests, quaint villages and rolling fields. Along the way, a converted rail station makes for an interesting coffee stop and convenient energy boost before you take on the day's final hill en route to Vilshofen. Upon reaching the top, take in impressive views of the Danube River Valley and our AmaWaterways ship in port. Pedal along the water all the way up to the ship, our floating luxury hotel for the next seven nights. After settling into your stateroom, we meet for a

4 welcome reception and the ship's safety briefing. Then we kick off our journey with an Oktoberfeststyle celebration featuring live oompah music, Schuhplattler dance and German beer. This evening we gather for a scrumptious inaugural dinner on board the ship. (Overnight Vilshofen) Day 2 Cruise Vilshofen to Passau 11:45 a.m. 2:30 p.m. and pedal along its tranquil waters toward Passau, where the Inn blends into the Danube and our ship awaits. Once in Passau, relax on the ship with a rejuvenating massage or a drink on the Sun Deck. (Massages are not included in the trip price.) Or keep your legs moving on a guided walking tour of Passau, a 2,000 year old city situated at the confluence of three rivers: the Danube, Inn and Ilz. The red roofed city once served as a powerful bishop's seat in the Holy Roman Empire and is home to the gorgeous St. Stephen's Cathedral its Italian baroque architecture is a true feast for the eyes. Back on board, we reconvene for dinner before we're treated to the "Sounds of Austria," an entertaining introduction to our next country. (Cruise overnight Passau to Linz) Day 3 Linz Route: 14 Miles* (600' elevation gain) Enns Route: 27 Miles* (1,000') Enns Loop: 43 Miles* (1,300') Neuburg Castle Route: 19 Miles* (1,300' elevation gain) Passau Route: 26 Miles (1,500') Neuhaus Route: 35 Miles (2,000') Austrian Hills: 36 Miles (2,700') Passau Guided City Walk 1 Hour Cruise Passau to Linz 11:45 p.m. 8 a.m. Start the day with a ride through Vilshofen, home of the brewer who gave the world Pilsner beer in Follow the majestic Danube past undulating pastures before turning into the forest on a quiet road through a small river valley. A climb into the Bavarian hillside leads past quaint villages to a plateau that offers magnificent views all the way into Austria. Make your way to Hoftaferne Neuburg Castle, an 11th century palace with beautiful views of the Inn River Valley and surrounding knolls. After a lunch of local specialties, take time to explore the baroque gardens or stroll the grounds. Leaving the castle, cross over the Inn River into Austria Salzburg, Český Krumlov or Austrian Lakes District Excursion 4 Hours Shuttle to Excursion 3 Hours Round Trip Cruise Linz to Melk 11:30 p.m. 8 a.m. 4 Your ride this morning takes you to the doorstep of Linz via hillside Austrian villages, scenic pastures and verdant forests. After a quick shuttle, hop in the saddle and take in stunning views of the Alps as you navigate the rolling route toward the Donauradweg (Danube bike path), the most famous bike path in Europe. Bicyclists of all ages frequent the primarily paved route you're as likely to see an 80 year old on his upright one speed as a heavily laden group of bike touring youngsters. Follow the trail back to the ship and refuel with a hearty brunch. Or if you're looking for more miles, follow quiet roads through gently rolling countryside to Enns, considered the oldest town in Austria. If you're not riding this afternoon, options abound with three enticing excursions, all to World Heritage sites. Each offers a short guided walking tour and plenty of free time to explore on your own. Visit

