Amsterdam to Cochem
Netherlands, Germany Bike & Boat Tours
Bike & Boat in Holland & Germany!
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length8 days
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Prices from€2098 Rates
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Overview
European biking and boating do not get any better than this!
Featuring Holland - the land of canals, windmills, and bikes - and Germany - the land of mighty rivers - this bike and barge tour highlights the river life through the ages as you follow the mighty Rhine, the pulsing economic vein of Europe.
Around every bend, legends and history spring to life. Medieval villages, rural farms, and perfectly tended gardens all exist alongside sparkling modern cities.
You enjoy easy cycling on flat and lovely riverside bike paths, connecting the present to the past, from the Romans to the Industrial Revolution, from World War II to the German reunification.
Highlights vary by boat, so please look at the day-to-day itinerary for your preferred vessel.
Highlights
- National Park de Hoge Veluwe
- Arnhem and Remagen
- The 13th-century Doornenburg Castle
- The sparkling city of Düsseldorf
- Cologne Cathedral
- West Germany’s former Capital city, Bonn
- The castle of burg Eltz
- Romantic Rhine Valley
See all of our Bike & Barge tours!
Need help deciding which river to tour? Read our guide to European bike and boat river cruises.
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Itinerary
Princesse Royal & Magnifique III
Disclaimer: The 2027 itinerary is subject to change and may be updated without prior notice.
Day 1: Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Wijk bij Duurstede
Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede – Wageningen | Wageningen – Arnhem, 21 or 27 mi. (35 or 44 km) | Arnhem – Rees
Day 3: Rees – Wesel | Wesel – Duisburg, 24 mi. (40 km) | Duisburg – Düsseldorf
Day 4: Düsseldorf – Zons – Cologne, 17 or 33 mi. (28 or 54 km)
Day 5: Cologne – Bonn, 23 mi. (38 km)
Day 6: Bonn – Remagen | Remagen – Koblenz, 27 mi. (44 km)
Day 7: Koblenz – Alken | Alken – Moselkern – Cochem, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 8: Departure from CochemAll distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change sometimes without prior notice. Some waterways may be subject to occasional closures due to drought, storms, floods, canal, or lock repairs, or other unforeseen circumstances that make navigation unsafe or impossible. The captain reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary.
Sections in italics are covered while boarded on ship.
Day 1: Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Wijk bij Duurstede
Embarkation begins at 2 pm in Amsterdam. After a welcome meeting with the crew, the ship departs immediately. Dinner is served while sailing along the Amsterdam–Rhine Canal. This evening, the ship docks in Wijk bij Duurstede, one of the oldest settlements in the lowlands.Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede – Wageningen | Wageningen – Arnhem, 21 or 27 mi. (35 or 44 km) | Arnhem – Rees
Enjoy breakfast while sailing to Wageningen, where today’s cycling tour begins. You will ride through the Hoge Veluwe nature reserve, passing heathland, forest, and the gentle height variations formed during the last Ice Age. In the afternoon, continue to Arnhem to rejoin the ship. During dinner, the ship sails upstream into Germany with Rees as tonight’s destination.Day 3: Rees – Wesel | Wesel – Duisburg, 24 mi. (40 km) | Duisburg – Düsseldorf
The ship departs early and sails to Wesel, where your bike tour begins. Today’s route highlights the Ruhr region, an area once dominated by Europe’s largest industries. Cities such as Essen, Duisburg, Oberhausen, and Dortmund are connected by an extensive network of waterways, railways, and highways. Though shaped by industry and conflict, the area has been transformed into an impressive post-industrial landscape. To avoid extended cycling past factories, the ship meets you in Duisburg for the sail to Düsseldorf. Dinner is enjoyed while sailing. Tonight you may visit the Altstadt and try the local Altbier.Day 4: Düsseldorf – Zons – Cologne, 17 or 33 mi. (28 or 54 km)
Today’s bike tour begins in Düsseldorf, though you may choose a later start from Zons. Leaving the Ruhr behind, you follow the Rhine toward Cologne. The route stays close to the river to allow early arrival for sightseeing. Cologne, founded by the Romans, is one of Germany’s oldest cities. Highlights include the Dom Cathedral, the restored city hall, and the historic old town. Dinner is not served on board tonight, giving you the opportunity to dine in one of Cologne’s local restaurants.Day 5: Cologne – Bonn, 23 mi. (38 km)
