• You don't need to bring these; they're already part of your trip, so leave the space in your bag for something else.

  • Your bike for the week, a comfortable, upright Azor Dutch city bike, with e-bikes available on request
  • Flat pedals
  • A detachable pannier bag
  • A hair dryer in your cabin
  • Bed linens and towels for your cabin
  • Soap in your private restroom
  • A helmet will be provided; however, we always like to bring our own for fit and comfort
  • A water bottle

The non-negotiables. Pack these first, and remember the barge carries your luggage all week — so you truly unpack once.

• A positive, friendly attitude
• Passport (valid at least 6 months beyond travel), plus a printed copy stored separately
• Travel insurance documents (saved to your phone and printed)
• Credit/debit card with no foreign transaction fee, plus some euros for cafés and small purchases
• Type C power adapter for the Netherlands and Belgium
• Any personal medications in their original packaging
• Packable rain jacket and a windbreaker or soft-shell for cool mornings — August brings sun and passing showers
• Lightweight, breathable layers you can mix and match
• Padded cycling shorts
• Closed-toe shoes that work for both riding and walking
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm
• Casual evening clothes for relaxed dinners aboard and town strolls
• A warm layer for cool evenings on deck
• Toiletries and any personal care items
• Phone, charger, and an eSIM or international data plan set up before you fly

Not required, but seasoned riders are glad they brought them.

• A Garmin or GPS to track and see routes
• A GoPro or compact camera to capture the canals, windmills, and countryside
• Anti-chafing balm like Chamois Butter
• Bathing suit for the hot tub
• A lightweight daypack for off-bike walks and town visits
• A buff or light scarf for sun, wind, or cool mornings
• A spare hat for breaks when the helmet comes off
• A power bank to keep your phone charged on long riding days
• Blister plasters and a few aspirin or ibuprofen for tired muscles
• A small dry bag or zip-top bags to keep electronics dry in a downpour
• A refillable electrolyte or drink-mix powder to flavor your water and keep energy up
• Sleep aids like earplugs, an eye mask, melatonin, and white noise.
• Small multi-tool; you never know
• Cycling Gloves

Skip these — they add weight without earning their place on a relaxed, all-flat barge-and-bike week.

• Formalwear or dressy shoes; every evening is casual, including dinners aboard
• Bulky hardshell luggage, a soft duffel or medium suitcase fits cabin storage better
• A full week of separate outfits, plan to layer and re-wear; pack light
• US dollars for spending, no one accepts them; euros and cards only
• Hair dryer, there's one in your cabin
• Full cycling kits, most people will wear more casual cycling clothes or regular clothes
• High-value jewelry or anything you'd hate to lose on the road