The Best Boat & Bike Tours for 2025

From sailing on a traditional three-masted tall ship around Scandinavia’s magnificent coastline to meandering down Europe's iconic waterways on a charming river cruiser, these tours show off the wonderful variety of our Boat & Bike holidays.

These tours are extremely popular and I can't stress enough that you need to book early to secure your preferred dates and cabins. All but one has already sold out on multiple departure dates in 2025, including river cruisers with 69 cabins!

Visit the tour pages to view dates and prices and to book online. Or for more information and advice from our friendly team, call +44 (0)1273 224066 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm UK time).

By Catherine Gray, Freedom Treks Manager

The Amsterdam to Bruges Boat & Bike Tour is one of our all-time favourite tours, and the same goes for our customers! Starting in one of Europe's cultural delights, Amsterdam, you'll pedal and cruise south towards Rotterdam along gentle paths, using the excellent and easy-to-follow cycle network. The 18th-century UNESCO World Heritage windmills at Kinderdijk are a highlight on day two.

Crossing into Belgium, you’ll stroll Antwerp’s narrow streets, surrounded by beautiful architecture and vast docks. Whilst here, we recommend you explore the Cathedral of Our Lady or stop in at the De Koninck brewery for a tipple of exceptional local beer.

Your final days of cycling are through stunning, open landscapes towards Ghent. This town offers an insight into its rich cultural past with Van Eyck's large alter-piece painting, known as the 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb'. Your final stop is Bruges, another UNESCO World Heritage Site which recognises its captivating medieval centre.

There are seven boats to choose from on this tour including five barges (guided cycling) and two river cruisers (self-guided cycling). If you opt for one of the four luxurious Magnifique barges, I highly recommend upgrading to a suite - some of which have fabulous floor-to-ceiling windows! But hurry, these always sell out quickly.

Freedom Trekkers say: ”The crew put in a lot of effort to make the experience positive for all guests, from the chef to the bicycle tour guides. The tour guides were enthusiastic and very knowledgeable about the region. The chosen routes were picturesque, had variety, and good cycle pathways. Very enjoyable.” - Wendy Lintott

View tour: Amsterdam to Bruges Boat & Bike Tour

Holland's flat, well-maintained cycle paths and gorgeous scenery make the country a mecca for cycling, which is why another tour in the Netherlands has made the list. New for 2025, the Spring Flowers in Holland Boat & Bike Tour swaps Ghent and Bruges’ Gothic medieval squares for vibrant flower fields as you pedal from the Dutch capital to the world-renowned Aalsmeer flower auction and the Keukenhof Gardens to see thousands of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils.

Starting and finishing in Central Amsterdam, you’ll spend the week pedalling dedicated cycle paths next to canals and through Holland’s countryside, which during springtime, is bursting with striking colours and scents as the flowers explode into bloom. When you’re not exploring the best of rural Holland, you’ll be soaking up the culture in the cities of Haarlem, Leiden, Gouda and Alkmaar.

This tour is incredibly popular and is nearly sold out for spring 2025, with just four of ten departures left. If you're not quite ready to book, or don't have the time for an eight-night trip, our four-night Spring Flowers in Holland Short Break Boat & Bike Tour provides a condensed version of the same tour, with more dates, more boats and more availability.

With beautiful landscapes to admire, it’s important your accommodation provides optimal viewing areas and the MS Zwaantjie has plenty in the form of a spacious sun deck and large panoramic windows in the saloon. All the cabins are very comfortable with small ensuite bathrooms, a fixed window and individual air conditioning.

What Freedom Trekker say: “Well organised tour with easy cycling through lovely countryside and fantastic tulips. The boat was very comfortable, food excellent and staff and other guests were friendly so a very nice atmosphere throughout.” - Diana D'Arcy

View tour: Spring Flowers in Holland Boat & Bike Tour

A tour that's close to our hearts as we've cycled it twice - firstly back in 2017 and most recently in July - the Mantua to Venice Boat & Bike Tour follows the route of the river Po from Mantua to the Venetian Lagoon. It's a fantastic way to see the best of the country's North East region, cycling through farmland dotted with historic architecture, nature reserves and rustic coastal towns. There are many (nice) surprises on this tour, but one of the biggest is spotting flamingos on one of the stops in the Po delta marshes! What shouldn't come as too much of a shock is how beautiful your final stop, Venice, is.

