Good to Know Here is a collection of the most frequently asked questions by Islandhopping guests as well as a list of the most important events throughout the Islandhopping year. In order to help you find the answer you are looking for efficiently, we have sorted the questions into topic groups: “General”, “Cycling Tours”, “Life on Board” and “Reservations”. And here you will find Islandhopping's most important dates at a glance. If we were unable to answer your question here, or if you are interested in more detailed information about Islandhopping feel free to contact us any time.
FAQ - General Islandhopping – what is it? The ingredients are simple: take a bike (hybrid, e-bike, mountain bike or road bike), add a motor yacht or sailing ship and combine this with beautiful landscapes, secluded bays, quiet, side roads, trails and coastal paths. And there you have it: “Islandhopping”. Islandhopping is an active holiday that combines cycling with discovering a country and its culture. With a boat as your floating hotel, you will be taken to a new location every day, whether from island to island or along the mainland; from one enchanting region to the next. A complete package which combines activity and relaxation, athletic challenge and enjoyment, experience and discovery. This is why we say; Islandhopping is more than just a holiday. Where is Islandhopping offered? Islandhopping tours are available throughout the world. We offer tours by boat and bike in Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Scotland, Italy, Denmark /Sweden, Germany, Holland and Vietnam. We also have hotel and bike tours in Albania, Croatia, Greece, South Africa and Patagonia. You can be sure to find us anywhere where there is sea, dreamlike locations and breath-taking landscapes. Every year we expand our program, by either creating new tours or exploring new destinations. Who are the Islandhopping guests? Our guests are generally active individuals between the ages of 30 and 70 years old, who enjoy being out on their bikes. Be it hybrid cyclists, mountain bike enthusiasts, road bike fanatics, or a family on wheels: you will find just the right crowd to cycle with on tour with us. Sometimes we even have ambitious children along for a tour, although the majority of families feel most comfortable on one of our Multi-Aventure Cruises. Around a third of our guests come from Germany. A further 10% come from Switzerland. The remaining majority of our guests come from countries throughout Europe such as Austria, England, Ireland, Sweden, Italy, Holland, Belgium, France and Spain or from abroad. We have welcomed countless guests from over-seas for quite some time now including Australians, New Zealanders, Canadians and Americans. The international interest in our tours quickly led to English becoming the second official language on our boats. Are the tours guided or self-guided? As most of our tours take place on chartered boats, the majority of our itineraries are guided group tours. The groups on board our Bike & Boat tours generally range between 20 and 35 participants depending on the capacity of the boat in question. In general, 1-3 guides will accompany a travel group, and give insight to the country and culture. Most of our tours cater for a specific cycling interest group such as touring cyclists, mountain bikers or e-bikers. However, we also operate tours where hybrid and mountain bike tours are offered parallel on the same boat. These departures are especially interesting for couples or friends who wish to spend their holiday together without sharing the same interest in cycling style. The group sizes on our Hotel & Bike tours are generally smaller at around 8 to 16 participants. These tours are commonly accompanied by a guide and a driver. Some Hotel & Bike tours are also available as a self-guided program including luggage transport between the hotels. Here the participant number is mostly just two people. Where do we stay and spend the night? On our Bike & Boat tours, you will live on one of our motor yachts for the duration of your holiday. The boat will accompany you on the tour as a floating hotel – with all the advantages you can imagine! There is no need to pack your bags every day, as your cabin follows you to wherever you cycle each day. Our boats usually sail during the day with night cruises being an exception to ensure you get a restful night’s sleep. We usually stay overnight in harbours so that you have the opportunity to truly enjoy the enchanting harbour towns in the evenings. On our Hotel & Bike tours, you will be staying in carefully selected mid- to good range hotels – typical for the travel destination. In what languages are the tours conducted? Due to our international audience, Islandhopping tours are conducted in both English and German. I don’t cycle, is it still possible for me to participate? Is an alternative program possible? Even non-cyclists are welcome on board of our boats! Our tour guides can give you tips as to how you can enjoy your holiday on tour with us without taking part on the daily bike tours. Often the boat will travel from one harbor to the next and you can enjoy the peace and quiet on board. Are the tours suitable for children? Our Multi-Adventure tours are especially suitable for children of all ages. Our regular tours on the other hand require a good physical conditions and a minimum age of 10 years in order to take part in the cycling program. Children’s bikes are available for a minimum height of 1.20 m. Smaller children who are not yet able to cycle independently can participate using a comfortable bike seat, or a tag-along trailer bike. Children under the age of 18 cannot be left on board unsupervised. Are changes to the published itinerary possible? A boat journey is dependent on wind and weather. Due to this and other logistical reasons, tour changes are possible. However, changes are not necessarily a disadvantage and can help to improve the holiday experience of the tour. We sometimes execute our tours in the opposite direction to the published itinerary. What happens in the case of bad weather? Even in the Mediterranean, the sun doesn’t shine all the time. Should wind or rain interfere with our regular travel program, our local tour guides are well equipped with interesting alternatives. So don't worry: even if the weather does not play along, you will still be able to enjoy a well-planned alternative program. Nevertheless, we do recommend to bring along some weather proof clothing for cycling in rainy conditions. Which clothes are useful on an Islandhopping trip? You can leave your evening dress and dinner jacket at home. Relaxed leisure clothes like t-shirts, shorts and swimming gear is sufficient for all occasions. For occasionally cool evenings, we