FRANCE BELGIUM HOLLAND GERMANY GREECE CROATIA TURKEY ITALY VIETNAM CANADA
Bike & Barge cruises combines two popular ways of exploring Europe (cycling & river or island cruising), it allows partners of different abilities & interests to holiday together (trips are just as interesting for non-cycling partners, leisure cyclist OR enthusiasts), you unpack once & come ‘home’ each night to a wonderful meal and a comfortable cabin with your own bathroom. These cruises are rapidly becoming the thing to do in Europe appealing to the more active traveller over 40.
These fully inclusive cruises offer the opportunity to explore beautiful countryside and historic cities sampling traditional Belgian or German beers, regional wines and fresh cheeses, hams or local produce in the company of like-minded cyclists. These holidays are conducted in English but passengers often include a mix of different nationalities – with English, German, French or Dutch as the main languages - adding to the cultural enjoyment of the experience.
Well-maintained multi-geared bikes are provided (passengers can bring their own if they prefer) with panniers to carry your picnic lunch and camera. The cycling is fascinating and varied with free time to explore each day’s destination.
A suggested typical day will include a buffet breakfast, briefing on the route & bike check, 2-3 hours of leisurely or moderate cycling (most rides are along sealed towpaths, backroads or trails through river valleys or beside canals or perhaps along a rugged coastline), picnic lunch with some sightseeing, a further 2-3 hours (as the boat goes ahead to the next overnight stay) then afternoon tea, a shower or swim, a 3-course dinner followed by a city walk, canal boat sightseeing or a stroll for coffee or nightlife in a historic square.
Demand is fast outstripping supply with these barges & early bookings are essential. Here is a selection of the destinations and cruises we offer:
FRANCE & BELGIUM - FROM BRUGES TO PARIS or return
Our most popular 2-week itinerary, from the beautiful city of Bruges in Belgium to the capital of France, Paris - the City of Light.This cruise visits several historic towns and cities, Conflans, Compiegne, St. Quentin (with its Gothic basilica), through the tunnel of Riqueval, to Doornik once an important place for and Oudenaarde (which has a beautiful town hall) and the historic and beautiful city of Ghent.
The ride from Paris or Bruges takes in quiet country roads, towpaths, paved forest trails and the occasional cobblestone road in cities and major towns.In Belgium we cycle through relatively flat country and much of the route will be along towpaths.In France we follow country roads and the occasional bike path. Towards Paris the terrain will get hillier and of course traffic may increase, as we get closer to the city – but there is the option of staying on the boat to avoid the traffic if you prefer.
There are several boats and several routes that we offer between Bruges and Paris.A highlight of some departures on the cruise aboard the Elodie will be a two-night stop in Peronne, a small town in the Somme region of Northern France, just 35km from Villers-Bretonneux where ANZAC Day is now celebrated.From Peronne you have access to the many important World War One ‘Western Front’ battle sites, cemeteries and memorials and there is free time to visit Amiens, Fromelles and Bullecourt.
HOLLAND & BELGIUM - FROM AMSTERDAM TO BRUGES Travel through a ever-changing rural landscape – the landscape made famous by the paintings of the Dutch Masters - as you cycle from one country to the other visiting some of Europe’s finest historical cities Amsterdam, Bruges and Gent. We have secured a limited number of berths on a unique hotel barge to cruise from the Dutch capital Amsterdam to Bruges in Belgium.
This fully inclusive cruise offers a high standard of meals and ensuite cabin accommodation plus the opportunity to explore this beautiful countryside sampling beer and local produce that makes this part of Belgium and Holland so famous. We provide well-maintained multi-geared bikes available on board with opportunities for guided cycling along the route. The cycling is fascinating and varied with free time to explore each day’s destination.
Highlight on this Bike and Barge cruise include:
The landscape of the River Vecht - that inspired many Dutch paintings.
Kinderdijk - the UNESCO protected windmill-park that created one of the first polders.
Zierikzee – this 9th century centre of trade and prosperity is rich in traditional architecture.
The Delta Works - the Dutch way of taming the sea by building this enormous dam.
Gent - one of Belgium finest cities, old, yet very much alive, the pride of West Vlaanderen
Bruges - a living historical city with many famous museums, squares, churches and canals
GERMANY FROM LUDWIGSBURG TO KOBLENZ Along the River Rhine, Moselle and Neckar - combining an easy-to-moderate guided cycling route along the banks of the River Rhine, Moselle and Neckar, this fully inclusive one-week cruise offers the opportunity to explore this beautiful and ever changing countryside sampling the white wines and local cuisine that makes this part of Germany so famous.
The Captain, his wife and crew have a deserved reputation for hospitality with a high standard of meals and services. They will certainly make you feel that this is your home away from home. The Merlijn has 12 cabins, allowing for a maximum of 24 guests. All cabins are air-conditioned and have en-suite facilities and are comfortably furnished with clean linen and towels. In the saloon, where meals are eaten, there is a fully stocked bar for wine, beer or soft drinks. Hot drinks are available at all times.
FRANCE – THE LOIRE VALLEY Departing weekly from Paris explore this beautiful French countryside sampling the wines and local cuisine that makes this region so famous. Located between the towns of Nevers and Montargis we have found a beautiful area in the Loire Valley that is ideally suited to cycling holidays. This area offers a great variety of history and culture, quiet roads and a gently rolling landscape. The many chateau and small villages make this cycle tour a unique experience.
