Premium Netherlands and Germany Adventure
Traverse the serene Dutch countryside, passing iconic windmills and tranquil farmlands
Immerse yourself in Germany’s industrial heartland, cycling through the transformative Ruhr region
Marvel at Cologne’s towering Dom cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture
Cycle the romantic Rhine valley, where castles and vineyards adorn the riverside hills
Explore Koblenz, where the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle has shaped centuries of history
Conclude your journey along the enchanting Moselle, amidst its culturally rich towns and untamed nature
Itinerary
Boarding begins in Amsterdam at 2 pm, where the crew eagerly awaits to welcome you aboard. As the barge sets off along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, enjoy your first dinner on the water. The journey tonight concludes at the historic Wijk bij Duurstede, one of the Netherlands’ oldest communities.
As the barge sails to Wageningen, savor your breakfast with a view. From Wageningen, pedal through the Veluwe’s undulating nature reserve, a rarity in the famously flat Netherlands. The landscape’s gentle rises are remnants of the last Ice Age’s glacial edge. Later, meet the barge in Arnhem and cruise to Rees while dining.
35 km/21 mi. or 44 km/27 mi.
Departing Rees at dawn, you’ll reach Wesel for the day’s cycling start. Traverse the transformed Ruhr, an area of intense industrial heritage, now a symbol of regeneration and progress. After cycling through this unique landscape, board the barge in Duisburg and sail to Düsseldorf, where the evening is free to explore.
40 km/24 mi.
From Düsseldorf, you have the option to cycle from Zons as you make your way to Cologne. The route hugs the Rhine, leading you to one of Germany’s oldest cities. Spend the afternoon in Cologne, with its storied past and the iconic Dom cathedral. Tonight, dine in the city at your leisure.
28 km/17 mi. or 54 km/33 mi.
Ride alongside the Rhine to Bonn, the former capital of West Germany. Discover Bonn’s Roman roots and cultural landmarks, including the Münster Basilica and Beethoven’s birthplace. In the evening, stroll through the city after dinner.
38 km/23 mi.
The morning cruise brings you to Remagen, known for its pivotal bridge in WWII. From here, cycle through the Rhine’s romantic stretch, dotted with castles and vineyards, to Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle converge.
44 km/27 mi.
Sail to Alken and cycle to Moselkern, home to the majestic Burg Eltz castle. The final leg of today’s journey takes you to Cochem, a charming wine town with traditional cellars and timber-framed houses.
40 km/25 mi.
Your river cycling adventure concludes with a final breakfast on board. Disembark by 9.30 a.m. and carry forward the memories of this unique journey.
Pricing
Included in price
7x breakfast
Packed lunches
6x 3-course dinner
Coffee and tea on board
Welcome drink
Use of bed linen and towels
Daily cleaning of the cabin
Climate-controlled cabin
Daily briefings
Fully guided cycling tours (from 22 guests: 2 tour leaders, 2 groups)
Some short walking tours
GPS tracks
Use of a helmet
Use of a waterproof pannier bag
Biodegradable water bottle
Fees for ferries
Entrance Museum Remagen
Entrance Burg Eltz
Winetasting at a local winery
Wi-Fi
Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit
1x dinner
Drinks
Bicycle rental or E-bike rental
Personal insurances
Gratuities (at your discretion)
Entrance fees and excursions (not mentioned under included)
Transfers to/from the docking place
Parking fees
SGR Insolvency protection
Important for the tour
Description
Join us on a remarkable cycling holiday that guides you through the storied landscapes of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, beginning in the bustling metropolis of Amsterdam and culminating in the picturesque town of Cochem.
This tour offers a blend of physical activity and historical exploration, tracing the region’s rich tapestry from its Roman foundations to its contemporary status.
Your journey kicks off in the serene Dutch countryside, where iconic windmills and pastoral scenes provide a tranquil start. Crossing into Germany, the route takes you along the Rhine, through the industrial yet culturally vibrant cities of Ruhrort and Düsseldorf.
As you pedal further, the Rhine Valley reveals its romantic essence with storybook castles, stately mansions, and lush vineyards nestled on the slopes.
Throughout your cycling holiday, you’ll enjoy the comforts of a floating hotel—a ship that provides premium accommodations, delicious meals, and a place to unwind. Each morning, you’ll be greeted with a new vista, enjoy a hearty breakfast on board, and set off with a packed lunch for the day’s ride.
Whether you opt for a leisurely or challenging cycling route, or choose to relax on the ship, the choice is yours. The vessel comes equipped with rental bikes, and there’s room for your own bike if you prefer.
A team of professional, multilingual tour leaders will accompany you, offering insights into the local history and culture and enriching your experience with their knowledge.
Ships
Magnifique I
The Magnifique I offers a refined experience for a maximum of 32 guests, with 16 tastefully adorned cabins on the lower deck. Each cabin, complete with en-suite facilities, air-conditioning, mini-safes, and hairdryers, ensures a restful stay. The twin cabins span approximately 11 m², while the four junior suites with queen-size beds extend to about 15 m². The upper deck features a well-appointed salon with a dining area, a welcoming bar, and a lounge with comfortable seating, air-conditioning, TV, and panoramic windows for scenic views.