recommend bringing along a long-sleeved sweater or sweatshirt in your luggage, a wind and waterproof jacket may be useful from time to time. Special bicycle gear is not compulsory but may make your ride a more comfortable experience. We do recommend wearing padded cycling shorts for longer rides and a pair of cycling gloves can increase comfort and safety on your ride. As storage space in the cabins is limited, we recommend you pack your clothing in a soft-shell bag rather than a hard-shell suitcase which may be more difficult to stow. How much should I tip? All guests are able to show their individual appreciation for the efforts of their tour guides and crew at the end of the travel week by leaving a tip. We recommend an amount of 10% of the basic tour price in euros per guest/trip. This amount should be divided into two envelopes – one for the tour guides and one for crew members – typically organized individually by the guests on board and presented during the final evening on board. During the week your transfer drivers and external city guides will also be pleased to receive a small token of appreciation for their efforts. Where can I park my car during my Islandhopping tour? If you wish to travel to one of our tours, starting in Europe, by car, a member of our reservation team will gladly provide you with the relevant parking possibilities for the duration of your Islandhopping tour. In some destinations, Islandhopping provides their own secure parking spaces and in others a secure park house or parking spaces from a third party provider are used. FAQ - Cycling Tours What level of fitness is required for the bike tours? A basic level of fitness, acquired by regular cycling is required for all of our Islandhopping tours. It is important to understand that all of our bike tours start at sea level and therefore often start with an uphill climb. Throughout the ride, participants may be confronted by steeper and longer uphill sections. We try to provide enough time for each tour that pushing your bike up a difficult section is possible. You can inform yourself to the difficulty level of each individual tour in more detail on the specific tour page. On our Tall Ship tours the following is important to remember: surefootedness and agility is required in order to access / exit our tall ships. On most days, access to these boats takes place via a ladder or by dinghy. The tour guides and crew will provide assistance where possible in these circumstances. Can I bring my own bike on an Islandhopping tour? Islandhopping tours require bikes with a fully functional set of gears. You can bring your own trekking bike or MTB or road bike, but please make sure to check the condition of your breaks, gears, and tires and don’t forget to bring along a puncture repair kit and the essential spare parts (e.g. brake pads and tubes). Your bike should be in prefect mechanical working order. We do not allow private e-bikes on board of our boats. This decision has been made due to insurance regulations. If you wish to ride an e-bike for the duration of your tour, please get in touch with us about the rental options. Islandhopping can offer you high quality, fully serviced rental bikes perfectly suited to your tour. Do I need to wear a helmet when touring with Islandhopping? Wearing a helmet is mandatory on all Islandhopping tours. Our priority is to provide a safe riding experience which starts with our guests wearing a helmet when cycling. We recommend bringing your own, well fitted bike helmet with you. Rental helmets are available free of charge if reserved in advance. Is it possible to cycle alone outside of the guided group? Our tours are primarily guided. However, in some cases it is possible to arrange an alternative route independent from the rest of the group with the guide on site. New from 2025: On our tours "Highlights of Istria", "Kvarner Bay" and "Ionian Islands", we offer you the option of either joining your guides on the cycle tours or completing the cycle routes individually at your own pace using the free RideWithGPS route app for your smartphone as well as GPS tracks and maps. Can I bring my own pedals and bike seat for my rental bike? Yes you can bring your own bike seat and pedals. Our guides are happy to assist you in attaching these to your rental bike. How much does the bike rental cost? Our rental prices vary according to the course of the tour (number of cycling days per tour) and the bikes available in our regions. Below you will find our bike rental prices for the 2025 season: Islandhopping Tours Croatia Hybrid Bike 80 euro/week E-Bike 245 euro/week Gravel Bike / Road Bike 200 euro/week Fully Mountainbike 220 euro/week Fully E-Mountainbike 320 euro/week Premium Carbon MTB 420 euro/week Premium Carbon E-MTB 590 euro/week Children´s Bike/Trailerbike 40 euro/week Islandhopping Tours Greece / Turkey Hybrid Bike 80 euro/week E-Bike 245 euro/week Gravel Bike / Road Bike 220 euro/week Carbon Road Bike (Greek Aegean Tours) 275 euro/week Fully Mountainbike 220 euro/week Fully E-Mountainbike 320 euro/week Children´s Bike/Trailerbike 40 euro/week Multi-Adventure Cruises Hybrid Bike/Children´s Bike 40 euro/week E-Bike 100 euro/week Trailerbike 40 euro/week Child Bike Seat 20 euro/week Denmark / Sweden Hybrid Bike 91 euro/week E-Bike 245 euro/week All Holland Sail & Bike Tours Hybrid Bike 91 euro/week E-Bike 245 euro/week Albania Hotel & Bike Hybrid Bike rental price included E-Bike 160 euro Crete Hotel & Bike Hybrid Bike 40 euro E-Bike 120 euro Trips that include bike rental South Africa Vietnam FAQ - Life on Board What's the difference between a cabin above deck and below deck? Some of our Dutch ships and the Panagiota, which sails for us in Greece, also have above-deck and below-deck cabins. All other ships in our fleet in Greece, Turkey, Scotland, Italy and Vietnam do not offer this option due to their design. Whether you decide on one or the other is subject to your personal preference. In general, our guests consider the cabins below deck as the quieter and cooler sleeping places. Cabins above deck have a better natural airflow due to the doors and windows and offer more natural daylight. Aside from the listed advantages, it is fully up to personal preference which cabin type you wish to book. What can I expect in regard to water and electricity on board? Electricity and water are available on board, within limits. All ships have 220V electricity when cruising and a generator for when in port. However, it is common for the generator to be switched off during the night to ensure a sound night’s sleep. The power outlets on board are suitable for German euro plugs. The water tanks are large enough to provide sufficient cold and warm water for washing and showering for everyone, if used in