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Find your tourLevel 1: easy tours, very flat terrain
The duration of the tour
Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
On this premium bike tour, you’ll explore Berlin and its iconic landmarks such the remnants of the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie as well as the historic Brandenburg Gate. In a week filled with contrasts, this trip offers a combination of bustling city life in one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals with the quiet and peaceful countryside that lies beyond. In the morning, you’ll cycle along the green riverbanks of centuries-old waterways, vast forests, and charming towns. Then, the afternoons are yours to comfortably relax on board the Clair de Soleil as she gently cruises down the Spree. Rivers, lakes, and canals have shaped local’s lives here for centuries. It won’t be long before you see why Germans refer to this area as das blaue …
Monday to Friday
Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00
New York: 6:00AM to 7:00PM
On this premium bike tour, you’ll explore Berlin and its iconic landmarks such the remnants of the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie as well as the historic Brandenburg Gate.
In a week filled with contrasts, this trip offers a combination of bustling city life in one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals with the quiet and peaceful countryside that lies beyond. In the morning, you’ll cycle along the green riverbanks of centuries-old waterways, vast forests, and charming towns. Then, the afternoons are yours to comfortably relax on board the Clair de Soleil as she gently cruises down the Spree. Rivers, lakes, and canals have shaped local’s lives here for centuries. It won’t be long before you see why Germans refer to this area as das blaue Paradies, or “blue paradise.”
Along the way, you’ll encounter traces of the complex history of the region. The route takes you from stately palaces and beautiful parks in Potsdam to more solemn memorial sites such as the Sachsenhausen concentration camp and the villa where the Wannsee Conference, the meeting that set the Holocaust in motion, took place.
Centuries of history will emerge on your route, including the Sanssouci Palace, built by the most famous Prussian king, Frederick the Great, the Asisi Panorama art installation about the Berlin Wall, and the modern Reichstag Building with its stunning glass dome. As one of the most important cities of post-war Europe, Berlin is a true highlight on this cycling and boating vacation. With its unique blend of history and modern city life, the city serves as both the starting point and the destination of this German adventure.
Your floating hotel
Between bike tours, you’ll be well cared for by the hospitable crew on the Clair de Soleil, a comfortable hotel ship that will transport you from one destination to the next. On board, every day starts with a hearty breakfast and ends with a delicious dinner, after which you can settle into the comfort of your private cabin. For each bike tour, you’ll receive a freshly-made packed lunch to take with you along the way.
If you prefer a more relaxed day, you’re welcome to stay abroad and see the route from a different vantage point. Enjoy the passing scenery from your cabin or the sun deck. There are rental E-Bikes on board, this tour will be offered as an E-Bike only tour.
Guided bike tours
The daily bike tours are led by a multilingual guide, and each day can be tailored to your individual needs. On many days, you can choose between a shorter or longer bike route, depending on your mood and desired challenge. Your tour guide is an expert in this route and will help you make an informed decision about which choice is best for you. Would you prefer to cycle independently and at your own pace? Then you’re welcome to complete the routes on your own using our detailed cycling map and the handy Ride with GPS app.
Your journey begins in the bustling heart of Berlin, not far from the government district. You can check in on board at 4:00 p.m. After settling into your cabin, you’ll meet the captain, crew, and your tour guide during a welcome gathering. In the evening, enjoy your first group dinner on board. After your meal, a short walk around the area offers you first impressions of Berlin.
While you’re enjoying a delicious breakfast, the ship departs and follows the peaceful Spree River out of the capital. You’ll pass through urban riverside landscapes and gradually leave the hustle and bustle of Berlin behind to discover the quieter natural areas surrounding the metropolis. Once the ship has docked and your bike has been adjusted, you’re ready to explore. Your first bike ride begins along the water and through expansive parks toward the town of Oranienburg.
The afternoon is dedicated to German history: you’ll visit the Sachsenhausen Memorial, a place of remembrance and reflection located in Oranienburg. The former concentration camp, later a Soviet internment camp, remains a powerful reminder of one of the darkest chapters of the twentieth century".
As you enjoy breakfast on board, the Clair de Soleil sets course southward. Today’s bike route begins shortly thereafter, allowing you to experience the beauty of the state of Brandenburg and the distinctive system of lakes, canals, and forests that have given the “Blue Paradise” its name. Along the way, you’ll make a brief stop at Villa Marlier. Once the site of the Wannsee Conference, the villa now serves as an important memorial to the Holocaust. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Potsdam.
Today’s focus is on Potsdam, a historic city full of beautiful parks, sprawling gardens, and impressive palaces, where for centuries, Prussian kings and later German emperors spent their summers. The bike ride takes you past Potsdam’s most beautiful sights and through the heart of the city where the splendor of these bygone eras can be felt at every turn. Famous for its expansive terraced gardens, today includes a visit to the elegant Sanssouci Palace, the summer residence of Frederick the Great. The evening is yours to enjoy as you wish, and dinner is on your own. Take this opportunity to explore Potsdam’s restaurant scene—perhaps by visiting one of the Kartoffelhäuser, traditional potato restaurants for which the region is known.
