Rhine River Cruise Bike Tour

Couples, Friends & Solos
Couples, Friends & Solos
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR:
Families with Kids & Teens

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+

Women's Adventures Women 18+

Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18)

Families with Teens & 20s Best for ages 16-23 (min. age 14)

Families with Kids & Teens Best for ages 7-17 (min. age 4)

8 days

7 nights

Activity Levels 1-3

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Small Luxury Ship

Premiere Hotels - Experience the world’s best, from lavish luxury to chic retreats with prestigious alliances.

Deluxe Hotels - Find modern comforts in extraordinary settings, with great ambience and ample amenities.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

Rhine River Cruise Bike Tour

Couples, Friends & Solos
Couples, Friends & Solos
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR:
Families with Kids & Teens

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+

Women's Adventures Women 18+

Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18)

Families with Teens & 20s Best for ages 16-23 (min. age 14)

Families with Kids & Teens Best for ages 7-17 (min. age 4)

8 days

7 nights

Activity Levels 1-3

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Small Luxury Ship

Premiere Hotels - Experience the world’s best, from lavish luxury to chic retreats with prestigious alliances.

Deluxe Hotels - Find modern comforts in extraordinary settings, with great ambience and ample amenities.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

2025: May-Sep2026: May-Sep

From $5,830 - $12,130 /person

Includes port fees

Basel to Amsterdam through Switzerland, France, Germany & the Netherlands

A four-country journey has never been this relaxed. And when you're this content, you'll want to say yes to everything. Bike through the lush Black Forest? Yep. Hunt for the Lorelei between Rhine Valley vineyards? Ja. Sip brews at a biergarten, see Strasbourg's soaring Gothic cathedral and cruise through Amsterdam's canals like a local? Oui, jawoord and anchors aweigh!

... Read more

Highlights

  • Savor a rich and ever-changing tableau as you cruise the Rhine's mighty waters and pedal some of its most scenic stretches 
  • Explore the romantic streets of baroque Heidelberg, medieval Strasbourg and impeccably preserved Riquewihr 
  • Bike the evocative Route des Vins in Alsace, where you can pause to taste world-class Gewürztraminers and Rieslings
  • Cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, admiring its multitude of fortress ruins and castles  
  • Read More

See our Active Cruise Terms & Conditions.

Rhine River Cruise Bike Tour map

Switzerland, France, Germany & the Netherlands

StartBasel, Switzerland

EndAmsterdam, Netherlands

Airports & Travel details*

* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

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Itinerary

Grapes on a vine

Days 1-3

Description

Cycle from a quaint village in the Black Forest toward the vineyards of the Rhine Valley • Enjoy superb riding and wine along Alsace's famous Route des Vins • Pedal to the beautiful medieval villages of Riquewihr and Eguisheim • Soak up magical views in Strasbourg and admire the Gothic cathedral on a guided city walk • Spin along meadows and forests with views of France and Germany.

Accommodations

Nights 1-3

AmaWaterways Ship
Select a departure date for your ship details

A custom-designed ship featuring stylish private staterooms, panoramic windows, full balconies, an onboard team of classically trained chefs and inviting areas to socialize with fellow passengers. An Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report Readers’ Choice cruise line. (pool)

View sample deck plans
River with Rhinelan`d Maus Castle in background

Days 4-5

Description

Bike to Heidelberg, a stunning German city dominated by impressive castle ruins • Meander its cobblestone streets, strewn with gorgeous buildings made with red limestone from the former fortress • Follow in the footsteps of Romans along the famed Weinstrasse (wine route) • Unwind at a local biergarten with a few new friends and a refreshing beer or Radler • Pedal past fairy-tale towns, castles and vineyards through the Rhine Gorge, a spectacular World Heritage site • Take part in a wine tasting and enjoy a picnic lunch at a local family-owned winery.

Accommodations

Nights 4-5

AmaWaterways Ship
Select a departure date for your ship details

A custom-designed ship featuring stylish private staterooms, panoramic windows, full balconies, an onboard team of classically trained chefs and inviting areas to socialize with fellow passengers. An Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report Readers’ Choice cruise line. (pool)

View sample deck plans
Windmill in the countryside

Days 6-8

Description

Enjoy a glimpse of modern Germany in Düsseldorf, one of the country's largest cities, full of clean, green park-like public spaces • Try a mug of locally brewed Altbier ("Old Beer") and learn about the local Brauhaus (brewery) culture • Amsterdam's lovely waterways, arched bridges and crooked canal houses are delightful • Two-wheel it through the serene Dutch countryside • Embark on a traditional canal boat cruise along the city's intricate channels.

Accommodations

Nights 6-7

AmaWaterways Ship
Select a departure date for your ship details

A custom-designed ship featuring stylish private staterooms, panoramic windows, full balconies, an onboard team of classically trained chefs and inviting areas to socialize with fellow passengers. An Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report Readers’ Choice cruise line. (pool)

View sample deck plans

Want to learn more about this trip?

Request a Detailed Itinerary! Complete with descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more, it’s the perfect tool to help you choose. You can easily share it with friends too!

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What's Included

See more

Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

From $5,830 /person

Includes port fees

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Accommodations

Small Ships, Big Adventures

Our small ships feel more like boutique retreats, offering an experience a world away from the typical large cruise.