moderation and consideration of other participants on board. The boats have a central water heater which provides each cabin with sufficient warm water for everyone to take a shower as long as this is done in moderation. Is it possible to get sea-sick on an Islandhopping cruise? Seasickness is a form of travel sickness. The rougher the sea, the more likely it is that people will feel sea sick. In order to prevent this risk, our ships remain in port in stormy weather. Nevertheless some individuals will experience symptoms of sea sickness even in calm conditions. The best remedy is fresh air and to concentrate on a stationary point on the horizon. If you know that you are susceptible to sea sickness prior to your Islandhopping tour, we recommend purchasing suitable medication at your local pharmacy in preparation for your cruise. Import is that the medication includes Dimenhydrinate as an active ingredient. What catering is available on board? The food on board our ships typically matches the national standard, whereby we take into account the larger appetite of our active guests. The catering options specific to your tour are outlined on the respective travel pages as well as in the detailed travel documents which you will receive before the start of your journey. If you prefer a vegetarian diet or have specific eating habits, please communicate this to us prior to arrival. We will do our best to cater to these preferences but may not always be able to fulfil these entirely. In case of allergies please inform us of these early on. In the case of multiple intolerances, please send us a list of food which you are ALLOWED to eat before you start your journey, so that the cook can shop accordingly and make an appropriate meal plan. Are there also family or shared rooms on the ships? And is an occupancy of more than 2 people cheaper? There are a limited number of three-bed cabins available on many of our ships. Four-bed cabins are only available on our Croatian Premium and Deluxe Ships. Our reservations team will be happy to provide you with exact cabin availability on our individual ships. In the case of a triple or quadruple occupancy of the cabins, we grant a 50% discount on the basic travel price for the third and fourth person each (not combinable with other discounts). If the booked cabin is above deck (only triple available), we also do not charge an above deck surcharge for the third person. Especially for families with smaller children, we highly recommend choosing a cruise with a ship where multi-bed cabins are available to ensure that parents and children can stay in the same cabin. Can I consume my own beverages on board? The saloon of the ship is a restaurant, lounge and bar at the same time. Here you can order cool drinks - with or without alcohol. In most cases, the beverage consumption is entered in a tally sheet and settled at the end of the trip (cash only). Please remember - the beverages on board are more expensive than in the supermarket around the corner, as you are enjoying them in a small floating restaurant. As in any other bar or restaurant, you are not allowed to consume your own (brought or purchased elsewhere) drinks on board. Can I sleep on deck under the stars? Many guests enjoy the unique experience of sleeping on deck under the stars. Almost all of our boats provide some form of upholstered area where sleeping on deck is possible. In order to take advantage of this possibility, we recommend bringing a personal sleeping bag as the bed linen and mattresses provided in your cabins are not allowed to be taken out of the cabins. Is it possible to pay with my credit card on board? Unfortunately it is not possible to pay with a credit card on any of our boats. Payment of the bar tab, tourist taxes, parking space etc. can be made in cash only. Either in euro or in the local currency. Your tour guide will gladly point you in the right direction of the next available ATM or conversion office. Are pets permitted on board? Pets are not permitted on board of any of our boats as we are responsible for the health and safety of all participants equally. Many people suffer from animal related allergies or have a fear of the animals themselves. We wish to respect these restrictions. What are the Hygiene and Safety protocols on board? It is our biggest wish at Islandhopping to be able to operate our tours without any restrictions; however, the global situation has had a great influence on all of our daily lives and will continue to do so for this season. Throughout 2022, Islandhopping will adhere to the respective country regulations and hygiene measures, as far as they are ethically justifiable and logistically possible, and will inform you prior to the start of your trip about the regulations that will apply to you on your visit. FAQ - Reservations Can I book an additional night with Islandhopping? In almost all of our travel destinations we are able to provide you with additional nights or a tour extension package before or after your Islandhopping tour. Detailed information to our partner hotels and our tour extension modules can be found on the respective travel page under ‘Additional Nights’. How and when should I make the payment for my travel booking From the 2025 season onwards, the following payment terms will apply: After receiving your booking confirmation / invoice, you can use the payment link to pay your deposit, which is 30% of the total tour price (travel sum). Payments can be done by credit card (Visa or MasterCard), by bank (wire) transfer, or by using online services like Transferwise.com. The final payment (balance) of 70% of the travel sum is due 6 weeks prior to departure. When you book a tour within 6 weeks of departure, full payment is due immediately. For all payments: please use comprehensive information in your booking confirmation. After having received your full payment islandhopping (Boat Bike Tours B.V) will send you a voucher, stating that payments are made and received in full; you can show this voucher during embarkation on board. Do Islandhopping tours require a minimum participant number? Generally our tours have a minimum participant number, which varies between tours. You will find this number on the respective tour page. Once a specific departure date has reached the minimum participant number, the tour departure is confirmed and flights can be booked. Should the confirmed number of participants decrease due to influences which are out of our control, we will not be held liable for travel arrangements outside of our tour package. We hope for your understanding and will of course assist you in finding a suitable tour alternative. If you do not wish to take advantage of the provided alternatives, your tour payment with Islandhopping will be fully