G Adventures redefines river cruising with new programme of trips
G Adventures has launched a new river cruise programme targeting younger travellers and those with a younger mindset, featuring active and cultural elements, and visits to support local communities.
The nine itineraries vary in length from eight to 10 days and explore iconic waterways in Cambodia, France, India, Peru and Vietnam.
Jeff Russill, VP of innovation, G Adventures, says river cruising is one of the fastest-growing segments in travel, showing a very different side to some of the world’s greatest places.
“There’s no better way to experience some places than on a small vessel, in a small group. This is slow travel at its best and we’re doing it differently, breaking away from the all-inclusive model to get travellers off the boat and into local communities, and making a difference to local economies. We will also be carrying bikes on our Burgundy and Mekong trips so people can get off and explore on their own.”
“As with our Local Living and Rail programmes, we have taken a disruptive, innovative approach to a traditional form of travel, broken it down and rebuilt it into something fresh and new that captures the essence of how we travel,” says Russill.
Each riverboat is purpose-built to cruise a unique onboard environment that has decor local to the destination. Every cabin has windows and a private bath and there are plenty of open deck spaces for travellers to enjoy the vistas.
As with all G Adventures trips, group sizes are small for a cruise itinerary (22 to 30 passengers) and travellers come from all over the world. A knowledgeable Chief Experience Officer (CEO), who is locally trained to develop guests’ understanding of the wildlife, cultures and ecosystems of the regions, leads each trip.
Departures begin in 2016 with the exception of the existing Amazon River Adventure, which is already running.
Sample itineraries include:
* Ganges River Cruise Encompassed – Explore palace ruins at Rajmahal, witness sixth-century rock carvings, take breathtaking photos of the Jain temple in the middle of a lake at Pawapuri, and sail through local villages to see historical battlegrounds, terracotta temples, and the Katgola palace. Priced from $2,099 per person for a 15-day trip from Patna to Kolkata.
* Mekong River Cruise Adventure – Sail for eight days aboard a classic riverboat from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, discover Phnom Penh, roam the famous floating markets of Cai Bei, catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat, enjoy lunch at the G Adventures-supported New Hope project and explore the stilt village of Chnok Tru. Priced from £1,299 per person for a 10-day trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap.
* Burgundy River Cruise Experience – Visit small villages and first-rate wineries, bike through forests and vineyards on a provided bicycle, and soak up the glorious sunshine, all with the help of a charming little hotel that goes where you go. Priced from £1,299 for an eight-day trip from Dijon to Dijon.
