Celebrating the Bicycle’s 200th Anniversary
Here at Butterfield & Robinson, we’re no strangers to the pleasures of life on two wheels; we know there’s simply no better way to see the world. We have German inventor Karl Drais to thank for his Laufmaschine (German for ‘running machine’), conceived two centuries ago in response to the largest volcanic eruption in history. (Yes, you read that right).

Talk about the butterfly effect: the seismic event at Mount Tambora, Indonesia in 1815 set off a chain of global crop failure and unprecedented famine.
The resulting scarcity of food meant that millions of horses–the typical means of getting from A to B—starved to death, making the need for a people-powered form of transport inevitable.
Also known as the draisine, this early prototype was essentially a riderless horse with steering and wheels, but no pedals—a rider would use their feet to propel themselves.
In subsequent years, other inventors added their own touches, which evolved into the modern bicycle we know and love. The two-wheel craze continued in 1858 with the addition of pedals and brakes. In 1869, Englishmen William Hillman and James Starley brought the penny-farthing into the market. (Proof that we really, really love biking: our old logo, circa 1980, featured this distinctive bicycle; we even have a working model in our office!)
As a salute to the bicycle’s 200th anniversary, we’ve gathered a few of our favourite routes to explore the world.
Contemplate the bicycle’s German heritage on the Danube River Cruise Biking tour, as you make your way from Munich and ending in spectacular Budapest. Marvel along the way at medieval jewel-box towns, remnants of castles, and (this is a B&R trip, after all) the region’s vineyards. Crisscross your way along Europe’s longest dedicated bike path during the day and spend opulent evenings aboard the luxurious S.S. Maria Theresa.
Paradise on earth for oenophiles and our spiritual home, France’s Burgundy region is where we first fell in love with biking and the good life. Nothing short of heavenly, our Burgundy Biking trip is the perfect occasion to taste the finest Crus in the world and ride through the world’s most renowned terroir, stopping to sip and savour all the way through.
One foot at a time, cycle through a patchwork of rice paddies, the occasional water buffalo and friendly villagers on a Vietnam Biking trip. Our deep roots in this enchanting country mean you’ll get to meet all of our good friends along the way—smiles all around.
MORE FROM Around The World

Bike tours are the most satisfying way to experience the world sustainably
Around The World
Food-Focused Bicycle Trips to Take For Your Summer Holidays
Around The World
Why Private Adventure Trips Are Booming
Around The World
Ask An Expert: Your E-Bike Questions, Answered
Around The World
Hike and Bike Your Way around the World with Butterfield & Robinson
Around The World
Butterfield & Robinson Aligns With Other Sector Leaders To Sign The Glasgow Declaration On Climate Action In Tourism
Around The World
The Best Cycling Shorts for a Seamless Bike Ride
Around The World
Forbes Names B&R One of the Best Companies for Post-Pandemic Biking Vacations
Around The World
Condé Nast Top Travel Specialists 2021
Around The World
How to Plan for Travel in 2021 and Beyond
Around The World
Ask an Expert: How to Choose the Right Bike for You
Around The World
Finding Creativity on the Road: In Conversation with B&R Guide, Sakis Mitsoulis
Around The World
A Message About Travel from Our Co-Founder, George Butterfield
Around The World
Notes from the Road: The 5,000-Mile Journey Home During a Crisis
Around The World
B&R Guides: The Artists Behind our 2021 Tote Collection
Around The World