reimbursed. Please inform yourself of the full conditions under paragraph 8 of our General Terms and Conditions. When/How should I plan my arrival? Make sure to book your flight, bus, train, ferry etc. only then when your planned tour departure has been officially confirmed by us. If you organize your arrival without this confirmation, and we are forced to cancel the departure, we will not be held responsible for any reimbursements other than the Islandhopping tour. Is a travel cancellation insurance recommended? We highly recommend purchasing travel cancellation insurance. You can’t prevent the unexpected from happening before or during your trip, but you can help protect your trip costs if it does. A travel insurance can include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and lost or delayed baggage. For travelers from Canada and the US: We recommend purchasing a policy through Arch RoamRight who provides comprehensive travel insurance packages. Arch’s travel insurance protects nonrefundable, prepaid travel expenses from unforeseen events and provides emergency medical coverage when away from home. For more information about Arch RoamRight's insurance packages and to apply for coverage, please find the details via the link below: Insurance packages Arch RoamRight For European travelers: Cancellation insurance from Recreatie is ideal because it covers you not only before you start your trip, but also during the trip. In addition to the cost of cancellation, you will also be covered for unused travel days. In addition, the insurance covers cancellation due to serious injury or death, both for you and for your closest family. You can take out cancellation insurance immediately when you book online, or within 7 days after booking. Read more about this short-term cancellation insurance, download the insurance card or apply for coverage via the links below: Insurance card Short-term cancellation insurance Request insurance Am I covered in the case of the tour operator's insolvency? Yes, coverage is provided as tour operators are obliged by applicable European law to secure customer received funds and payments in the event of their own insolvency or bankruptcy. To ensure coverage, Islandhopping (Boat Bike Tours B.V.) is registered as a participant in the independent SGR foundation (Stichting Garantiefonds Reisgelden). When booking an Islandhopping trip, a mandatory consumer contribution of 5 euros per person to the SGR guarantee fund for insolvency protection is required, which will be listed separately on the booking confirmation. For more information, see below: ⇒ SGR Insolvency protection Is there a loyalty-discount for islandhopping customers? Yes, If this is your second Islandhopping tour booked directly with us, you will receive our Welcome-back-discount of 3% on the basic tour price. If this is your third or more Islandhopping tour booked directly with us, you will receive our Loyalty-discount of 5% on the basic tour price. These discounts apply to all trips from 2025. Where can I find the General Terms and Conditions and cancellation policy? Our General Terms and Conditions including our cancellation policy can be found by clicking on the following link: General Terms and Conditions Dates & Events Islandhopping's most important dates at a glance! Here you will find everything you need to know about special Islandhopping dates and events: Whether it be trade fairs, open days, trail building weeks, discount promotions, or important key dates such as the start and end of the season, you can stay well informed about everything Islandhopping with our event calendar. 2024-12-20–2025-01-06 Christmas Break for our Office Team Our office team will be taking a well-deserved break over the Christmas period. Therefore, we will not be reachable by phone from the 20.12.2024 to 06.01.2025. During the break there will also be a delay in answers to your email enquiries. However, from 07.01.2023, the office team will be back in full swing to help you plan you next dream holiday. We wish you a very Merry Christmas. Enjoy the holidays with your loved ones and dream of new travel adventures together for the new year! 2025-01-18 Islandhopping at CMT Stuttgart Traveling by bike and boat sounds great, but there are many unanswered questions. Would you like a personal consultation? Then visit us at CMT Stuttgart in January 2025, get to know both Islandhopping and the Boat Bike Tours Team and let us inspire you for your next dream trip! Our travel experts look forward to answering all your questions about the exciting possibilities of exploring the world by bike and boat – be it on the world’s oceans or Europe’s most beautiful rivers. You will find us on the 1st CMT Weekend from January 18 – 20 in Hall 9, Stand 9C15 in the Bicycle & Hiking Tours section. We look forward to meeting you for the first time or having a long-awaited reunion! 2025-03-08 Natural wonders of Turkey with the Boreas The Boreas opens the 2025 Islandhopping season with a bike and boat trip to the Gulf of Gökova, one of Turkey’s greenest and most unspoiled regions. The ideal tour for nature lovers with overnight stays in secluded bays and charming little harbors as well as dreamy cycling routes through dense forests and along the coast. Nowhere else can you get as close to the life of the locals as here. If you want to get to know the authentic Turkey of the past and present, this is the place for you! 2025-04-04 Start of the season in Greece Our Greek season begins with a tour on the impressive three-masted yacht Thalassa, which will first head for the historic Peloponnese and Saronic Islands and later the Cyclades. Two weeks later, the 2025 season will also begin for the Erato, which will also set course for the Peloponnese and then the Cyclades, as well as for our motor sailer Panagiota in the Ionian Islands. With the Panagiota, you can also experience our Greek highlight trip from Athens to Corfu or vice versa with a passage through the Gulf of Corinth. 2025-04-05 Lekker Spring Tours in the Netherlands Could there be anything better than brightening up the often still gray spring days with bright colors? If you love flowers, you love the Netherlands! Here, spring is all about tulips. Colorful fields of flowers as far as the eye can see. A unique experience that you can’t get anywhere else, and only for a short time! Our tulip tours by bike and boat start today, where you can get to know the tulip hotspots and enjoy wonderful bike tours and picturesque historic harbors. 