About us

Bike & boat with heart and soul

At Boat Bike Tours, we believe travel is about more than just reaching your destination. It’s about encounters, inspiration, and the joy of being in the right place at the right time. Our journeys create space for exactly those moments: they’re personal, relaxed and thoughtfully organized. Every year, we welcome more than 25,000 guests on board, many of whom return again and again.

What drives us

The joy of creating unforgettable moments is what drives us! Our tours combine movement with relaxation, nature with culture, and comfort with adventure. With carefully-planned routes, welcoming crews, experienced tour leaders and attentive service, we make sure you can focus on what truly matters: the experience.

Our story

More than 40 years ago, our journey began in the Netherlands, with a few small passenger ships and the idea of offering unique tours for adventurous groups. What started as Channel Cruises Holland grew steadily: more ships, more routes and more opportunities to explore.
In the late 1990s, a new concept was born: a tour that includes both boating and biking. With that, Boat Bike Tours took shape and opened up an extraordinary way to discover Europe.
Back then, our ships were still quite simple, with basic cabins and modest comforts. Step by step, we raised the bar: twin cabins for smaller groups, ensuite bathrooms as standard, and eventually ships with spacious suites. One thing, however, has never changed: every ship remains a one-of-a-kind experience, with its own character and charm. Instead of mass tourism, we focus on small groups of 12 to a maximum of 112 passengers.

A new chapter

In 2024, we began an exciting new chapter by joining forces with Islandhopping, a Germany-based boating and biking company. Two pioneers in bike-and-boat travel have combined their experience and passion to offer guests even more. Today, we feature over 70 different tours in 15 European countries, from the tulip fields of Holland to the Danube, and from the Danish and Swedish coastlines to the stunning Greek islands. And beyond Europe, new horizons are opening: Vietnam and Turkey have been added to our portfolio, with more to come!

Designed for people

Our trips are as diverse as our guests, but all of our trips share one thing in common: they invite you to see the world with fresh eyes. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple or in a group, we create the perfect setting for journeys with character: well-guided, but flexible enough to leave room for you to follow your own path. Inspiring, but never overwhelming. Thoughtfully planned in every detail, yet always open to the unexpected.

People who make it happen

Boat Bike Tours is a growing team of passionate crew members, tour leaders and organizers. Some have been with us for decades, while others are just beginning their journey, but all share one mission: to make your vacation truly special. On board and on land, more than 130 tour leaders and over 400 crew members work together to ensure that you feel at home on board, and like a true explorer when ashore.

Traveling responsibly

Our tours are not only about slowing down, but also about being mindful. With cycling at the heart of our trips, they are naturally climate-friendly. Our ships are continuously being modernized to conserve resources. On land, we partner with local businesses that share our values of sustainability, fairness and quality. The result? A travel experience that doesn’t just feel good, but also does good: for our guests, our hosts and the places we visit.

Learn more

Behind the scenes

In our podcast, CEO Laurens Winkel shares how a small Dutch idea grew into the Boat Bike Tours experience we know today. It’s a clear and engaging look at the milestones, people, and decisions that shaped our company.

What lasts

We believe the best memories are made where people, nature and culture meet with respect. That’s what Boat Bike Tours is all about. In the end, it’s not just about biking and boating. It’s about those moments when conversations deepen, impressions linger and smiles are genuine.
We look forward to welcoming you on board soon, and discovering new horizons together.