One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours in Europe - and Now Beyond!
Representing Overseas Bike Tour Companies
More Than 200 Tours in 40 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
|
Tour search View all tours
Choosing a tourTop 10 questions to askGuided Self-guided Ability level Riding style Choosing a destination |
DestinationsIn EuropeBeyond Europe
Special programsCustomGroups Clubs Help |
|
Book now |
Booking guideHow to bookTerms and conditions Payments Tour documents Insurance Help |
PreparationPassports, visas and vaccinationsPacking tips Weather Training tips Fixing a flat
TransportationInternational flightsGetting around Europe
Extending your tripHotels |
To bringMoneyClothing and equipment Packing list Phones Books and maps Insurance
|
Bike Tours DirectAbout usOur philosophy Our team Published praise Client feedback Contact us FAQs |
Bike tours (general info)Why tour by bike?Why go local? Pros and cons Green travel Blog Newsroom Help |
| Type of tour: | Guided |
| Level: | Leisurely |
| Duration: | 7 Nights |
| Distance: | 23 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Saturdays: Apr 28; May 12 to Jun 30; Jul 21 to Sep 1; Sep 15 to Oct 6, 2012 |
| Tour price: | €779 |
| Start city: | Dijon, France |
| End city: | Dijon, France |




Who wouldn't like to taste the Burgundy way of life? The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Burgundy are delicious wines, impressive castles, rolling landscapes, old monasteries and so much more.
Starting in the capital of Burgundy, Dijon, you follow the Canal of Burgundy and the Saône River until you reach the wine town of Macon. The scenery changes from small villages and rolling hills to lively and attractive historical towns like Beaune and Chalon sur Saône. Several times you may dream away when you travel by barge on the Saône River!
Who wouldn't like to taste the Burgundy way of life? The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Burgundy are delicious wines, impressive castles, rolling landscapes, old monasteries and so much more.
Starting in the capital of Burgundy, Dijon, you follow the Canal of Burgundy and the Saône River until you reach the wine town of Macon. The scenery changes from small villages and rolling hills to lively and attractive historical towns like Beaune and Chalon sur Saône. Several times you may dream away when you travel by barge on the Saône River!
Day 1: Arrival in Dijon
Arrival in the afternoon in Dijon, the beautiful capital of Burgundy. You embark and will meet the crew and your tour leader. For tours starting at Tournus, arrive at Dijon station for an included transfer to Tournus.
Overnight in Dijon.
Day 2: Dijon (12 miles/20 km)
In the morning you make a short cycle ride in the northwest Dijon region. Halfway in the afternoon you'll get the chance to discover Dijon by way of a special city walk.
Overnight in Dijon.
Day 3: Dijon - Longecourt en Plaine (28 miles/45 km)
The day starts with a small sailing trip to and through the first two locks in the Burgundy Canal. You walk back to the bicycles and pedal pass the beautiful abbey of Citeaux. Your trip ends in the village of Longecourt en Plaine.
Overnight in Longecourt en Plaine.
Day 4: Longecourt en Plaine - St. Jean de Losne (28 miles/45 km)
Across small roads and forestries you cycle across some pretty villages to the pretty town of Auxonne at the River Saône. Later you follow the river to St. Jean de Losne where the Burgundy Canal joins the River Saône. Here we visit the Musée de la Batellerie.
Overnight in St. Jean de Losne.
Day 5: St. Jean de Losne - Verdun sur les Doubs (34 miles/55 km)
Today you will visit the beautiful fortified town of Beaune, also known for its many tasteful wines (Cote d’Or). Your tour leader will take you on a stroll through the town and you will have time to visit for example the church ‘Collegiale Notre-Dame’ or the museum of the Burgundy wines. In the small town of Verdun sur les Doubs, the barge will await you.
Overnight in Verdun sur les Doubs.
Day 6: Verdun sur les Doubs - Chalon sur Saône (15 miles/25 km)
You start cycling to the beautiful fortified town of Beaune, also known for its many tastefull wines (Côte d’Or). Your tour leader will take you on a stroll through town and you will have time to visit for example the church ‘Collegiale Notre-Dame’, the Hôtel Dieu or the Museum of Burgundy Wines. After the visit to Beaune you go by train to Chalon sur Saône, a port town located at the Saône river and the Canal du Centre.
