Rhine Bike & River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam

8 days
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Group Tour
Travel in style along the storied Rhine River on this indulgent Bike & Boat vacation. During your cruise, you’ll wrap yourself in luxury—enjoying the five-star amenities of your Emerald cruise ship. Discover a different country each day as you pedal a well-maintained, fitted VBT bike—joining your VBT trip leaders on carefully curated routes through the Rh...
From$5,395
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Enjoy the best of both worlds: an all-inclusive river cruise and VBT Bicycling Vacation.
    • Touch the shores of four countries—Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands—but unpack your bags only once.
    • Delve into the wine culture of Alsace as you cycle France’s famous Route des Vins.
    • Explore the historic cities of Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Koblenz, and Cologne with local guides.
    • Cruise the charming canals of Amsterdam.

What's this trip about?

    Travel in style along the storied Rhine River on this indulgent Bike & Boat vacation. During your cruise, you’ll wrap yourself in luxury—enjoying the five-star amenities of your Emerald cruise ship. Discover a different country each day as you pedal a well-maintained, fitted VBT bike—joining your VBT trip leaders on carefully curated routes through the Rhine’s picturesque villages. You’ll find ample time for relaxation on board as you splash in the ship’s pool, lounge on the sundeck, and enjoy your comfortable stateroom—or upgrade to a luxurious balcony suite and watch the scenic banks of the Rhine drift by from the privacy of your own cabin. Along the way, you’ll stop to taste exquisite vintages, explore local wineries, and tour charming medieval cities. In the evening, enjoy a full menu of locally-inspired cuisine prepared by your ship’s onboard chef. 

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 24 people
Age range13 to 80 years
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityBasel
End CityDen Haag

Travel Themes

  • Culinary & Wine
  • Cultural
  • Cycling & Biking
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Switzerland
  • Germany
  • France
  • Netherlands

Attractions

  • Amsterdam
  • Den haag
  • Koblenz
  • Zurich

Activities

  • Culture
  • Cycling
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Nature
  • River cruise
  • Guided Group

Trip includes

    • Custom VBT Bike and Helmet
    • Two Local, Bilingual Trip Leaders
    • Support Vehicle
    • Luggage Transportation
    • Ride with GPS and Daily Route Notes
    • Welcome Reception
    • Facilitated Cultural Experiences
    • Your Choice of VBT Branded Gear for Your Adventure

Itinerary

Travel Map
DAY 1: Basel, Switzerland / Embark ship

You are responsible for making your own way to Basel, Switzerland, to meet your trip leaders and fellow travelers. Please note that you cannot embark before 12:30 p.m. as the ship is being prepared for you.

Your cabin may not be ready for you until 3:00 p.m., b...

DAY 2: Breisach / Kaiserstuhl Cycling Path

Wake up in Breisach and start your day with a relaxing breakfast on board. Then, disembark to start your ride, departing and returning directly from the ship’s dock. Today’s ride features the Kaiserstuhl-Radweg, a loop through the vineyard terraces of the sunniest cor...

DAY 3: Kehl / Strasbourg / La Route des Vins d’Alsace / Obernai

You’ll arrive in Kehl in time for breakfast after which you’ll cross the river and say “bonjour” to Strasbourg. Here you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of the city, including La Petit France, the city’s historic center.

In the late morning, you start pedaling f...

DAY 4: Mannheim / Heidelberg / Cycle along the Neckar River

You’ll awaken on board your ship in Mannheim. After breakfast, you’ll take a 45-minute shuttle to Heidelberg. The town is famous for its university and its castle, perched on a hill overlooking the town and the Neckar River. A local guide will provide information on t...

DAY 5: The Rhine Gorge / Koblenz / The Mosel River

Your ship leaves its mooring this morning, just as breakfast is being served as you head toward Koblenz which is at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. You’ll want to make sure you’re on deck for the Rhine Gorge which is one of the highlights of the river. T...

DAY 6: Cologne / City ride / Sailing the Rhine to Amsterdam

Arrive in Cologne in the morning and watch the city’s famous spires from the boat as you’re sitting down for breakfast. Disembark for a guided walk through this 2,000-year-old city, well-known for its High Gothic architecture. This is the largest city on the Rhine, an...

DAY 7: Amsterdam / Monnickendam

This morning, see Amsterdam as earlier residents would have viewed it, through a guided boat excursion along the canals.

Midday, set off on the city’s excellent bike path network, heading north to the small fishing village of Monnickendam. As you pedal out of t...

DAY 8: Disembark / Travel to Den Haag

Disembark your ship at 9:00 a.m. to conclude your Rhine cycling river cruise.

