The Best Boat & Bike Tours for 2024

Craig Charley
Boat & Bike tours are a unique way to explore a destination, cycling between landmarks in the day before relaxing, dining and sleeping on board your 'floating hotel' at night.

From sailing tall ships around rugged coastlines to relaxing on elegant river cruisers or island-hopping on luxury motor yachts, there really is something for all tastes. We have Boat & Bike holidays as close as Scotland and as far afield as Vietnam, and you can visit as many as six countries on just one tour.

With 41 Boat & Bike tours to choose from, these are our top picks for creating long-lasting memories in 2024. These tours all still have good availability, but they are popular, so if one catches your eye we recommend getting in touch soon for the best choice of dates and cabins.

Danube River - Passau to Budapest Boat & Bike Tour

Cruising through three countries, this ever-popular seven night tour takes in the gorgeous scenery of the Danube from Passau to Budapest and back. The on-board guide provides really useful insight into the cycle route and with two rest days included, there is time to explore Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest at your own pace. Nick and three other Freedom Treks team members tried this tour back in May 2023 and took some brilliant footage - be sure to read the trip report for a first-hand insight!

The Danube's Great Loop
The Great Loop - one of the river’s most beautiful sections

Two fantastic deluxe boats are available to book on this tour. The MS Swiss Crown has everything you need to rest weary legs after a day’s cycling - a sauna, whirlpool, library, bar and restaurant, plus a gorgeous sundeck for lounging around on. All 69 cabins are spacious with hotel beds and ensuites! The upper deck cabins have private French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows while the middle deck cabins have large panoramic windows.

MS Swiss Crown & Whirlpool
MS Swiss Crown's unique on-board Whirlpool

On the exquisite MV Vivienne, you can relax in the vibrant lounge or, if the cycling hasn't worn you out, get your dancing shoes on in the evening when the live musician plays for the guests onboard. The cabins are well-equipped, with Superior Cabins featuring French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows that can be opened.

MV Vivienne & Lounge
MV Vivienne has a beautifully bright and open lounge in the heart of the ship

Whichever boat you choose, you’ll wake up to some of the Danube’s most striking and spectacular scenery, spending your days cycling beside the blue waters of the river as it passes through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.

Freedom Trekkers say: "This was such a fabulous experience that exceeded expectations. Each day was filled with activities, the cycling routes were varied (but all easy) and the adventures many. The crew were fantastic, and very well led. Food wonderful. Cabins comfortable. Simply loved the trip and highly recommend." - Catherine Powell, UK, June 2023

View tour: Danube River - Passau to Budapest Boat & Bike Tour

Dubrovnik to Split Deluxe Boat & E-Bike Tour

Experience the spectacular islands, beautiful countryside and historic charms of the Northern Dalmatian Coast on this island-hopping adventure with added luxury and the assistance of an E-bike. Discovering the crystal-blue coastlines and idyllic islands between two iconic Croatian cities is an unforgettable experience, and you’ll have plenty of time to stretch out on a sun lounger and cool off in the secluded swimming spots.

Dubrovnik to Split Deluxe Boat & Bike Tour - Valerie Pegler - June 2023
The waters on the Dalmatian coast are a spectacular colour!

Your floating accommodation for this tour is the duluxe Harmonia. An impressive two-masted motor yacht boasting a bright, spacious saloon, open sundeck, shady aft deck and a swimming platform at the stern of the boat. The stylish wooden design is very popular amongst our guests and many believe it’s the ideal yacht for cruising along the Dalmatian Coast.

Harmonia & Swimming Platform
Cool off by diving into the deep blue from the Harmonia's swimming platform

Freedom Trekkers say: "We went on the Croatia boat and bike trip from Split to Dubrovnik on the Harmonia. Everything was superbly organised and managed. The boat was beautiful and very comfortable, including excellent air conditioning in the cabins. The food was very good and plentiful. The two guides were very professional and a lot of fun too. It was my first time on an e-bike and I absolutely loved it. It takes all the stress out of it and this trip would have been very challenging on an ordinary bike as they hills were very long and very steep. Croatia itself is beautiful and every day provided superb views. Swimming in turquoise waters off the boat was an added bonus. In Split, Dubrovnik and some of the islands there was an optional city tour included which we really enjoyed. There was a real mix of nationalities on the boat and everybody got on very well and we made some long term friends. I would definitely recommend this trip!” - Helen Banerjee, UK, July 2023

View tour: Dubrovnik to Split Deluxe Boat & E-Bike Tour

Holland’s Northern Coast Boat & Bike Tour

For a Boat & Bike tour that’s a little different, explore some of Holland’s most unspoilt remote areas aboard a beautiful sailing ship. Enjoy the gentle pace of coastal life as you cycle along traffic-free cycle paths, well-marked tracks and easy terrain.

Coastal cycling in Holland
Well-marked coastal paths allow you to pay more attention to the passing scenery

The ships - Mare fan Fryslan, Wapen fan Fryslan and Leafde fan Fryslan - are a real highlight on this tour, and you'll even have the opportunity to assist with the sailing! Help hoist the sails and feel part of the crew, or simply relax on the sun deck (all three ships have on board hot tubs) as you keep a lookout for seals and a variety of local birds.