5 Mozart's birthplace of Salzburg, world renowned for its baroque architecture and well preserved city center. Or opt for a tour of Český Krumlov, located just over the Austrian Czech border and one of the most perfectly restored towns in the region. A whopping 82 percent of its buildings are registered as cultural monuments. Yet another option is to head to the postcard perfect Austrian Lakes District to relish views of alpine pastures, crystal clear lakes and vast mountains rising dramatically from narrow valleys. If you'd rather stay in Linz, enjoy some R&R on the ship or take a short stroll into the city to wander its picturesque streets. Dinner tonight is at your leisure on the ship. Or if you'd prefer to sample the local fare on dry ground, head into Linz for dinner on your own. Later this evening, we're treated to a classic music trio performance aboard the ship. (Cruise overnight Linz to Melk) Name of the Rose and is still used by Benedictine monks, who financed part of its restoration in the 1980s by selling a Gutenberg Bible to Yale University. Today it also houses a secondary school for over 900 kids. Visit the abbey and its grounds on a self guided tour before jumping back on your bike. Then cycle through the historic center of Melk and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon, ride along the river as it snakes its way through the verdant Wachau Valley. A World Heritage landscape, the area is teeming with medieval villages, sloped vineyards, Marillen (apricot) orchards and hilltop castles. Along the way, stop for a taste of the local grüner veltliner at a traditional Austrian Heuriger (wine tavern). In Dürnstein, board a small ferry and float across the Danube, then continue on your twowheeler to meet our ship at its next port in Krems. We come together tonight for a delicious dinner on the ship. (Cruise overnight Krems to Vienna) Day 5 Cruise Krems to Vienna 3:15 a.m. 8 a.m. Day 4 Abbey Loop: 15 Miles (500' elevation gain) Weissenkirchen Route: 30 Miles (1,000') Durnstein Route: 37 Miles (1,200') The Hills Are Alive Route: 42 Miles (2,600') Cruise Melk to Krems 1:15 p.m. 3:15 p.m. Following breakfast spin along the Donauradweg, passing tidy vineyards, stretches of pristine forest and sleepy hamlets en route to Melk Abbey. Towering on a bluff above the Danube, the abbey is one of the most revered buildings of the Catholic faith. In the 10th century, Emperor Leopold gave the castle to the Benedictine monks, who converted it into a fortified abbey. It served as inspiration for Umberto Eco's The Ferrytale Loop: 17 Miles* (400' elevation gain) Klosterneuburg Loop: 28 Miles* (700') Vienna Guided City Walk 1½ Hours Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace 3 Hours Optional Mozart & Strauss Concert 2 Hours *with ferry 5 This morning set out on an easygoing ride along the car free Donauinsel (Danube Island), a recreational oasis with beaches, a climbing park and bike path. Cross the river through a lock or on a short ferry ride. Continue pedaling to historic Klosterneuburg, home to Austria's oldest wine estate, which is still producing local varieties like grüner veltliner, gewürztraminer and riesling. Make a side trip to the wine shop for a taste and perhaps buy a bottle to enjoy at home. Back in the saddle, bike paths lead you through Vienna's recreational area and downstream to our ship. Enjoy lunch onboard. Or, if you'd prefer to dine on your own, now's a great time to experience Vienna's inspired culinary scene. This afternoon join a private walking tour of Vienna,

6 guided by a local expert. Explore the highlights and lesser known parts of this vibrant World Heritage city including St. Stephen's cathedral, the imperial castle complex, Mozart's residence and the Spanish Riding School. Along the way, learn about Vienna's captivating past and make a stop at Heroes' Square, where Hitler made his infamous Anschluss speech in Afterward feel free to lounge in one of Vienna's famed café houses, visit its excellent museums or peruse its myriad shops. If you have been to Vienna before, you may want to skip the walking tour and partake in an optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace (not included in the trip price), a rococo style former imperial summer residence and Vienna's most visited attraction. Tonight's dinner aboard the ship is at your leisure, or you can head into the city to savor local cuisine on your own. Enthusiasts of classical music will relish this evening's optional Mozart and Strauss concert on shore (not included in trip price). (Overnight Vienna) As the ship sails from Vienna to Bratislava this morning, you'll make the same journey, from one capital city to another, on two wheels. Start the day with a ride through the Donau Auen National Park, one of the last remaining wetlands in Europe, hosting an incredible array of rare species. Feeling thirsty? A refreshing stop at a traditional biergarten along the way is popular with local cyclists. As you continue through the peaceful countryside, views of the Slovak Mountains slowly emerge in the distance. Make your way to Hof Castle, a beautiful baroque palace with splendid gardens, the perfect setting for lunch. After lunch, catch a lift in the shuttle for some downtime on the ship, or keep your legs spinning on a ride that crosses the Morava River into Slovakia. Soon you'll reach the borough of Devín, with its cliffside medieval castle ruins towering high overhead. Ride downstream along the Morava before it joins the Danube, leading you to our ship in Bratislava. Set off on foot this afternoon with a local expert for a walking tour of Bratislava, a city that has seen monumental change over the past turbulent century. Notice how the historic center, with its Gothic cathedral and baroque palaces, is juxtaposed by modern additions like the communist era UFO topped bridge. After the tour, explore on your own before taking a short stroll back to our ship. We gather this evening for the captain's farewell cocktail celebration and gala dinner, as this is our last night of sailing but our adventure will continue on! (Cruise overnight Bratislava to Budapest) Day 7 Budapest Guided City Route 8 Miles* (300' elevation gain) Day 6 Cruise from Vienna to Bratislava 8 a.m. 1 p.m. Schloss Hof Route: 21 Miles* (300' elevation gain) Schloss Hof Extended Route: 34 Miles* (600') Bratislava Route: 46 Miles (900') Bratislava Guided City Walk 1 Hour Cruise Bratislava to Budapest 9 p.m. 9 a.m. Illuminations Cruise 1 Hour Awake in yet another new country at our ship's final destination: Budapest, Hungary. Get to know surprisingly bike friendly Budapest on today's ride, guided by local experts who lend an insider's perspective on this historic city. Take in sweeping panoramic views, admiring the Castle Complex on the Buda side of the river and the Parliament on the Pest side as you pedal on well paved designated bike paths. 6 Along the way, admire Budapest's multi faceted architecture, from Neo Renaissance form to

