Boat Bike Tours will launch a new flagship tour between Amsterdam and Paris in 2026, as well as a new boutique barge for the journey. Ride past windmills in the Dutch countryside, sip Belgian beer on a historic square and enjoy the French capital’s grand boulevards while traveling at a relaxed, enriching pace. Along the way, settle into modern, comfortable all-suite accommodations aboard the new superior-class Magnifique X barge. Two-night extensions in Amsterdam and Paris are also available for travelers who want more time to explore. For more information, visit https://www.boatbiketours.com/tours/through-europes-heartland-between-amsterdam-and-paris/.
“For nearly 50 years, we’ve been crafting a unique, immersive way to travel that’s unhurried and deeply rewarding,” said Laurens Winkel, CEO of Boat Bike Tours. “Next year, we’re raising our standard with a new tour on a new barge that makes the experience more immersive, comfortable and flexible. Join travelers who share our passion for meaningful connection with local culture and natural landscapes as we boat and bike between two of Europe’s most beloved capitals.”
Amsterdam to Paris Tour
On the new Amsterdam to Paris tour, travel through centuries of history and some of Europe’s most picturesque landscapes in the Netherlands, Belgium and France by boat and bike.
The tour starts and ends with one-night hotel stays in a vibrant former harbor district in Amsterdam and historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés quarter in the heart of Paris. To make the start of the journey as effortless as possible, airport transfers are included and tour leaders will welcome guests at the hotel.
Highlights of the itinerary include:
- A private canal cruise in Amsterdam and ride through leafy parks to reach the barge.
- Pedaling from Utrecht to Schoonhoven, known for its silversmithing tradition, and Kinderdijk, with its UNESCO-listed windmills.
- Riding through peaceful forests and farmland to the impressive Kreekrak lock system, then cruising into Belgium and the artistic port city of Antwerp.
- Cycling the serene banks of the Schelde River and enjoying a countryside picnic on the way to the village of St. Amands.
- Biking to the medieval gem of Ghent and cruising its canals by private boat.
- Riding through Flemish landscapes into UNESCO-listed Bruges, with its cobbled streets, gabled houses and handmade chocolate.
- Cycling to the dunes and beaches of the North Sea.
- Crossing into France and arriving in Paris, finishing with a private canal boat cruise on the Seine River and time to explore.
The tour also includes onboard lectures and food and drink tastings, short walking tours, a visit to a windmill and museum at Kinderdijk, a visit to either the cathedral or Red Star Line museum in Antwerp, two tour leaders and a support van with driver.
On select departure dates, the tour operates in reverse, from Paris to Amsterdam.
Magnifique X Barge
Designed specifically for Boat Bike Tours, the new superior-class Magnifique X barge will welcome up to 32 guests with refined, relaxed accommodations and personal service.
Upper-deck suites will be 204 square feet with a French balcony that opens to the river’s breeze, comfortable sitting area, coffee machine, minibar with refrigerator, and large bathroom with walk-in shower. Lower-deck suites will be 150 square feet with panoramic windows at water level, a cozy sitting area and bathroom with walk-in shower.
The Magnifique X also has a lounge with panoramic windows, bar that opens to the deck, dining room with round tables for more social meals and a large sun deck with a hot tub and shaded area.
Savor fresh pastries and warm coffee after you wake, picnic-style lunches or tastings during the day, and multi-course meals prepared by the chef onboard or local restaurant recommendations from tour leaders at dinner.
Amsterdam and Paris Extensions
Enjoy more time to explore at the start or end of the tour with two-night hotel extensions in Amsterdam and Paris.
With your tour leader acting as a personal insider, admire masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum, stroll Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals, visit the Anne Frank House or relax with a craft beer or coffee in the Jordaan neighborhood. Or see world-class collections at the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay, take in the views from Sacré-Cœur, wander through Luxembourg Gardens or shop the boutiques of the Champs-Élysées.
