Bike and boat tours in Europe are a very popular holiday option. There is a limited availability of berths to travel on each season and it’s always advised to book well in advance for your preferred departure to avoid disappointment.

If you wish to do a seasonal bike and boat trip, e.g. to see the tulips in bloom in the Netherlands on the Tulip Tour, please be aware of the increased demand for this experience. Read our detailed article on when to book your bike and boat trip here.

A bike and barge tour cruises along the canals and rivers of Europe. Popular tours are in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and exploring the nations along the Danube river.

Bike and sail tours explore the open waters of the Mediterranean Sea and is popular in Croatia, Greece and Turkey. The vessels used are motorised yachts or gulets (a wooden Turkish sailboat).

Some bike and boat tours are family friendly. Check for the family friendly icon on the trip page or view our range of trips here.

The vessel you will be sailing on depends on the tour you have booked. You will find this information under the Cabins section on the trip page.

For some tours there is the option to upgrade to a premium or deluxe boat for extra comfort. Typically, an upgraded tour will follow the same itinerary as the basic tour.

The accommodation on a bike and barge tour will differ from tour to tour as different barges are used. Generally, your personal cabin can include these amenities:

• Hotel-style double beds or two single beds • Private bathroom with shower and hair dryer • Heating and air conditioning • Flat screen TV and radio • Safe • Telephone

On board amenities can include:

• Restaurant • Bar, lounge and dance floor • Library • Sun deck with lounges, chairs and tables • Wireless internet

Plus, there is a full team of bilingual staff on hand to ensure your journey is unforgettable.

The accommodation on a bike and sail tour will differ from tour to tour as different vessels are used. There is also the option to upgrade boats on some trips. Generally, your personal cabin can include these amenities:

• Double or twin single beds • Private shower and toilet • Hair dryer • Wardrobe

On board shared amenities:

• Dining area and lounge • Deck area with sunbeds

Plus, there is a full team of bilingual staff on hand to ensure your journey is unforgettable.

Complimentary wireless internet is available on most boats, however the speed is perfect for checking emails and browsing the internet but not for streaming.

Given our tours are generally 8 days long there is no laundry service available.

Smoking in your cabin and in shared spaces (e.g. restaurant, lounge) is not allowed. There are designated smoking areas onboard some boats however some boats ban smoking entirely. Refer to your trip notes or get in touch with us for more information.

The bikes used differ from tour to tour, but they are generally a multi-speed bicycle fitted with brakes and a lock. You’ll also get a pannier (small bag that attaches to your bike) so you can store any gear you’ll need for the days’ activities. Check the Bike Information section on the particular trip page for more bike information.

We always recommend using a helmet on our cycling tours for your safety and this is a compulsory requirement on many of our tours. In some European countries it is required by law to wear a helmet.

On some tours it is possible to bring your own bike to use. Please get in touch with us for further information and confirmation.

Electric bikes (e-bikes) are available on most UTracks cycling tours. Check the Bike Information section on the particular trip page for more information regarding availability.

Each morning starts with a hearty buffet breakfast to fuel your day. Packed lunches are assembled before you head out. The boat will dock to land and the crew will get your bikes ready for the day’s journey.

If you’re on a guided tour, your guide will lead the way as you pedal through Europe’s beautiful countryside. For a self guided tour, you are free to cycle at your own pace as you follow the route notes (maps, navigation apps) of your itinerary.

At the end of the days cycling adventures, you’ll meet up with the boat. The crew will pack away your bike and you’ll have the evening free to prepare for dinner, socialise, read a book, or simply enjoy the surrounds as you cruise downstream. The best part about a bike and boat trip is only having to unpack once!

If you’d like to read some firsthand traveller experiences of a bike and boat tour with UTracks, find them in our Bike and Boat Travel Stories section in our blog.

You are welcome to stay on the boat instead of cycling. Please get in touch with us for specific trip information.

It is not common for travellers to become seasick on a bike and boat tour. On a barge trip, these vessels are long and heavy and the river waters are typically calm. On all of our tours the boat captains are well experienced and there’s also staff on hand to help with any medical problems if they arise.

The number of people on your bike and boat tour depends on the tour, the size of the vessel, and what time of the season it is. Bike and sail trips in Greece and Croatia travel on a yacht that can accommodate 32, like the Linda, whereas some of the bike and barge tours along the Danube river can sleep up to 170 passengers, like the MV Vivienne.

People of all nationalities travel on our European bike and boat tours. In general, travellers come from Australia, New Zealand, North America, the UK and Europe. There can be a mix of languages on board however all our tours are run in English.