The Best Boat & Bike Tours for 2026

Blending superb cycling with scenic sailing and cruising, a Boat & Bike tour is a remarkable way to travel. But if you're struggling to choose from our collection of 40 holidays across 16 countries, we’re here to help with our list of the best Boat & Bike tours for 2026.

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 have already sold out on multiple departure dates in 2026, 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).

Amsterdam to Bruges Boat & Bike Tour

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.

Kinderdijk Bike Path, Holland
The stunning windmills on the Kinderdijk Bike Path

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.

Magnifique IV - Exterior and Suite
The Magnifique IV and its light and spacious suites

Freedom Trekkers say: ”Our Bruges to Amsterdam trip on the De Holland was fabulous - one of our best ever holidays! The route was stunningly beautiful and the varied scenery got better each day. The landscapes were varied but always pristine and delightful. Meanwhile the boat, the crew and our superb tour guide Ludwig were all fantastic! We never knew that Belgium was so beautiful!” - Jon Davies

View tour: Amsterdam to Bruges Boat & Bike Tour

Mantua to Venice 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.

Venice in July - taken by the Freedom Treks team
You'll have a whole day to explore Venice, moored up in an excellent location

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.

Ave Maria and sunsets in Italy
The team enjoyed spectacular daily sunsets from the deck of the Ave Maria in July 2024

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

Provence & Camargue 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.

Provence & Camargue Boat & Bike Tour Castle
An example of the medieval ruins you'll see on the Provence & Camargue Boat & Bike tour

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.

Caprice Exterior and Sundeck
The sundeck is at the bow of the Caprice to provide the best views whilst motoring along

What Freedom Trekkers say: “Great service, great advice. Helpful team. Even a phone call to ensure all was in order beforehand. A great trip through lovely areas. Absolutely amazing guide. Engaging barge. Delicious food. Well organised cabin with constant supply of hot water. Superb crew. A thoroughly enjoyable experience. We have travelled with Freedom Treks at least 5 times … never disappointed.” - Joyce Whitehead

View tour: Provence & Camargue Boat & Bike Tour

Dubrovnik to Split 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?

Fort Lovrijenac and old town, Dubrovnik, Croatia
You may recognise Fort Lovrijenac from Game of Thrones!

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.

Romantica Exterior and Swimming Platform
Easy access to the pleasant Adriatic Sea from the Romantica's swimming platform

What Freedom Trekkers say: “This cycle ride around Croatia's islands was fantastic. Romantica was the best boat we have sailed on. Cabin was spacious, food was plentiful and delicious and the crew were friendly and went out of their way to help you. Bikes were excellent and the guides knowledgeable and lots of fun. Would recommend an Ebike as the islands are very hilly but also very beautiful.” - Glenys Sleeman

View tour: Dubrovnik to Split Boat & Bike Tour

Denmark and Sweden 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.

Denmark & Sweden Boat & Bike Copenhagen © Martin Heiberg
You'll visit Copenhagen, one of Europe's most bike-friendly cities!

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.

The Atlantis Tallship
The impressive Atlantis provides a unique stay for your trip around Scandinavia

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

Scotland Boat & E-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.

Cycling the Isle of Mull
The roads and surrounding landscapes of the Inner Hebrides are incredibly peaceful

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.

Flying Dutchman Exterior and Bowspirt Netting
The bowsprit netting on the Flying Dutchman is a brilliant place for sunbathing on an afternoon off!

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

Book Now for 2026

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.

Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and sign up to our mailing list for more tour tips and inspiration.

Tours featured in this post