2025-04-11 Road Bike & Boat Camp in Dalmatia (c) Ivan Duran Vacation and training – can they go together? We say yes, because our Road Bike & Boat Camp combines a passion for road biking with truly experiencing a country in Islandhopping style. Our training camps, which will once again take place in Dalmatia in 2025 with an optimized route, offer road bike fans the perfect opportunity to get fit for the season after hibernation and train their riding technique under professional guidance. Fantastic views during the bike tours and relaxed evenings in quaint harbors make this very special training experience unforgettable. 2025-04-18 Start of the Season in Croatia From mid-April, six ships will also be hopping in Croatia. You can look forward to varied tours in the Kvarner Bay, Istria and Dalmatia! In the land of 1,000 islands, we will once again be exploring the entire Croatian coast from north to south this season. The anchor will be dropped countless times, whether in ports stepped in history for beautiful bike journeys and city tours or in beautiful bays for refreshing swimming breaks. 2025-05-03 With the Sundial to the Aeolian Islands Bella Italia from its most beautiful side! Today it’s “Cast off” for the first time in the 2025 season for the Sundial Motor Sailer! Departing from Milazzo in Sicily, the Sundial heads for the beautiful volcanic archipelago of the Aeolian Islands. Islandhoppers explore five of the seven main islands by bike and on foot. On this tour, one highlight follows another, including: a dip in the famous Venus Basin at Capo di Milazzo, a fantastic view of the “fire slide” on Stromboli from the sea, a hike on the Vulcano della Fossa and an impressive bike tour on the island of Lipari. 2025-05-14 Denmark & Sweden ahoy! From today, the sails will be hoisted again on our Scandinavian cruises to Denmark and Sweden around the Öresund Strait. Our three-masted barquentine Atlantis will be joined this season by her sister ship, Antigua, as this varied transnational voyage has proved to be a real bestseller. The narrow Öresund was once one of Europe’s most important trade routes. Accordingly, you will encounter a rich cultural heritage in the historic port cities along the way. 2025-05-30 Maiden Voyage of the First-Class Ship Bellezza The M/Y Bellezza will join our Croatian fleet in 2025 and cruise with our road warriors between the world heritage sites of Dubrovnik and Split. “Nomen est Omen” – Bellezza means ‘beauty’ and indeed, the luxury yacht impresses with its charm, elegance and incomparable comfort. A real highlight is the jacuzzi on the upper deck, where you can relax and enjoy the 360° view of the beautiful Dalmatian islands. 2025-06-01 Start of the season in Scotland In 2025, the Flying Dutchman will once again be sailing in the far north of Europe! For the next three weeks, the rustic sailing ship will once again be home to Islandhoppers who want to discover the Inner Hebrides and Scottish Highlands by sea and land on our extremely popular Scotland tour. You can also experience Scotland again by sailing ship & bike in late summer: The Flying Dutchman sails in Scottish waters from August 17th – September 7th, 2025. 2025-06-27 Cinematic Tour through Greece on our Mamma Mia Tour Anyone who has seen the Hollywood spectacle “Mamma Mia” starring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan will remember the magical images of the Greek Islands. The filming locations of Skopelos, Skiathos and the Pelion Peninsula, along with the islands of Alonissos and Euboea, are the main characters in our brand new Islandhopping Tour on the Sporades. Starting today, we will be exploring this beautiful island archipelago in the Aegean Sea for the first time on board the two-masted Motor Sailer Erato, which can accommodate a maximum of 12 guests. 2025-09-09 Maiden Voyage of the Milo M along the Lycian Coast We are delighted to welcome another addition to our fleet: today, the charming motor yacht, Milo M, sets sail for the first time for Islandhopping and will spend the next few weeks cruising along the legendary Lycian Coast in Turkey. The bright white deluxe motor yacht is an ideal home for our bike-loving guests and the first vessel in our fleet to be almost electrically self-sufficient thanks to solar panels. The crew of four will look after your well-being and ensure you experience true Turkish hospitality while on board.
FAQ - General Islandhopping – what is it? The ingredients are simple: take a bike (hybrid, e-bike, mountain bike or road bike), add a motor yacht or sailing ship and combine this with beautiful landscapes, secluded bays, quiet, side roads, trails and coastal paths. And there you have it: “Islandhopping”. Islandhopping is an active holiday that combines cycling with discovering a country and its culture. With a boat as your floating hotel, you will be taken to a new location every day, whether from island to island or along the mainland; from one enchanting region to the next. A complete package which combines activity and relaxation, athletic challenge and enjoyment, experience and discovery. This is why we say; Islandhopping is more than just a holiday. Where is Islandhopping offered? Islandhopping tours are available throughout the world. We offer tours by boat and bike in Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Scotland, Italy, Denmark /Sweden, Germany, Holland and Vietnam. We also have hotel and bike tours in Albania, Croatia, Greece, South Africa and Patagonia. You can be sure to find us anywhere where there is sea, dreamlike locations and breath-taking landscapes. Every year we expand our program, by either creating new tours or exploring new destinations. Who are the Islandhopping guests? Our guests are generally active individuals between the ages of 30 and 70 years old, who enjoy being out on their bikes. Be it hybrid cyclists, mountain bike enthusiasts, road bike fanatics, or a family on wheels: you will find just the right crowd to cycle with on tour with us. Sometimes we even have ambitious children along for a tour, although the majority of families feel most comfortable on one of our Multi-Aventure Cruises. Around a third of our guests come from Germany. A further 10% come from Switzerland. The remaining majority of our guests come from countries throughout Europe such as Austria, England, Ireland, Sweden, Italy, Holland, Belgium, France and Spain or from abroad. We have welcomed countless guests from over-seas for quite some time now including Australians, New Zealanders, Canadians and Americans. The international interest in our tours quickly led to English becoming the second official language on our boats. Are the tours guided or self-guided? As most of our tours take place on chartered boats, the majority of our itineraries are guided group tours. The groups on board our Bike & Boat tours generally range between 20 and 35 participants depending on the capacity of the boat in question. In general, 1-3 guides will accompany a travel group, and give insight to the country and culture. Most