Bike and Barge tours in Europe
Imagine cycling through the countryside while your floating hotel sails on to the next stop. Your luggage travels with the ship, so there is no need to carry it with you. That is the freedom of our bike and barge tours.
After a day in the saddle, the relaxed atmosphere on board makes it easy to slow down. Share stories with your fellow travellers, look back on the day and enjoy freshly prepared meals together. In the evening, settle into the salon with a drink or head up on deck to watch the sunset.
Do not expect a large cruise ship built around passive luxury. Our bike and barge tours are for travellers who enjoy being active and who value a friendly, sociable atmosphere over excessive luxury. You cycle during the day, relax on board afterwards and experience Europe at a wonderfully unhurried pace. Can you already picture yourself travelling this way?
Our bike and barge tours in short:
- Cycling by day; sleeping on a ship by night
- The floating hotel (with your luggage) travels with you
- Cycling tours in more than 10 European countries
- Ideal balance between active and relaxing moments
- Small, international groups of travellers
- Freshly prepared meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Private cabins with en-suite bathrooms
- Wi-Fi (limited) and mostly air conditioning
How does a bike and barge tour work?
With our bike and barge tours, you discover some of Europe’s most beautiful places from two different perspectives: from your bike saddle and from the water. During the day, you cycle along scenic routes with your travel group, accompanied by a tour guide. While you are out exploring, the barge sails ahead and meets you at the next overnight stop.
Once back on board, it is time to relax. Enjoy a freshly prepared meal, catch up with your fellow travellers and unwind in the lounge or on the sun deck. After a rewarding day of cycling, retreat to your private cabin with an en-suite bathroom, where your luggage is already waiting for you.
And there is no need to pack and unpack every day. Your accommodation simply travels with you along the water, while you explore beautiful cycling routes on land. Fancy a day of rest? Simply stay on board. You are free to shape your holiday entirely to your liking.
Choose your boat and bike tour in Europe
Which European country would you like to discover? You can choose from more than 10 countries, such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Each route follows excellent cycle paths close to rivers, canals and harbours, making it easy to return to your barge at the end of the day.
You can choose from a wide variety of boat and bike tours, including the famous tulip tours in the Netherlands. Or how about cycling and cruising along the Danube? Or maybe island hopping in Greece? The choice is yours.
Enjoy our on-board facilities
After a day on the bike, it is good to know that everything you need to relax is waiting for you on board. Our ships are comfortably furnished and designed to make you feel at home throughout your journey. You will find a spacious dining room, a sun deck and, on most ships, a cosy lounge with a bar: the perfect place to settle in after a day of cycling.
Most barges also offer limited Wi-Fi, while many are equipped with air conditioning. Coffee and tea are available throughout the day, and there is usually no shortage of snacks either.
Whether you feel like sharing the day’s stories with your fellow travellers or simply sitting back and watching the scenery drift by, there is always a comfortable spot to unwind.
Your cabin
You will have your own cabin on board. Most cabins are twin or double cabins, although some ships also offer single and triple cabins. Every cabin features a porthole or window, ensuring plenty of natural daylight. Good to know: storage space is limited, so we recommend bringing one suitcase or backpack per person. In most cabins, luggage can be stored conveniently underneath the bed.
All cabins are provided with:
- Private bathroom
- Hot and cold running water
- 220V European power sockets
- Central heating
- Wi-Fi (limited)
- Air conditioning (on selected ships)
- Wardrobe
- Hair dryer
- Porthole or window
- Soap dispensers (hair, body and hands)
The exact layout and facilities may vary from ship to ship. You can find detailed information about your ship on the relevant tour page.
4,0
1 reviews
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The cabins are small and compact but well laid out, so storage was no problem. Good ventilation and the beds were very comfortable. Everything was provided that we needed, and happy there was A/C in the cabins.
Your fellow travellers
One of the joys of a bike and barge holiday is the international atmosphere on board. You travel with people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds, making it easy to share stories, experiences and a good conversation along the way.
Most of our guests come from the United States and Canada, followed by travellers from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand. English is therefore the main language spoken on board and during the holiday.
Our guests are of all ages and include solo travellers, couples and, during the school holidays, families with children. Most groups consist of 12 to 26 people, keeping the atmosphere personal and sociable. During the day, you cycle together with the group and a tour guide, while still being free to ride at your own pace. Would you rather explore independently? Then you can also choose a self-guided bike and barge holiday.
Meet the crew
Our crew will give you a warm welcome on board! The team usually consists of the captain, a chef, a deckhand, a host, and a housekeeper who cleans your cabin daily. And then there are the tour guides: an essential part of your journey. They lead the cycling tours, tell you more about the regions you ride through and point out interesting places and highlights along the way. If you run into trouble with your bike, they are also there to help. Your guide is multilingual and speaks at least English.
