24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List
 
 

Top 10 Bike & Barge Trips in Europe

For Lovers of Active Barge Holidays

Bike & barge trips allow travellers to cover a great distance while only having to unpack once. Add in getting to wake up to a different view each morning, and it’s easy to see why Bike & Barge trips are so popular! 

Whether you prefer following meandering rivers or cycling along canals and waterways on board a comfortable barge, there’s a trip for you in our list of the Top 10 Bike and Barge holidays in Europe.

 

  1. The Danube by Bike & Barge Tour

  2. Cycling in beautiful Bratislava

    See the highlights of the Danube River on this popular bike & barge journey. Starting in Passau in Germany, you’ll follow Europe’s second longest river through three countries and some of the most picturesque landscapes in Europe.  

    Highlights of this trip include cycling along the Danube Bike Path and through the stunning Wachau Valley, exploring the romantic city of Vienna and picturesque Bratislava, and relaxing atop the sundeck of your comfortable barge and watching the timeless scenery pass you by.

  3. Provence Bike & Barge Tour

  4. MS Provence cruising past Vivier

     

    Discover the waterways and famous Rhone Cycle Route between Avignon and Aigues Mortes on this scenic bike and barge trip. 

    Highlights include tasting the wine varieties of the region, cycling along peaceful country roads, visiting châteaux, museums and abbeys, and exploring the impressive towns of Lyon, Arles, Viviers and Valence.

  5. Amsterdam to Bruges Bike and Barge Tour

  6. The Gouda cheese market

    Explore the lowlands of the Netherlands and Belgium on this classic introductory-level bike and barge holiday that’s perfect for people who are new to cycling or active holidays. 

    Cycle through landscapes dotted with windmills, explore the Biesbosch natural reserve, sample local specialties including cheese in Gouda, Belgian waffles, beer and mussels, and walk the cobblestone streets of historic cities including Amsterdam, Bruges and Ghent.

    It is also possible to upgrade to a deluxe vessel or to journey along a reverse itinerary route from Bruges to Amsterdam.

  7. Veneto Bike & Boat Tour

  8. Explore Venice on the Ave Maria barge and bike tour

    This enchanting guided bike & boat trip takes cyclist from Italy’s 'floating city' of Venice along the canals and waterways of the Po River, Italy’s longest river. 

    Highlights include the magical city of Venice, the walled city of Ferrara, cycling through the Po Delta natural reserve and the Renaissance town of Mantova. It is also possible to upgrade to a deluxe vessel.

  9. Berlin Bike & Barge Tour

  10. Cycling the quiet trails towards Straslund

    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. During the week-long tour, you'll 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.

  11. Burgundy Bike and Barge Tour

  12. Unpack only once on a bike & barge trip

    Experience the beautiful countryside, the medieval villages, the vineyards and the meandering rivers of Northern Burgundy from the comfort of your well appointed barge. 

    As you cycle each day you will soak up the beauty of the region, while sampling some of the best wines, cheeses, honey and ciders that Burgundy has to offer. Northern Burgundy is referred to as “The Land of Good Living” and by the end of this week long tour you’re sure to understand why!

  13. Holland's Tulip Bike and Barge Tour

  14. Cycle through the tulip fields of Holland |  <i>Cris Toala Olivares</i>

    Cycling through the tulip capital of the world in springtime must surely be one of life's must do experiences. 

    Based on board a comfortable river barge, the journey takes in springtime highlights including the world's largest flower gardens of Keukenhof in Lisse where bulbous flowering plants such as hyacinths, crocuses and of course tulips will dazzle with their colour and design. Windmills, wooden houses, museums and Amsterdam are also featured on this short cycle tour.

    There is also a premium vessel option.

  15. Scotland's Great Glen Bike & Barge Tour

  16. Inverness Cathedral St Andrews, across the River Ness

    Scotland's Great Glen Way walking trail stretches 75 miles from Fort William to the capital of the highlands, Inverness. Based on board a comfortable barge at night, this multi activity holiday incorporates hiking, cycling and canoeing in one of Scotlands most picturesque regions. The cruise offers the flexibility to walk, cycle or canoe sections of the route at an easy pace from one coast of Scotland to the other. The choice of how much activity to incorporate into the week long trip is up to you. 

    The barge stops are planned to suit the active stages, breaking them into manageable walks, cycles and paddles. Guided by an experienced escort, who will point out places of interest along the way, there is no shortage of highlights. From impressive views of the mystical Loch Ness to glimpses of Scotland's highest peak, Ben Nevis, this relaxed pace active holiday will immerse you in the Scottish Highlands. 

  17. Moselle Barge & Bike Tour

  18. Relaxing on the Moselle Bike Path |  <i>Ferienland Cochem Tourism</i>

    This German bike and barge trip along the Saar and Moselle Rivers has an ideal blend of activity, history, culture and relaxation. 

    The highlights of this trip include learning about ancient wine growing traditions, wine tasting, visiting impressive castles and the stunning Moselle Valley.

  19. Cologne to Mainz Bike & Barge Tour

  20. MS Olympia sails past a castle

    The landscapes of the Middle Rhine Valley look could easily be mistaken for fairytale illustrations. Lined with pretty riverside villages, steep vineyards, and what seems like a castle on nearly every hilltop, exploring the World Heritage listed region by both bike and barge is nothing short of magical. 

    On this week long cycle tour you will have the chance to explore the picture-perfect towns of Koblenz, Rudesheim, Cologne and Mainz. You will cycle past the merging point of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, Drachenburg Castle, and the fortress of Marksburg, the only hilltop castle of the middle Rhine that has never been destroyed. In the evenings you will relax on board the barge, enjoying the idyllic scenery and making friends with other like-minded cyclists, all while indulging in regional delicacies and a glass of the local wines.

 

> Browse our full range of Bike & Barge trips.

> View Bike and Boat Tour information.

> Join our Active Travel Community

Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips