Imagine waking up aboard a sleek, boutique river vessel from AmaWaterways, gently gliding along the Danube River one morning, and that afternoon pedalling a state-of-the-art bike through a vineyard in Austria’s Wachau Valley. That’s the luxury “bike & barge” experience done right — where the comfort of your floating hotel meets the freedom of the bike trail.
AmaWaterways has long been a pioneer in this field, carrying a full complimentary fleet of bicycles on board — meaning that whether you choose a guided excursion or prefer to explore independently, you have the tools to do so.
Why this is not your standard river cruise
Many river cruises feel passive: you embark, you sit, you disembark. With the bike-&-barge style of AmaWaterways, you’re still cruising, still enjoying the luxury stateroom, gourmet meals and panoramic lounges — but you’re also active, engaged, and seeing Europe from a completely different angle.
You unpack once, your floating hotel moves with you. No hustling from airport to hotel to bus.
You can choose from multiple activity levels. AmaWaterways offers guided bike tours rated at three activity levels (gentle, regular, active) so that your pace matches your desires.
Luxury is baked in: gourmet menus, twin-balcony staterooms, fine wine, spa & wellness touches. Not roughing it.
Routes worth writing home about
Here are just a few of the exceptional itineraries where the bike & barge concept shines. Depending on your interests, you might prefer the rolling hills of Austria, the historic canals of the Netherlands, or sun-drenched vineyard lanes in Portugal.
Danube River – Austria & Germany: Cycle between Melk and Dürnstein in the Wachau, pedal to the imposing Walhalla Memorial near Regensburg, pass through the city of Vienna and enjoy riverside rides on the Inn near Passau.
Rhine & Moselle – Germany, Netherlands: Ride from Lahnstein to Koblenz (Germany’s “Two Rivers” point). Enjoy the windmill-dotted plains at Kinderdijk in the Netherlands.
Southeast Europe – Lower Danube: For those who want a slightly off-the-beaten-path route, AmaWaterways offers cruises from the Danube through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania — with bike tour options around Belgrade, Vidin and more.
What you’ll actually do on board & off
Morning: Breakfast as your ship slips into a sleepy port town. You pick your bike, a guide briefs the route and you set off — maybe 10–15 miles along riverbanks, through vineyards, or into a historic center. Because AmaWaterways was the first river line to carry a full fleet of bikes, you’re not squeezed in — you’re privileged.
Mid-day: You may pause for a wine tasting beneath an Austrian hillside, or an artisan lunch in a French village. Then return to your vessel, hop in the lounge, sip something cold, and watch the scenery change with zero unpacking required.
Evening: Cocktail hour on deck, fine dining, panoramic windows. Perhaps live music, perhaps conversation under the stars. The next day: repeat. New town, new pedal-out.
This is ideal for the traveler who:
- Wants luxury plus activity. Not hectic fitness holiday, but graceful motion.
- Loves to see and feel a place, not just glance at it.
- Has some mobility, wants variety, and appreciates that the bike rides are optional.
It might be less suitable for someone who:
- Prefers total relaxation with zero exertion.
- Requires heavy-mobility support every day. (While many tours are gentle, always check accessibility.)
- Promises intense mountain-bike trails — these are mostly scenic & moderate rides.
Insider tips to make your cruise extra special
Reserve early: bike excursions, especially the popular stretches like Wachau or Kinderdijk, fill up fast.
Choose your stateroom smartly: twin-balcony cabins give you private outdoor space to enjoy the river view.
Pack light, layer well: you’ll want comfy athleisure wear for rides, but bring smart-casual for evenings.
Consider the timing: spring and early fall offer cooler temperatures and quieter paths; summer may have busier bike routes.
Use the free bikes: yes—AmaWaterways includes bikes onboard, and you may also use them for self-guided excursions.
Don’t skip non-bike days: You’re still on a luxury cruise with Michelin-level dining, spa treatments and world-class views.
Ready to elevate your next voyage? Call us now at 888-717-5074 to discover available luxury bike & barge departures with AmaWaterways.
Book Your Amawaterways Cruise
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are the bike tours included or extra?
A: For most European AmaWaterways itineraries, guided bike tours are included — part of “Every Excursion Included
Q: What if I don’t want to cycle every day?
A: No problem. You will have a choice each day between multiple excursions — gentle walking tours, special interest tastings, hikes or rides. The bike ride is optional.
Q: How difficult are the routes?
A: They vary. AmaWaterways classifies their excursions by activity-level. Many rides are along riverside paths, vineyards and gentle terrain. Some may be more challenging if you opt in.
Q: Can I bring my own bike?
A: Typically no — the ships carry a full fleet of high-quality bikes. Bringing your own would be logistically complex on river cruises. Use the ship’s bikes.
Q: What about electric bikes (e-bikes)?
A: Some itineraries (especially in partnership with companies like Backroads) have “Dolce Tempo” easygoing e-bike options. AmaWaterways is active in this space.
Q: Which destinations are best for this style?
A: Highly recommended: The Wachau Valley (Austria), the Rhine/Moselle windmill belt (Kinderdijk, Netherlands), and lower Danube routes through Hungary/Serbia/Bulgaria for more off-beat luxury.
