Calder & Lawson Tours

22/08/2025

Our incredible adventure to the Marquesas islands is almost over…

It ended with a special day at Bora Bora snorkelling with sharks and rays as well as a BBQ lunch on our own deserted motu.

The group is now relaxing at a Tahitian resort before returning to the real world (and real winter temperatures!) tomorrow

19/08/2025

Our walking in Japan, the Nakasendo Way for April 2026, is now a CONFIRMED DEPARTURE. This is our most popular walking tour; come join us for an active walking holiday, staying in charming Ryokan inns with fantastic food!
Just a couple of rooms left.

https://www.calderandlawsontours.co.nz/tour/walking-in-japan-the-nakasendo-way-apr-2026/

10/08/2025

We are off on our Marquesas adventure!
After an interesting day in Papeete we have boarded the Aranui 5 and headed out to the open ocean. The Aranui 5 is a beautiful and unique ship designed for both freight and passengers. The group is excited to explore the islands of this South Pacific paradise.

09/08/2025

Biking the Queensland Rail Trails with a lovely group of 17 people. It’s been fun. Some people have spotted koalas, some groups of kangaroo, I have only spotted the lorikeets which came to feed at our motel every day at 4!

02/08/2025

Amsterdam to Heidelberg – The Final Chapter

Our last day brought a short and sweet bike ride to the splendid Schwetzingen Palace — a fitting finale to our adventure. Surrounded by manicured gardens and baroque elegance, it was a peaceful end to an unforgettable journey.

What a trip this has been. Great company, brilliant sightseeing, and delicious food — every day brought something new to enjoy. And it was all made even better by our floating home for the past two weeks: the Iris. With its welcoming crew, thoughtful touches, and consistently wonderful meals, it truly was the perfect base for our barge and bike adventure.

Time to say goodbye — but what memories we take with us.

01/08/2025

Almost Finished – Amsterdam to Heidelberg

Today we cycled the final leg of our journey, from Mannheim to beautiful Heidelberg — our ultimate destination. Leaving the Rhine behind, we turned left onto the Neckar River, marking the start of our farewell to this legendary waterway.

A magical stop in the charming village of Ladenburg gave us time to soak in some final German countryside charm before a gentle ride into Heidelberg. What a welcome! We parked our bikes and made our way up to the iconic Heidelberger Schloss.

Perched high above the town, the castle is a romantic mix of Gothic and Renaissance ruins, with sweeping views across the rooftops of Heidelberg and the Neckar valley. We joined an excellent guided tour that brought the castle’s layered history to life, and explored the fascinating pharmacy museum tucked within its walls — a hidden gem showcasing centuries of medical curiosities and apothecary tools.

30/07/2025

30/07/2025

Amsterdam to Heidelberg – The Journey Continues

Yesterday we cycled from Koblenz to Mainz, starting in Eltville with a stop in Biebrich. Our mooring spot in Mainz was perfect, and for a change, we had the evening free to choose our own dinner plans. Most of our group joined us at Weinhaus Wilhelmi, a classic German restaurant that didn’t disappoint—with a great atmosphere and a wide selection of traditional dishes.

Today’s ride took us 60 km from Nierstein to Worms, winding through peaceful countryside with barely another cyclist in sight. Once again, we managed to stay ahead of the weather gods. A bit weary now, but it’s been another excellent day on the Rhine.

29/07/2025

Bike & Barge Adventure – Amsterdam to Heidelberg

Today we arrived in Rüdesheim, a charming town nestled among vineyards and known for its wine, music, and sweeping views of the Rhine. Our ride began in Koblenz, tracing the river past Rhens and Boppard, where the landscape grows ever more dramatic.

A highlight along the way was visiting the famous Loreley Statue—a nod to the mythical siren said to lure sailors to their fate (and a favourite topic of Felix’s tall tales). We continued on, stopping for coffee in the fairy-tale towns of Bacharach and Bingen.

For the more adventurous among us, there was a rewarding uphill ride to St. Hildegard Benedictine Abbey, perched above the vineyards overlooking Rüdesheim. The effort was worth it for the peaceful setting and stunning panoramic views.

Last night, we visited an excellent local wine cellar, where we sampled a generous range of regional wines. It was a lively evening of clinking glasses, shared stories, and a few bottles we won’t soon forget.

27/07/2025

Bike & Barge Adventure – Amsterdam to Heidelberg

Yesterday we cycled to Bonn, with a memorable stop at the beautiful Brühl Castle—a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning Baroque architecture and landscaped gardens. From there, we continued our ride into Bonn, where we paused outside the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. It was a special moment to stand before the house where the great composer began his life and musical journey.

Sadly, the day also marked some farewells. We said goodbye to a few of the wonderful Iris crew—Captain Dick, Kevin the deckhand, and our amazing chef Joost. Their stories, good humour, and hospitality have added so much to this journey, and they will be truly missed.