Taking a bike cruise through some of the world’s most picturesque scenery is as easy as booking with a river cruise line that provides bicycles for guests. If biking and boating, especially in European destinations, seems like the perfect combination for you, you don’t have to look far.
A number of river cruise lines give passengers the means to explore what lies beyond the river’s edge -- either independently or via guided shore excursions.
Here are our eight picks for some of the best bike-cruise options on the rivers.
AmaWaterways packs more than two dozen bikes and helmets onboard its ever-expanding fleet of river ships for passengers' free use. Guests can even have a local guide tag along on your cycling route; simply let the desk know in advance and they'll arrange it.
For avid cyclists seeking a truly immersive -- and pampered -- bike cruise experience, sign on for one of AmaWaterways' sailings operated in tandem with active tour operator Backroads. These are serious cycling cruises that go far beyond an easy ride along the towpath. Most Backroads' sailings are limited to 30 participants but look for occasional full-ship charter bike boat tours.
The AmaWaterways/Backroads arrangement is a good fit for couples in which one bikes and the other doesn't, because each can book separately through the respective companies, and share a cabin.
European Waterways offers small barge cruising along hidden canals and waterways, complete with cycling -- both independently and in tours along the way. These bike and barge tours are for those wanting a more focused experience, exploring a smaller area, without traveling great distances the way the larger river ships do.
Destination options include the Loire Valley and Burgundy. You’ll spend your days cycling through quaint villages and your evenings enchanted by the passing scenery and exquisite pampering onboard barges that accommodate as few as six guests.
Uniworld maintains a fleet of free bicycles for self-guided or escorted group excursions at no extra charge. The line partners with upscale tour operator Butterfield & Robinson for managed bike trips in Europe, including itineraries on both the Danube and Rhine.
The partnership allows Uniworld passengers to participate in a bike trip tailored to your activity level on cycles outfitted with tablets pre-programmed with detailed route maps.
Custom-made electric bikes are on board all Scenic ships. A bonus feature: They come with GPS devices that are also programmed with information on points of interest along the route.
Passengers can opt to ride independently to some shore excursion spots. For example, those who'd prefer getting to Monet's house and garden at Giverny on their own power can hop on a bike and skip the motor coach ride. Scenic also offers guided rides of up to 18 miles in some ports; these are included.
Picture yourself cycling along the Seine in France or the Douro in Portugal.
Scenic's four-star sister line stocks regular bikes on each of its ships, and they're free for the asking. Guided tours are featured in several locations, including Nuremberg, Germany; Melk, Austria; and Belgrade, Serbia. Emerald Waterways includes one active shore excursion per cruise, and biking is often one of them.
Avalon Waterways carries bikes on each of its Europe-based ships. They're free and available for independent touring.
Additionally, the line is offering optional for-fee guided excursions in locales where cycling is particularly good. These include the Dutch countryside outside Amsterdam; Austria's Wachau Valley (a UNESCO World Heritage Site); Germany's Kaiserstuhl wine region; and along the Moselle River in Germany.
Each Tauck ship stocks bicycles for complimentary use. A number of included guided excursions include a ride along the Rhine and Moselle rivers; cycling through vineyards along the Rhone River; and, on some of its family-oriented itineraries, guided rides along the Seine in Paris and the gardens at Versailles.
A-Rosa ships sail with bicycles onboard. Full-cruise cycling packages in partnership with Terranova can be added to your cruise premium all-inclusive cruise package. The line is not known to most Americans but its young and hip vibe is ideal for families and young travelers who might not otherwise consider a river cruise.