Amsterdam to Cologne

Sailing Home

Amsterdam to Cologne

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam
Day 2: Amsterdam, sailing to Breukelen - cycling to Wijk bij Duurstede, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 3: Wijk bij Duurstede - Arnhem, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Arnhem, sailing to Pannerden, cycling to Rees, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Rees - Ruhrort, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Ruhrort - Dusseldorf, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 7: Dusseldorf - Cologne, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 8: Cologne, departure

Day 1: Amsterdam 
Individual arrival in Amsterdam between 3 and 4 pm. If you arrive earlier, your luggage can be dropped off beginning at 12 PM, but cabins will not be ready for check-in at that time.  Docking location in Amsterdam is the Oosterdok near the Nemo Science Museum.

There is free time to explore the city and visit one of the famous museums like the Rijksmuseum, the van Gogh museum, or the ‘Stedelijk Museum’ of modern art. Later, enjoy a welcome drink and crew introduction. In the evening, you will have time to take a walk through the center of Amsterdam or go on a canal trip if you wish to do so.
 
Day 2:  Sailing to Breukelen and cycling to Wijk bij Duurstede, 34 mi. (40 km)
Enjoy breakfast on board while the boat cruises to Nigtevecht, where your cycling tour begins. The route leads to Breukelen (known in New York as Brooklyn) along the meandering Vetch River.  On the way, a visit is scheduled at a traditional  Dutch cheese farm. Then, it's on to Utrecht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands that contains a beautiful cathedral. Today’s tour ends in Wijk bij Duurstede, an old settlement Lek River. 

Day 3: Wijk bij Duurstede – Arnhem, 25 mi. (40 km)
Enjoy breakfast while the boat cruises to the city of Wageningen and then cycle along the Nederrijn River through a wonderful river landscape. Later, you bike through National Park de Hoge Veluwe with its abundant beauty. You can visit the Kröller-Möller museum right in the middle of the park. Your bike tour ends today in Arnhem, famous for its role in WWII.

Day 4: Sailing to Pannerden and cycling to Rees, 25 mi. (40 km) 
After a wonderful sailing breakfast once again, biking begins in Pannerden. Before the German border, the route leads through Doornenburg, with its wonderfully maintained medieval stronghold. This fairy tale castle was the scene of many movies. From Doornenburg, you take the right bank of the Rhine and pass the border at Lobith. On the way to today's destination, Rees, you pass Emmerich, a larger town with a lovely boulevard along the Rhine. It is possible to stop at Kalkar. This beautiful town is also known for the failure of the German Nuclear Energy program in the 1970s. A completely finished nuclear processing plant was never put into operation and has been re-opened as an attraction park! The day ends in Rees, a town with an impressive and fortified town. 

Day 5: Rees  -  Ruhrort, Sailing to Wesel and Cycling to Ruhrort, 25 mi. (40 km) 
From Wesel, the focus is on the Ruhr area where Germany’s, and perhaps even 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, Oberhaussen, and Dortmund are tied together through a maze of highways, railways, and waterways. Once very prosperous, it was a target in 1923 during WWI and WWII. The German government put a lot of effort into developing the area after numerous factories had closed down. In the afternoon, there is a visit to the enormous landscape park of Duisburg-Nord. The boat is waiting for you in Ruhrort. 

Day 6: Ruhrort – Düsseldorf, 26 mi. (42 km) 
Leaving the Ruhr-area, the route leads to 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. Today's destination is  Düsseldorf. In the evening, there will be time to visit the Altstadt and to taste the 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 
  
Day 7: Dusseldorf to Cologne, 19 mi. (30 km)
Today's route is along the Rhine in the direction of Cologne. This is is the oldest of the larger German cities, founded by the Romans. It received its city rights in 50 AD as a gift from the Roman empress Agrippa. Later, Cologne became one of the most important centers of the Holy Roman Empire. One highlight 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 but the city hall, however, dating from 1330, is beautifully restored. 

