Bike and barge tours are a fantastic way for travellers to discover some of Europe’s most scenic waterways.
The continent boasts an extensive network of cycling paths, with many conveniently located beside these rivers and canals.
The result? Bike and barge river cruises have become a popular and authentic way to experience these beautiful landscapes.
Lenny Versteeg is the owner of BikePlanet Tours and a barge called IRIS; since 2010 Lenny and her team have delivered affordable guided barge and bike tours in Europe. BikePlanet Tours combines gentle daily cycling with accommodation on board a barge each night.
Below Lenny delves into how a bike and barge trip works in practice, the best bike and barge trips in Europe and what you can expect from this unique style of cycling holiday.
Part 1: Is a bike and barge tour for you (and which trip to choose)?
What is a bike and barge tour?
A bike and barge tour combines cycling and accommodation aboard a barge.
These holidays take place on inland waterways, canals, rivers or lakes.
During the day, guests cycle from A to B; typically, the barge sails to where you will cycle, docking for the afternoon. On some tours, to enable greater distances to be covered, the boat may sail whilst everyone is on.
Varied barge sizes
The barge comes with a range of services to enable you to relax and unwind whilst aboard. On Bike Planet Tours, this Includes daily meals and cabin cleaning.
Barges differ in length and width; the smallest sized barge only accommodates six people, and the largest up to 40.
All barges have cabins for you to sleep in, and most offer private en suite showers and a toilet. See below for more information.
Different barges also deliver different service levels, this is typically dependent on their classification and includes comfort, deluxe and premium. Our IRIS barge is classed as premium.
Top tip! The price of the barge tours is a good indication of the class you are booking.
Food
Food is an important part of a bike and barge tour.
Meals are included in the price of BikePlanet Tours, except for one night where you can dine in a nice village or city.
Chefs prepare your food on board daily; guests can expect three-course dinners and local dishes. Dietary needs are catered for, and there might even be a daily choice for the main course.
Top tip! The higher the prices, the better the quality of the food is going to be. On premium barges, this can be a real highlight of the holiday.
Cycling guides
Each day, guests cycle to a new destination.
On BikePlanet Tours guests are joined by friendly guides who are familiar with the region you are exploring.
These guides enhance the experience, providing invaluable insight and stories about the area you are cycling through. They also provide support with any issues along the way.
Why book a bike and barge holiday?
Barge and bike tours offer a unique way to experience some of Europe’s best waterways.
Each night you dock on the river and are often located next to the historic centres of towns or cities.
After dinner, you can hop off the boat and go for a stroll! Despite these popular, central locations, the barges are well-insulated and provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.
Relaxing, hassle-free accommodation
The barge provides a comfortable space to wind down, relax, eat, drink and sleep.
Staying on one barge for the whole week enables guests to only unpack once. This means you can quickly settle in and get comfortable.
Daily cycling routes
Each day you can cycle from where you are docked to your next overnight stop.
It’s a great opportunity to take in the local area you are exploring and enjoy being active at your own pace.
Each route is pre-planned and some are also led by a guide (depending on the type of tour you have booked, see more below), so you can simply enjoy the cycling.
One of the big benefits of a barge holiday is the opportunity for you to have an optional rest day if you feel like it. This makes a bike and barge holiday a great option for beginners, or those looking for a gentle cycling holiday option. Find out more about more below.
Camaraderie
Getting to know other like-minded guests is a big part of the experience.
Bike and barge tours are popular with a range of international English-speaking guests, including the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.
Many people leave with lifelong friendships forged and we regularly see them return to take on another bike and barge experience together.
Support
Help is available whenever you need it.
On the barge, there is food and drink easily available, including coffee and tea 24/7, cookies and fruit.
We’ve found the best cycling routes, so you don’t have to worry about planning your routes each day. You’ll be supported by experienced guides who keep you safe and having fun.
All you need to do is make your way back to the ship before it starts sailing again the next day!
Why is Europe perfect for bike and barge tours?
Alongside some of the world’s best-known waterways, Europe is home to a comprehensive network of cycling trails. This combination provides all the essential ingredients needed for a memorable bike and barge tour.
The barge docked on the Rhine River
Extensive cycling infrastructure
Some of the best European countries for a bike and barge holiday include The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and France. Other countries such as Switzerland and Austria also have beautiful rivers and good cycling paths to explore, though BikePlanet Tours utilises hotels and river cruise ships in these locations.
Each country has an abundance of signposted traffic-free cycle paths, including many multi-day routes found along rivers. These cycle paths are also often away from traffic and tend to have flat terrain.
