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Duration
8 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights barge
Meals
  • 7 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

$1790USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: UBE

Trip highlights


  • Cycling through a changing landscape from the bustling city of Berlin through forests and rural landscapes to the Baltic Sea
  • Experiencing the coastal resort towns on the Baltic Sea islands
  • Exploring the Polish town of Szczecin and the Lower Oder National Park
  • Canals, ponds, inlets, the sea, and lots of birdlife
  • Soaking up the hospitality onboard the comfortable barge MS Princess

Discover parts of Germany few travellers ever see when you journey by barge and bike from Berlin to the Baltic Sea. Leaving the busting city of Berlin having explored the museums, historic sights and streetscapes at your leisure on foot, we set off through the vast forests in the north by bike. The first sail brings us through the Oder-Havel Canal, passing through Oranienburg and Eberswalde. The peaceful and unique landscape of the Oder river will continue as we head towards Poland. En route we cycle through the 'Lower Oder Valley National Park', a unique nature reserve on the border of Germany and Poland. We cross the border by boat staying overnight in Szczecin, one of the largest ports on the Baltic sea, with time to visit the castle in the city's historic centre. The boat will cross the Bay of Szczecin as we head back into Germany and continue cycling towards the gothic city of Stralsund. During the week long tour discover the varied flora and fauna of these unique fluvial landscapes, baroque castles, and northern German seaside resort towns. The comfortable barge will be our home for the week, where you can enjoy stunning views while sitting on the sundeck as we sail down the Oder River.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

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On arrival in Berlin, make your way to the boat which will be moored in central Berlin. Embarkation is at 4:00pm. We recommend exploring the sights of this interesting city, such as a stroll on the Kurfürstendamm, a walk through the Nicolai Quarter on Spree Island or a visit the Brandenburg Gate. There are numerous museums and historic sights to visit not to mention the excellent shopping and nightlife. Dinner on board the boat where you will share a welcome drink with your fellow cyclists.

Meals:  D

Today you will explore the expansive forests of the Ruppiner Lake District on your first cycling tour by following mysteriously interconnected waterways. The well-developed cycle path leads you northwards and away from the metropolis to Oranienburg. The palace in the heart of the city is one of the most significant Baroque buildings in the country, and the adjacent palace park invites you to linger. Here, you board again and we cruise to Eberswalde. The Eberswalde city lock in the heart of the city is the oldest operational lock in Germany.

Meals:  B,L,D

First, you ride along the towpath alongside the Finow Canal through beautiful landscapes, passing forests, clearings, and small hills towards Niederfinow with its impressive boat lift. Here you will find the oldest working boat lift in Germany elevating boats to manage the 36m/118ft difference of the waterway. It is possible to do a tour of the boat lift (not included) before continuing your ride. At Hohensaaten you will re-board the boat and cruise to Schwedt. Or if you wish to extend the ride, cycle through the crane resting area of the Auennationalpark from Hohensaaten to Schwedt (approx 32 km/20mi).

Meals:  B,L,D

Today you will bike through a part of a unique, cross-border protected area “Lower Oder Valley International Park” via the Oder-Neisse Cycle Path. The former estate of Criewen houses the National Park Centre of Germany's only floodplain National Park. On reaching Mescherin, you board the boat and can enjoy the cruise to Szczecin (Poland). Known as the green metropolis at the mouth of the Oder River, Szczecin is one of the largest ports on the Baltic Sea. Noteworthy is the castle of the Dukes of Pomerania located in the old town.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is spent on board the boat, a good opportunity to rest your cycling legs and take in the changing scenery from the sun deck. After one last narrow passage, the boat will arrive in the expansive waters of the Bay of Szczecin (Oder Lagoon). After the crossing, you will arrive in Zinnowitz. There will be an opportunity for an evening stroll between "Achterwasser“ and the Baltic Sea in one of the most beautiful seaside resorts.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today, you have a choice of cycle tours. You can either ride through Mölchow and Zecherin, passing by the Usedom Distillery (highly recommended!) to Peenemünde, with time for a visit to the Historical-Technical Museum. Or you can opt for the bike tour with a short detour to the Baltic Sea. The beach route takes you to the seaside resorts of Trassenheide and Karlshagen, inviting you to sunbathe on the fine sandy beach. Around 6.00pm you will leave Peenemünde by boat to Lauterbach in the southeast of the island of Rügen (arrival around 9.00pm).