7 communist era function. Finish your last ride of the trip with a laid back spin through Margaret's Island, formerly reserved for aristocracy and now a public park with lush forests, remnants of a medieval monastery and even a musical fountain. Following a relaxed lunch aboard the ship, spend the afternoon in Budapest at your leisure soak at a thermal spring spa, see the second largest synagogue in the world in Erzsébetváros (Pest's Jewish quarter), visit one of the city's 140 museums or shop for delicious Szamos marzipan to bring home. Tonight we're treated to a Hungarian folklore show before we toast a memorable voyage down the Danube. We top off the night with a scenic cruise through illuminated Budapest a stunning way to end our river journey. (Overnight Budapest) Day 8 Disembarkation in Budapest Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning, then bid farewell to your Backroads leaders before disembarking the ship. Please see Arriving & Departing for end of trip logistics. At Backroads we understand that you have your own idea of the "perfect" trip the right mix of being active, discovering new cultures and natural wonders, and having time to relax. Our trips are designed to be flexible, giving you the freedom to experience the best of the region the way YOU want. Feel like you're ready to go, go, go? We can show you the way! Want some downtime or prefer to head out on your own? No problem! Your Trip Leaders will make sure to tell you the best days to take time for yourself (if you want it) without feeling like you're missing out. So feel free to shift gears and make it your day! The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1 4. KEEPING YOU UP TO DATE We are always seeking opportunities to enhance this itinerary. We ll be certain to notify you of any important changes prior to departure; other changes may be communicated on trip by your leaders. Review the "Route Rating" section on the web for more details on daily route options. 7

8 Trip Accommodations PREMIERE RIVER SHIP Arriving & Departing After reviewing the following information, please inform us of your arrival and departure plans on your Personal Information Form. All prices are in US dollars and subject to change. AmaWaterways Ship AmaCerto, AmaSerena, AmaStella or AmaViola 7 Nights A luxurious custom designed ship featuring stylish private staterooms, panoramic windows, expansive outdoor decks, an onboard team of classically trained chefs and inviting areas to socialize with fellow passengers. (pool) MEETING TIME & LOCATION On the first day of the trip, meet your Backroads Trip Leaders (the folks in Backroads T shirts) at 8 a.m. at Hilton Prague Old Town ( ), located at V Celnici 7 in Prague, Czech Republic. Please bring your luggage and a daypack with your biking clothes, rain gear and anything else you may want for today's activities (your luggage will be transported to our ship). CONCLUSION OF THE TRIP The trip ends on board the ship in Budapest, Hungary. Throughout the final morning, your AmaWaterways Cruise Director will coordinate rolling departures of various taxis and buses. You'll need to check out of your stateroom by 9 a.m. but are welcome to relax in the lounge until you disembark. FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS This trip begins in Prague, Czech Republic, and ends in Budapest, Hungary. We suggest you fly into Prague's Václav Havel Airport (formerly the Ruzyne Airport; airport code: PRG; You can return to Prague after the trip ends or fly out of Budapest's Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD; For help arranging air transport to and from your Backroads trip, please work with your own travel agent or you may choose to work with the Backroads Travel Desk at Dimensions in Travel. Their expert travel advisors are ready to share their insiders knowledge of Backroads and our worldwide destinations. These professional agents are available to assist you with any of your travel needs. Call 800 GO-ACTIVE ( ) to be connected with an advisor. Please note that consulting or ticketing fees may apply, depending on the services requested. The Backroads Travel Desk at Dimensions in Travel is open Monday Friday, 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Pacific time. 8