Why are Bike & Boat trips in Europe so popular?

There’s European river cruising, and then there are authentic European river experiences.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgIlWAnWT2o&list=PLPVLLGjZwvQoDNLNLQ8I6xNFeZ97wRG6K&t=43s&index=6 Bike & Boat trips in Europe are booming as travellers seek out holidays that allow you to do more than just tick the obligatory box for dinner conversations. For those of you looking to travel deeper into the local landscapes, to explore the villages that bigger river cruising ships sail past, that don’t want to sacrifice real cultural engagement for the sake of uber luxury, then there’s a good chance that you too will be a convert to this active style of European river cruising. From the classic European cities that line the banks of the Danube, to the rivers and canals of Holland, France, Germany and Italy, Bike & Boat trips are extremely popular with riders of all ages and fitness levels thanks to the unique benefits that only this style of travel can provide.

Experience a new sunrise and sunset every day

Staying on a barge is much, MUCH, better than a hotel room with a pretty water view. Why? Because you are literally on the water, waking up to a different view each day and enjoying the sunset over a different, spectacular location each evening.

Cover more distance

Even with an electric bike, your typical cycling holiday will only allow you to cover a certain distance, typically within one country. Bike & Boat holidays open up the possibility to cross international borders, like along the Danube where you can travel from Austria to Hungary, experiencing the best in between, in just over a week.

Unpack only once

Let’s face it, even the most adventurous person doesn’t like doing chores on holiday and that’s what packing is for many travellers. On a Bike & Boat trip you have the luxury of unpacking just once, so settle in and relax once you hop aboard.

Get to places others can't

On waterways, size does matter. The bigger the ship, the less chance they have of navigating through narrower or shallower stretches of water, like canals. Combine this with your trusty bike and all of a sudden you are able to discover countryside and villages that the travellers on big ships never will. This is where you can stop at cafes and shops not designed for tourists, and let serendipity open you to the chance of real cultural interactions which are very likely going to be the memories that will last forever.

It’s a fun and unique experience to enjoy with like minded people

Bike & Boat holidays aren’t for everyone, and for many of you that’s a good thing. Travelling with like minded travellers, who all share the belief that the best way to experience a destination is to explore it in an active way, helps you break the ice quicker as you share more experiences ‘in-the-field’. Each afternoon, return to the barge sundeck where you can share a tale, and ale, recounting the wonderful day you all just had.

Learn about locks

Barge trips offer you the chance to learn about the raising and lowering of boats as they travel between rivers and canals of varying water levels. It’s simply amazing to watch and be part of, and learning about the process helps keep the mind active as well.  

Bonus: Popular Bike & Boat Trips in Europe

Ionian Islands Bike & Boat  | 8 days cycling & sailing in Greece | take me there

Loire Valley Bike & Barge  | 8 days boating & cycling in France | take me there

Kvarner Bay Bike & Boat | 8 days sailing & cycling in Croatia | take me there

The Danube by Bike & Boat  | 8 days boating & cycling in Austria, Germany & Slovakia | take me there

Amsterdam to Bruges  | 8 days bike & barge holiday in the Netherlands | take me there

Croatia Bike & Sail  | 8 days sailing & cycling in Croatia | take me there

Are you interested in other destinations? You have a lot more to choose from with UTracks. Check out the complete overview of Bike & Boat trips in Europe or go for a Bike & Sail holiday.

   
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