Private Customized Trips

With 50 years of experience we can design a unique custom tour for groups of friends, family or business colleagues. Every detail of your trip is planned to provide a stimulating hassle-free vacation. You choose the destination, style of accommodations, travel dates and activities. We take it from there! Plan to leave all worries behind, just bring your sense of adventure.

Gerhard has operated tours in most European countries, New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka, China and Tahiti. It is hard to choose from so many wonderful destinations, but here are some of our favorites:

RIVER SHIPS & BARGING

Cruising the canals and waterways of Europe is a relaxing and timeless voyage never to be forgotten. On board a floating hotel-barge the atmosphere is friendly, schedules are unhurried, and the passing scenery is sublime. Each day presents another unique opportunity for adventure as you travel through the ever-changing countryside.

We have a long-standing relationship with numerous hotel barges and river ships that can accommodate 6 to 190 guests onboard. All have cabins with private facilities, central heating/air conditioning and offer exceptional service with distinctive dining. Private group charters can be arranged on select dates for six- and seven-night cruises operating March to November. Each itinerary can be customized to include such interests as biking, walking, golf, wine, cuisine, architecture and French gardens.

Chartering your own barge maximizes your holiday enjoyment and provides the advantage of privacy, freedom and flexibility. You have the luxury of a private vessel with a guide and crew devoted exclusively to your group. We will custom design the cruise exactly as you wish, adapting the activities, excursions, and interests to your needs and desires. Typical rates for the week range from $3,500 to $5,800 per person.

Following is a sampling of some regions that are available on our barges and river ships:

RHINE RIVER — starting in the Netherlands, we’ll take in the art; architecture and culture of Germany; Luxembourg and Alsace, France.

ELBE RIVER — stretching 724 miles, the Elbe flows from the Czech Republic into Germany, through the large harbor city of Hamburg and empties into the North Sea.

DANUBE RIVER — an impressive journey as we travel through five countries full of sights that will bring to mind the great moments in European history. Discover the art, architecture and culture of some of Europe’s most classic cities.

UPPER LOIRE RIVER — with medieval villages, 17C chateaux and glorious flower gardens. Private tasting of the famous Sancerre wine.

DIJON & BURGUNDY — quaint villages, famous vineyards, unique architecture and hearty cuisine all along the way.

CHABLIS & WESTERN BURGUNDY — cathedrals, abbeys and medieval walled towns. Private tasting of the real Chablis wines.

BORDEAUX — cycle through picturesque medieval villages and chateaux. Wine tasting, including the famous Medoc and Saint Emilion.

CAMARGUE & PROVENCE — Roman ruins and beautifully restored hilltop villages. Stops in the medieval towns Avignon and Arles.

CHAMPAGNE — magnificent chateaux, cathedrals and formal gardens. Private wine tasting in Moet et Chandon cellars.

BELGIUM & SOUTHERN HOLLAND — chocolate, windmills and old historic towns, famous for their cheese and architecture. Explore Amsterdam, with its 90 islands and 400 bridges.

WINE & DINE ODYSSEY — Experience the hospitality of the Mosel and Rhine River valleys, as well as the Alsace and Lorraine regions of France on our 22 passenger barge, the Merlijn.

HISTORIC ANTEBELLUM SOUTH — discover the charm of a bygone era as we cruise from Charleston, SC to Amelia Island, Florida. The trip highlights the history and culture of each port, including such favorites as Beaufort, Hilton Head, Savannah and Jekyll Island.

COLUMBIA & SNAKE RIVERS — an eight-day cruise along these legendary rivers. Retrace the route travelled by Lewis and Clark on their expedition into the west.

WALKING & CYCLING TRIPS

Walking & Hiking Switzerland – A walker's paradise of mountains, lakes, valleys, and meadows. Walking routes are well-marked, and easy to follow. In most cases, a cogwheel railway, funicular or gondola is available to speed you up to a higher and scenic elevation for getting started. You can walk as much or as little as you like. Most importantly, there are plenty of huts, inns, and mountain restaurants along the way where you can get recharged with cheese, chocolate, and apple strudel. Walking each day can be of varying degrees of difficulty, from simple strolls to more strenuous hikes.

Walking & Hiking Austria – The Austrian Salzkammergut is a dramatic region of alpine and subalpine lakes, deeply carved valleys, rolling hills and rugged, steep mountain ranges rising to almost 10,000 feet. Much of the region is remote wilderness, and even in the visited parts, such as the Wolfgangsee and Mondsee, you will find isolated areas. Lakes provide limitless opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing or just sitting on the shore and skimming stones.

Walking & Hiking Portugal – For Americans, Portugal has long been Western Europe’s best kept travel secret. It has changed little over recent decades and the people remain warm and friendly. The country offers a huge variety of landscapes, amazing wines, breath taking views and a foodie paradise. You will have an opportunity to experience the true diversity available in this small country and discover what Portugal has to offer.

Bicycle Berlin to Prague – A cycling adventure that connects two of Europe’s most exciting and historical capitals. Our cycling route along the Elbe River will heighten your sense of the thousands of years of history that have unfolded on the banks of this major waterway. Savor the scenic beauty, customs and architectural jewels of this area that was once behind the iron curtain.

Bavaria & Northern Italy (Germany, the Dolomites & the Veneto) – Join us on a bicycle tour that explores three distinct regions in a spectacular part of Europe. Bavaria is a timeless land of fairy tale castles, half-timbered houses and painted buildings. Everywhere is picture-postcard scenery and rural charm. The Dolomites are the most beautiful mountains in Italy. The Veneto region includes the magnificent ancient city of Verona and the uniqueness and splendor of Venice.

Germany & Alsace, France — Cycle past the colorful fairy-tale villages and crumbling castles of the Mosel & Rhine River valleys.

Cruise and bike the Blue Danube — Experience the gems of this mighty and mythical river from the comfort of a river ship and the seat of a bicycle - Slovakia, Hungary, Germany & Austria.

Denmark, Sweden & the Norwegian Fjords — A tantalizing bicycle adventure featuring Copenhagen and the island of Zealand, sumptuous western Sweden, and the awe- inspiring natural wonders of western Norway.

Ride, Wine & Dine — The name says it all! Cycle, sample & savor your way through Luxembourg, Germany, France & Switzerland.

Crossing the Pyrenees —S outhern France & Northern Spain – traverse the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Med and explore the historic and epic sights along the way.

Provence — Southern France – fall in love with Provence and immerse yourself and your bicycle in the lush vineyards, fragrant lavender fields & olive groves of this artistic countryside.

An Irish Fortnight — Pedal through the diverse regions of the Emerald Isle, including unspoiled Connemara and Northern Ireland. Delve into this land of storytellers, pubs, and legends.

Swiss Odyssey — Discover the fascinating diversity of Switzerland on two wheels and ponder bits of France, Italy, Austria & Germany too.

Brittany & Normandy —C ycling through Western France provides the perfect opportunity to wonder at the wild sea cliffs and dote on the dolmen, as well as to contemplate the historic battles and heroic moments of the not-too-distant past.

Bicycle Mallorca — An island where visitors are easily spoiled by the vibrant vistas; sea and mountain landscapes to languish over; almond, olive, citrus and evergreen groves and charming rural villages. A mild climate offers plenty of opportunities for sports and leisure.