by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 11:20 AM ET, Fri May 30, 2025
The aptly named Bike Boat Tours opened a North American sales office this week, hoping to capitalize on Canadian and American travellers’ increasing desire for active vacations.
“When it comes to what we do, our name says it all – we blend the comfort of cruising aboard small ships with adventures by bike,” said CEO Laurens Winkel. “With Boat Bike Tours, trips are inland on rivers and canals, while Islandhopping is on saltwater. And with bikes, the experience isn’t like a regular European cruise. Rather than using a tour bus for excursions to popular sites in bigger cities, we’re able to ride out through the countryside, to towns and villages, taking time to enjoy the local people, culture and nature found along the way.”
A History of Active Travel
The Amsterdam-based company has been in business in Europe for decades, starting when Channel Cruises Holland, a barge tour operator founded in 1977, added biking to its itineraries in response to guests asking for traditional Dutch activities. The concept was so popular that it eventually became its own brand.
Most recently, Bike Boat Tours merged with Croatia-based Islandhopping, which also specializes in cruise-and-cycle travel. The company now offers more than 70 itineraries across 15 countries with a variety of experiences from Europe’s west coast to the Mediterranean.
Its fleet of 50 ships includes barges, motor yachts and sailing ships, ranging from comfortable to superior.
Biking styles include guided for casual riders and independent for seasoned cyclists, with touring bikes, e-bikes and even mountain bikes in select destinations.
Itineraries range from five to 15 days, with most being eight days, and cater to a variety of budgets and interests, from historic cities and landmarks to picturesque natural landscapes and the world’s best wines.
Immersive Itineraries
“Spending days exploring by bike and nights moored in towns allows for more intimate connections with local people, culture and nature. And travelling by smaller boat and bike also takes guests beyond tourist hotspots and minimizes environmental impacts,” the company says.
Three of the most popular itineraries with North American guests are:
- Visiting world famous cities and picturesque Dutch and Flemish countryside from Amsterdam to Bruges.
- Island-hopping along the Dalmatian Coast from Split to Dubrovnik.
- Following the Moselle River from Cochem to Metz exploring vineyards and history in Germany, France and Luxembourg.
Setting Up Shop in North America
“With half of our guests coming from North America now, it makes sense to have an office here,” said Jana Tvedt, director of sales, North America for Boat Bike Tours, in a release. “We’re available when needed and familiar with what Americans and Canadians are looking for in destinations, experiences and ships. And we’re always happy to work with travel advisors, groups and charters.”
The new office is in Fairfield, Connecticut, open Monday to Friday. Travel advisors can register at www.boatbiketours.com/agency-registration/ to make sure they stay informed about new products and special offers.
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