Overnight in Chalon sur Saône.
Day 7: Chalon sur Saône - Tournus (34 miles/55 km)
You leave Chalon and hit an old railway track, now a cycle path. In Buxy you visit a winery in an old tower. The trip continues by descending to the River Saône and then ends in the town of Tournus. Here you find the beautiful St. Philibert Church, which is certainly worth a visit. The abbey dating from the 10th century has a beautiful architecture and is one of the oldest in France.
Overnight in Tournus.
Day 8: Depart from Dijon
End of your holiday at 9:00 and transfer by train to Dijon. Tours starting at Tournus, of course end in Dijon and therefore do not include another transfer.
Start and End point: Even though the tour operates between Dijon and Tournus one week, and between Tournus and Dijon the next week; the tour includes transfers between Tournus and Dijon at the end of the week, or between Dijon and Tournus at the start of the week, as appropriate. So effectively the tour starts and ends at Dijon.
Sailing direction:
Dijon to Tournus: Apr 28; May 12, 26; Jun 9, 23; Jul 21; Aug 4, 18; Sep 1, 15, 29, 2012
Tournus to Dijon: May 19; Jun 2, 16, 30; Jul 28; Aug 11, 25; Sep 22; Oct 6, 2012
Saturdays: Apr 28; May 12 to Jun 30; Jul 21 to Sep 1; Sep 15 to Oct 6, 2012
From 2011 on Saskia Prager will be the new lady skipper and owner of the ship SUMMERJAZZ. She has bought the barge Steile Bank from the Koers family and renamed it 'Summerjazz'. Saskia Prager is an experienced skipper and has been of service to many tourists doing barge tours in Holland, Belgium end Germany.
The ship Summerjazz has 9 cabins, each provided with private facilities.
From 2011 on Saskia Prager will be the new lady skipper and owner of the ship SUMMERJAZZ. She has bought the barge Steile Bank from the Koers family and renamed it 'Summerjazz'. Saskia Prager is an experienced skipper and has been of service to many tourists doing barge tours in Holland, Belgium end Germany.
The ship Summerjazz has 9 cabins, each provided with private facilities.
Hybrid touring bike with 24 gears and saddlebags.
Hybrid touring bike with 24 gears and saddlebags.
The tour follows mainly hard-packed riverside paths, sometimes muddy and asphalt surfaced quiet roads through villages and vineyards. There will be some moderate hills through the vineyards.
This tour is rated Leisurely and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
The tour follows mainly hard-packed riverside paths, sometimes muddy and asphalt surfaced quiet roads through villages and vineyards. There will be some moderate hills through the vineyards.
This tour is rated Leisurely and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
"We had a marvelous time! The boat was comfortable, clean and the crew was just the right mix of friendly, interactive and background. The bikes were in great condition. The bike tour guide was delightful. Thanks for your help and support."
-Katie T.
2011
"We had a marvelous time! The boat was comfortable, clean and the crew was just the right mix of friendly, interactive and background. The bikes were in great condition. The bike tour guide was delightful. Thanks for your help and support."
-Katie T.
2011
Tour start and end
Nearest airport for Dijon: Paris
Nearest airport for Macon: Lyon or Paris
By train, Dijon is about 1.5 hours from Paris, and Macon is about 3.25 hours from Paris.
The tour starts and ends at Dijon rail station, with transfer to or from Tournus as appropriate.
Tour start and end
Nearest airport for Dijon: Paris
Nearest airport for Macon: Lyon or Paris
By train, Dijon is about 1.5 hours from Paris, and Macon is about 3.25 hours from Paris.
The tour starts and ends at Dijon rail station, with transfer to or from Tournus as appropriate.
With more than 40,000 monuments and 6,000 museums, France's history and tradition continue to thrive in Western Europe's largest country. Along with its history, France is at the forefront of modern development, a leader among European nations. A country of contrasts, France provides opportunities for all interests. Fashion, art and elegance prosper in the dynamic cities of Paris, Lyon, and Nice. Outside the cities, a variety of landscapes stretch over the remaining 80% of the country.
