Bike Tours

Bike and Barging Tours
Holland - Tulip Tour
Holland - One Week Peek
France - Paris

Nordic Walking & Barging Tours

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BIKING AND BARGING WITH IBT

A NEW DIMENSION TO OUR BIKE TOURS

In 2004 we inaugurated a new and instantly successful variation on our European bicycle tours. Instead of staying in a series of different hotels, cyclists sleep and dine on a passenger barge, which sails as we bicycle and is docked to welcome us at the end of every day. IBT barge tours take place in various parts of Europe and enlist the services of individually owned vessels whose captains make their passengers comfortable and welcome. You are accommodated in a two-bedded cabin with private bath, and can unpack without packing again until leaving for home. Breakfasts and dinners are on board. Returning at the end of the day, a peek into the galley lets you identify whatever tempting aroma is emerging in advance of dinner. Now and again the barge is underway during meals, producing a changing vista from the dining table. The sun deck provides an out-of-door salon, and seating is available in the main salon as well. Each cabin has its own porthole view of the river scene.

LEAVE IT TO US

Although you will do the biking, leave everything else to us. We meet you at the airport and will return you there, transport you to the barge, provide the bicycle and, through our knowledgeable planning and the constant attendance of the guide, ensure that all goes safely and well. You will bike as a group, with the guide in the lead and an appointed "sweep" bringing up the rear. IBT's special Corner System ensures no one gets lost. Your guide provides insight on the area and is fluent in the language. All breakfasts and dinners are on board the barge; lunches are on your own in whatever pretty village we've come to.

WHAT IS A DAY LIKE?

Days vary, as we visit sites of interest (gardens, historic locations, windmills, chateaux) and hear informative lectures as well as experience the countryside at an ideal speed for enjoying it, by bicycle. A non-biking day might be devoted to exploring some delightful town, while on biking days stops are frequent and opportunities to take photos ample. We start in the fresh air of the morning, take a lunch break en route in some attractive small town - or perhaps pick up supplies to picnic. Although lunches are on your own, all breakfasts and dinners are included and are on our barge. Dinners, planned to reflect local, seasonal cuisine, are fully enjoyed after a days's bicycling and shared experiences produce a happy camaraderie with your companions.

HOW HARD IS IT?

Each tour is rated by level of difficulty. Easy denotes level terrain; Moderate includes both level terrain and rolling hills; Challenging consists of mostly rolling hills. We may cover 25 to 38 miles, but do so over the entire day, at moderate speeds with frequent stops to allow slower bikers to catch up. A morning coffee stop and afternoon ice cream stop happen almost daily.

IS THIS FOR YOU?

IBT's hallmarks, safety and combining maximum value with the best prices in the business, have attracted thousands of people for great bicycling experiences since the company's establishment in 1976. Participants of all ages and expertise have taken part, not infrequently as repeat customers. In addition to tours planned that any cyclist can enjoy, we offer advanced itineraries to challenge experienced riders and are pleased to individualize special trips for groups of families and friends.

Is a bicycle tour for you? IBT can provide the perfect means for finding out.