Leading European cruise-and-cycle operator Boat Bike Tours has seen rising interest in active travel from North American travelers. Following its merger with Croatia-based Islandhopping, the Amsterdam-based company now offers more than 70 itineraries across 15 countries. Boat Bike Tours is known for combining small-ship cruising with immersive cycling experiences that explore Europe by barge, motor yacht, sailing ship and bike.
“Our name says it all: we blend the comfort of cruising aboard small ships with adventures by bike,” said Laurens Winkel, CEO of Boat Bike Tours. “Trips take place on rivers, canals and coastal waters, and the bike element transforms excursions. Instead of relying on buses to reach major sites, guests ride through countryside, towns and villages, taking time to enjoy local people, culture and nature along the way.”
© Boat Bike Tours
Boat Bike Tours operates a fleet of about 50 vessels—barges, motor yachts and sailing ships—ranging from comfortable to superior levels. The company offers a variety of cycling formats: guided rides for casual cyclists and independent routes for experienced riders. Bike options include touring bikes, e-bikes and, in select destinations, mountain bikes.
Itineraries span five to 15 days and cover a wide range of interests and budgets. Typical themes include historic cities and landmarks, scenic countryside, coastal routes and renowned wine regions, allowing travelers to combine active exploration with cultural and culinary highlights.
Popular itineraries for North American guests include:
Amsterdam to Bruges
This route combines cruising and cycling through the Dutch countryside of Zeeland and western Flanders in Belgium. Highlights include Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges, charming villages, a traditional Dutch cheese farm, the windmills at Kinderdijk and the natural landscapes along the Schelde River.
© Boat Bike Tours
Split to Dubrovnik
Explore South Dalmatia by boat and e-bike, island-hopping between Split and Dubrovnik. The itinerary showcases bustling town centers and quieter islands such as Brač, Hvar, Korčula, Lastovo, Mljet and Šipan. E-bikes make hilly and mountainous terrain more accessible while allowing riders to enjoy coastal scenery and island culture.
Cochem to Metz
This trip follows the Moselle River through Germany, France and Luxembourg, traveling past sprawling vineyards and offering many wine-tasting opportunities. Travelers visit picturesque towns like Cochem and Bernkastel, the Roman-era city of Trier, the waterfalls of Saarburg and the Gothic cathedral in Metz, with time to explore small villages along the way.
© Boat Bike Tours
Guests on Boat Bike Tours enjoy the convenience of a floating hotel—comfortable cabins, quality meals and an attentive crew—combined with the freedom to pedal at their own pace. Whether traveling in a small guided group or riding independently, cyclists experience a more intimate, active way to discover Europe’s culture, landscapes and cuisine.