Frequently asked questions

You are served a breakfast every day, after which you make your own packed lunch. You usually leave the ship between 8:30 and 9:30. While the boat is travelling to the next harbour, you set off on your cycle ride, over mostly quiet paths and lanes and past all the interesting sights. The daily cycling distance varies – depending on your trip – from around 25 to 60 kilometres. Every day you will have lots of time to go sightseeing, explore the towns and villages, enjoy a break at a café or visit one of the many museums en route. At the end of the day you will be welcomed back aboard by the crew, where you will be able to chat with the other guests (different nationalities) about your interesting day! Do you not feel like cycling*? Then stay aboard to enjoy watching the countryside sail by! Simply find a nice spot on the sun deck or in the salon. That is what is so perfect about a Bike and Barge Tours! (The barge doesn’t sail parallel to the cycle route, so you can't stop cycling halfway) * On some barges/routes in Belgium you are not allowed to stay on board. Please ask before you book a tour) In the evenings you will be served a delicious three-course meal. Various drinks (such as coffee, tea, beer, wine, water, soft drinks) are available at the bar (for a fee). You can spend the rest of the evening in the salon, at the bar or outside on deck. The tour guides will tell you about next day’s cycle ride and there will be several city walks for you to go on. Of course if you would rather explore on your own, that is fine too. The boats are usually docked close to or in the town centre, making sure the sights, museums and shops are all in walking or cycling distance. Your hotel room will be sailing along with you on your Bike and Barge Tour. You will not have to move from room to room and have to keep unpacking. You will spend every night in the same bed, but with a new view every day!

The size of the group varies between 12 and 26 participants.

The principal countries represented by our cycling guests are: United States, Canada, Italy, Austria, France, Germany, Spain. However we regularly welcome South Africans, Australians and of course Dutch people.

The ages vary between 25 and 65, but of course we have younger and older guests. During school vacations there are more children on board.

No, the ship doesn't take the same route that the cyclists do. Sometimes the route may be altered because of weather conditions or repairs to bridges or locks and then the guests and the guide can arrange with the skipper to be met at a different place. Naturally you can always stay on board for one or more days.

A Most people wear rainwear and get on their bicycle. If the weather makes cycling absolutely impossible (this doesn't happen very often!) the guide will arrange an alternative programme which might include a longer visit to one of the towns along the way or cultural excursions.

Well, unfortunately this can not be predicted for all of our tours; different countries, different travel dates. Just make sure you pack for all weather types; rain gear, sunglasses and clothes that can be worn in layers. If you look for a more specific weather forecast, check out https://www.accuweather.com

No, but it is of course sensible to wear one. We provide a safety helmet with a child seat, slipstreamer (tag-along) or child's bicycle.

English, German and Dutch. Most of them speak French. We also have a few guides who speak Spanish and/or Italian. We try to match the guide's linguistic abilities with the nationalities in the group.

All the trips are suitable for children. However, please be sure to check in advance whether your children can cycle between 30 and 60 kilometres a day. Of course, you are also welcome to remain on board the ship for one or more days. Children up to and including the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Once you made an inquiry and the desired cabin and date is available you will be asked to send some personal data like; date of birth, height, gender ect. After receipt of this information we will send you a contract to confirm your booking.

Yes, we accept creditcard payments through pay-pal

We advise you to look into our casualty, baggage or cancellation insurance (if you have not already got continuing travel insurance, of course). Please note that most insurance companies demand that cancellation insurance is arranged at the same time or shortly after you book your holiday.

If an agreement is cancelled, the traveller shall pay the following cancellation costs in the event of cancellation, in addition to any reservation costs: more than 84 days before the date of departure 10 % 84 to 42 days before the date of departure 30 % 42 to 28 days before the date of departure 60 % 28 days to 1 day before the date of departure 90 % on the date of departure or later 100% You will find these details in your contract as well as in the general agreement which will be send to you together with the contract.

No. Pets are not allowed on board. Although some captains have a dog on board; these dogs are used to being aboard a ship and do not come to the public areas nor in the cabins. They can be seen in and around the living area of captain.