Freedom Trekkers say: "One of the best holidays on bike and boat. The boat was beautiful and great fun to sail. The food was as good as any restaurant and the crew were helpful, friendly, cheerful and informative. The Friesan islands are a lovely part of the Netherlands and great for cycling - plenty of smooth safe cycle paths and lovely beaches and woodland. I can highly recommend this trip." - Penny Picken, UK, August 2022

View tour: Holland’s Northern Coast Boat & Bike Tour

The Ionian Islands Boat & Bike Tour

Starting and finishing in Corfu, cycle some of the most beautiful spots in the Ionian Islands from the comfort of a traditional Greek wooden boat, the Panagiota. Pedalling highlights include the famous islands of Ithaca, the home place of Odysseus, and Kefalonia, where Captain Corelli's Mandolin is set. Finish your trip on the smaller islands of Meganisi and Paxos, where you'll get a real feel for traditional Greek island life.

Panagiota Moored in Pristine Waters © Kleomenis Koufaliotis
Panagiota Moored in Pristine Waters © Kleomenis Koufaliotis

Completely renovated in 2019, the Panagiota is a beautiful motor yacht to stay aboard. There is a saloon, a shaded aft deck and a large sundeck with cushions for you to relax in the sun. Take advantage of the swimming ladder when the boat is anchored in a calm, glistening bay.

Diving off the Panagiota
Diving off the Panagiota

Freedom Trekkers say: "The cycling was great but challenging. The guides Demitri and Jacob were wonderful - patient, fun, entertaining, full of interesting stories and information wherever we went. They really went out of their way to make things special. The crowd on board were from UK, Switzerland, Belgium and Germany. Everybody was lovely and we all got on really well and had such a laugh. My daughter was by far the youngest but really enjoyed the social side of things on board. The food on board was fabulous, really fresh Greek food. All the crew were really helpful and friendly. I am now definitely hooked on the boat and bike experience! My daughter wants me to take her with me instead of my husband again next time!" - Anonymous Customer, December 2022

View tour: The Ionian Islands Boat & Bike Tour

Turkey's Lycian Coast Boat & Bike Tour

A region steeped in history and jaw-dropping scenery, the Lycian Coast of southwest Turkey is an absolute delight to cycle and sail through. You'll pedal on quiet seaside roads to traditional fishing villages and climb steep cliffs revealing more of Turkeys natural beauty with every turn. The tombs carved from the cliffs at Dalyan and the stunning Saklikent Canyon are just two of countless highlights on this fascinating tour. The deep blue sea will look incredibly inviting and you're more than welcome to jump in and cool off in between the more challenging routes.

TR001 - Turkey cycling - Credit Carola Scholz
The cycling mostly takes place on secondary roads, most of which are sealed

If the seaside scenery is postcard-worthy, it's only right your accommodation is deserving of matching the backdrop, and the premium Turkish 'Gulet' named The Admiral fits the bill. Refurbished in 2019, the 42m wooden yacht boasts a spacious outdoor deck, the perfect place to perch and admire the stunning coastline. A ladder on the port side provides easy access to the tepid waters below. Don't be fooled by the traditional aesthetic, The Admiral's cabins all feature air conditioning to ensure you stay cool and comfortable.

The Admiral & Cabin
Imagine diving into that crystal-clear ocean after a pleasant day riding!

Berlin to the Baltic Sea Boat & Bike Tour

If a challenging coastal climb isn't for you, how about a gentle waterside ride through leafy forests to the delightful cities of Berlin, Szczecin and Stralsund? This diverse tour through Germany and Poland guides you to lesser-known destinations including Baroque castles, the Lower Oder Valley National Park and the Hanseatic city of Stralsund. The cycle paths are flat and peaceful, even in peak periods, meaning you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the natural and historical scenery at your own pace and without the crowds.

Berlin to the Baltic Sea - cycle path
The flat cycle paths are often accompanied by luscious greenery.

Your stay aboard the MS Princess will be as relaxing as the cycling. The comfortable river cruiser features a cosy saloon and a partially shaded sun deck which are the perfect spots for taking in the riverside serenity. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled and your camera to hand for capturing any wildlife you encounter!

MS Princes cruising down the river
The tranquil riverside setting is perfect for getting away from it all

Freedom Trekkers say: "This made a perfect family holiday for parents with a teenage son. Enough activity cycling and visiting sights along the route. A relaxing base on the boat. We really appreciated being able to skip a day of cycling on the one day it tipped with rain! There was a cupboard of board games and books on board - we rediscovered Scrabble. There was wifi available (at a small cost), but we actually went offline for the week - it just happened naturally! The food was plentiful - more than enough to satisfy an ever hungry teenage boy. The breakfasts were particularly amazing. The lounge and sun deck were spacious enough and we never felt hemmed in on the boat" - Sharon Low, UK, August 2017

View this tour: Berlin to the Baltic Sea Boat & Bike Tour

Book Now for 2024

For prices, dates and to book, please click through to any of the tours above. Or for information and advice from our team, enquire online or call us on 01273 224066.

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Tours featured in this post