During this cycling holiday in the Netherlands and Germany we will follow the river Rhine from Amsterdam to Koblenz. In the Netherlands, you will cycle along the winding river Vecht with its impressive castles form the 17th century along the riverbanks. You can enjoy lovely Dutch river country during bike trips and bikers will ride through the “Hoge Veluwe” National Park with its abundant scenic beauty. In Germany we will spend the night in Remagen and visit Bonn, where we will visit the beautiful city center and in Cologne, where visiting its extraordinary cathedral is a must. Koblenz is an interesting and lively city, where the Rhine and the Mosel converge.
This bike and barge holiday is centered around the Rhine Cycle Route. Following this route you will see and feel the rich history of this majestic river form the Romans to the Industrial Revolution and from the WWII to the German reunification.
Saturday: Amsterdam, arrival at 2 PM, sailing to Nigtevecht - cycling to Breukelen - sailing to Wijk bij Duurstede
17KM
You are expected to arrive on our barge on Saturday the latest at 2 PM. The barge needs to leave the mooring place in Amsterdam at 2.15 PM. It is very important you are on time. The barge can’t wait due the opening hours of bridges and/or locks.
When you arrive on board the ship, you can put your luggage away in your cabin and then enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. It is also a good moment to become acquainted with the guide, skipper and crew and of course your fellow passengers.
The bike tour starts in Nigtevecht. You cycle along the river Vecht, where in the 17th and 18th centuries, many country estates known as “buitenplaats” were built on the banks of the river by rich merchants and administrators from Amsterdam. You bike along the meandering river to Breukelen. This town is known in New York as Brooklyn. The Zwaan is waiting for you to sail to Wijk bij Duurstede, an old settlement at the river Lek.
Sunday: Wijk bij Duurstede, sailing to Wageningen and cycling to Arnhem
50KM
Breakfast during sailing to the city of Wageningen. Today you bike along the river Nederrijn and you can enjoy great river landscape. Later you bike through National Park de Hoge Veluwe with its abundant scenic beauty. Your bike tour ends today in Arnhem, famous for her role in the Second World War.
Monday: Arnhem, sailing to Pannerden and cycling to Rees
40KM
Biking starts from Pannerden. Before we hit the German border we pass Doornenburg, with a wonderfully maintained medieval stronghold. This fairy tale castle was the scene for many a movie. From Doornenburg you take take the right bank of the Rhine and pass the border at Lobith, a village every schoolchild knows. At Tolkamer the Dutch used to impose tolls on incoming ships. On the way to our destination Rees you pass Emmerich, a bigger town with a lovely boulevard along the Rhine. You may also stop at Kalkar. This beautiful town is also known for the failure of the German Nuclear Energy program in the 70s. A completely finished nuclear processing plant has never been put into functioning due to massive protest and is recently re-opened as an attraction park! We all end in Rees, a town with impressive remains of fortification.
Tuesday: Rees, sailing to Wesel and cycling to Ruhrort
40KM
We sail during breakfast and get off at Wesel.
Today we focus on the Ruhr area where Germany’s and probably Europe’s largest industries are housed. On a surface of 4.600 km2, very rich in coal, a vast landscape folds out of steel plants and textile industries, combined with chemical industrial plants. Cities like Essen, Duisburg, Oberhausen and Dortmund are glued together through a maze of highways, railways and waterways. Once very prosperous and therefore a target in 1923 when Belgium and French troops tried to enforce WW-1 payments of Prussia. And a number 1 target in 1944-1945 for sure. Hard to imagine that you can cycle here, but you can! The German government put a lot of effort in re-developing the area after the closing down of many a factory. In the afternoon we visit the enormous landscape park of Duisburg-Nord, where we get to see huge former industrial plants and more detailed explanation and information about this area. It may not be always scenic, but it is an impressive landscape indeed and not to be missed when one visits the Rhine. We will find the ship in Ruhrort.
Wednesday: Ruhrort - Düsseldorf
42KM
Today we leave the Ruhr-area behind us and we head first for Krefeld. In the 18th century Krefeld grew thanks to the textile industry. Velvet, silk and brocade were sold to emperors and kings from all over the world. There is still the statue of a silk weaver. The weavers worked in small houses that simultaneously served as a factory and house. In Krefeld, one can still see some of these houses.
Our destination is Düsseldorf.
In the evening there is time to visit the Altstadt. You can try their famous local dark beer, Altbier. You will be amazed at what an international city this is, with almost a fifth of the population being foreigners.
Thursday: Düsseldorf, sailing to Zons and cycling to Cologne
30KM
Cycling direction Cologne you will stay close to the Rhine in order to be in Cologne not too late in the afternoon and having some time to look around.