Magnifique III
Step aboard the Magnifique III, where 16 charming lower deck cabins await, each outfitted with cozy beds, private bathrooms, satellite TV, mini-safes, and hairdryers for your comfort. The upper deck boasts five elegant suites, each featuring a snug sitting area framed by expansive windows. The air-conditioned restaurant and lounge encircle the inviting bar, perfect for socializing and relaxation. On the top deck, a Jacuzzi and deckchairs offer leisurely luxury under the open sky.
Princesse Royal
Experience luxury aboard the Princesse Royal, accommodating up to 30 guests in comfort and style. The 16 lower deck cabins boast comfortable beds and private bathrooms. Socialize at the main deck bar, enjoy meals at surrounding tables, or relax in the sitting area. Unwind in the outdoor seats or the soothing aft deck Jacuzzi.
Start planning today!
Things to know
Helmets are mandatory for all cyclists in Turkey, and Croatia, and for minors in several other European countries. While not obligatory elsewhere, we recommend bringing your own for safety. Helmets are available for rent on our tours.
You’re welcome to bring your own bicycle on most tours. Please confirm space availability on your chosen vessel in advance. Note that we are not liable for any loss or damage to personal bicycles. If you don’t have your bicycle, you can rent it on our tours.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended to enjoy the tours, which typically involve 40-60 kilometers of cycling daily, averaging around 5 hours of riding.
Our tours are designed to immerse you in the experience, hence a support vehicle is not part of the journey. Participants are encouraged to complete the daily cycling stages with their fellow cyclists.
To ensure the integrity of our rental bikes and your safety, we do not allow personal pedals to be attached to them.
While our routes are planned for full-day adventures, certain tours may offer the flexibility to return to the ship earlier, subject to the ship’s docking capabilities.
The adventure each day can span from 30 to 60 kilometers, with the time spent cycling influenced by your pace and the number of stops to soak in the scenery.
Our guides converse fluently in Dutch, English, and German, with some also proficient in French or Italian. Briefings are conducted in English and sometimes in German.
The number of companions on your journey will vary, with smaller ships often at full capacity and larger vessels typically filled to 80-90%.
Accommodations range from cozy standard cabins to luxurious superior suites, with each ship offering its unique array of options.
Stay connected with Wi-Fi available across all our vessels, with specifics outlined in our Travel Preparation guide.
To maintain the serene ambiance of our ships, laundry services are not offered on board.
Some ships equip cabins with hairdryers, while others can provide them upon request.
Our ships maintain a smoke-free environment in cabins and indoor public areas, with designated smoking zones available on deck on most vessels.
To ensure the comfort of all our guests, pets are not permitted on board, with the exception of crew members’ dogs that are familiar with life at sea.
Seasickness is uncommon due to the stability of our vessels and the typically calm waters on our routes.
Parking solutions are tailored to each departure point, with options like P+R facilities and valet services detailed in your pre-travel boarding information.
You will receive comprehensive travel details to your ship’s location upon booking, including information on parking and available transfer services.
Our guests are generally between the ages of 45 and 65, bringing a wealth of life experiences to share.
Our tours attract a global audience, from the far reaches of Scandinavia to the southern tips of Africa, and from the Americas to Asia.
Packing light is key, as cabin space is optimized for comfort and not for large luggage.
Our tour leaders are equipped to assist with minor issues, and in case of emergencies, the local emergency number 112 should be contacted.
For your safety, helmets are available for rent on most tours, and are included with our Premium tour packages.
You are welcome to enjoy the amenities on board instead of cycling. Please inform the tour leader or crew of your plans.
Our tours proceed rain or shine, with your safety as our top priority. You have the freedom to cycle or remain on board, based on your comfort with the weather conditions.
Weather conditions can vary from country to country and from season to season, so we suggest preparing for everything from rain to bright sunshine. For a detailed forecast, AccuWeather is a reliable source.
Not always. We suggest you bring your own equipment if you plan to snorkel.
Life-saving boats and life jackets are available on all ships and can be found in marked wardrobes on the deck, in the salon, or under the beds in cabins. In case you cannot swim, it is important to inform the crew and the captain. While on the ship, it is essential to pay attention to the following safety measures:
The stairs on the vessels can be steep and narrow, so it’s important to be careful while going up or down. The decks can also be very slippery, especially in wet conditions, so passengers should use caution and hold onto the railings when walking around the vessel.
Climbing the foremast, jumping off the deck during the cruise, or going too far from the vessel during swim pauses are strictly prohibited.
In the busy high season, harbors can become congested, and vessels may have to dock beside each other, so it is essential to exercise caution when moving between them. Crew members are available to assist passengers who require help. However, the cruise is not recommended for those with limited mobility or in wheelchairs.
The length of the cycling routes planned for each day is an estimate and takes into account local conditions and possible detours or shortcuts. The sailing and cycling routes may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and the abilities of the cyclists on board. Typically, departures are in the morning, usually after breakfast.
Bringing and consuming your own beverages on the vessel is prohibited. Instead, you can order drinks from the vessel’s salon, which serves as a restaurant, living room, and bar. The bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. If you would like a drink that is unavailable at the time, please inform the crew, and they will do their best to arrange it for you at the next port of call.