What kind of barges are there on "Bike and barge tours"?
They can be either river or sea boats, usually accommodating 18 passengers and up, always with a captain and crew on board. You'll stay in a comfortable cabin, and on board you'll find a dining room and one or more outdoor decks to park your bikes and enjoy sailing. Size and comfort vary depending on the tour. Find out more about our boats.
How does a bike and barge holiday work?
It's a vacation along rivers, canals and coastal routes, with cycling days and overnight stays in a floating hotel that follows cyclists stage by stage. The cabin will be yours for the entire week, so you don't have to worry about luggage; breakfasts and dinners are served on board, where you'll find the captain and crew welcoming you. You can also enjoy navigation while relaxing in the salon or on the sundeck, and if one day you don't want to ride...you can stay on the boat! Learn more
How far in advance do you recommend to book a bike and barge tour?
A bike-and-boat holiday involves a limited number of places, which varies depending on the size of the boat: this is why we recommend that you book at least 2-3 months in advance (this is the case, for example, with the very popular "tulip tour" in the Netherlands).
Are the bike and barge tours guided or self-guided?
It depends on the tour, so please check it out with the tour programme you are interested in.
How spacious are the cabins on a bike and barge tour?
Cabin size varies depending on the boat. See all the details and photos of the cabins on the boat profile that you find within the tour.
I have never done a cycling tour. How can I choose the right itinerary for me?
Among the perfect destinations for those with first experience with bike travel are Austria, Germany and the Netherlands: here the routes are mostly flat, almost entirely on bike paths and well-marked, so you can experience your first bike vacation in serenity.
Do you provide sheets, towels and hairdryers?
Sheets and towels are always included in a bike and barge tour.
A hairdryer is not always provided in the cabin, but it is sometimes available upon request: you can check this on the boat profile of each tour.
Do cabins on barges have portholes/windows that can be opened?
All cabins have portholes or windows, but they cannot always be opened for safety reasons. You can check this by clicking on the boat profile of each tour.
Is there air conditioning on board?
In the Gold and Platinum boats there is air conditioning in the common areas as well as in the cabins, while in the Silver and Bronze boats it is not guaranteed.
In the description of each tour you will find an information sheet for each individual boat or find out here about all the comforts of our boats.
How does it work with water and electricity on board?
In each cabin there are regular power outlets, usually the Schuko two-pole type. We recommend that you bring an adapter with you, just in case.
We invite you to use water sparingly on board, avoiding waste and excessively long showers.
Can I use a credit/debit card to pay for drinks on board?
Not in all boats: in Greece, France and Croatia cards are not accepted; in Holland and Italy they are (except for American Express).
Can I consume my drinks while on board?
You cannot consume your own drinks on board, but at any time you can order drinks from the bar or restaurant on the boat.
How does life on board work?
Breakfast and dinner are moments of sharing with the other participants, and you can take advantage of the common spaces to get to know your groupmates or to relax after the biking stage.
This travel formula offers you continuous opportunities to exchange cultures and customs.
What is included in the full board on a bike and barge tour?
Usually breakfasts and dinners are served on board, while lunch is packed. Onboard cuisine is usually international and may include dishes typical of the country in which you are travelling.
What kind of bikes do you rent?
Touring bikes, electric bikes, children bikes and family accessories such as trailer, follow-me tandem, child seat.
Check out the "Bikes and Accessories" section on the tour page to see the bikes you can choose from. Learn more about Girolibero bikes.
Do you rent e-bikes?
Yes, on most tours you can rent electric bikes. To learn more, see the "Bikes and Accessories" section on the page of the tour you are interested in.
Can I bring my own bike?
In bike & hotel tours it is generally possible, but we always advise you to have it carefully inspected before you leave.
However, please note that in bike and barge tours you cannot bring your own bike, you must rent it.
How does it work with my luggage in a bike and barge tour?
The cabin on the barge is yours for the whole week: luggage does not have to be carried and you can leave all your belongings in your cabin for the duration of the tour.
Does the boat sail or remain moored?
The boat is a real floating hotel: as you pedal it sails along and you will find it moored in its new location at the end of each stage.
Can I stay on board if I don't feel like cycling?
Yes, if one day you don't feel like cycling, you are welcome to stay on board and enjoy sailing from the salon or sundeck.
What do you mean with cabin below/main/above deck?
Some barges have multiple decks and you can choose between cabins located on the lower deck (below deck), main deck or upper deck (above deck). You can select your preference at the time of booking.
Actual availability of the selected cabin is always to be checked and will be confirmed to you or not within 3 business days.