Cologne is the oldest of the bigger German cities, founded by the Romans. It got its city rights already 50 years after Christ as a gift from the Roman empress Agrippa. Later Cologne became one the most important centers of the Holy Roman Empire. Landmark is of course the Cathedral right next to the railway station and the railway bridge over the Rhine. In 1248 they started with the construction of the cathedral and only finished it in 1880! The city was almost completely destroyed in the 1944-1945. The city hall however, dating from 1330, is beautifully restored.
Friday: Cologne to Remagen
45KM
Today you cycle further along the Rhine to the former capital of West-Germany and birthplace of Beethoven Bonn. From Bonn you keep following the river and former border of the Roman Empire to mooring place Remagen.
Remagen was once a Celtic settlement and after that a Roman fort. Remagen became world famous in the 2nd World War, thanks to the struggle for the “Bridge of Remagen” and the 60’s film of the same name. In March 1945 the Allies crossed the Rhine on the Ludendorff Bridge after the failure in Arnhem in September 1944. Today the Peace Museum is housed in the surviving piers.
In the city centre you will find a pedestrian area with stylish shops, interesting cafes and traditional, cozy pubs. Narrow streets with ancient Roman names will take you from the old town to the Rhine promenade
Saturday: Remagen – Koblenz
45KM
During the final stage of you bike & barge cycling holiday you will realize for the last time the rich history of this majestic river. We visit the Andernach, once a Roman settlement. It is still a wonderful town with many historical sites. Shortly after Andernach we arrive in Koblenz. Its name comes from the Latin Confluentes, meaning the merging of two rivers (Rhine en Moselle). The statue of Emperor Wilhelm of Prussia on the merging point is impressive landmark. Koblenz is a city cozily rebuilt after the Second World War damages.
Sunday: Departure
Departure after breakfast at 10 AM.
| Accommodation | Room | Price | Children 0-2 years | Children 3-11 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prices are per cabin | ||||
| Zwaan | 2-berth cabin | € 2170,- | free of charge | 30% reduction |
| Zwaan | 2-berth cabin for single occupancy | € 1570,- | 0 | 0 |
| Zwaan | 3-berth cabin | € 3165,- | free of charge | 30% reduction |
| Image | Name | Type | Price per week |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hybrid, 24-gears | Batavus Boulevard | €80 |
|
Electric bike | Batavus Ventoux easy | €160 |
|
Bike helmet | included for children | €10 |
|
Cycletours bicycle insurance | No own-risk | €15 |
|
|
Cycletours bicycle insurance E-bike | No own-risk | €40 |
| Image | Name | Type | Price per week |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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Cycletours bicycle insurance | No own-risk | €15 |
|
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Cycletours bicycle insurance E-bike | No own-risk | €40 |
You are expected on our barge on Saturday at the latest 2 PM.
You can recognise the barge by the banner with Cycletours written on it. The name of your barge is printed on the voucher, which you will receive separately. After arrival there’s coffee and tea on board. Other drinks are also available on cash payment. If you want you can bring your luggage in advance: from noon onwards.
The mooring place of the barge in Amsterdam is Oosterdok Zip-code 1011 VX (near the Science Center: ‘Nemo’, Oosterdok 2).
The nearest airport to the embarkation point of the barge is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS).
There is a direct train that leaves 6 times per hour from the airport to Amsterdam Central Station. It takes about 16 minutes. The price for a train ticket Schiphol-Amsterdam Central is € 4,20 per person for a single journey. Walking distance to the barge is about 10 to 15 minutes. A taxi from the airport to the barge in Amsterdam takes about 30 minutes. It costs about € 45,-.
The tour ends one week later in Cologne, so another possibility is to fly to Frankfurt Airport (FRA). From this airport you can take the international train to Amsterdam Central Station. Travel time is about 4 hours and a one-way ticket (2nd class) costs about € 45,-.
The nearest train station to the embarkation point of the barge is Amsterdam Central Station. Walking distance to the barge is about 10 to 15 minutes. A taxi from the station to the barge takes about 5 minutes: Costs about € 10,-.
If you arrive by car, we recommend you to arrive earlier to unload your luggage. You can find more information about parking possibilities at www.iamsterdam.com. The nearest parking is Parking Oosterdok, www.parkingcentrumoosterdok.nl/english (about € 150,- per week, it is not necessary to reserve in advance; 500m walking distance to the barge).
The tour ends one week later in Cologne on Saturday morning after breakfast before 10 AM. You will spend the night from Friday to Saturday on board. A taxi from the mooring place (Bayenstraße 28a, Köln) to the train station in Cologne (Köln Hauptbahnhof) takes about 5 minutes and costs about € 10,-. From the station you can take a direct train to Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Travel time is about 1 hour.
Should you need to travel to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol you can take the international train from the station in Cologne (Köln Hauptbahnhof) to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Travel time is about 3 hours (changing trains once) and a one-way ticket (2nd class) costs about € 35,-.
