Imagine a floating hotel sailing to the next stage, while you are calmly pedaling along. No lugging of luggage: that is exactly what Bike & Barge holidays are all about! In the pleasant atmosphere on board you can have a chat, go through the day with your fellow passengers and enjoy the meals prepared specially for cyclists. In the evenings you can enjoy a drink in the salon or admire the setting sun on deck.
Do not expect a cruise ship with its passive luxury. The Bike & Barge Holidays are for people who really enjoy the physical activity of cycling and who value sociability more than wholesale luxury. Free WiFi is (limited) available in lounge and on deck.
One of the most attractive aspects of the Bike & Barge holidays is that you encounter an international company on board. It’s a great opportunity for you to get to know various cultures at the same time! We have people of all ages, solo travelers, couples and also families with children (during the school holidays). Most groups are made up of 12 to 26 people.
Most cabins are 2-person cabins (double or twin beds), but some barges also have single use or triple cabins. All cabins have a porthole or window and are provided with running water (hot and cold), private shower/toilet, 220 voltage and central heating. Some barges have airconditioning and different decks. There is limited storage space in the cabin. We recommend 1 suitcase per person. You can slide the suitcase under the bed.
On the tour page you find more detailed information regarding the ship(s) scheduled on the tour.
Our carefully selected routes will lead you along the most beautiful spots of Europe. The average daily distance is around 45 kilometers. Most participants prefer riding in a group with the cycling guide, but you can also ride individually. A road book is included (1x per cabin) and GPS-tracks are available.
The captain/skipper, the chef and your tour guide,on the guided tours, all welcome you warmly. They are prepared specifically for these trips and will provide good and safe passage, good meals, and a friendly, pleasant atmosphere. They will, of course, also give you a great deal of interesting information during and after the cycling and sailing.
The captain/skipper is responsible for the smooth running of things on board; the cook is in charge of the catering. On the guided tours a tour leader accompanies you during the bike ride and can assist in case of breakdowns. He/She will be your guide to point out the things of interest along the way. He/She is multi-lingual and speaks at least English.
The menu varies per barge but your chef is used to cook delicious meals for hungry cyclists. Besides an extensive breakfast, you will also be offered a packed lunch for on the road. It consists of different types of bread and sandwich fillings, juice, a snack and a piece of fruit. Lunch package needs to be prepared by yourself after breakfast. Dinner is different every day. There is no menu choice. There is a first course, main course and dessert The meals on board are included in the price, as are coffee and tea. Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks can be obtained at a reasonable charge. When you return on board after the day’s cycling, a cup of tea or coffee with a snack will be waiting for you.
If you have special meal requirements we ask you to mention this when booking. Diets which need a special preparation or special ingredients can only be offered in limited form. We will do our best to meet your needs, but we also ask for your understanding as due to limited logistic possibilities on a barge we are not able to prepare complete specialized menus.
On certain tours, in case of Celiac; gluten-free/lactose-free/ vegan meals there is an additional charge. You find the exact charges on the tour page.