of our tours cater for a specific cycling interest group such as touring cyclists, mountain bikers or e-bikers. However, we also operate tours where hybrid and mountain bike tours are offered parallel on the same boat. These departures are especially interesting for couples or friends who wish to spend their holiday together without sharing the same interest in cycling style. The group sizes on our Hotel & Bike tours are generally smaller at around 8 to 16 participants. These tours are commonly accompanied by a guide and a driver. Some Hotel & Bike tours are also available as a self-guided program including luggage transport between the hotels. Here the participant number is mostly just two people. Where do we stay and spend the night? On our Bike & Boat tours, you will live on one of our motor yachts for the duration of your holiday. The boat will accompany you on the tour as a floating hotel – with all the advantages you can imagine! There is no need to pack your bags every day, as your cabin follows you to wherever you cycle each day. Our boats usually sail during the day with night cruises being an exception to ensure you get a restful night’s sleep. We usually stay overnight in harbours so that you have the opportunity to truly enjoy the enchanting harbour towns in the evenings. On our Hotel & Bike tours, you will be staying in carefully selected mid- to good range hotels – typical for the travel destination. In what languages are the tours conducted? Due to our international audience, Islandhopping tours are conducted in both English and German. I don’t cycle, is it still possible for me to participate? Is an alternative program possible? Even non-cyclists are welcome on board of our boats! Our tour guides can give you tips as to how you can enjoy your holiday on tour with us without taking part on the daily bike tours. Often the boat will travel from one harbor to the next and you can enjoy the peace and quiet on board. Are the tours suitable for children? Our Multi-Adventure tours are especially suitable for children of all ages. Our regular tours on the other hand require a good physical conditions and a minimum age of 10 years in order to take part in the cycling program. Children’s bikes are available for a minimum height of 1.20 m. Smaller children who are not yet able to cycle independently can participate using a comfortable bike seat, or a tag-along trailer bike. Children under the age of 18 cannot be left on board unsupervised. Are changes to the published itinerary possible? A boat journey is dependent on wind and weather. Due to this and other logistical reasons, tour changes are possible. However, changes are not necessarily a disadvantage and can help to improve the holiday experience of the tour. We sometimes execute our tours in the opposite direction to the published itinerary. What happens in the case of bad weather? Even in the Mediterranean, the sun doesn’t shine all the time. Should wind or rain interfere with our regular travel program, our local tour guides are well equipped with interesting alternatives. So don't worry: even if the weather does not play along, you will still be able to enjoy a well-planned alternative program. Nevertheless, we do recommend to bring along some weather proof clothing for cycling in rainy conditions. Which clothes are useful on an Islandhopping trip? You can leave your evening dress and dinner jacket at home. Relaxed leisure clothes like t-shirts, shorts and swimming gear is sufficient for all occasions. For occasionally cool evenings, we recommend bringing along a long-sleeved sweater or sweatshirt in your luggage, a wind and waterproof jacket may be useful from time to time. Special bicycle gear is not compulsory but may make your ride a more comfortable experience. We do recommend wearing padded cycling shorts for longer rides and a pair of cycling gloves can increase comfort and safety on your ride. As storage space in the cabins is limited, we recommend you pack your clothing in a soft-shell bag rather than a hard-shell suitcase which may be more difficult to stow. How much should I tip? All guests are able to show their individual appreciation for the efforts of their tour guides and crew at the end of the travel week by leaving a tip. We recommend an amount of 10% of the basic tour price in euros per guest/trip. This amount should be divided into two envelopes – one for the tour guides and one for crew members – typically organized individually by the guests on board and presented during the final evening on board. During the week your transfer drivers and external city guides will also be pleased to receive a small token of appreciation for their efforts. Where can I park my car during my Islandhopping tour? If you wish to travel to one of our tours, starting in Europe, by car, a member of our reservation team will gladly provide you with the relevant parking possibilities for the duration of your Islandhopping tour. In some destinations, Islandhopping provides their own secure parking spaces and in others a secure park house or parking spaces from a third party provider are used.
FAQ - Cycling Tours What level of fitness is required for the bike tours? A basic level of fitness, acquired by regular cycling is required for all of our Islandhopping tours. It is important to understand that all of our bike tours start at sea level and therefore often start with an uphill climb. Throughout the ride, participants may be confronted by steeper and longer uphill sections. We try to provide enough time for each tour that pushing your bike up a difficult section is possible. You can inform yourself to the difficulty level of each individual tour in more detail on the specific tour page. On our Tall Ship tours the following is important to remember: surefootedness and agility is required in order to access / exit our tall ships. On most days, access to these boats takes place via a ladder or by dinghy. The tour guides and crew will provide assistance where possible in these circumstances. Can I bring my own bike on an Islandhopping tour? Islandhopping tours require bikes with a fully functional set of gears. You can bring your own trekking bike or MTB or road bike, but please make sure to check the condition of your breaks, gears, and tires and don’t forget to bring along a puncture repair kit and the essential spare parts (e.g. brake pads and tubes). Your bike should be in prefect mechanical working order. We do not allow private e-bikes on board of our boats. This decision has been made due to insurance regulations. If you wish to ride an e-bike for the duration of your tour, please get in touch with us about the rental options. Islandhopping can offer you high quality, fully serviced rental bikes perfectly suited to your tour. Do