As you’re in Italy, you’ll be treated to a spectacular culinary experience, something which is synonymous with the country. Dine on risottos or pumpkin pasta in Mantua, treat yourself to fresh seafood on Pellestrina Island and enjoy mouthwatering gelato at every possible opportunity!

The terrific Italian food continues onboard your accommodation, the Ave Maria. The elite barge was specifically designed for cycling tours along the Po River and is renowned for cooking Italian cuisine of a high standard! It’s also possible to enjoy your meals outside on the sun deck and take in the magnificent scenery after a day in the saddle.

What Freedom Trekers say: “A lovely holiday with easy cycling, a beautiful boat (Ave Maria) and amazing Italian food onboard! Sailing into Venice while on the top deck with an aperitivo in hand was an incredible highlight and the guides and crew were all exceptionally helpful, patient and kind." - Cressida Harding

View tour: Mantua to Venice Boat & Bike Tour

Combining nature, culture, and French cuisine, the Provence & Camargue Boat & Bike Tour takes you through the wonderful Rhone Valley. As you cycle up and over the region’s rolling hills, you’ll discover medieval fortresses and an abundance of wildlife in the Camargue and famous winemaking villages.

The terrain is varied and slightly more undulating than the tours above. But if you think you’ll need a bit of extra pedal power, e-bikes are available as an upgrade!

Your accommodation for the week will be one of two charming barges - the Caprice or L’Estello. These classic Dutch boats both have a charming, homely feel and the restaurants boast panoramic windows for scenic suppers. Our favourite part of staying onboard is enjoying a drink on the reclining deck chairs on the sundeck and watching the passing scenery.

What Freedom Trekkers say: “Wonderful scenery, heaps of variety through vineyards, villages, country lanes, cycle paths, busy towns and peaceful places. Cruising quietly down the river with a cold glass of wine in excellent company of like-minded people after an exhausting, hot day of riding - what more could you want?” - Glenda Carson

View tour: Provence & Camargue Boat & Bike Tour

If you’re the type of cyclist who likes to pack as much as possible into a two week trip, then the Danube River - 6 Countries Boat & Bike Tour will tick all your boxes. The longer duration of the tour gives you the time to truly explore the capital cities of Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade.

The cycling is easy and you’ll begin near Austria’s Danube Bend, which offers a breathtaking start to the tour, while sailing through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge on the Romania/Serbia border is a memorable midway highlight. Afterwards, you’ll roll through the expansive Pannonian Plains, past the scenic farmlands of Croatia and Serbia, and beneath the hillside monasteries of the Wachau Valley back in Austria.

On this tour the luxurious MS Swiss Crown is your floating accommodation. The deluxe riverboat boasts an elegant restaurant and a panoramic lounge bar, which is always well-stocked! There are five rest days (four with optional excursions), so there's plenty of time to unwind in the wellness area featuring a sauna, steam bath and hot tubs on the sun deck.

Due to the 14-night length of this tour, there are just four departure dates in 2025 - two of which are already completely sold out!

Freedom Trekkers say: “An excellent tour - it felt good at the time and left us with a continuing lighthearted glow. The cruise, the rides and special tours, the food and accommodation were all excellent and managed with understanding and wit by a virtuoso cruise director. The travelling along the Danube was, of course, the centrepiece and lived up to its reputation. The crew were top rate - for our comfort onboard and in preparing and maintaining the bikes as well as managing the ship with deceptive ease - and making us smile. The special rest-day tour guides were well chosen and, together with the bike routes themselves, gave glimpses of their countries beyond the usual brochure view. All in all a very good and lasting experience.” - Reg Phillips

View tour: Danube River - 6 Countries Boat & Bike Tour

The Dubrovnik to Split Boat & Bike Tour is the most challenging on our list. The terrain on the mainland and islands is undulating in parts, but your efforts on the climbs are rewarded by spectacular scenery. Each view is as good as the last as you hop from island to island. Plus there are opportunities to cool off by taking a dip in Croatia’s turquoise waters at secluded swimming spots. E-bikes are available if you want that extra bit of confidence with pedalling power - or why not consider upgrading to our Dubrovnik to Split Deluxe Boat & E-Bike Tour?

