Bike & Boat
Bike & Boat Holidays – Cycle by Day, Sail by Night
Travelling by bike and boat is truly something special: while you explore the region by bike during the day, the boat cruises to the next port and waits for you there in the evening. No need to pack your bags every day, you spend your time discovering the country and its people by bike – and on days when you'd rather take it easy, simply stay on board, read a good book on the sun deck and enjoy a leisurely chat with your fellow travellers.
Further down you'll find information for first-time guests as well as travel reports from our enthusiastic bike and boat guests. You'll soon discover – no two trips are alike, and each one has its very own special appeal.
Top tip: Bike and boat holidays tend to get booked up earlier than classic cycling tours. Book early and you're far more likely to secure your preferred ship on your chosen dates!
Show more Show less
Cycle or relax – you decide
During the day, you explore the region by bike: historic towns, quiet riverside paths, spectacular coastal scenery. In the evening, the boat is waiting in the next harbour – with a hot meal ready and waiting, your cabin and good company on the sun deck.
And if you don't feel like cycling one day? Simply stay on board and enjoy a proper rest day. That's what makes bike and boat holidays perfect for couples, families and groups with different fitness levels.
Your floating hotel – check in once, then just enjoy
You settle into your cabin on the first day – and don't leave until the last. No changing hotels, no lugging luggage. The boat is your hotel, dining room and living room all in one, and it travels with you the whole way.
The cabins themselves are as varied as the destinations: sometimes rustic and cosy like the Croatian wooden ship MS Planka, sometimes elegant like the premium ship MS Magnifique II, sometimes full of nautical charm aboard the three-masted clipper Elizabeth – every ship has its own character. Take a look at the ship descriptions and photos and choose the one that suits your style.
In good hands – from the first stage to the last harbour
Ships accommodate between 20 and 80 guests, depending on the route, creating an atmosphere where it's easy to strike up conversations. You share meals, cycling routes and impressions with people who, like you, appreciate the combination of movement, nature and comfort.
The captain knows river currents, lock schedules and weather conditions – and the tour guide leads you safely through each day's route. Please note: boat trips depend on wind, weather and water levels, and occasional deviations from the planned itinerary can occur. Your safety always comes first.
Who is bike and boat right for?
A bike and boat holiday suits anyone who wants to travel actively but without the daily hassle of packing and moving their bags. It's especially popular with couples and groups of mixed fitness levels – those who want to cycle do, and those who'd rather spend a quiet day on the sun deck are equally well catered for. Even first-time boat guests quickly find their rhythm: on the bike in the morning, arriving at the harbour in the evening, and in between doing as much or as little as feels right.
Our bike and boat tours take you through some of Europe's most beautiful waterways – from the Danube to the Croatian Adriatic and the canals of the Netherlands. Every route has its own character, every ship its own atmosphere. All current tours are listed above, sorted by region.
Frequently asked questions about bike and boat holidays
Is bike and boat suitable for solo travellers?
Yes, very much so. The small group size on board means you quickly find company. Many of our guests travel alone and love exactly this atmosphere – shared meals and days out on the bike make it easy to connect with others.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If you don't fancy cycling in the rain, simply stay on board – the boat travels on regardless. In extreme conditions or at very low water levels, deviations from the planned route may be necessary. Your safety always takes priority.
How far is the boat from the cycle route?
As a rule, the boat is moored right in the next harbour, in the centre of town. Routes are always planned so that your boat is waiting for you at the end of each day's ride – no long transfers required.