Do you prefer to cycle independently? In that case, you will receive detailed travel information, a cycling guide and/or GPS tracks from us. The tour lead can also, in consultation with you, suggest an alternative or customised route. Whatever suits you best!
4,5
1 reviews
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I felt incredibly cared for and attented to by all crew members. We are not very experienced cyclist and the crew helped us and were very patient. No shame in being a beginner. They are fabulous representatives of Cycle Tours.
Choose your bike and equipment
Booking a bike for your tour is easy. You can choose from a range of rental bikes, including a standard touring bike, an e-bike or a children's bike. Whichever option you choose: your bike will be fully equipped with gears, hand brakes, a pannier bag, a sturdy lock, a water bottle, and a helmet.
Travelling with children? You can also rent additional equipment such as a trailer bike or a child’s seat.
Your bike, including any extras, will be ready for you at the departure point. We take your height into account so you can ride comfortably, and you will receive clear instructions on how to use the bike before setting off.
Prefer the familiarity of your own (e-)bike? You are welcome to bring it along. Every evening, all bicycles are placed safely on board, ready to travel with you to the next stage of your journey.
Mmm... 3 meals a day!
Meals on board vary slightly per barge, but your chef knows exactly what hungry cyclists need after a day on the saddle. Your day starts with an extensive breakfast buffet. Afterwards, you can prepare and pack your own lunch for the road, with a selection of bread, fillings, juice, a snack and fruit. Everything you need for a well-earned picnic along the way.
Back on board after your day’s cycling, a cup of tea or coffee and a snack will be waiting for you. And then comes dinner. Every evening, your chef prepares a fresh three-course meal, with a different menu each day.
All meals are included in the price, as well as coffee and tea. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available at a reasonable charge.
Dietary preferences?
Do you have allergies, food intolerances such as lactose or gluten, or specific dietary requirements such as vegetarian or pescatarian meals? Please let us know when booking. We will do our best to accommodate your needs, although the possibilities may be limited due to the logistical constraints of a barge kitchen.
On some tours, a small surcharge applies for gluten-free or lactose-free meals. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer vegan meals. Space for both storage and preparation is limited in the kitchens on board, which means we cannot guarantee that meals are completely vegan.
FAQ
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How do I book a bike & barge tour?
You can simply book a tour trough our website. An overview of all the tours can be found here. Click on 'read more' of your desired trip. When there are travel dates planned you can choose an available date and click on 'book'. Here you can fill in your information and wishes for the tour.
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Are these bike and barge tours suitable for seniors?
Absolutely, our bike and barge tours are suitable for seniors. The cycle paths are mostly flat and well-maintained, and you’ll also cycle an average of just 40 to 50 kilometres a day. On all tours, e-bikes are also available, giving you a little extra support whenever you need it.
So yes, our bike and barge tours are certainly suitable for seniors. But that doesn’t mean they are exclusively booked by older travellers. Our groups consist of people of all ages: from children to adults. A bike and barge tour is both enjoyable and suitable for everyone. -
How large is the group on board a Bike & Barge holiday?
The size of the group depends on the barge scheduled on the tour. The capacity of the barges varies between 10 and 170 participants, but on most barges the capacity is between 10 and 24 people.
However, on the larger barges a guided cycling group never consists of more than 26 people. -
How long are the daily cycling stages?
The average daily distance on our Bike & Barge tours in the Netherlands is 50 kilometers (32 miles). But don’t forget that Dutch countryside is very flat and the stages, taken at a leisurely pace, take seven to eight hours including a number of breaks and visits.The time spent on your bicycle is about 4 hours per day.
You find the average daily distance on the tour page under 'Summary'. -
Can I charter the whole boat?
Yes this is possible. Cycling, walking, sailing, culture trips or mini cruises: you can be inspired by one of our trips, or make one up together with us. The crew can be put to work to lighten your task as host or hostess. The chef can make sure you and your guests want for nothing in the culinary field. Want to know more? Don’t hesitate to contact us! Find more information here.
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What packing list do you suggest?
Specialised cycle clothing may be handy but not strictly necessary. What you do need (among other things) is the following:
• shorts/ long trousers/ track suit/ legging
• shirts/ sweater/ rain clothing
• good solid shoes/ sneakers
• sunglasses/ cap/ swimming costume
• personal care and beauty items
• insect repellent
• sunscreen
• gloves (if you travel in April or October it will be chilly in the morning)A hair dryer is available on all barges.
Your travel documents include the final packing list we suggest for your booked tour.