Berlin & the Brandenburg Lakes (E-Bikes only)

Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Berlin.

From 4:00 p.m., you are welcome on board to settle into your cabin and get acquainted with your floating hotel for the week.

Before dinner, you’ll meet the captain, crew, and tour guide during a friendly welcome drink. In the evening, enjoy your first delicious dinner on board.

If you’d like, join your guide for a short stroll through the neighborhood and get your first taste of this fascinating city.

Wake up to a leisurely breakfast as the barge leaves Berlin behind and cruises along the peaceful Spree River. The city’s skyline slowly gives way to green riverbanks, forests, and quiet countryside.

Once your bike has been fitted to your size, it’s time to set off on your first ride. Cycle along scenic waterways and through beautiful parks to the historic town of Oranienburg.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Sachsenhausen Memorial. This former concentration camp and later Soviet internment camp is now a place of remembrance, offering a moving insight into one of the darkest periods of the twentieth century. It’s a powerful and unforgettable visit that adds an important historical dimension to your journey.

Enjoy breakfast on board as the Clair de Soleil cruises south through the beautiful waterways of Brandenburg. Before long, you’ll hop on your bike to discover the region’s peaceful lakes, winding canals, and lush forests; an area often called the Blue Paradise for its stunning natural beauty.

Along the way, you’ll stop at the historic Villa Marlier, where the infamous Wannsee Conference took place during World War II. Today, the villa is a memorial dedicated to the Holocaust and offers an important moment of reflection. Later in the day, continue cycling to the elegant city of Potsdam, where your barge will be waiting for you.

Today is all about discovering the elegant city of Potsdam. Once the summer retreat of Prussian kings and German emperors, the city is filled with magnificent palaces, beautifully landscaped parks, and grand boulevards. During today’s bike ride, you’ll cycle past many of Potsdam’s highlights while soaking up the atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage city.

A visit to the stunning Sanssouci Palace, the former summer residence of Frederick the Great, is one of the highlights of the day. With its terraced gardens and impressive architecture, it’s easy to see why this is Potsdam’s most famous landmark.

This evening is yours to explore at your own pace. Dinner is on your own, giving you the perfect excuse to try one of Potsdam’s many excellent restaurants.

We highly recommend one of the traditional Kartoffelhäuser, where you’ll discover just how many delicious dishes can be made with Germany’s favorite ingredient: the potato.

This morning, you’ll leave Potsdam behind and cycle through the peaceful forests and lakes of Brandenburg. Along the way, you’ll stop at the beautifully situated summer home of Albert Einstein, one of Germany’s most celebrated scientists.

After a scenic ride and a short ferry crossing, you’ll arrive in the charming island town of Werder. Once a fishing village and now famous for its orchards and fruit wines, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the waterfront before continuing your ride.

Your barge will be waiting for you in Ketzin, where you can unwind on board as you cruise to Brandenburg an der Havel. In the evening, join a guided walk through one of Germany’s oldest towns and discover its rich history, medieval streets, and beautiful architecture.

Todays cycling tour takes you through Brandenburg’s beautiful network of lakes, rivers, and peaceful canals. Quiet country roads and scenic waterfront paths make for a relaxing ride through one of Germany’s most picturesque landscapes. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way before rejoining the Clair de Soleil.

This afternoon, sit back and relax as the barge cruises back towards Berlin. Upon arrival in Berlin-Spandau (often nicknamed “Little Venice” because of its many canals and bridges) you’ll have time to wander through the charming old town. Its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and lively market square provide the perfect setting to end a wonderful week of cycling and cruising.

Spend your final full day discovering the many faces of Berlin. You can explore the city independently, taking advantage of the excellent public transport system, or join your tour guide for one last bike ride through the heart of the German capital.

Cycle past some of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks, including the remains of the Berlin Wall, historic Checkpoint Charlie, the impressive government district, and the world-famous Brandenburg Gate. Along the way, you’ll experience how Berlin has transformed from a divided city into one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals.

This evening, gather one last time on board the Clair de Soleil for a festive farewell dinner with the captain, celebrating a week filled with unforgettable cycling, fascinating history, and beautiful scenery.

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye. Disembarkation is at 9:30 a.m., bringing an unforgettable week to a close.

We hope you’ll leave inspired by the places you’ve discovered, the people you’ve met, and the unique experience of exploring this remarkable region by bike and barge.