Rhine River Cruise Family Bike Tour
Basel to Amsterdam Through Switzerland, France, Germany & the Netherlands
History unfolds before you. A tale of kingdoms, Romans, knights and pirates. And the landscapes speak for themselves. Rolling vineyards, Black Forest trails, Dutch canals—around every bend, an adventure.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $9,079 - $11,579/person
Includes port fees
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Cruise the stunning Rhine Gorge, where steep riverside vineyards are crowned with fortress ruins
- Bike with your family through four countries from the Rhine’s Swiss headwaters to its Dutch delta
- Discover Heidelberg’s famous castle, Riquewihr’s half-timbered medieval houses and Strasbourg’s canals
- Follow in the footsteps of ancient Romans along the famed Weinstrasse (wine route)
- Unwind at family-friendly biergartens and in cozy taverns
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Basel, Switzerland Airport & Travel Details
- Families cycle from a quaint village in the Black Forest toward the vineyards of the Rhine Valley
- Enjoy superb riding and wine along Alsace’s famous Route des Vins
- Kids have fun during a special activity just for them
- Pedal to the beautiful medieval villages of Riquewihr and Eguisheim
- Soak up magical vistas in Strasbourg and admire the Gothic cathedral on a guided city walk
- Kids explore the many waterways of Strasbourg on a kayaking tour
- Pedal along meadows and forests with views of France and Germany.
Nights 1-7
A custom-designed ship featuring stylish private staterooms, panoramic windows, full balconies, an onboard team of classically trained chefs and inviting areas to socialize with fellow passengers. An Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report Readers’ Choice cruise line. (pool)
- Bike into Heidelberg and discover its red sandstone castle
- Adults and kids follow in the footsteps of Romans along the famed Weinstrasse (wine route)
- Unwind in a local biergarten with a few new friends and a refreshing beer or Radler
- Pedal past fairy-tale towns, castles and vineyards through the Rhine Gorge, a spectacular World Heritage Site
- Take part in a wine tasting and enjoy a picnic lunch at a local family-owned winery
- The younger set heads out on a thrilling climbing adventure.
Nights 1-7
A custom-designed ship featuring stylish private staterooms, panoramic windows, full balconies, an onboard team of classically trained chefs and inviting areas to socialize with fellow passengers. An Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report Readers’ Choice cruise line. (pool)
- Stop and smell the roses in urban Cologne (Köln), renowned for its towering Gothic cathedral
- While kids enjoy a tasty treat at a dessert-making activity, adults may want to try a mug of Kölsch at the source and learn about the local Brauhaus (brewery) culture
- Amsterdam’s lovely waterways, arched bridges and crooked gabled houses are delightful
- Two-wheel it through the serene Dutch countryside, where magnificent 17th-century merchant estates abound
- Embark on a traditional canal boat cruise along the city’s intricate channels.
Nights 1-7
A custom-designed ship featuring stylish private staterooms, panoramic windows, full balconies, an onboard team of classically trained chefs and inviting areas to socialize with fellow passengers. An Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report Readers’ Choice cruise line. (pool)
End Amsterdam, Netherlands Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 1-3
We bike on quiet paved roads through villages, farmland and vineyards, as well as on dedicated paved bike paths along rivers and through forests. Terrain ranges from level to rolling, with a few steeper climbs on longer options. While bike paths are scenic and help us avoid car traffic, they can be busy with other cyclists.
We also ride through urban areas, using both city streets and dedicated bike lanes—especially when approaching or departing port locations. European cities are generally well-suited for cyclists.
Kid-friendly routes are shorter with minimal elevation gain, and alternate kids’ activities are available on days with longer rides. Some sections are on roads with traffic, so kids should be comfortable riding near cars.
All breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
Access to all ship amenities and onboard activities, plus included excursions
All gratuities for ship staff and included onshore dining
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Kids' bikes, trailer bikes, carriers and kid-sized helmets
Bike fitting and equipment support throughout your trip
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Off-ship lunches in authentic local settings
Snacks and beverages between meals
Wine and beer included with all onboard meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads cycling jersey, t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