Today, you follow the Rhine River by bike to Bonn, the capital of West Germany from 1945 until 1990. Despite the move of the government back to Berlin, Bonn still houses several federal ministries. Like Cologne, Bonn was founded by the Romans around 10 BC. Attractions include the old City Hall, the Münster Basilica, and Beethoven’s birthplace. After dinner, you may join a guided walk through Bonn.Day 6: Bonn – Remagen | Remagen – Koblenz, 27 mi. (44 km)
During breakfast, the ship sails to Remagen. Before starting your ride, there is time to explore the town, known for the historic Ludendorff Bridge, captured intact by American forces in 1945. As you cycle south, the romantic Middle Rhine Valley begins, with castle ruins, mansions, and vineyards appearing along the landscape. You pass Bad Breisig and Burg Rheineck before reaching Andernach, once a Roman settlement. Your ride ends in Koblenz, named for the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. The city has been rebuilt with charm after wartime destruction.Day 7: Koblenz – Alken | Alken – Moselkern – Cochem, 25 mi. (40 km)
This morning begins with a short sail to Alken, where your bike tour starts. You will cycle to Moselkern, known for Burg Eltz, one of the most impressive medieval castles in Western Europe. Reaching the castle requires a short uphill walk, but the visit is a highlight. Afterward, you continue cycling to Cochem, a popular wine town filled with half-timbered houses, cozy cellars, and scenic river views.Day 8: Cochem
End of your tour. After breakfast, you may disembark any time until 9:30 am.If biking or biking and boating is not your thing, take a look at all our trips in Europe & beyond!
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Map
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Boats & Bikes
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Magnifique III
Deluxe Class Barge
Hybrid Touring BicycleElectric Bicycle (E-Bike)![]()
Velo de Ville (or similar brand/model) • Shimano Alfine 11-speed internal hub gearing … • Hydraulic disc brakes and hand brakes … • Carbon belt drive … • Suspension seat post … • Height-adjustable… Read More![]()
Granville E-Bike (or similar brand/model) • Bosh 500 Wh mid-drive motor … • Four levels of pedal assistance … • Shimano Nexus 7-speed internal hub gears … • Hand brakes … • Comfortable gel saddle … •… Read MoreFollowing the success of her sister ships, Princesse Royal and the Magnifique II, Magnifique lll was launched in 2018, adding to her owner/captain's portfolio of designing and constructing deluxe ships. The partially covered sundeck with sun loungers and a hot tub provide is the perfect spot for relaxation. The tastefully decorated lounge with large panoramic windows, located on the upper deck is wonderfully inviting and the combined light-filled restaurant, bar, and lounge adds to the ambience. Read More
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Princesse Royal
Deluxe Class Boat
Hybrid Touring BicycleElectric Bicycle (E-Bike)![]()
Velo de Ville (or similar brand/model) • Shimano Alfine 11-speed internal hub gearing … • Hydraulic disc brakes and hand brakes … • Carbon belt drive … • Suspension seat post … • Height-adjustable… Read More![]()
Granville E-Bike (or similar brand/model) • Bosh 500 Wh mid-drive motor … • Four levels of pedal assistance … • Shimano Nexus 7-speed internal hub gears … • Hand brakes … • Comfortable gel saddle … •… Read MoreThis beautiful vessel features a beautiful salon with a spacious bar, a sun deck equipped with comfortable chairs, and a small whirlpool to relax in at the end of a long day of cycling. Delicious meals are served daily in the restaurant area. Read More
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Inclusions
What’s Included
Princesse Royal & Magnifique III
- Accommodation for 7 nights on board your selected vessel in a climate-controlled cabin
- Breakfast, packed lunches, & 6 three-course dinners
- Coffee & tea on board
- Complimentary welcome drink
- Tour guide - two guides will be included for 22 guests and over
- Daily briefings
- Bed linen & towels and daily cabin cleaning
- Bike rental including helmet, pannier, & water bottle
- Bike insurance
- Some short, guided walking tours
- Maps for cycling itinerary (one set per cabin)
- GPS tracks
- Fees for ferries
- Entrances Museum Remagen
- Entrance Burg Eltz
- Wine tasting at a local winery
- Wifi
- Carbon offset payment
What’s Not Included
All boats
- Electric bicycle (Available at a supplement. See pricing)
- 1 dinner
- Drinks other than those mentioned
- Entrance fees & excursions not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Transfers to/from the docking place
- Parking fees
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Questions about dates or pricing? We’re here to help! Call 800-951-4384 to talk to a Tour Specialist now.
