When you travel, you want to explore: not only to admire the vine-dotted banks of the River Danube or the epic architecture and lavender meadows of southern France – but to feel the crunch of the riverside trail under your wheels, touch that ancient stonework, taste those rich, sweet wines. We get it: that’s our style too. But cruising isn’t for you, right?
Think again – because a cycling river cruise is like having your very own floating base-camp, with incredible trails starting right from your doorstep. Think forest-flanked valleys, vibrant cities and wild horizons to chase every day, with state-of-the-art bikes at the ready. Plus expert guides who know the best routes, and a bunch of like-minded souls on board too – like us!
We love having a ready-made cycling group of fellow travellers – or, if you’re a solo cyclist, they’re a new bunch of friends who love it just as much as you do. And at the end of a big day, when your legs are heavy and a frosty beer is calling, you’re only a few steps from a steaming hot shower and slap-up dinner with a huge dessert. Go on – you’ve earned it!
Whatever your fitness level, Europe’s rivers lead to some of the world’s finest cycling trails. Maybe you’re craving a relaxed route through the Netherlands, to pootle through rainbow tulip fields and picnic under the windmills? Or perhaps the invigorating hills of Germany’s Cochem are calling, to power up (and freewheel down) their vine-shaded trails? With its steeple-sharp turrets and views of the meandering Model River below, the mighty Cochem Castle is an awesome spot to catch your breath.
On the Rhine, you can pedal butterfly-strewn trails to Strasbourg’s fairytale old town in summer, or cycle around Düsseldorf’s glittering Christmas markets in winter. Meanwhile on the Danube, the rolling vineyards of Austria’s Wachau Valley await: stop for lunch at a tiny family-run winery, feasting on lemon-spritzed schnitzel and crisp sparkling Riesling – the perfect fuel for the afternoon’s jaunt.
On the Seine, one day brings an energising ride through Paris’s iconic galleries, museums and winding backstreets, while the next day brings peaceful pathways through Normandy’s vineyards and villages. With wheels purring and the sun at your back, you’ll fly over the trails – though we wouldn’t blame you for knocking down your cadence, to admire the dancing poppies of Claude Monet’s garden in Giverny, and slurp ocean-fresh oysters in Le Havre.
Naturally, not every cruise line is ideal for cyclists – you need a real specialist to do this trip justice. At Cruise Collective we’ve carefully chosen our cycling partners: each one features an on-board fleet of top-of-the-range bikes (free to use – and no worries about punctures or repairs), and itineraries tailored to two-wheeled exploring. On most days, their guides lead group trips of varying lengths and levels, while also spilling the beans about local history, culture and legends – or you can head off completely solo.
There are even bikes for kids, and helmets are provided… so you’ll have more room in your suitcase for that amazing local wine.
Some cruise lines even offer the chance to ‘catch’ your boat, as it travels from one port to another. You’ll disembark in the morning with a trusty guide or a map, then spend the day cycling on trails that hug the riverside, before being welcomed back on board with cold drinks, hearty food and maybe even a well-earned dip in the on-board pool.
What’s your cycling holiday style? Maybe you’re the type who can’t resist any new route, raring to go for a ride every day (even if it means slipping into granny gear or – whisper it – occasionally letting an e-bike do the hard work). Or maybe you prefer to mix things up: a day of cycling, then hiking, sightseeing, river kayaking, whatever takes your fancy. The great thing about cruises is that you can pick and choose each day’s adventure, with no pressure to be in the saddle every day – and no judgement if you’d rather chill!
And the same goes for your travel buddies. If their fitness doesn’t match yours, or they simply prefer life at a sOptional image annotationlower – or faster – pace, you don’t have to choose the same activities. While you zip along the Seine’s willow-shaded pathways or venture into the forested foothills along the Moselle, they can sunbathe on deck or soothe saddle-weary muscles with a hot-stone massage in the boat’s spa.
We could go on: about the new friendships and social scene on board, how Europe’s smooth rivers are perfect for first-time cruises, and the joy of having healthy chef-cooked breakfasts to fuel your rides. That’s why we think that cycling cruises are the best of both worlds, a hassle-free holiday with a real adventure. Tour de France, eat your heart out!
We recommend checking out AmaWaterways’ superb range of European river cruises with cycling excursions – including holidays through France, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands. Cruise Collective members enjoy 10% off cycling cruises with AmaWaterways.