Your bike tour begins this morning in the wooded countryside around Potsdam. Along the way, there’s a short stop at the idyllically situated summer home of one of Brandenburg’s most famous residents, Albert Einstein. After a lovely morning of cycling along the lakes and a short ferry ride, you’ll reach the charming island town of Werder around noon. This historic town, once a fishing village and later known for its fruit and wine production, is the perfect spot for a break by the waters of the Havel River. In the afternoon, the ship will be waiting for you further downstream in Ketzin for a leisurely cruise to Brandenburg an der Havel. In the evening, you’ll explore this city on a guided walking tour and learn more about its eventful history.
Today’s journey is characterized by Brandenburg’s unique water-rich landscape, with its countless lakes, canals, and riverside walking trails. After a picnic lunch, you’ll find the ship waiting for you in Ketzin. As the Clair de Soleil sails to Berlin, you’ll have one last chance to enjoy the passing scenery from the water’s peaceful surface. In the afternoon, enjoy your arrival in Berlin-Spandau, often called “Little Venice” because of its many waterways and bridges. A leisurely stroll through this historic neighborhood with its winding cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses provides a charming end to the day.
The last full day of your cycling and cruising vacation is dedicated to the German capital, where history goes hand in hand with modern city life. Those who wish can explore Berlin at their own pace, as many attractions are easily accessible thanks to the excellent S-Bahn connections. Alternatively, your tour guide will accompany you on a final group bike tour past some of Berlin’s most renowned landmarks.
Enjoy your journey past the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie, the former border between East and West Berlin. You’ll cycle past the government district with the Federal Chancellery as well as the Brandenburg Gate, where Ronald Reagan famously called on Gorbachev to “tear down this wall!” In the evening, your trip concludes with a memorable captain’s dinner aboard the Clair de Soleil.
At 9:30 a.m., you'll start your journey home filled with memories of a city that has confronted its history with honesty, and of a region where past and present exist side by side. More than anything, you'll have experienced life in one of the cultural capitals of Europe.
The rental bikes on our ships are unisex bicycles with a low bar and a comfortable upright sitting position. These are stable and dependable bikes, good for miles in the saddle. Decide which kind of bike you want to rent and simply fill in your preference with your reservation. We’ll make sure you get the right bike for you. On most of our tours, the bike rental cost is not included in the tour’s price.
Every Boat Bike Tour rental bike is well equipped. The bikes consist of a lightweight aluminum frame and have highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds, an adjustable gel seat, normal flat pedals (no clips), an easy-to-use lock attached to the frame, and special puncture-resistant tires. All told, this is a light, stable and reliable bike, very suitable for touring long distances pleasantly.
Our e-bikes also have at least seven speeds and handbrakes. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame, and sport anti-puncture tires. Note that some of the ships have their own bikes on board. They may look a bit different, but qualitatively they are equal to Boat Bike Tours’s e-bikes.
Bicycle helmets
The use of bicycle helmets is not required in the Netherlands, but for safety’s sake they are suggested. If you wish to rent one, you can do so during the booking process. If you book a premium tour and rent a bike or e-bike, then the helmet and a “limit of liability for damage or loss” for your bike or e-bike is included in the rental price.
Other rental items
Other items such as children’s bikes, tandems, family tandems (child & adult), tag-along, trailers to carry toddlers and child seats are available on request.
Taking your own bike or e-bike?
The fee for parking your own bicycle is €10 per week. For an e-bike the fee is €25 to cover parking and charging the battery. For safety reasons it is not always possible to charge your e-bike batteries in your cabin. The crew will tell you where you can charge the battery on board the ship. Neither the crew nor Boat Bike tours is responsible in any way for any damage, loss or theft of a guest’s own bike or e-bike or its accessories. Note: not all the ships are suitable or have enough room for extra bikes, so make sure you check with us well ahead of travel.
The E-bike is a Flyer Go Tour6 3.40 with Shimano Nexus 5 gears, 5 support modes and hand brakes. The Bosch PowerTube 500 battery is integrated into the frame. The E-Bike is also equipped with frame and seat suspension.
Bringing your own bike/e-bike is not possible, due to lack of space on deck. Exceptions will be made for special bikes, but only after they have been notified and confirmed in advance.
2027:
Explore our Loyalty Discount!
After your tour, you’ll receive an exclusive discount code:
Check your post-tour email for details. You can combine this discount with other promotions for additional savings. Join us again for another adventure by boat and bike!
From the Rhine and Moselle to the Main and Saar, you’ll cycle through fairytale towns, medieval fortresses and rolling hills while enjoying authentic German hospitality. Savor world-class wines and hearty beer gardens along the way, and discover more tours in Germany.
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