France's hexagonal shape is defined by the English Channel and Atlantic on the western coast with the Pyrenees and Alps sitting on the southwest and southeast borders. The Mediterranean Sea runs along the southern coast with the Rhine River flowing beside the German border. Visitors exploring the cities or countryside can bask in France’s pleasant climate, enjoying the stylish life, local wine and cuisine.
With more than 40,000 monuments and 6,000 museums, France's history and tradition continue to thrive in Western Europe's largest country. Along with its history, France is at the forefront of modern development, a leader among European nations. A country of contrasts, France provides opportunities for all interests. Fashion, art and elegance prosper in the dynamic cities of Paris, Lyon, and Nice. Outside the cities, a variety of landscapes stretch over the remaining 80% of the country.
France's hexagonal shape is defined by the English Channel and Atlantic on the western coast with the Pyrenees and Alps sitting on the southwest and southeast borders. The Mediterranean Sea runs along the southern coast with the Rhine River flowing beside the German border. Visitors exploring the cities or countryside can bask in France’s pleasant climate, enjoying the stylish life, local wine and cuisine.
HAT Tours is an independent Dutch travel organization that specializes in cycle holidays and barge cruises in Europe. Since 1990 to today, they offer their international clientele a wide choice in attractive, interesting and small-scale holidays.
Their main objective is a direct and personal contact with all their customers. HAT Tours is a family-owned company that offers both sailing trips on small passenger ships and cycle holidays in Europe.
Where is HAT located?
Purmerend, Holland
In which countries do they offer tours?
Most European countries: Croatia, France, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Austria, and more!
What are some of HAT's special strengths?
- Cycle and sail holidays (also known as bike and barge holidays): Guided tours with a stay aboard an attractive and comfortable hotel barge
- Cycle and hotel holidays: Cycling in a relaxed way from one hotel to another with the help of detailed maps and an information pack
HAT Tours is an independent Dutch travel organization that specializes in cycle holidays and barge cruises in Europe. Since 1990 to today, they offer their international clientele a wide choice in attractive, interesting and small-scale holidays.
Their main objective is a direct and personal contact with all their customers. HAT Tours is a family-owned company that offers both sailing trips on small passenger ships and cycle holidays in Europe.
Where is HAT located?
Purmerend, Holland
In which countries do they offer tours?
Most European countries: Croatia, France, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Austria, and more!
What are some of HAT's special strengths?
- Cycle and sail holidays (also known as bike and barge holidays): Guided tours with a stay aboard an attractive and comfortable hotel barge
- Cycle and hotel holidays: Cycling in a relaxed way from one hotel to another with the help of detailed maps and an information pack
GENERAL CONDITIONS INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS
All bookings will be accepted on the basis of these conditions and terms.
1. If a reservation is cancelled each participant will be charged for cancellation costs. The following terms are valid:
a. on cancellation up to 56 days before the departure day: EUR. 35,00 subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
b. on cancellation less than 57 days and up to 28 days before departure: the down payment subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
c. on cancellation less than 29 days and up to 14 days before departure: 50% of the travel sum.;
d. on cancellation less than 15 days and up to the departure day: 75% of the travel sum;
e. on cancellation on the day the holiday commences or at ‘no show’: 100% of the travel sum;
2. Participants of bike and barge tours agree to observe the skipper’s orders for navigation and his rules forgood sailing. Regulations affixed aboard the ship are to be observed as such. Participants acceptresponsibility for their actions for the duration of the tour.
3. During bike and barge tours the skipper is entitled to change the place of departure/arrival according to hisown judgement in case of heavy fog, stormy weather or other urgent circumstances. HAT Tours nor theskipper will be held responsible for damages as a result of bad weather conditions to participants nor to theirparaphernalia.
4. Participants of bike and barge tours will be liable for any wilful damage to the vessel and/or to any thirdparty. Third party insurance covers vessel and crew as well as passengers. Liability of participants is limitedto any wilful damage not recoverable or not being reimbursed by the insurance company. The ‘own risk’clause of the insurance policy is for account of participants.