May 3May 3 (11 cabins left) Princesse Royal € 2098 Book May 3May 3 (11 cabins left) Princesse Royal € 2658 Book Jun 8Jun 8 (12 cabins left) Magnifique III € 2098 Book Jun 8Jun 8 (12 cabins left) Magnifique III € 2658 Book Pricing details and extra options
- Season A • Princesse Royal 2027 May 3 from € 20982027 departures: May 3
2027 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Lower deck Twin bed € 2098 Premium twin cabin € 2448 Single occupancy Price Lower deck Single € 2658 Twin bed € 3058 Bike rentals Price Rental Bike, 7 gears (incl. helmet) € 154 Rental E-Bike (incl. helmet) € 287 Triple occupancy cabins available for families with children under 16 years old. Availability is limited.
- Season A • Magnifique III 2027 Jun 8 from € 20982027 departures: Jun 8
2027 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Lower deck Twin bed € 2098 Upper deck Suite € 2798 Single occupancy Price Lower deck Single € 2658 Twin bed € 3058 Bike rentals Price Rental Bike, 7 gears (incl. helmet) Included Rental E-Bike (incl. helmet) € 133 Triple cabins available on request for families with children under 16.
- Extra Options
Dietary options Vegetarian diet free of chargeOn request Pescatarian diet free of chargeOn request Gluten free diet € 70 Dairy free diet € 70
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
- Season A • Princesse Royal 2027 May 3 from € 2098
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This is an easy, guided bike and boat tour with average daily distances between 35 and 45 km.
Airport Info
The closest international airport to your tour start in Amsterdam is Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and to Cochem, at the end of your tour, there are a couple of options. Luxembourg Airport (LUX) is 89 kilometers from Cochem and Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) is 99 kilometers.
Local Travel
Amsterdam:
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 approx. € 4,20 per person for a single journey. Walking distance to the barge is about 10 to 15 minutes or you could take a short taxi ride from the station to the mooring location. You could also opt a taxi from the airport to the barge in Amsterdam. This will take about 30 minutes and costs approx. €45
Cochem:
Though Cochem is actually closer to Luxembourg than Frankfurt by about 10 kilometers, travel to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is slightly more convenient in that you can travel by train to the airport. There is a train station on the lower level of the airport. There are no direct routes, and depending on your time of departure, you will have at least one change in Koblenz. Travel time is approx. 2 1/4 hours. Please contact us if you plan on extending your vacation in Germany. We can provide more departure options based on your travel plans.Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival. The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate influenced by the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and Cochem, as well, has a mild continental climate.
Recommended
Important to note, due to steel construction of the ship, cruising locations, and other factors, Wifi signal speed and strength may not be what you are accustomed to and may not meet your expectations. If you are dependent on a constant, strong, fast, and reliable signal at all times, please consider a personal hot spot. See our FAQ page/ Before Your Trip section for details.