Imagine a floating hotel sailing to the next stage, while you are calmly pedalling along. No lugging of luggage: that is exactly what Bike & Barge is all about! In the pleasant atmosphere on board you can have a chat, go through the day with the others, and enjoy the meals prepared specially for cyclists. In the evenings you can enjoy a drink in the salon or admire the setting sun on deck. Do not expect a cruise ship with its passive luxury. The Bike & Barge Holidays are for people who really enjoy the physical activity of cycling and who value sociability more than wholesale luxury.
Most cabins are 2-person cabins, but some barges also have cabins for 3 persons (2 low beds+upper bed). There are four categories: Standard Plus (cabins with private shower/toilet; bunk beds), Comfort (cabins as StandardPlus but with twin beds), ComfortPlus (cabins as Comfort, small ship) and Comfort DeLuxe (a very comfortable and tastefully furnished 5-star ship; cabins have twin beds and air-conditioning).
In all categories the cabins have central heating and a porthole or window; they are provided with running water (hot and cold), private shower/toilet and 22o voltage. There is limited storage space in the cabin. We recommend 1 suitcase per person. You can slide the suitcase under the bed.
The captain/skipper, the chef and your tour guide all welcome you warmly. They are prepared specifically for these trips and will provide good and safe passage, good meals, and a friendly, pleasant atmosphere. They will, of course, also give you a great deal of interesting information during and after the cycling and sailing. The skipper is responsible for the smooth running of things on board; the cook is in charge of the catering. A tour leader accompanies you during the bike ride and can assist in case of breakdowns. He/She will be your guide to point out the things of interest along the way and is multi-lingual (Dutch/English, some speak German and/or French).
Your chef is used to cook delicious meals for hungry cyclists. Besides an extensive breakfast, you will also be offered a packed lunch for on the road. It consists of different types of bread and sandwich fillings, juice, a snack and a piece of fruit. Lunch package needs to be prepared by yourself after breakfast. Dinner is different every day. There is a first course, main course and dessert The meals on board are included in the price, as are coffee and tea. Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks can be obtained at a reasonable charge. When you return on board after the day’s cycling, a cup of tea or coffee with a biscuit will be waiting for you. If you have special meal requirements (vegetarian meals, or if you are on a diet), we ask you to mention this when booking. In case of Gluten Free diet there is an additional charge of € 50, – per week.
One of the most attractive aspects of the Bike & Barge holidays is that you encounter an international company on board, including people from e.g. USA, Canada, Australia, France, Italy, and Spain. It’s a great opportunity for you to get to know various cultures at the same time! We have people of all ages, men and women, singles and couples and also families with children (during the school holidays). Most groups are made up of 12 to 30 people.
Our carefully selected routes will lead you along the most beautiful spots of the country. The average daily distance is around 45 kilometers. Most participants prefer riding in a group with the cycling guide, but you can also ride individually. A road book is included (1x per cabin). Bike maps can be purchased when booking and will be handed over to you on board.
Yes, you may. On most tours this has no bearing on the total cost of the trip, however, please mention this at time of booking. Sometimes an additional charge may be requested for the bicycle when transferring from one place to another.
No, the ship doesn’t take the same route that the cyclists do. Sometimes the route may be altered because of weather conditions or repairs to bridges or locks and then the guests and the guide can arrange with the skipper to be met at a different place. Naturally you can always stay on board for one or more days.
No, but it is of course sensible to wear one. We provide a safety helmet with a child seat, slipstreamer (tag-along) or child’s bicycle. Helmets for adults are not included with the trip package. You can rent them (EUR 10,- per week) or bring your own.
On our guided tours a tour guide will accompany the group during their cycling route.
When mentioned ‘self-guided’, the tours are on an individual basis and no guides are provided. We will provide you with a thoroughly detailed and comprehensive description of the routes, enabling you to follow the route correctly without problems. Furthermore, these route descriptions are frequently accompanied with information on the main tourist attractions that you will come across.
The size of the group depends on the barge scheduled on the tour. The capacity of the barges varies between 12 and 26 participants.
The Zwaan is specialized in Bike and Barge tours in the Netherlands, Belgium. On board of the Zwaan you find a cosy dining room, a sun deck/a deck for the bicycles. All 7 cabins are provided with running water (hot and cold), private shower and toilet, 220 voltage and central heating. There is limited storage space in the cabin. We recommend 1 suitcase per person. You can slide the suitcase under the bed. The Zwaan is known for the high quality of the meals and the friendly atmosphere on board. The crew consists of the captain, chef and hostess for 14/15 guests.
7 cabins with private hot shower and toilet
2x Family-style room, 2/3 p with double bed + single bed
2x Friend's-style room, 2/3 p with 3 single beds (one bunk)
2x Twin-style room, 2 p with two separate beds
1x Smaller cabin in front of the barge, 2 p with double bed, accessible with steep stairs, entrance on deck
Cycling along the Rhine in 2 countries
Bike & Barge
8 days
Cycling along the majestic Rhine
Bike & Barge
8 days
Visit the Roman villas and public baths
Bike & Barge
8 days
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Cycletours - 05/10/2017
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