ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours, a leader in two-wheeled adventure since 1972, invites travellers to explore Europe’s waterways and countryside on two wheels – with the added comfort and convenience of only having to unpack once. The company’s popular ‘Bike & Boat’ itineraries offer a unique blend of slow travel, active adventure and seamless logistics, making these trips the perfect choice for cyclists of all levels.
With itineraries in the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Croatia, and Greece, ExperiencePlus!’s Bike & Boat tours pair guided rides through bucolic countryside, charming towns, and along winding waterways, with relaxing evenings aboard private boats with comfortable cabins and en-suite bathrooms.
“Our Bike & Boat tours perfectly embody the spirit of slow travel,” says Maria Elena Price, co-owner of ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours. “You get to immerse yourself in local life at the perfect pace while also enjoying the comfort of unpacking just once and letting the boat do the work of moving you to the next day’s adventures.”
As with all ExperiencePlus! tours – both guided and self-guided – each has been thoughtfully crafted to offer a balance of active exploration and cultural immersion. Cyclists explore historic sites, local shops, and scenic coastlines by day, and return to the boat for freshly prepared dinners, camaraderie, and a good night’s sleep. What’s more, these tours are great for seasoned cyclists and those new to bike touring alike. With moderate daily rides (and the option of e-bikes), anyone can take part – solo travellers, couples, friends, families, and even multi-generational groups.
Here is the line-up of ExperiencePlus! Bicycling Tours Bike & Boat adventures:
Bike and Barge: Bruges to Amsterdam: A new addition for 2025, this eight-day guided tour explores the famed canals of Northern Belgium to Southern Netherlands, showcasing a rich heritage that is equal parts medieval and modern. The region itself is a cyclist’s dream, with gentle terrain, quiet roads, and tree-lined paths along serene canals. Starting in medieval Bruges, one of the most important trading centres in the 13th century, cyclists pedal on to Ghent and Antwerp, followed by Gouda, and ending in Amsterdam. Priced from US$5,995.00 per person.
Bike and Barge: Amsterdam to Bruges: Recently updated, this perennial favourite offers the reverse itinerary from its twin listed above, spending eight days travelling from iconic Amsterdam to Gouda, Antwerp, Ghent, and finally Bruges. Showcasing the area’s rich history of ingenuity, trade, medieval architecture, and political power, this journey explores world-famous cities and villages whose growth and development are intricately tied to water. Priced from US$6,395.00 per person.
Bike and Barge: Amsterdam to Bruges Plus! Flanders: Building on the previous itinerary, this 12-day adventure starts in Amsterdam moving south to Bruges (as above) but after a rest day in that medieval city, continues to Ypres via the foothills of Southern Flanders, and concludes in Kortrijk, one of Belgium’s oldest cities, founded by the Romans as Cortoriacum. Priced from US$7,895.00 per person.
The luxury barges used as part of the Netherlands-Belgium ‘bike and barge’ tours offer the ultimate in comfort. (ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours)
Bike and Barge: The Seine: This week-long itinerary takes travellers along the picturesque Seine River Valley, passing by splendid estates, including the castle and grounds at Fontainebleau, and through small medieval towns on the way to Montargis. With scenic rides along easy canal paths, there is ample opportunity to stop to sip café au lait in quaint villages. Priced from US$5,750.00 per person
Bike and Barge: The Seine Plus! Castles of the Loire: Building upon the above itinerary, this 11-day adventure is comprised of eight days on the boat (as above) with a land-based extension perfect for anyone wanting to explore further by spending another few days pedalling between important chateaux, including Blois, Chambord, Amboise, and Chenonceau. Priced from US$7,200.00 per person.
Bike and Boat: Cycling Croatia’s Islands: Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and its islands have been a favourite seaside destination among Europeans for over a century. This eight-day island-hopping journey explores it all! Starting in Split, the itinerary visits the well-known islands of Brač, Hvar, and Korčula, as well as smaller, more out of the ways islands like Vis and Solta. Based out of a luxury gulet, daily rides offer some heart-pumping challenges along scenic coastlines and interior trails. Priced from US$5,595.00 per person.
Bike and Boat: Cycling Greece’s Dodecanese Islands: This brand-new-for-2025 tour explores the Dodecanese islands, which are the furthest island group from the Greek mainland. Each island has its own charm and characteristic landmarks, ranging historically from the times of the Byzantine and Ottoman rule to the Italian era and contemporary Greece. The eight-day island-hopping adventure starts in Bodrum, Turkey, and sails to the islands of Kalymnos, Kos, Nisyros, Tilos, and Symi. Daily rides exploring scenic coastlines and rugged interior landscapes will get the heart pumping, while nights will be spent aboard a beautiful, newly revamped (2023) gulet. Priced from US$5,850.00 per person.