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning don't miss visiting the nearby Putbus (approx 2km) with its well-known circus. Classical buildings line this circular “square”, where all the streets converge. The Circus, market place (Marktplatz) and town hall, orangery and former royal stables (now a theatre), were all renovated after 1991 creating a uniformly white styled town. Continue to Garz, Groß Schoritz (the birthplace of Ernst Moritz Arndt), Poseritz and Gustow with its well-known village church, and over the Rügen Dam to Stralsund, where the boat will meet you. Stralsund's Brick Gothic historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its old market square, ornate houses of various eras (Baroque, Patrician) and the imposing St Nicholas Church. Take your time strolling through the historic heart and perhaps have a coffee or beer in one of the many bars and cafes.

Meals:  B,L,D

The trip concludes after breakfast, with disembarkation at around 9:00am.

Meals:  B

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On arrival in Stralsund, make your way to the boat for boarding at 4:00pm. The city's Brick Gothic historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its old market square, ornate houses of various eras (Baroque, Patrician) and the imposing St Nicholas Church. Take your time strolling through the historic heart and perhaps have a coffee or beer in one of the many bars and cafes. Dinner on board the boat where you will share a welcome drink with your fellow cyclists.

Meals:  D

After breakfast you head off on your bikes, taking quiet roads through Stralsund over the Rügen Dam to Gustow with its well-known village church, then ride pass Poseritz, Groß Schoritz (the birthplace of Ernst Moritz Arndt) and Garz to Putbus. Don’t miss a visit to Putbus' well-known circus. Classical buildings line this circular “square”, where all the streets converge. The Circus, market place (Marktplatz) and town hall, orangery and former royal stables (now a theatre), were all renovated after 1991 creating a uniformly white styled town. Then it’s off to Lauterbach in the southeast of Rügen Island where the boat will be moored. The boat departs at around 6:30pm for Peenemünde on Usedom Island, arriving at around 9:30pm.

Meals:  B,L,D

Peenemünde is where the Peene empties into the Baltic Sea, in the northwestern part of Usedom Island. During WWII it was an important base for bomb production and was later occupied by the Soviets. It is worth visiting the historical/technical museum in the former power plant, or plan a visit to the Usedom Distillery in Mölchow (highly recommended! In good weather, we recommend the bike tour through Trassenheide and Karlshagen combined with a refreshing swim in the Baltic Sea. Afterwards, cycle to Zinnowitz, one of Usedom's most famous and beautiful seaside resorts. Situated between the Baltic Sea and Achterwasser, the town is surrounded by beech, oak, and pine forests, and the white, gently sloping sandy beach invites you to relax.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is spent on board the boat, an opportunity to rest your cycling legs and take in the changing scenery from the sun deck. Across the expansive waters of the Bay of Szczecin (Oder Lagoon) the boat docks at the Polish city of Szczecin, the green city on the mouth of the Oder and one of the largest ports on the Baltic Sea. The reconstructed castle of the dukes of Pomerania situated in the city’s historic centre is worth seeing.

Meals:  B,L,D

During the morning the boat crosses from Szczecin to Mescherin, the start point for today's cycle. The route takes you through a section of the unique cross-border protected area called "Lower Oder Valley International Park" via the Oder-Neisse Cycle Path before reaching Schwedt, your destination for the day. Along the way, you'll encounter the former estate of Criewen, which offers you the opportunity to visit the National Park Centre of Germany's only floodplain National Park.

Meals:  B,L,D

In the morning we cruise from Schwedt to Hohensaaten. The cycle route then takes you to the Niederfinow boat lift. Here you will find the oldest working boat lift in Germany elevating boats to manage the 36m difference of the waterway. It is possible to do a tour of the boat lift (not included). Continue by bike through the splendid landscape, passing by small hills, glades and forests – the last section will be on the Treidel bike route along the Finow Canal – to Eberswalde. In the heart of the city, in the Finow Canal, is the oldest working lock in Germany.