After breakfast, say goodbye to your ship crew and trip leaders as your tour ends. It is important that you disembark ship no later than 9:00 a.m. Taxis will be available for transportation to the train station or airport.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,395
Price per day$674
Last Updated: 4/26/2024
Start Date
End Date
Shared Room
Single Supplement
Availability
11 May 2024
18 May 2024
$5,895
+$2,495
Available
25 May 2024
01 Jun 2024
$5,895
+$2,495
Currently Full
08 Jun 2024
15 Jun 2024
$5,895
+$2,495
Available
21 Jul 2024
28 Jul 2024
$5,895
+$2,495
Currently Full
17 Aug 2024
24 Aug 2024
$5,895
+$2,495
Currently Full
14 Sep 2024
21 Sep 2024
$5,895
+$2,495
Limited Spaces Left
28 Sep 2024
05 Oct 2024
$5,895
+$2,495
Limited Spaces Left
12 Oct 2024
19 Oct 2024
$5,895
+$2,495
Available

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with VBT Bicycling Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

VBT Bicycling Vacations Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
Excellent
579
Great
42
Average
11
Disappointing
4
Terrible
3
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Other VBT Bicycling Vacations Reviews

G

Ginger

Nov 2023

Written on

The best vacation ever

This was the first organized tour my husband and I have ever joined, so we were not sure what to expect , but it turned out to be the best vacation we've ever had. T...

D

DonaandConnie

Nov 2023

Written on

Absolutely stunning scenery with relatively easy cycling.

This tour was one of our favorites. The tour leaders (Claudio and Tiziana) were great. The Dolomites and Italian Alps were breathtaking and the bike paths and towns ...

B

Barbnjim

Nov 2023

Written on

life at its fullest

Unlike tours where you gaze at world class natural and historic wonders in another culture, this tour put us in intimate touch with them through cycling, eating, dri...

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Tour Operator

VBT Bicycling Vacations

premier
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Since 1971, VBT has crafted immersive and authentic biking vacations for active travelers. When you travel with VBT, you’re not just another tourist—you’re a traveler. With us, you’ll experience your destination with the help of a local, bilingual trip leader with a passion for sharing their home with you. You’ll eat in local restaurants, stay in accommodations that have been family-owned for generations and cycle through vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages. 


With VBT, you won’t just visit a place—you’ll immerse yourself in it. You might follow a centuries-old pasta recipe while taking a cooking class in Rome—or learn a folk dance in Croatia, followed by sharing a bottle of locally-produced Grk wine with your new friends. Exploring the world on two wheels lets you experience your surroundings on a deeper level.

 

VBT offers exceptional value without compromising on quality. Simply put, no other US-based active travel company offers an experience this rich for such a reasonable price. On our tours, you can see more sights, have more local experiences, and enjoy more delicious, authentic meals—all while staying in high-quality, boutique hotels and charming, family-run inns.

 

All you have to do is show up at the airport—we’ll handle the rest! From tour consultants who help you find the perfect vacation to expert local trip leaders who show you the best place for gelato, we take care of all the little details that make your trip memorable. We book your flights, arrange all your transportation and accommodations, and move your luggage between hotels. Our support vans are available to give you a lift up a hill or quickly fix a flat tire. VBT takes care of your travel details and creates unique itineraries so you can relax and enjoy your small-group vacation from start to finish.

 

Friendly camaraderie, cultural immersion, and casual comforts are the hallmarks of our vacations. Discover delightful people, beautiful hotels, foreign cultures, and fascinating lifestyles that will enrich your life and provide memories for years to come.

Why we love this operator
Their unique emphasis on immersive cultural experiences combined with active exploration with personalized cycling experiences.
What they’re known for
VBT Cycling are renowned for offering exceptional guided and self-guided bicycle tours worldwide.

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Logistics

Transportation & flights

7 nights aboard a deluxe river ship
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

21 meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners

Age Requirements
13 to 80 years
Additional Information

On Shore: This tour offers easy, rolling terrain along rivers, with a few climbs to reach riverside towns. Riding is primarily on paved or packed gravel bike paths, with some road riding, through both urban and rural areas. Our VBT support vehicle is available every day at designated points for those who need assistance.

On Board Ship: Our group of up to 24 VBT guests will be part of a larger assembly on board our 182-passenger river cruise ship. Every day will include your choice of exclusive VBT activities and opportunities to join others. Our boat may be docked adjacent to other ships, which might lead to some views being obstructed while in port.

Daily Mileage: 6 - 40 miles| Biking: 1 - 5 hours| Group Size: 24

Trip ID
vbt-vbt-RhBi

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