FRANCE – CHAMPAGNE & UPPER LOIRE For any one who loves the unspoiled French landscape, as well as good food and a good glass of wine, a cruise we have a boat that is exactly tailored to the small French canals and locks and cruises. During the spring and summer months it can be found in the Champagne region and in the Loire valley. This central region of France is ideal for a quiet and relaxed bike & barge holiday. There is much to see, there is generally a mild climate and the fine wines of the Loire are renowned worldwide.
In spring and autumn we offer a 15-day tour from Bruges to Paris or v. V. As the boat relocates to its winter base in Holland. We follow the Seine downstream passing the Louvre and the Eiffel tower into Conflans. From here we cruise through the valley of the Oise to Compiegne. Then following the wonderful old canal of St. Quentin we sail through the tunnel of Riqueval heading for Belgium to visit Ghent. The final destination is Bruges, with its picturesque town centre, probably the most beautiful of the historical Flemish cities.
CROATIA CYCLING IN SOUTHERN DALMATIA The smallest and most sparsely populated region in Croatia with unique little towns and beautiful island countryside. Experience the island of Korcula with its old township and wine growing peninsula of Peljesac. Visit the island of Mljet with its impressive national park. Our tour guide will guide you through the towns of Trogir, Hvar, Stari Grad and Korcula, which are almost all protected by UNESCO world heritage listing.
A more challenging ride the daily itineraries of 30 - 50km will take you through hilly, sometimes mountainous terrain with long and steep climbs but there is plenty of time to rest or walk as you choose. The cycling is mostly on sealed roads (rarely travelled outside the holiday season) and each day you can either decide to bike alone, using the information and maps provided, or join the two tour guides. There is time each day to swim or relax on board the boat.
GREECE – ISLAND HOPPING IN THE AEGEAN OR CYCLADES With a comfortable Turkish Gulet and by bicycle explore the sunny islands of the Greek Aegean. These islands offer a magical and mystical world, rich in history and the full of the stories of the gods. Relax in sun-drenched idyllic bays and coves, discover Asclepion, home of Hippocrates, snorkel or dive off the holy island of Patmos, discover wonderful panoramas, traditional villages and a peaceful way of life on your bicycle tour on the island of Samos.
The Cyclades, comprising more than 30 islands and known as the cradle of the first European civilization some 5000-years ago, offers gleaming white cubic houses with blue shutters and labyrinth of small streets and alleyways. The mostly ragged coastline offers pristine beaches, impressive geological formations and a turquoise-blue sea. Moderate cycling routes will take you from port to pier, beach to hilltop with views of the central archipelago of the Greek Aegean that seem to go on forever.
TURKEY - THE LYCIAN COAST Spend a week discovering the southern coast of Turkey from Marmaris to Fethiye aboard a traditional wooden Bahriyeli ship (pronounced: Barijeli). Your floating hotel is built to the highest of standards with your comfort in mind offering 8 to 12 roomy cabins each with their own heating/air-conditioning and a generously sized shower/toilet. There is a spacious sun deck and a sheltered outdoor eating area.
Get to know the Turkish coast and back-country between Marmaris and Fethiye with the aid of a trek or mountain bike. Your cycle tour guide will point out the unique natural wonders and historical cities along the route transporting you back through history. Admire the famous graves of Kaunos, cut into the cliffs two centuries ago or be mesmerized by the breathtaking Sakklikent Canyon. Spend your evenings in deserted bays and coves or make the most of the pulsating night life in the port cities with their many cafes and bars.
DEPARTURES AVAILABLE IN 2010 - ASK FOR FULL ITINERARY DETAILS:
FRANCE / BELGIUM - including the Somme
Paris – Bruges or return - our most popular 2-week cruise
Several boats with limited departures from April to October
FRANCE / LUXEMBOURG / GERMANY - the Saar, the Moselle
Several boats & several routes - 1-week cruises from June to October
HOLLAND
Springtime Tulip cruises - several boats & routes - 1-week in April or May
Several 1-week routes & several boats in central or northern Holland from Amsterdam
HOLLAND / BELGIUM
Bruges to Amsterdam or return - 1-week cruise - several departures from May to September
GERMANY
Rhine, Moselle, Saar River cruises - several boats - 1-week
Departures from Saarbrucken, Frankfurt, Trier, Koblenz, Main, Mainz or Bamberg from June to October
HOLLAND / GERMANY
Rhine River cruises in June & October - 1-week cycling cruises on several boats & routes
GREECE
Cyclades, Ionian or Aegean Islands from April to October - several boats & routes - 1-week
CROATIA
Dalmatian Coast & islands - several routes & boats - 1-week from April to October
MONTENEGRO
Dubrovnik to Montenegro in May, September & October - 1-week TURKEY
Lycian Coast - 1-week cruises in May & October
ITALY
Venice & the River Po – 1-week cruises from March to October - early bookings essential
Detailed itinerary notes are available for all these destinations and our staff have personally experienced many of the tours and have inspected the boats and facilities offered in this program.
ASK ABOUT OUR NEW BIKE & BOAT TRIPS IN CANADA
Outdoor Travel also have a wide selection of small group or self-guided inn-to-inn cycling holidays in most areas of Europe including France, Italy, Germany, Ireland, Spain England PLUS we also have tours in Canada, Vietnam, China, Australia & New Zealand