These river bike paths take you into the heart of the towns and cities. So, there is a safe way of getting to the barge.
When these cycle paths aren’t available, low-traffic roads are used instead.
Rivers and canals
Europe has many major rivers that connect major cultural hubs and are navigable by boat.
The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany have extensive waterways on lowlands. This network of canals and rivers acts as a sort of delta and provides lots of options to navigate by boat.
In France, the waterways are mainly only navigable by the smallest size of barges, known as the Spits. However, most barges tend to be bigger in size, so the options in France are limited to a part of the Moselle and the River Rhone.
The Danube River is another popular option. It originates in Germany and snakes its way through several countries before it reaches the Black Sea. There are not many barge tours on this river, but there are many cycle tours on river cruise ships.
Heritage and towns
European rivers have always been important for trade and travel.
This rich history is evident in the many old villages, towns and cities located next to these rivers.
Weather
European summers are a great time to explore its waterways, with generally good conditions for cycling. The cycling season starts early in April and ends around late October.
Where are the best bike and barge trips in Europe?
Bike Planet offers a number of bike and barge options across Europe. See them all here, or find out more about our most popular itineraries below.
A group picture opportunity on the Tulip Tour
Tulip Tours, The Netherlands
Tulip bike tours take place over a short period of time during spring and enable guests to experience the beautiful abundance of spring flowers in the Netherlands. This includes the iconic tulip fields in full bloom.
This bike and barge tour is packed with other highlights of the region, from windmills and cheese farms to historical city centres. The tour also starts and finishes in the legendary capital Amsterdam, a bustling cycling hub.
Amsterdam to Bruges, The Netherlands and Belgium
An iconic city-to-city bike and barge tour that enables guests to cycle between two countries.
This bike tour from Amsterdam to Bruges visits the UNESCO World Heritage site Kinderdijk; this incredible collection of windmills is the largest in the Netherlands!
Other cultural gems on the journey include the old, fortified town of Willemstad, as well as the historical towns of Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges, the capital of West Flanders.
The Moselle, Germany
The Moselle River connects the Rhine region in Germany with Luxembourg and Metz in France.
The river meanders through the beautiful Moselle Valley; this region is a renowned wine producer with steep hills covered in grapevines. Alongside the river are gentle cycle paths that are virtually traffic-free.
Moselle cycling is a real delight; the picturesque towns and villages along the river are full of history. The city of Trier is a particular highlight and home to an old Roman winepress. You can also visit the impressive urban waterfall in Saarburg.
The Rhine, Germany and The Netherlands
This mighty river is home to many castles and historic cities. Cycling down the Rhine is also a popular option!
We have multiple bike and barge tours that include cycling the Rhine, including an itinerary starting in Amsterdam in the Netherlands and finishing in Koblenz in Germany Other itineraries take you as far as Heidelberg or Aschaffenburg.
The Danube, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary
Europe’s second-largest river is navigable from Passau.
This 8-day bike and boat tour takes in an impressive four countries and involves cycling on the popular Danube cycle path.
Aside from the opportunity to enjoy daily cycling down the Danube, the main highlight of this guided cycling tour is the opportunity to see three of Europe’s most impressive capital cities Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.
The beautiful Danube river cruise
Who are bike and barge tours for?
Generally, bike and barge tours in Europe are great for couples and friends who enjoy leisure cycling.
Bike and barge tours enable more flexibility for these groups of guests, particularly if there is a couple with different cycling abilities and goals.
For example, if someone feels like they don’t want to cycle on certain days, there is the option to stay on the boat for a rest day.
The daily cycle routes are also typically flat, gentle and easy. Two group cycling options with different paces enable groups of mixed abilities to cycle at their preferred pace that day.
Bike and barge tours include plenty of sightseeing so are ideal for anyone who wants to experience lots of history and culture on their holiday.
We also see a lot of solo travellers on bike and barge tours; the social group cycling is a great opportunity for solo guests to connect with other cyclists and our guides.
Families are also welcome and can hire tag-a-longs, children’s seats, or a child’s bike. For anyone wanting to hire a child’s bike, an assessment of pace will be made to determine their ability to keep up with the group. See below for more information about bike hire options.
Are bike and barge holidays in Europe typically guided cycling holidays?
There are several types of cycling options: self-guided, semi-guided and guided. Here’s more information about how these work.
Self-guided
You are usually provided with cycle routes and navigate yourself to the next overnight destination.
Semi-guided
There is a tour leader on board the barge who explains the next day’s ride. But they don’t lead the ride and cycle with you. They usually stay on board the barge or sometimes cycle behind the group.
