
Rhine Bike & River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam
Guided Bike & Boat
- Daily Mileage: 9 - 42 miles|
- Biking: 1 - 5 hours|
Starting From
11-day Air Package
$5,995
8-day Bike Tour Only
$5,095
Per person, double occupancy
Rhine Bike & River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam
Four countries and two modes of travel are entwined in one discovery-packed vacation. You’ll cruise through the heart of Europe, touching the shores of France, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, viewing terraced vineyards, quaint riverside towns, and lofty castles, then disembark to bicycle for an up close and personal view. Listen to the echoes of history—and perhaps the call of the Lorelei—as you follow the meandering Rhine River. Delve into the wine culture of Alsace, taste the region’s exquisite cheeses, explore medieval cities on guided tours, and admire the view from aboard your comfortable ship. All-inclusive pricing ensures the best value you can find in a Rhine cycle river cruise!
Tour Highlights
- Enjoy the best of both worlds: an all-inclusive river cruise and a VBT bicycling vacation.
- Touch the shores of four countries—Switzerland, France, Germany, and The Netherlands—but only unpack your bags 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 to Expect
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.
Onboard 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: 9 - 42 miles|
- Biking: 1 - 5 hours|
- Group Size: 24
Cycling
Cyclists
Support
Average High /
Low Temperature (°F):
Apr58º/42º
May67º/51º
Jun72º/57º
Jul77º/60º
Aug76º/59º
Sep69º/53º
Oct58º/46º
Average
Precipitation:
Apr1.5 in
May2.9 in
Jun2.6 in
Jul2.4 in
Aug2.0 in
Sep1.8 in
Oct1.5 in
Air Package | Tour Only |
|
---|---|---|
Roundtrip international airfare | ||
Airport car service for arrival and departure | ||
One night in Zurich and one night in Den Haag in conveniently located hotels with daily breakfast | ||
7 nights aboard a deluxe river ship | ||
21 meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners |

Road Bicycle (Carbon frame)
See More >
Step-Through (Mixte Hybrid) Comfort Bicycle
See More >
Step-Over (Diamond) Comfort Bicycle
See More >
Electric-Assisted Bicycle (E-bike)
See More >Biking Packages Include:
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
Accommodations (Please Note: Days are based on the Air Package Itinerary. Accommodations may vary depending on departure date. )
Enjoy Your Vacation Longer With Low-Cost Trip Extensions
Air Package Only
2023 Pre-Trip Extension - ZURICH
2 Nights From $445 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: From $145
- 2 nights at the Hotel Opera
- Airport car service for arrival
- Daily breakfast
- City information
Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.
Start off your first day in Zurich right by having a VBT representative greet you at the airport. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your hotel. From your centrally located hotel, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Air Package Only
2023 Post-Trip Extension - DEN HAAG
2 Nights From $295 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: From $195
- 2 nights at the Carlton Ambassador Hotel
- Airport car service for departure
- Daily breakfast
- City information
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to continue exploring on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After a delicious included breakfast at your hotel, you are free to continue exploring on your own, using our included city information packet to guide your discoveries.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After an included breakfast this morning, complimentary transportation to the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport will be provided (an approximately 30 to 40-minute drive, depending on traffic) for your departing flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast

This was a lovely, leisurely bike trip. Being on a river boat afforded flexibility to join the Emerald excursions or even just spend an afternoon on the top deck reading. Of course one could also opt to do full day cycling on mostly flat, scenic routes. It's rare that all needs can be met on a bike trip but this one had most covered: great accommodations and food, diversity in program options, and as much cycling as you feel like doing. Did I mention that our guides were terrific as well?
Rhine Bike & River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam
Although the Rhine itself is developed, we had rides that took us out in the country along bike paths and seldom used roads. The ride with GPS and the downloadable ride instructions were invaluable. It was the difference between worrying that you were on the right path or sitting back and enjoying the scenery. The two winery stops were great. I liked that the second as at the end of the ride where you could relax without fearing you had more biking to do. But... the first gave us a nice break in the middle of the ride. The two…
Rhine Bike & River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam
Other Tours You'll Love
View Related Tours

The Netherlands: Holland Harbor Towns & the Wadden Sea
Self-Guided Biking
Starting from 8 days at
$3,095
This seafaring Netherlands self-guided bike tour showcases the charming villages and historic towns along the Wadden Sea and IJsselmmer.


The Netherlands Bike & Boat: Springtime in Holland, Aboard the Princesse Royal
Guided Bike & Boat
Starting from 8 days at
$4,495
In spring, when the flowers bloom, the Dutch countryside comes alive in a riot of colors. Riding a bike is the best way to absorb the experience up close.


The Netherlands Bike & Boat: Springtime in Holland, Aboard the Lena Maria
Guided Bike & Boat
Starting from 8 days at
$4,095
In spring, when the flowers bloom, the Dutch countryside comes alive in a riot of colors. Riding a bike is the best way to absorb the experience up close.
Stories From Europe
View All StoriesVBT's Top Destinations for Car-Free Cycling
August 30, 2021
Part of the joy of cycling, after all, is hearing little else but the whir of your tires against the pavement. That’s why our VBT trip planners—riders themselves—wholeheartedly embrace quiet,...
Continue ReadingLearn about Frisian Cuisine on the islands of Texel of Terschelling
April 29, 2017
The Wadden Islands are an archipelago that forms much of the European barrier to the North Sea. The westernmost group—called the West Frisian Islands— belongs to the Netherlands feature vast...
Continue ReadingBiking Friesland — Holland’s Most Unique Province
August 21, 2015
The province of Friesland in northern Holland is unique for both its cultural and geographic characteristics. Bound by the Wadden and North Seas, Freisland consists of a large area of...
Continue ReadingRequest a
Free Catalog
Find Your next vacation with Over 200 Pages of tour information
Get Yours TodayBook Online
Reserve Instantly
Find your perfect tour and reserve a spot with our easy online booking.
Find A Tour