The cultural aspect of the tour is a huge reason for its popularity with Freedom Treks customers. Every day you’ll marvel at something new, whether that’s Dubrovnik’s terracotta buildings, the lavender fields of Hvar or the monasteries of Mljet and Korčula. Not to mention Split’s old town which is a World Heritage Site.

There’s nothing quite like cooling off in the pristine waters of the Adriatic after a rewarding day of cycling. The Romantica provides the ultimate ease of access to the shimmering waters with its swimming platform located at the stern of the boat. Alternatively, if you’re in need of a bit of time out of the sun and a refreshing sea breeze, the shaded seating area on the main deck is ideal.

What Freedom Trekkers say: “ We would like to say a huge thank you to all the crew of the Romantica for a fantastic week. It has been a fabulous tour from boarding the boat at Dubrovnik to leaving in Split. Nothing was too much trouble, everyone was helped to have a wonderful week. The accommodation and food was excellent. Our guides were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The Captain and crew were very hard-working. We loved the cycling. Originally booked to use manual bikes for added enjoyment would definitely recommend the e-bikes. Superb rides and views. Loved the swimming off the boat. Can’t recommend this trip highly enough. Thank you” - Alison Gash

View tour: Dubrovnik to Split Boat & Bike Tour

Sailing on an ancient trade route and cycling through quaint villages and the bike-friendly cities of Copenhagen and Malmö make the Denmark and Sweden Boat & Bike Tour a truly unique cycling experience.

Vibrant fishing villages, ancient towering white cliffs and Denmark’s second-largest lake are just some of the highlights you’ll encounter as you journey back and forth across The Sound (Øresund in Danish). You'll also visit the UNESCO-listed Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, immortalised in William Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Perhaps the most impressive accommodation on the list, the Atlantis is a 57m-long, three-masted ship built in 1905 - you'll have an opportunity to help out with the rigging if you wish! You’ll start your mornings off with a hearty breakfast in the nautical-style restaurant and in the afternoon, you can grab a refreshing beverage at the open-air cocktail bar on the boat deck.

View tour: Denmark and Sweden Boat & Bike Tour

Although our Boat & Bike tours visit as far away as Vietnam, the UK, and more specifically Scotland, is an excellent destination for sailing and cycling. With pleasant cycling temperatures in the summer and wild landscapes, the Scotland Boat & E-Bike Tour is perfect for those interested in spotting wildlife such as dolphins, seals, red deer, eagles and otters.

The route begins in Oban in Western Scotland and guides you through bright green meadows to the astounding prehistoric stone circles, standing stones and rock art at Kilmartin Glen. On day four you'll reach Corryvreckan, near one of the largest natural whirlpools in the world. As you pedal on, you'll encounter castles, white beaches and picturesque harbourside towns.

The cycling is graded as moderate to difficult. However, you'll mostly be riding on quiet roads and everyone will be riding e-bikes for a bit of reassurance on the steeper portions.

Your accommodation on this trip is nothing short of spectacular. The Flying Dutchman is a 39m-long sailing schooner and offers an authentic sailing experience - you can sit beside Captain Klass at the wheel and even steer the vessel for a while. Outside, you can sun yourself and relax on the bowsprit netting.

Freedom Trekkers customers say: "Our tour of the Hebrides Islands was a huge experience. Staying aboard a tall ship was novel. There were challenges with space management but nonetheless a rare opportunity to travel aboard a beautiful vessel through gorgeous scenic islands. The cycling routes were lengthy and challenging in terms of the number of climbs and distances. Wonderful memories and a very satisfying trip." - Carol Hunt

View tour: Scotland Boat & E-Bike Tour

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 +44 (0)1273 224066. Just don't leave it too long, or you might miss out!

If you've enjoyed learning more about the boats featured on our tours, make sure you take a look at our dedicated boats page. Categorised by boat type, you'll find more information about almost all the boats in our programme.

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