Meals:  B,L,D

The day starts with a cruise to Oranienburg, where we recommend you take the time to visit the Baroque castle with its park, museum and orangery. You will begin cycling on a well-marked bike route which meanders southward through the Ruppin sea area to Berlin. Later, take some time to explore the sights of this interesting city such as a stroll on the Kurfürstendamm, a walk through the Nicolai Quarter on Spree Island or visit the Brandenburg Gate. There are numerous museums and historic sights to visit not to mention the excellent shopping and nightlife. A final dinner on board the boat will be enjoyed with your fellow cyclists.

Meals:  B,L,D

The trip concludes after breakfast around 9:00AM, disembarkation and individual departure from Berlin.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners - breakfasts are buffet style consisting of breads, cereals, cheese, meats, fruit, yoghurt and breakfast beverages. Picnic lunches are assembled at breakfast time. Dinners are 3 courses served in the dining room. Special diets may be catered for on request (e.g. lactose-free and gluten-free diet) however there will be an extra fee (payable locally). Please advise us at the time of booking or at least 21 days prior to departure. If necessary, some special dietary supplements may need to be brought with you.
  • 7 nights accommodation aboard a Comfort barge in twinshare cabins with ensuite facilities on main deck cabin (supplement applies for other categories of berths on main or upper deck). The compact cabins are configured with two lower beds. We do not match travellers together so if you are travelling solo you will need to book a single cabin (limited and on a request basis - supplement applies).
  • Bicycle, 7 speed unisex model with hand and back pedal brakes or freewheel hubs with hand brakes only (the latter must be reserved in advance - limited number). The bike is supplied with a pannier and bicycle insurance (8 speed electric bike available on request for a supplement)
  • Information pack including route notes & maps per cabin. Plus navigational app access (smartphone required)
  • Cruise director on board - does not cycle with the group, provides daily briefings
  • Welcome drink and briefing on the first evening
  • All harbour, lock and bridge fees
  • Daily cabin cleaning
  • Linen and change of towels as required
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Berlin / Stralsund
  • Drinks other than afternoon tea and coffee on board
  • Upgrade to a cabin on upper deck or single cabin - supplement applies
  • Helmet - mandatory on all bike tours, you are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet, or can be purchased on board (limited availability) - brand: UVEX I-VO: EUR 40, payment in cash only
  • Entrance fees and excursions not specified, optional activities such as guided walks
  • Transfers not specified
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Tour guide - this is a self guided tour
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo (single use of a twin cabin)
  • Tips - while tipping is not obligatory, it is customary to offer a tip if the guide and crew have done a good job. As a guide we would recommend around EUR30-60 per person (to be distributed between the cruise director, captain and crew).
  • Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian). A supplement is payable for lactose or gluten free diets - EUR25pp (subject to change) paid locally on board. See below for further details regarding catering for dietary requirements.
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.

Cabins


Bike information


Grading

introductory to moderate  

INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE - GRADE 2 The cycling is introductory to moderate (2) grade with daily cycling distances from 15 to 48km/9.5 to 30mi. You will mostly be cycling on car-free trails, rural country roads with little traffic and asphalted bike lanes but also on dusty field paths and dirt roads, with a few short sections on federal highways. The routes are mostly flat with some hilly parts, although there will be a few steep inclines and downhills. Should you not wish to cycle you are welcome to relax on board. Electric bikes are also available and should be pre-booked. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos, visit a museum or enjoy the market places in many of the interesting towns visited. *For safety reasons, we highly recommend that cycle helmets be worn during cycle sections.


Departure dates


Notes

IT1
Trip begins in Berlin.
IT2
Trip begins in Stralsund
Note:
The 3rd bed of the triple share cabin is a fold-out Pullman bed (capacity is max. 70 kg)

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1790USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Discount for twin share main deck standard cabin - front and back of boatUSD$-102
  • Discount for twin share main deck comfort cabin - front and back of boatUSD$-68
  • Electric bike (limited and must be booked in advance)USD$140
  • Upper Deck twin cabin SupplementUSD$400
  • Single supplement - main deck only (single use of twin cabin)USD$570
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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Aboard the MS Princess | Berlin to the Baltic Sea Bike & Barge
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