Rhine River Cruise Bike Tour

The tour is 8 days long with 7 days being cycling days.

This bike tour makes adventuring by bike a breeze—perfect for beginners, occasional bikers, or anyone who is interested in exploring the world by bike. With dedicated Trip Leaders, support vans and GPS-supported routes, your day unfolds according to your agenda, not someone else's.

The tour has been rated as having an Activity Level of 1-3 with guests having biking options on most days.

Activity Level 1
Activities usually last 2-3 hrs with an average of 8-22 miles of biking per day and a maximum elevation of 1000ft.

Activity Level 2
Activities usually last 2-4 hrs with an average of 18-32 miles of biking per day and a maximum elevation of 2200 ft.

Activity Level 3
Activities usually last 3-5 hrs with an average of 26-42 miles of biking per day and a maximum elevation of 3400 ft.

Gratuities for most services during your trip are included in the price. While the tour operator has thought about including a Trip Leader tip as part of the overall trip cost, they acknowledge that gratuities are often customary as a way to recognise excellent service on a more personal level.

While cash gratuities are always preferred, checks (on US trips only; payable to a Trip Leader) or PayPal are also available options.

Food is an important part of the Backroads experience. For lunch, we look for the best way to capture the essence of the region. It may be a meal together at a favourite local restaurant; a buffet lunch on board the ship; or the opportunity to have lunch on your own while in port. Our dinners feature a balance of regionally-inspired
specialties and familiar favourites prepared by AmaWaterways' classically trained chefs. All dinners are on board the ship, where you'll be seated with other Backroads guests. If you'd like a more intimate dining experience, we encourage you to take advantage of the on-your-own dining options in port. Complimentary
onboard snacks and light meals are also available from early-morning pastries to late-night tapas—you'll never go hungry!

All meals are included in the trip price, except for those you choose to eat on your own in port.

Bottled water, specialty teas and coffees are always available on the ship and are included in the trip price. Onboard lunches, dinners and AMA Sip & Sail hours
include complimentary beer, house wines and soft drinks. Outside of meals, beer, wine and soda are available for purchase, unless otherwise noted.

Yes, bikes are included in the tour package.

Performance Road Bike
Custom-designed titanium bike built for cyclists to power up climbs and speed through the countryside. This performance road bike is lightweight and technologically advanced. Responsive, efficient and comfortable for a drop-bar performance bike, it’s an impressive ride suited to avid riders.

Touring Bike
A proven classic, our custom-designed titanium touring bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike's control and stability. This touring bike combines a wide range of gears with the ease of an adjustable upright riding position for comfort and efficiency.

Electic-Assist Bike
One of the lightest e-bikes available, it provides plenty of power (and then some!) to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance. Minimum age to ride an e-bike is 16 years old

If you'd prefer to have your own pedals, helmet or seat, feel free to bring these along. Your own gear can help to make your time on the bike as comfortable as possible, especially if you're someone who likes to log a lot of miles. Your leaders will be happy to put on your pedals and seat for you at the beginning of the trip.

All bikes are equipped with a safety triangle, two water bottles and for those who want it: a combination lock, hand pump, inner tube, tire levers and patch kit for use on your trip.

Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritised based on the date they're submitted.

The daily itinerary is based on scheduled sailing and port arrival times and as a result some days have more opportunities for exploring on land while other days have more sailing time. Every river has its own unique temperament and for centuries water levels have shifted due to rain, temperature and agriculture. High water levels may mean the ship cannot pass under a bridge, low water levels result in slower sailing, and a disabled lock can also lead to some extra cruising time.

Should any unforeseen change happen during your river cruise, the Tour Operator will work closely with the ship Captain and staff, who are very experienced in going with the flow. Depending on the situation, we may use a bus or our bikes to get to the next destination and use a land-based hotel if needed, in which case trip leaders will adjust the rides and activities as necessary.

Most port conditions require that ships tie up alongside each other, in which case you may need to walk through another ship to access our ship. This is a part of river cruising due to its popularity. You may experience obstructed views from your stateroom when the ship is double-docked, but rest assured that as soon as we set sail again your beautiful views will be restored.

Yes, the tour is subject to port fees. The fee will be included in your invoice.

2024 Port Fee: USD224.00
2025 Port Fee: USD231.00

Different ships will be used for the tour with the same level of luxury and service to be expected in all of them. The name of the ship to be used can be found on the Dates & Price tab.

Below are brief descriptions of staterooms that are available on the ships. Note that the availability of staterooms vary depending on the departure date.

Violin Deck Suite: 350sq ft with living area, separate shower and bathtub, French and outside balcony
Violin Deck AA: 235 sq ft with desk and chair, spacious bathroom, French and outside balcony
Violin Deck BA: 210 sq ft with desk and chair, spacious bathroom, French and outside balcony
Cello Deck AB: 235 sq ft with desk and chair, spacious bathroom, French and outside balcony
Cello Deck BB: 210 sq ft with desk and chair, spacious bathroom, French and outside balcony

The Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 declared by the World Health Organisation and the US Department of Health and Human Services expired May 11, 2023.

Effective June 1, should a guest choose to travel when positive or symptomatic with COVID-19, they will be required to wear a mask indoors and in vehicles, and to dine separately from the group.

Additionally, travelling unvaccinated may cause trip disruption. Backroads will not offer refunds or expense reimbursement to those unable to join a trip or take part in certain activities due to not meeting requirements. We ask that all guests carry a mask, as local regulations or vendors may require them in certain settings.

Travel Insurance: In the event a physician recommends you discontinue travel or not join your Backroads trip due to COVID-19 or other illnesses, consider trip insurance to help protect your travel investment.

Regional Entry Requirements: Please note that some regions (especially international destinations) have COVID-19 requirements and/or documents needed for entry.

Last update: Oct 2023