Ship may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Nights 1-7

AmaWaterways Ship
Select a departure date for your ship details

A custom-designed ship featuring stylish private staterooms, panoramic windows, full balconies, an onboard team of classically trained chefs and inviting areas to socialize with fellow passengers. An Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report Readers’ Choice cruise line. (pool)

View sample deck plans

From $5,830 /person

Includes port fees

View Dates
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Bikes

Choose Your Perfect Bike

Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.

Bike with drop handlebars and a "New" label on the top left
Backroads Next Generation Performance Road Bike

Included in your trip price

  • Ideal for avid cyclists
  • Redesigned for 2024
  • Next gen titanium frame with carbon wheels
  • Responsive, efficient and comfortable
  • Drop handlebars only
Backroads Touring Bike
Backroads Touring Bike

Included in your trip price

  • Suited for a wide range of cyclists
  • Comfortable ergonomic seat
  • Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
  • Upright handlebars only
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike

Included in your trip price

  • One of the lightest e-bikes available
  • Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
  • Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
  • Upright handlebars only
  • Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours;  learn more

Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+

From $5,830 /person

Includes port fees

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Reviewed by 24 customers

Great tour of the Rhine River

Submitted September 2024

By Mike

From Parker, CO

Our group had a wonderful experience biking from Basel to Amsterdam. The daily bike routes were challenging and very scenic. From the vineyards of Alsace, to the Rhine Gorge and all the castles and the lush farmlands and canals of Nederlands, this trip had it all. Our leaders took care of every detail and made the trip fun, interesting, and so enjoyable.

User submitted media
Rolling by a windmill in Nederlands

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Excellent active river cruise

Submitted July 2024

By Geoff

From France

Everything was great: from the engaging, knowledgeable and fun leaders, to the cultural and physical activities. I also enjoyed the ship: food was delicious, staterooms are comfortable. One thing to be aware of before going on trip is double-decking, and Backroads did a nice job at setting these expectations beforehand

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Amazing scenery, great bike routes, superb accomodations

Submitted September 2023

By Barb

From Ontario, Canada

We thoroughly enjoyed the rides - really felt like we got to know the countries we were riding through. The staff was outstanding - seemed to always appear when we needed them. Enjoyed using the GPS system - gave us some autonomy and confidence that we wouldn't get lost.

User submitted media
Pretty scenery on the rides

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Best vacation ever!

Submitted June 2023

By Nita

From Beverly Hills, CA

The biking tour was so well thought out. The bike paths were spectacular. I will never forget this trip. I am looking to take another biking tour next summer/

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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We had a great time.

Submitted June 2023

By peter

From Pembine wi

Everything was first class. The people, food, and equipment (electric bikes are great, hadn't been on a bike in over a year still rode 25+ miles a day). Everything is taken care of for you. Just show up and have great time.

User submitted media
Strasbourg

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Top notch in every aspect

Submitted June 2023

By Pete & Cindy

From Pembine, WI

Superb Backroads team, all rides and events well organized, cruise ship accommodations A1.

User submitted media
Heidelberg Bridge, Germany

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Fantastic trip. Biking, cruising, gourmet meals!

Submitted August 2022

By Brenda

From Cincinnati

Excellently run trip. The guides were fantastic, encouraging and fun. They did all the work; guests just enjoyed the experience. The GPS on the bikes guided us along and we could enjoy the lovely scenery. No getting lost! Ama Waterways boat was fantastic and gourmet meals all the way. My room had a "rain shower"...ahhh! and a balcony/terrace with table and chairs so I could watch 40 German castles go by as we traveled the Rhine.

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Was like a dream!

Submitted July 2022

By Cheryl

From St. Louis

Leave it to Backroads to find the best local experiences (canal cruise, pub lunches, winery picnic, etc), the most scenic routes, the best leaders and support staff, and thoughtful touches like yummy local snacks. For the convenience of only unpacking once there is a trade off as the rooms on the ship are pretty standard so you don't get the fabulous accommodations common to non-river cruise trips.

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Magical experience not to be missed

Submitted October 2021

By Wendy Z

From Punta Gorda, FL

We did this tour in September 2021. In spite of pandemic challenges, Backroads and AmaWaterways did an excellent job to ensure a safe and fabulous trip. The routes were beautiful and our Backroads team were absolutely wonderful. From castles to vineyards to ferries to medieval towns, every day was breathtaking. Don't miss this one!

User submitted media
The Rhine Gorge!

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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Best way to experience about the Rhine River!

Submitted October 2019

By dianne

From Minneapolis, MN

The bike rides and options were perfectly figured out to maximize our time for viewing the countryside and experiencing culturally significant sites, that often included lunch!

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend to a friend

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From $5,830 /person

Includes port fees

View Dates
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Dates & Prices

Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip.

Note: Your stateroom will be assigned based on availability. Please contact us if you are interested in booking multiple Stateroom Categories for your party, selecting a specific stateroom, or Single Supplement pricing.

Your guest & room selections

1 adult

1 room, 1 bed

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Want to learn more about this trip?

Request a Detailed Itinerary! Complete with descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more, it’s the perfect tool to help you choose. You can easily share it with friends too!

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Book with Confidence

Backroads provides flexible booking policies so that you can plan your vacation with complete peace of mind.

Learn more

From $5,830 /person

Includes port fees

View Dates