It's a vacation along rivers, canals and coastal routes, with cycling days and overnight stays in a floating hotel that follows cyclists stage by stage. The cabin will be yours for the entire week, so you don't have to worry about luggage; breakfasts and dinners are served on board, where you'll find the captain and crew welcoming you. You can also enjoy navigation while relaxing in the salon or on the sundeck, and if one day you don't want to ride...you can stay on the boat! Learn more
How far in advance do you recommend to book a bike and barge tour?
A bike-and-boat holiday involves a limited number of places, which varies depending on the size of the boat: this is why we recommend that you book at least 2-3 months in advance (this is the case, for example, with the very popular "tulip tour" in the Netherlands).
Are the bike and barge tours guided or self-guided?
It depends on the tour, so please check it out with the tour programme you are interested in.
How spacious are the cabins on a bike and barge tour?
Cabin size varies depending on the boat. See all the details and photos of the cabins on the boat profile that you find within the tour.
I have never done a cycling tour. How can I choose the right itinerary for me?
Among the perfect destinations for those with first experience with bike travel are Austria, Germany and the Netherlands: here the routes are mostly flat, almost entirely on bike paths and well-marked, so you can experience your first bike vacation in serenity.
Do you provide sheets, towels and hairdryers?
Sheets and towels are always included in a bike and barge tour.
A hairdryer is not always provided in the cabin, but it is sometimes available upon request: you can check this on the boat profile of each tour.
Do cabins on barges have portholes/windows that can be opened?
All cabins have portholes or windows, but they cannot always be opened for safety reasons. You can check this by clicking on the boat profile of each tour.
Is there air conditioning on board?
In the Gold and Platinum boats there is air conditioning in the common areas as well as in the cabins, while in the Silver and Bronze boats it is not guaranteed.
In the description of each tour you will find an information sheet for each individual boat or find out here about all the comforts of our boats.
How does it work with water and electricity on board?
In each cabin there are regular power outlets, usually the Schuko two-pole type. We recommend that you bring an adapter with you, just in case.
We invite you to use water sparingly on board, avoiding waste and excessively long showers.
Can I use a credit/debit card to pay for drinks on board?
Not in all boats: in Greece, France and Croatia cards are not accepted; in Holland and Italy they are (except for American Express).
Can I consume my drinks while on board?
You cannot consume your own drinks on board, but at any time you can order drinks from the bar or restaurant on the boat.
How does life on board work?
Breakfast and dinner are moments of sharing with the other participants, and you can take advantage of the common spaces to get to know your groupmates or to relax after the biking stage.
This travel formula offers you continuous opportunities to exchange cultures and customs.
What is included in the full board on a bike and barge tour?
Usually breakfasts and dinners are served on board, while lunch is packed. Onboard cuisine is usually international and may include dishes typical of the country in which you are travelling.
How does the rental bike work?
You will receive a bike suitable for the route, and of course the bike type requested when booking. Before departure we will provide you with all details about the place/time of bike delivery and return at the end of your holiday.
What kind of bikes do you rent?
Touring bikes, electric bikes, children bikes and family accessories such as trailer, follow-me tandem, child seat.
Check out the "Bikes and Accessories" section on the tour page to see the bikes you can choose from. Learn more about Girolibero bikes.
Do you rent e-bikes?
Yes, on most tours you can rent electric bikes. To learn more, see the "Bikes and Accessories" section on the page of the tour you are interested in.
Can I bring my own bike?
In bike & hotel tours it is generally possible, but we always advise you to have it carefully inspected before you leave.
However, please note that in bike and barge tours you cannot bring your own bike, you must rent it.
What do I have to do if I have mechanical problems with the rental bike during the tour?
On self-guided tours you need to be prepared to handle minor unforeseen issues on your own, such as changing an inner tube or repositioning the chain.
In case of other problems, please contact the service number you received, state your location, and describe the fault. We or the local contact person will step in and help you find the best solution based on the problem.
Assistance will not intervene in case of:
- failure of your own bike
- puncture: we provide you with a repair kit with everything you need to change the inner tube on your own.
Is the rental bike suitable for my height?
When you book we ask you to indicate your body height: this information helps the mechanics prepare the right bike size for you to ride comfortably.
How do e-bikes work?
Electrically assisted bikes provide just the right amount of support for those who don't feel trained enough to spend multiple days in the saddle. In each model, you can easily adjust the motor assistance: from mild pedalling support, to a more intense push, especially useful on starts and uphill climbs. You will still have to pedal, but it will be much easier!
We will provide you with the battery charger so you can charge your electric bike at the end of each stage.
How are rental bikes equipped?
All rental bikes are equipped with a repair kit and lock. Some also have side panniers or saddlebags. Please check the accessories provided in the "Bikes and Accessories" section of each tour.
Do you rent e-bikes also to children/teenagers?
It is not possible to rent electric bikes to children: the sizes are for adults only and they are heavy bikes that require special care.
If you want to rent the electric bike for a teenager, we need to check if the right size for their height is available.
Can I rent accessories for children with an e-bike?
For safety reasons this is not possible. Seat, trailer and follow-me tandem can only be mounted on unisex touring bikes.
How much does the bike/accessories rental cost?
The cost of bike and accessories rental varies depending on the tour and its duration: get a free online quote to see the cost details.
I would like to rent only the bike and arrange the rest of the tour by myself: is that possible?
Bike rental is related to the travel package, we do not only do bike rental.
Do rental bikes include an insurance against theft and damage?
For tours 4 days and up, Girolibero brand bicycle rentals include insurance against theft and irreparable damage. In case of negligent or improper behavior, the insurance does not cover any costs.
Other bicycles and Girolibero bike rentals for tours up to 3 days: in case of theft (regardless of whether the bike is locked or unlocked) or irreparable damage, the traveler will be required to pay the organizer the full cost of the bicycle.
For more details, please read the dedicated section in the General Conditions of Sale.
Can I mount my own pedals?
You can use your own pedals on rental bikes; however, you need to bring the necessary tools to mount them.
Can I mount my own saddle?
You can use your own saddle on rental bikes; however, you need to bring the necessary tools to mount it.
How does it work with my luggage in a bike and barge tour?
The cabin on the barge is yours for the whole week: luggage does not have to be carried and you can leave all your belongings in your cabin for the duration of the tour.
Does the boat sail or remain moored?
The boat is a real floating hotel: as you pedal it sails along and you will find it moored in its new location at the end of each stage.
Can I stay on board if I don't feel like cycling?
Yes, if one day you don't feel like cycling, you are welcome to stay on board and enjoy sailing from the salon or sundeck.
I would like to rent a bike for one day, is that possible?
No, it is not possible to rent a bike just for a day.