Guided
Depending on the size of the group, there are one or two guides that cycle with guests each day.
The group is typically split into two to provide different pace options. This also makes stopping for facilities and food easier. The group generally spreads out during the ride and there is plenty of opportunity to stop and take your time; a volunteer from the group will act as a sweep and will wait with you.
BikePlanet Tours offers guided tours because we believe that the guides add so much to the daily cycling. They are informative and entertaining, enabling you to learn more about the region you are cycling through.
Our local guides hard at work planning the next cycle route for guests
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Want help organising your Bike and Barge tour?
We’ve been helping guests with bike and barge holidays in Europe since 2017. We would love to help you plan your trip.
Get in touch and let's discuss the best bike tour for you.
Check out our website so we can start helping you craft your perfect bike and barge trip.
Part 2: How to plan for your bike and barge tour
Can I hire bikes?
Prices, services and bike brands often change. Please let us know if anything is incorrect.
Yes, barge and bike holidays offer bikes for rent; typically, there are two options available, including regular hybrid bikes and electric bikes. These bikes come with pannier racks and bags for easily stashing extra layers and your picnic. You also get a helmet included.
Bike set up
We always take the heights of guests when they book so we can get your bikes set up and ready to ride.
On the first day, there is a bike session where everyone can try out their bike; the guides are on hand to make any adjustments, so the bikes are perfectly fitted before we start. Guests can also bring their own pedals or even saddles if they wish. The guides can assist you with fitting these.
E-Bikes
BikePlanet Tours offers the best possible E-Bikes on the market. These bikes come with a belt instead of a chain, easy gearing and max battery. The guides take care of charging the batteries each day.
Be aware! Sometimes the availability of electric bikes is limited, so it depends on the barge you book.
Electric bikes are becoming more popular on our barge trips. But, for anyone with good general fitness and some biking experience, they are not a necessity on BikePlanet Tours.
Hybrid bikes
The regular hybrid bikes at BikePlanet Tours come with a derailleur and eight gears. They also have wider bike tyres to provide a better grip on the different surfaces we cycle on.
These bikes are sturdier than road bikes and better suited to the terrain you’ll encounter.
Children’s bikes
BikePlanet Tours also provides children’s bikes, child seats for adult bikes, tag-along bikes and bike trailers on request. There is an additional hire charge for certain items.
A pit stop in the beautiful city of Budapest
Can I bring my own bike?
Remember to double-check accommodation bike storage arrangements (and any other services you need) before booking as policies often change.
Sometimes it is possible to bring your own bike. However, it depends on the barge and bike company, so inquire about that before you book.
BikePlanet Tours allows guests to bring their own bikes on our IRIS barge. In the past, we’ve even had a tandem onboard! We use IRIS on all of the itineraries mentioned in this article, with the exception of our Danube tour.
Are my pets allowed on board the barge?
Unfortunately, we do not allow pets on BikePlanet Tours to ensure a comfortable experience for all guests, especially those with allergies.
This policy also benefits pets, as they would be left in an unfamiliar environment for extended periods. There are not always convenient opportunities to take your pet out for a comfort break, and animals unaccustomed to travelling on a boat can become frightened.
In our experience, pets may even experience motion sickness. While our canals and rivers are generally quite smooth, pets are often more sensitive to motion than we are.
However, if a group of family or friends is chartering the entire barge, we may be open to negotiating a pet’s presence. This is provided everyone agrees and all concerns are thoughtfully considered.
How can I prepare for a bike and barge holiday?
To get the most out of a bike and barge holiday, it’s best to have some recent cycling experience.
Daily distances are manageable, but occasional cyclists may find them a bit challenging. Many participants ride without regular practice at home; if you’re fit, you should handle it well. Some may find the saddle uncomfortable after a few days, so we provide gel seat covers for comfort.
If you’re new to e-bikes, we suggest trying one before your trip to adapt to its weight and improve your confidence in starting and stopping.
Basic cycling skills, such as balance and road awareness, are essential. We mostly avoid technical trails and steep hills; guests can expect some cycling on shared paths and narrow trails, where cycling with care is important.
For self-guided or semi-guided tours, assistance may be limited during rides, so be prepared to tackle issues like flat tyres on your own. Help is available on board if needed.
Guides are a key advantage on bike barge tours. They assist with any punctures, tyre changes, and mechanical issues. They also carry tools and spare parts for repairs on the road and clean your bike after wet rides.
Sponsor Message
Want help organising your Bike and Barge tour?