I need to wear a helmet when touring with Islandhopping? Wearing a helmet is mandatory on all Islandhopping tours. Our priority is to provide a safe riding experience which starts with our guests wearing a helmet when cycling. We recommend bringing your own, well fitted bike helmet with you. Rental helmets are available free of charge if reserved in advance. Is it possible to cycle alone outside of the guided group? Our tours are primarily guided. However, in some cases it is possible to arrange an alternative route independent from the rest of the group with the guide on site. New from 2025: On our tours "Highlights of Istria", "Kvarner Bay" and "Ionian Islands", we offer you the option of either joining your guides on the cycle tours or completing the cycle routes individually at your own pace using the free RideWithGPS route app for your smartphone as well as GPS tracks and maps. Can I bring my own pedals and bike seat for my rental bike? Yes you can bring your own bike seat and pedals. Our guides are happy to assist you in attaching these to your rental bike. How much does the bike rental cost? Our rental prices vary according to the course of the tour (number of cycling days per tour) and the bikes available in our regions. Below you will find our bike rental prices for the 2025 season: Islandhopping Tours Croatia Hybrid Bike 80 euro/week E-Bike 245 euro/week Gravel Bike / Road Bike 200 euro/week Fully Mountainbike 220 euro/week Fully E-Mountainbike 320 euro/week Premium Carbon MTB 420 euro/week Premium Carbon E-MTB 590 euro/week Children´s Bike/Trailerbike 40 euro/week Islandhopping Tours Greece / Turkey Hybrid Bike 80 euro/week E-Bike 245 euro/week Gravel Bike / Road Bike 220 euro/week Carbon Road Bike (Greek Aegean Tours) 275 euro/week Fully Mountainbike 220 euro/week Fully E-Mountainbike 320 euro/week Children´s Bike/Trailerbike 40 euro/week Multi-Adventure Cruises Hybrid Bike/Children´s Bike 40 euro/week E-Bike 100 euro/week Trailerbike 40 euro/week Child Bike Seat 20 euro/week Denmark / Sweden Hybrid Bike 91 euro/week E-Bike 245 euro/week All Holland Sail & Bike Tours Hybrid Bike 91 euro/week E-Bike 245 euro/week Albania Hotel & Bike Hybrid Bike rental price included E-Bike 160 euro Crete Hotel & Bike Hybrid Bike 40 euro E-Bike 120 euro Trips that include bike rental South Africa Vietnam
FAQ - Life on Board What's the difference between a cabin above deck and below deck? Some of our Dutch ships and the Panagiota, which sails for us in Greece, also have above-deck and below-deck cabins. All other ships in our fleet in Greece, Turkey, Scotland, Italy and Vietnam do not offer this option due to their design. Whether you decide on one or the other is subject to your personal preference. In general, our guests consider the cabins below deck as the quieter and cooler sleeping places. Cabins above deck have a better natural airflow due to the doors and windows and offer more natural daylight. Aside from the listed advantages, it is fully up to personal preference which cabin type you wish to book. What can I expect in regard to water and electricity on board? Electricity and water are available on board, within limits. All ships have 220V electricity when cruising and a generator for when in port. However, it is common for the generator to be switched off during the night to ensure a sound night’s sleep. The power outlets on board are suitable for German euro plugs. The water tanks are large enough to provide sufficient cold and warm water for washing and showering for everyone, if used in moderation and consideration of other participants on board. The boats have a central water heater which provides each cabin with sufficient warm water for everyone to take a shower as long as this is done in moderation. Is it possible to get sea-sick on an Islandhopping cruise? Seasickness is a form of travel sickness. The rougher the sea, the more likely it is that people will feel sea sick. In order to prevent this risk, our ships remain in port in stormy weather. Nevertheless some individuals will experience symptoms of sea sickness even in calm conditions. The best remedy is fresh air and to concentrate on a stationary point on the horizon. If you know that you are susceptible to sea sickness prior to your Islandhopping tour, we recommend purchasing suitable medication at your local pharmacy in preparation for your cruise. Import is that the medication includes Dimenhydrinate as an active ingredient. What catering is available on board? The food on board our ships typically matches the national standard, whereby we take into account the larger appetite of our active guests. The catering options specific to your tour are outlined on the respective travel pages as well as in the detailed travel documents which you will receive before the start of your journey. If you prefer a vegetarian diet or have specific eating habits, please communicate this to us prior to arrival. We will do our best to cater to these preferences but may not always be able to fulfil these entirely. In case of allergies please inform us of these early on. In the case of multiple intolerances, please send us a list of food which you are ALLOWED to eat before you start your journey, so that the cook can shop accordingly and make an appropriate meal plan. Are there also family or shared rooms on the ships? And is an occupancy of more than 2 people cheaper? There are a limited number of three-bed cabins available on many of our ships. Four-bed cabins are only available on our Croatian Premium and Deluxe Ships. Our reservations team will be happy to provide you with exact cabin availability on our individual ships. In the case of a triple or quadruple occupancy of the cabins, we grant a 50% discount on the basic travel price for the third and fourth person each (not combinable with other discounts). If the booked cabin is above deck (only triple available), we also do not charge an above deck surcharge for the third person. Especially for families with smaller children, we highly recommend choosing a cruise with a ship where multi-bed cabins are available to ensure that parents and children can stay in the same cabin. Can I consume my own beverages on board? The saloon of the ship is a restaurant, lounge and bar at the same time. Here you can order cool drinks - with or without alcohol. In most cases, the beverage consumption is entered in a tally sheet and settled at the end of the trip (cash only). Please remember - the beverages on board are more expensive than in the supermarket around the corner, as you are enjoying them in a small floating restaurant. As in any other bar or restaurant, you are not allowed to consume your own (brought or purchased elsewhere) drinks on board. Can I sleep on deck under the stars? Many guests