5. HAT Tours is not liable for damages suffered by participants, unless such damages are due to default orgross negligence. Nor is HAT Tours liable for damages resulting subsequently.
6. Both parties of this contract are entitled to cancel this agreement immediately and without any legalconsequences, only if either or both parties would fail to fulfil his obligation pertaining to this agreement notwithstanding the right to claim full compensation. This clause is only valid if participants are not able tooffer a reasonable alternative.
7. Any costs/expenses incurred as a result of default by either party will be due and payable immediately ascompensation for resulting damages.
8. This agreement is governed by the law of the Netherlands. Any differences arising from this agreement are to be judged by the Court of Law at Amsterdam.
9. HAT Tours is entitled to cancel any bike and barge tour at the latest 14 days before the departure date, if there are less than 15 participants booked. In the case of such a cancellation, participants will not becompensated for any damage that may have occurred because of this cancellation. HAT Tours will only makea refund for any down payment that has been made for the tour concerned.
10. Surcharge fuel costs Bike& Barge Tours: In case fuel prices from 15th September of the previous yearwill raise more than 10%, HAT Tours preserves the right to charge a surcharge of max. Euro 20,00 a person.The surcharge is to be paid cash aboard at the beginning of the tour, after having been informed about thisupon arrival.
This contract has been translated into english. The original text in dutch will however prevail.
GENERAL CONDITIONS INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS
All bookings will be accepted on the basis of these conditions and terms.
1. If a reservation is cancelled each participant will be charged for cancellation costs. The following terms are valid:
a. on cancellation up to 56 days before the departure day: EUR. 35,00 subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
b. on cancellation less than 57 days and up to 28 days before departure: the down payment subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
c. on cancellation less than 29 days and up to 14 days before departure: 50% of the travel sum.;
d. on cancellation less than 15 days and up to the departure day: 75% of the travel sum;
e. on cancellation on the day the holiday commences or at ‘no show’: 100% of the travel sum;
2. Participants of bike and barge tours agree to observe the skipper’s orders for navigation and his rules forgood sailing. Regulations affixed aboard the ship are to be observed as such. Participants acceptresponsibility for their actions for the duration of the tour.
3. During bike and barge tours the skipper is entitled to change the place of departure/arrival according to hisown judgement in case of heavy fog, stormy weather or other urgent circumstances. HAT Tours nor theskipper will be held responsible for damages as a result of bad weather conditions to participants nor to theirparaphernalia.
4. Participants of bike and barge tours will be liable for any wilful damage to the vessel and/or to any thirdparty. Third party insurance covers vessel and crew as well as passengers. Liability of participants is limitedto any wilful damage not recoverable or not being reimbursed by the insurance company. The ‘own risk’clause of the insurance policy is for account of participants.
5. HAT Tours is not liable for damages suffered by participants, unless such damages are due to default orgross negligence. Nor is HAT Tours liable for damages resulting subsequently.
6. Both parties of this contract are entitled to cancel this agreement immediately and without any legalconsequences, only if either or both parties would fail to fulfil his obligation pertaining to this agreement notwithstanding the right to claim full compensation. This clause is only valid if participants are not able tooffer a reasonable alternative.
7. Any costs/expenses incurred as a result of default by either party will be due and payable immediately ascompensation for resulting damages.
8. This agreement is governed by the law of the Netherlands. Any differences arising from this agreement are to be judged by the Court of Law at Amsterdam.
9. HAT Tours is entitled to cancel any bike and barge tour at the latest 14 days before the departure date, if there are less than 15 participants booked. In the case of such a cancellation, participants will not becompensated for any damage that may have occurred because of this cancellation. HAT Tours will only makea refund for any down payment that has been made for the tour concerned.
10. Surcharge fuel costs Bike& Barge Tours: In case fuel prices from 15th September of the previous yearwill raise more than 10%, HAT Tours preserves the right to charge a surcharge of max. Euro 20,00 a person.The surcharge is to be paid cash aboard at the beginning of the tour, after having been informed about thisupon arrival.
This contract has been translated into english. The original text in dutch will however prevail.
