Rhine Bike & River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam
Explore four countries by foot and by bike without having to unpack your bags more than once on this all-inclusive Rhine cycle river cruise.
Guided Bike & Boat
- Daily Mileage: 9 - 35|
- Biking: 1 - 4 hr|
- Group Size: 24
Starting From
11-day Air Package
$5,795
8-day Bike Tour Only
$4,695
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!What to Expect
On Shore: This tour offers easy riverside terrain, with a few climbs. Riding is primarily on bike paths of both pavement and packed gravel, with some road riding through urban and rural areas. Our VBT support shuttle is available every day at designated points.
Onboard Ship: Our group of up to 24 VBT guests will be part of a larger group on board our 182-passenger river cruise ship. Every day will include your choice of exclusive VBT activities, as well as opportunities to join other ship-wide activities. While in port, the ship may be docked adjacent to other ships, which may require walking through other ships while boarding or disembarking. Additionally, some views may be obstructed while in port.
- Daily Mileage: 9 - 35|
- Biking: 1 - 4 hr|
- Group Size: 24
Cycling
Cyclists
Support
Tour Highlights
- Admire magnificent scenery from two perspectives: by boat and by bicycle.
- 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.
- Learn the legend of the Lorelei as you cruise the majestic Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Ride into history on a car-free bike path that traces the route of ancient Romans and knights.
- Explore the historic cities of Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Koblenz, and Cologne with local guides.
- Cruise the charming canals of Amsterdam.
- Feast on Edam cheese and other local specialties during a delightful picnic lunch.
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
Tour Only | Tour Only |
|
---|---|---|
Roundtrip international airfare | ||
Transfers to and from international airport | ||
One night in Zurich and one night in Den Haag in conveniently located hotels with breakfasts included | ||
7 nights aboard a deluxe river ship | ||
21 meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners |

Road Bicycle (Carbon frame)
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Step-Through (Mixte Hybrid) Comfort Bicycle
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Step-Over (Diamond) Comfort Bicycle
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Electric-Assisted Bicycle (E-bike)
See More >Biking Packages Include:
Custom VBT Bike and Helmet
Two Local, Bilingual Trip Leaders
Vehicle Support
Luggage Transfers
Ride with GPS and Daily Route Notes
Welcome Reception
Facilitated Cultural Experiences
Your Choice of VBT Branded Gear for Your Adventure
Accommodations
Enjoy Your Vacation Longer With Low-Cost Trip Extensions
Air Package Only
2021 Pre-Trip Extension - Zurich
2 Nights From $445 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: From $145
- 2 nights at the Hotel Opera in Zurich
- Daily breakfast
- Airport and ship transfers
- City Information
Depart home for Switzerland. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary.
Upon arrival at the Zurich airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. Your VBT representative will be holding a sign and will help you transfer via taxi or van (approximately 20 minutes) to your centrally located Zurich hotel. Make sure your VBT luggage tags are affixed to your bag so your VBT representative can identify you as you enter the arrival hall. If your VBT representative is not immediately in sight, there is a “Meeting Point” at both Customs exits, inside the arrivals hall. Please wait there, as the VBT representative may be transferring with an earlier arrival. They should arrive within 30 minutes. If your luggage is lost, fill out a PIR form before leaving the customs area. VBT representatives are not allowed in the customs area.
Your hotel room may not be available until after 2:00 p.m. If you arrive early, they will gladly store your luggage at the reception desk. The rest of the day is yours to relax or begin your exploration of the city.
VBT provides you with City Information that includes information and recommendations on what to see and do during your stay in Zurich.
Accommodation: Hotel Opera, Zurich
Zurich is one of Europe’s most under-appreciated cities. It is situated in one of the planet’s most beautiful settings, beside the Limmat River and facing crystal-clear Lake Zurich with the snowy peaks of the Alps looming in the distance. Steep, cobbled alleys crisscross the Old Town, inviting endless exploration. Cozy cafes are magnets for coffee lovers and people watchers, and a bench-lined promenade on the lake invites contemplation. Zurich enjoys a reputation as an extremely clean and litter-free city and is frequently named as one of the cities with the best quality of life in the world. There is so much in this remarkable city to explore.
Accommodation: Hotel Opera, Zurich
Included Meals: Breakfast
While Zurich is certainly worth another day of exploration, you can also use the Swiss rail system to visit nearby destinations such as Lucerne with its 17th century Chapel Bridge and the neighboring Mount Pilatus.
Accommodation: Hotel Opera, Zurich
Included Meals: Breakfast
Air Package Only
2021 Post-Trip Extension - The Hague
2 Nights From $245 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: From $145
- 2 nights at the Carlton Ambassador Hotel
- Daily breakfast
- Airport transfers
- City Information
Today, explore one of the most extraordinary cities in Holland; not just because it is the seat of the national government, but also because of its place as the “International City of Peace and Justice” and second home of the United Nations. Beautifully set on the North Sea, Den Haag (The Hague) boasts many monuments and historic districts. It is known as the “Royal City by the Sea” because of the many members of the Dutch royal family who reside in its chic neighborhoods.
The Plein and Grote Markt squares are filled with great restaurants and coffee houses which exude a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Den Haag’s shopping is as varied as the city itself, ranging from luxury department stores offering top international brands to cozy streets lined with small boutiques and specialty shops. The city boasts internationally renowned art and culture. Visit the Mauritshuis, home of the best Dutch paintings from the Golden Age, or Panorama Mesdag, a cyclorama painting more than 45 feet (13.7 meters) high and 390 feet (118.8 meters) in circumference. A different kind of cultural center is the Peace Palace which is home to a number of international judicial institutions. If you’d rather go further afield, you can board a train to one of the nearby Dutch cities.
Accommodation: Carlton Ambassador Hotel, Den Haag
Included Meals: Breakfast
Take another day to enjoy this charming city or venture off by rail to see Amsterdam.
Accommodation: Carlton Ambassador Hotel, Den Haag
Included Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast*, transfer to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (approximately 30 minutes) for your departing flight**. Please ensure that you are ready in the hotel reception area at the designated time.
*Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the front desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.
**VBT recommends that you check your transfer time in your “Transfer Reminder” or with the hotel’s reception desk the night before your flight. VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.
Included Meals: Breakfast

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