enjoy the unique experience of sleeping on deck under the stars. Almost all of our boats provide some form of upholstered area where sleeping on deck is possible. In order to take advantage of this possibility, we recommend bringing a personal sleeping bag as the bed linen and mattresses provided in your cabins are not allowed to be taken out of the cabins. Is it possible to pay with my credit card on board? Unfortunately it is not possible to pay with a credit card on any of our boats. Payment of the bar tab, tourist taxes, parking space etc. can be made in cash only. Either in euro or in the local currency. Your tour guide will gladly point you in the right direction of the next available ATM or conversion office. Are pets permitted on board? Pets are not permitted on board of any of our boats as we are responsible for the health and safety of all participants equally. Many people suffer from animal related allergies or have a fear of the animals themselves. We wish to respect these restrictions. What are the Hygiene and Safety protocols on board? It is our biggest wish at Islandhopping to be able to operate our tours without any restrictions; however, the global situation has had a great influence on all of our daily lives and will continue to do so for this season. Throughout 2022, Islandhopping will adhere to the respective country regulations and hygiene measures, as far as they are ethically justifiable and logistically possible, and will inform you prior to the start of your trip about the regulations that will apply to you on your visit.
FAQ - Reservations Can I book an additional night with Islandhopping? In almost all of our travel destinations we are able to provide you with additional nights or a tour extension package before or after your Islandhopping tour. Detailed information to our partner hotels and our tour extension modules can be found on the respective travel page under ‘Additional Nights’. How and when should I make the payment for my travel booking From the 2025 season onwards, the following payment terms will apply: After receiving your booking confirmation / invoice, you can use the payment link to pay your deposit, which is 30% of the total tour price (travel sum). Payments can be done by credit card (Visa or MasterCard), by bank (wire) transfer, or by using online services like Transferwise.com. The final payment (balance) of 70% of the travel sum is due 6 weeks prior to departure. When you book a tour within 6 weeks of departure, full payment is due immediately. For all payments: please use comprehensive information in your booking confirmation. After having received your full payment islandhopping (Boat Bike Tours B.V) will send you a voucher, stating that payments are made and received in full; you can show this voucher during embarkation on board. Do Islandhopping tours require a minimum participant number? Generally our tours have a minimum participant number, which varies between tours. You will find this number on the respective tour page. Once a specific departure date has reached the minimum participant number, the tour departure is confirmed and flights can be booked. Should the confirmed number of participants decrease due to influences which are out of our control, we will not be held liable for travel arrangements outside of our tour package. We hope for your understanding and will of course assist you in finding a suitable tour alternative. If you do not wish to take advantage of the provided alternatives, your tour payment with Islandhopping will be fully reimbursed. Please inform yourself of the full conditions under paragraph 8 of our General Terms and Conditions. When/How should I plan my arrival? Make sure to book your flight, bus, train, ferry etc. only then when your planned tour departure has been officially confirmed by us. If you organize your arrival without this confirmation, and we are forced to cancel the departure, we will not be held responsible for any reimbursements other than the Islandhopping tour. Is a travel cancellation insurance recommended? We highly recommend purchasing travel cancellation insurance. You can’t prevent the unexpected from happening before or during your trip, but you can help protect your trip costs if it does. A travel insurance can include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and lost or delayed baggage. For travelers from Canada and the US: We recommend purchasing a policy through Arch RoamRight who provides comprehensive travel insurance packages. Arch’s travel insurance protects nonrefundable, prepaid travel expenses from unforeseen events and provides emergency medical coverage when away from home. For more information about Arch RoamRight's insurance packages and to apply for coverage, please find the details via the link below: Insurance packages Arch RoamRight For European travelers: Cancellation insurance from Recreatie is ideal because it covers you not only before you start your trip, but also during the trip. In addition to the cost of cancellation, you will also be covered for unused travel days. In addition, the insurance covers cancellation due to serious injury or death, both for you and for your closest family. You can take out cancellation insurance immediately when you book online, or within 7 days after booking. Read more about this short-term cancellation insurance, download the insurance card or apply for coverage via the links below: Insurance card Short-term cancellation insurance Request insurance Am I covered in the case of the tour operator's insolvency? Yes, coverage is provided as tour operators are obliged by applicable European law to secure customer received funds and payments in the event of their own insolvency or bankruptcy. To ensure coverage, Islandhopping (Boat Bike Tours B.V.) is registered as a participant in the independent SGR foundation (Stichting Garantiefonds Reisgelden). When booking an Islandhopping trip, a mandatory consumer contribution of 5 euros per person to the SGR guarantee fund for insolvency protection is required, which will be listed separately on the booking confirmation. For more information, see below: ⇒ SGR Insolvency protection Is there a loyalty-discount for islandhopping customers? Yes, If this is your second Islandhopping tour booked directly with us, you will receive our Welcome-back-discount of 3% on the basic tour price. If this is your third or more Islandhopping tour booked directly with us, you will receive our Loyalty-discount of 5% on the basic tour price. These discounts apply to all trips from 2025. Where can I find the General Terms and Conditions and cancellation policy? Our General Terms and Conditions including our cancellation policy can be found by clicking on the following link: General Terms and Conditions
