Specialist cruise and cycling holiday operator Outdoor Travel have secured limited berths on a unique former gentleman’s luxury yacht to cruise and cycle along the tranquil canals and rivers from the beautiful city of Maastricht in Holland to Paris.

Built in 1926 the boat has been extensively restored to a high standard with 5-double/twin cabins comfortable cabins all with their own bathroom. The onboard chef prepares regional cuisine served in a stylish dining area.

New for 2013 multi-geared Gazelle Luxury E-bikes are provided.  Little known in Australia over 150,000 e-bikes were sold in Holland last year and they are taking the cycling world by storm.  With a capacity of 80-km per charge and a 8-speed hub-gear (with real-time progressive assistance) e-bikes can give the rider up to 70% more power (with no noisy motor) making longer distances and hills much easier. 

E-bikes are comfortable, easy to ride and ideal for the Maastricht to Paris route.  Distances of 30-40km per day allow plenty of time for sightseeing on a route avoiding the traffic wherever possible, taking small country roads, towpaths, paved forest trails and the occasional cobblestone road in cities and towns.

Riders are offered a daily self-guided cycling route – with detailed maps and route description - to a predetermined meeting point.  Those who prefer can stay on the boat to enjoy the cruising. 

Hightlights include: Namur, Huy, the forests of the Ardennes, Flanders Fields in the Somme, Wallonia, Noyon, Compiegne, Bougival and 2-nights moored near the Eiffel Tower in central Paris

Bike and Barge cruises combine two popular ways of exploring Europe (cycling and river cruising), allowing partners of different abilities and interests to holiday together, you unpack once and come ‘home’ each night to a wonderful meal and a comfortable cabin with your own bathroom. 

Also along the Maastricht to Paris route are delightful (Nordic) walking trails for those who want a change from the cycling.  These cruises are particularly spectacular in autum when the parks, forests woods and orchard leaves are changing colour and the beer and cider harvests are celebrated in many towns and villages along our route.

15-day tours depart from Maastricht to Paris on 21st September and from Paris to Maastricht on 11th October 2013. 

Cost including meals and e-bike hire are $2840 per person in a twin share cabin.