We’ve been helping guests with bike and barge holidays in Europe since 2017. We would love to help you plan your trip.
Get in touch and let's discuss the best bike tour for you.
Check out our website so we can start helping you craft your perfect bike and barge trip.
Part 3: What to expect on a bike and barge tour
What does a typical day look like?
On average daily cycling distances are around 40 kilometres (25 miles) a day, with plenty of time for refreshment stops and photo opportunities. The ride is enjoyed at a leisurely pace, allowing you to enjoy the scenery.
Exploring beautiful windmills on Amsterdam to Bruges
Breakfast
After opening the curtains to the water lapping below your cabin window (and maybe even a passing swan tapping on the glass) guests enjoy a lavish buffet breakfast in the dining room freshly prepared by the onboard chef.
Some days the boat is docked. On occasions the barge may also be cruising during breakfast – it’s a lovely way to start the day!
During breakfast there is also an opportunity to make a picnic lunch to take along for the bike ride. After breakfast the guides may give a brief recap of the day (after the full briefing the previous evening) and then everyone gets prepared to leave the barge.
The bikes are taken off the barge and set up on shore ready for you. These will have been checked over the previous evening by the guides. So, you are ready to go with no fuss!
Morning ride
After waving goodbye to the barge at 9 am, the guides lead the way.
Someone will always act as a ‘sweep’ so you don’t have to worry about being left behind or losing your way.
Stops along the way
There are regular stops planned throughout the day, each offering a unique insight into the area you are cycling through.
Depending on your tour, you may see a vineyard, a castle, a cheese farm, a cosy cafe or simply enjoy a beer terrace by the water. After a mid-morning break, it’s time to get back on the bikes.
At lunch, everyone stops to enjoy their picnics.
Sometimes this might be at a cafe where additional drinks or a coffee can be purchased. These will have been arranged in advance enabling us to eat picnics fuss-free, they are also especially convenient on days with less favourable weather conditions.
Afternoon ride
After lunch the cycling continues with another sightseeing stop likely. You may also encounter a small ferry to cross the river on your bikes, or another refreshment stop.
Usually around mid-afternoon, we meet the barge in our new mooring destination for the night. Sometimes we join the Barge before the day’s destination and enjoy a post-cycle drink on the sun terrace of the Barge as we cruise along to our mooring spot.
Either way, it’s time to get back on the barge. The guides and barge crew take care of the bikes while you help yourself to a drink at the bar and snacks prepared by the chef and host.
Evening
After arriving back to your clean cabin, you can shower and change before enjoying some free time. It’s a great chance to have a nap, unwind on the sun terrace, pop up to have a chat with the captain or go explore the new town the barge is docked in for the night.
At 6:30 pm, the ship’s bell signals dinner and you make your way to the dining room. The chef always introduces the three-course menu, and a complimentary drink is also served. The bike guides also join you for this meal, which is always a good chance to ask them any questions.
After dinner, there are several activities to choose from, including a walking tour, wine tasting, a “Captain’s Talk,” or relaxing with live music and a singalong. There is also the next day’s itinerary briefing.
A tasty meal on board IRIS
Do I have to cycle every day?
Not at all. One of the main benefits of bike and barge trips is that you can also enjoy a day cruising onboard if you wish.
This is a great opportunity to relax on the barge and admire the changing scenery as you sail. Experiencing the barge passing through locks is also fascinating. Depending on when the barge reaches its evening docking destination, it can also enable guests more time to explore and enjoy some shopping.
Sometimes there are also options to cycle part of the day and catch up with the barge along the route, or vice versa. This means you can take on as much, or as little cycling as you feel up to on the day.
Be aware! This option is not always available. It depends on the logistics of that specific day.
How challenging is the cycling?
The daily cycling routes on bike and barge tours are generally considered gentle and easy.
The riding takes place on designated, traffic-free cycle paths as much as possible.
In some countries, such as the Netherlands, the cycling infrastructure is so comprehensive that nearly every mile will be on fantastic cycle paths and almost totally flat! However, the Netherlands does sometimes get strong winds which are referred to as the ‘Dutch Mountains’; if the winds are strong, it can feel a lot more challenging.
In other countries, there may be more mixed infrastructure. This means daily routes may combine a mix of off-road river paths that are shared with pedestrians, as well as some quiet, undulating roads. There may also be occasional busier road crossings to negotiate.
Be aware! Generally, the cycling routes are paved. But there may be some short sections of rougher, perhaps gravelly surface to navigate.
Sponsor Message
Want help organising your Bike and Barge tour?