Remarks
On the Princesse Royal and Magnifique III, you will be provided with a link for the Ride With GPS app that you can download for free on your mobile phone. This option is in addition to traditional printed route notes and printed maps. Once the app is installed, you can then upload tour maps and daily itineraries directly to your smartphone. You will be able to use voice navigation on all the routes and access your tour content anytime, all from your phone.
Important to know
Traveling in late April? Read Tripsite's Guide to King's Day in the Netherlands.
Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Carbon Offset
Princesse Royal & Magnifique I, & Magnifique III
This tour is carbon neutral. To offset emissions that can't yet be reduced by any other means, carbon credits are purchased through the organization Justdiggit. Their mission is to cool down the planet by regreening Africa through rainwater harvesting, tree restoration, and the development of grass seed banks.
Extra Stay
For those wanting to spend extra time in Amsterdam or Cochem, we suggest Booking.com for researching and reserving your extra nights. You can read a detailed description of the hotels offered including a clear listing of amenities as well as peruse customer reviews and ratings.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Boat Bike Tours.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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Photos
![Cochem, Germany. ©Hollandfotograaf]()
![Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. CC:Nikolai Karaneschev]()
![Biking through Wijk bij Duurstede, the Netherlands. CC:Michiel Verbeek]()
![Biking around Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Francesca Cappa]()
![Lots of WWII history at the Arnhem War Museum. Flickr:Facemepls]()
![Sightseeing in Cochem, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Flickr:Frans Berkelaar]()
![Lots of castles along the Mosel River in Germany! ©Hollandfotograaf]()
![Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Moyan Brenn]()
![Grand architecture in Bonn, Germany. Flickr:Georgie Pauwels]()
![Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. CC:Simmerguy269]()
![Great architecture in Düsselforf, Germany. Flickr:Filippo Diotalevi]()
![Traditional foods done Dutch-style with curry ketchup and onions! Flickr:VitaminDave]()
![Canals in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Sergey Galyonkin]()
![Wijk bij Duurstede, Utrecht, the Netherlands. Flickr:Frans Berkelaar]()
![Marktplatz in Cochem, Germany. Flickr:Romantikgeist]()
![The Rhine & Mosel Rivers join in Koblenz, Germany. Flickr:Matthias Nagel]()
![Summertime in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Flickr:Moyan Brenn]()
![Lots of vineyards along the Mosel River in Germany! Flickr:MHagemann]()
![Stroopwafels in Holland! Flickr:RexRoof]()
![Mosel River in Cochem, Germany. Flickr:Chubby Homer]()
![Hofgarten in Bonn, Germany. Flickr:Thomas]()
![Reichsburg Castle & vineyards along the Mosel River in Cochem, Germany. Flickr:Frans Berkelaar]()
![Meat platter in Düsselforf, Germany. Flickr:Jeremy Keith]()
![Grand estates to see in Germany! Flickr:Münsterland]()
![Open-Air Museum in Arnhem, Gelderland, the Netherlands. CC:Ziko van Dijk]()
![Mosel River in Cochem, Germany. ©Hollandfotograaf]()
![One entrance to the Hoge Veluwe National Park near Arnhem. CC:MartinD]()
![Train station in Arnhem, the Netherlands. CC:Marikit Louppen]()
![Ferry crossing the Mosel River in Cochem, Germany. Flickr:Frans Berkelaar]()
![Mühlenturm Tower at the medieval wall in Reese, Germany. CC:Volker1978]()
![Schnitzel & beer along the Mosel River in Germany! Flickr:Megan Cole]()
![Riesling is famously grown along the Mosel River in Germany. Flickr:Dpotera]()
![Münster Church in Bonn, Germany. Flickr:yeoWatzup]()
![A text excerpt describing a bike and boat tour itinerary from Koblenz to Cochem, detailing historical sites and cycling routes in Germany.]()
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