What Is Included On A Bike And Barge Cruise?(Food, Excursions, Bike Hire and More)

I have taken two wonderful “Barge, Bike and Cruise” sailings on an ex-1930s cargo ship named Merlijn. Both involved cycling up to 50km/31 miles each day through the German countryside.

They really were a test of my fitness and endurance, but I am so glad I went. They were some of the most memorable cruises I have ever taken.

Check Out The Merlijn Website Here

The ship I sailed on was the Merlijn, a converted 1930s cargo ship. Although I cycled through Germany, Merlijn offers tours through many European countries.

It is a great way to really discover Europe. You will visit places that most tourists will never get to see.

You will have the reassurance of having your own tour guide cycling along with you. They will look after you and sort out any problems that arise along the way.

Guides speak multiple languages fluently, so the language barrier is never an issue.

The Merlijn is a family-owned ship. She absolutely beautiful, and is maintained to the highest standards by the small, friendly crew.

What Is Included In The Fare?

There is so much included in the fare, it’s hard to list everything! Fares include:

• A comfortable cabin onboard Merlijn
  • All cabins have a porthole window
• All cabins have their own private bathroom
  • These have been recently refurbished to a very high standard and are equipped with everything you need.
• Daily cleaning of your cabin
  • Towels can be changed daily if required
• Everything you need for a comfortable stay
  • They supply bedding, towels, facial tissues, hand soap, shampoo, a sewing kit, a vanity kit, a bathrobe, and slippers
  • Tea and coffee-making facilities are also available in the cabin
• Meals onboard
  • An extensive buffet breakfast – fresh fruit, cereals, pastries, cold meat, cheeses – and far more besides
  • Packed lunches to take with you when cycling
  • Three-course dinners on the nights onboard – with the exception of one evening when the Chef takes a well-deserved night off!
• There is a Coffee/tea/iced water machine onboard
  • You can help yourself to a drink whenever you want one
• A knowledgeable tour guide
  • They will lead the daily group cycle tours.
  • They will look after you and sort out any issues that arise – whether that be a puncture or the need for a “comfort stop”!
• Detailed Information daily about the next day’s trip
  • You can find this on a noticeboard and on a TV in the lounge area
  • A nightly briefing by the guide about the next day’s cycling adventure
• Use of a state-of-the-art hybrid tour bike
  • You will be asked about your height before the trip so you get the perfect-sized cycle for you.
  • (E-bikes can be hired at an additional charge)
• Use of a waterproof pannier, towel and cycle helmet.
  • Cycle helmets are equipped with the latest technology so that the guide can speak to the group as you cycle along.
  • They can give you information about things coming up, and warn you of any potential hazards on the route
  • You are also supplied with a unique Merlijn backpack that you are able to keep after your holiday.
• A unique Merlijn-designed water bottle
  • You can keep this and take it home with you at the end of the trip.
• All canal, bridge & harbour fees.
• Any ferry fares en route
• Entrance fees to all attractions listed on your particular tour.
  • From castles to palaces, museums to cable car trips, wine tastings and visits to cheese farms – every itinerary is varied and interesting.
  • Weather and location permitting guided walking city tours are often offered in the evenings.
• From 2025, all wines, beers, soda and some cocktails will be included in the cruise fare.
  • Once you have paid your fare, you need spend nothing further.

Find out more about the wonderful Merlijn and her previous life here:

Sailings From 2025 Onwards

From 2025, fares will also include a selection of wine, beers, soft drinks and some cocktails.

Other, more premium drinks will be available at an additional charge.

Once you have paid your cruise fare, there is really no need to spend anything further!

Find out about my first sailing onboard the Merlijn here:

The Cycling…

People often ask me, “Is this something I could do? I’m not much of a cyclist…”

As Coen the Captain rightly points out, you must be confident that you can control the bike.

You must have good balance and coordination, be able to ride at slow speeds if necessary and be able to navigate around any obstacles or obstructions that you come across.

This is even more important if you hire an E-bike. Although they are fantastic at giving you that extra help when you ride up hills or into the wind, they are heavier than a standard bike.

That means they are harder to control at slower speeds, good balance is important. Once you are actually riding, it’s a bit like having a superpower – you can just glide up the hill with no effort!

I found the hardest part getting the bike moving from a stationary position. You will have to stop at traffic lights and junctions, so you must be confident you have the strength and balance to get yourself going again.

My new American friends told me that their E-bikes in the USA were different, they are self propelling.

That isn’t the case in Europe and the UK. Once you are cycling, the bike will assist you up the hills – but it won’t go by itself – you still need to peddle and get it moving in the first instance!

The Camaraderie

I made lots of new friends on my Merlijn Bike and Barge cruises. As the Merlijn takes a maximum of 24 passengers, you can get to know everybody onboard really well.

I found everyone to be encouraging and supportive, and my parents said exactly the same thing when they took the Barge and Bike cruise they recently took.

Do I Have To Cycle Every Day?

No, you can do as little or as much as you choose. You can just stay on the Merlijn if you want to.

Sometimes they are able to offer shorter rides, so rather than riding for a whole day, you may be able to choose to just cycle in the afternoon ( this is route and conditions dependant of course).

You are likely to find cyclists of all abilities. Some keen cyclists always take the longer routes, and seem to never get tired. Others, like me, opt for the shorter option and choose to spend more time onboard.

If you aren’t a regular cyclist, I recommend that you put in some practice before your trip. Sitting on a bike saddle for hours at a time can be tough, even for the fittest person!

That said, it’s well worth putting in some extra time and effort because the rewards are massive. I saw Castles, Palaces, Villas, Churches, small villages, lakes and forests whilst cycling. Landscapes change daily, and every day, there is something new and different to explore!

Different Itineraries Available

When considering which itinerary to choose, as well as looking at the countries you would like to visit, also check the amount of cycling you will be required to do each day.

Routes are labelled Moderate, Easy, etc. They give you an idea of the cycling distances involved in kilometres. The distances given are the distances you are expected to cycle each day.

Although the Barge Bike and Cruise experience is similar on every trip, the itineraries have a very different vibe. The beauty of this is that no two holidays taken on the Merlijn are ever the same.

The itineraries vary widely, the guide and your fellow cyclists will be different, and every sailing offers a new, exciting adventure!

Check out the Merlijns website to find out more, and look at the exciting itineraries on offer.

A Barge and Bike cruise is sure to be a wonderful holiday that you will never forget!

Below are some pictures of the wonderful sights seen on just one barge, bike and cruise holiday on the Merlijn.

Before You Go

I took a budget river cruise onboard the Tui Skyla to visit the European Christmas markets. The water levels were dangerously high! Find out more about that here:

I Took a Budget River Cruise That Went WRONG

I took a luxury river cruise with Uniworld. Have a look at everything I ate onboard here:

Here’s Everything I Ate on a Luxury River Cruise (Main Meals, Buffet and More)