We’ve been helping guests with bike and barge holidays in Europe since 2017. We would love to help you plan your trip.
Get in touch and let's discuss the best bike tour for you.
Check out our website so we can start helping you craft your perfect bike and barge trip.
What is staying on a barge like?
One of the key differences between staying in multiple hotels versus staying on a barge for several days is that you only have to unpack once.
Having the same room for the duration of your cycling trip has a number of benefits; less time packing means there’s more time to relax each day, so you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast, an early morning stroll or explore each destination a little more.
Staying on a barge also offers a unique shared experience with each group; communal meals and shared activities every day mean you can easily meet others and build new friendships. There’s a real family feel on board a barge.
Here are a few things you can expect on board IRIS, a barge we use regularly on BikePlanet Tours.
Example of a twin bedroom and en suite bathroom on board IRIS
Cabins
Most of the barge cabins have beds and en suite shower rooms. These can be configured as either a double or twin bed.
On many barges, all cabins are the same. However, some barges have larger cabins to accommodate three or more guests.
IRIS has 12 cabins with double or twin beds. Every cabin can be turned into a double or twin, depending on our guest’s needs.
The cabins on barges are smaller than an average hotel room. They still come fully furnished with considerable storage space, including overhead cupboards and bedside units. You’ll also find other amenities typical of a hotel room, including reading lights above the bed, electric sockets and USB charging points.
The cabins are located below the barge’s deck. They come with good-sized windows above the water level. This offers you great views of the surrounding scenery from your bed. However, whenever the boat is docked, one side of the barge will be against the dock blocking the view.
Communal areas
IRIS also has a large communal space located on the upper main deck level.
It comprises a large dining room which can accommodate guests for breakfast and dinner each day.
This area is also great for playing table games, or catching up on work, if necessary. This communal area is open-plan and comes with a comfortable lounge that has plenty of seating space and large windows overlooking the views.
In this space, there is also a full bar, books and games. There is also a drinks station with a hot drinks machine, and a selection of teas, condiments and biscuits that is regularly replenished.
Outside, on the same level, there is also a sun terrace with seating and tables and a sun awning for the hot summer days.
Wi-Fi and services
Wi-Fi Internet is available in all areas on the barge. The strength of the Wi-Fi may differ from place to place.
Laundry services are not offered onboard as standard due to the demands of the barge’s general laundry needs and limited facilities. However, under special circumstances or in particularly bad weather, the crew will always do their very best to help people out with any urgent laundry needs.
Additional spaces
It is also possible to have a peek in the kitchen and visit the wheelhouse at the back of the barge when accompanied by a crew member.
A group unwinds on the outdoor terrace of IRIS
How to find out more about BikePlanet Tours
Find out more about the bike and barge cycling holidays BikePlanet Tours offer. Get in touch!
Thank you Lenny for sharing these insights. A bike and barge tour offers you the chance to really relax and go with the flow. We love the idea of discovering Europe’s waterways this way. Do you agree?
If you book a bike and barge tour, let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear how you get on!
Looking for more information about a bike and boat tour? Don’t miss this article about BikePlanet Tours Danube trip.
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Lenny is based in The Netherlands and owns the family-run BikePlanet Tours.
In 2010 Lenny bought a passenger barge called IRIS. Her focus was creating an amazing experience for guests. With help from a great crew, the family-run business thrived. Since then both of Lenny's sons have got involved. Wouter, a skilled bike guide, has been with them for years and will soon be a captain. Tim joined the team in 2020, handling marketing and guiding. Wouter and Tim operate the IRIS year-round from its docked base in Amsterdam.
Due to high demand, Lenny expanded tours beyond IRIS in 2016 and also oversees BikePlanet Tours.
BikePlanet Tours offers a range of trips that use barges, river cruise boats and hotels in many other countries worldwide. This includes along the Danube, as well as in France, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, Luxembourg and even New Zealand. These tours are always lively, with wonderful guests who enjoy cycling and exploring nature and culture.
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Sponsor Message
Want help organising your Bike and Barge tour?
We’ve been helping guests with bike and barge holidays in Europe since 2017. We would love to help you plan your trip.
Get in touch and let's discuss the best bike tour for you.
Check out our website so we can start helping you craft your perfect bike and barge trip.
Over the years, we have done 6 Lenny trips . Bike & Barge on the Iris. And bike and hotel. All excellent trips. Jupke, Tim, Felix and Hugo are great guides. I recommend any trip that Lenny puts together.
Hi Richard, thanks for taking the time to share this feedback! Great to hear!