Day 8: Cologne 
Departure from Cologne after breakfast.

Cologne to Amsterdam

Day 1: Embarkation in Cologne
Day 2: Cologne - Dusseldorf, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 3: Dusseldorf - Ruhrort , 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 4: Ruhrort - Rees, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 5: Rees - Arnhem, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Arnhem - Wijk bij Duurstede, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Wijk bij Duurstede - Amsterdam, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 8: Amsterdam, departure

Day 1: Arrival in Cologne
Individual arrival to Cologne and embarkation at 4 PM. Boat will be moored at Bayenstraße 28a in Cologne. Welcome drink and crew introduction. You will have free time to explore the city. Cologne is the oldest of the bigger German cities, founded by the Romans and later became one of the most important centers of the Holy Roman Empire. An important highlight here 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 1944-1945. The city hall, however, dating from 1330, is beautifully restored.

Day 2: Cologne - Dusseldorf, 19 mi. (30 km)
Cycling in the direction Düsseldorf,  you will stay close to the Rhine, arriving at the day's destination in the afternoon so there will be 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.

Day 3: Dusseldorf - Ruhrort, 26 mi. (42 km)
First, on the agenda is 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. The weavers worked in small houses that simultaneously served as a factory and house. In Krefeld, one can still see some of these houses.
Leaving Krefeld behind, you will then enter the Ruhr-area.

Day 4: Ruhrort - Rees, 31 mi. (50 km)
The focus today is on the Ruhr area where Germany and probably Europe’s largest industries are housed. Cities like Essen, Duisburg, Oberhaussen 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 extensive effort in re-developing the area after the closing down of many factories. In the afternoon  you 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.
You will board the boat once again in Wesel and sail to Rees, a town with impressive remains of fortification.

Day 5: Rees - Arnhem, 25 mi. (40 km)
First, on the agenda is 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 was never put into operation to massive protests and has recently re-opened as an attraction park! The town of Emmerich is next, with its lovely boulevard along the Rhine. We pass the border at Lobith, a village every schoolchild in Holland knows and we take the right bank of the Rhine to Doornenburg. This town has a wonderfully maintained medieval stronghold. This fairy tale castle was the scene of many movies.
In Pannerden the barge is waiting to sail to Arnhem, famous for her role in the second World War

Day 6: Arnhem - Wijk bij Duurstede, 19 mi. (30 km)
First, you bike through scenic National Park de Hoge Veluwe.  You can visit the Kröller-Möller Museum, followed by biking along the river Nederrijn, where you can enjoy the river landscape. At Wageningen you go on board and sail to today’s destination: Wijk bij Duurstede, an old settlement at the river Lek.

Day 7: Wijk bij Duurstede - Amsterdam, 25 mi. (40 km)
You will enjoy Utrecht today,  one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands with her beautiful cathedral, continuing on to  Breukelen (known in New York as Brooklyn) along the meandering Vecht River. You will visit a real Dutch cheese farm, where cheese is still produced according to the traditional method.
The bike tour ends in Nigtevecht and by boat, you arrive in Amsterdam. After dinner, you have the option to take a canal cruise through the canals of Amsterdam.

Day 8: Departure

Sailing Home

Amsterdam to Cologne

Day 1: Amsterdam, embarkation between 1 and 2 pm near the Central Trail Station. Sailing to Wijk bij Duurstede
Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede, sailing to Wageningen cycling to Arnhem, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Arnhem & Dutch Open Air Museum
Day 4: Arnhem, sailing to Pannerden, cycling to Rees, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Rees, sailing to Wesel, cycling to Rhurort, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Ruhrort - Düsseldorf, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 7: Düsseldorf, sailing to Zons, cycling to Cologne Rheinai Sport
Day 8: Departure

Day 1: Amsterdam, embarkation between 1 and 2 pm near the Central Trail Station. Sailing to Wijk bij Duurstede
Amsterdam, embarkation between 1 and 2 pm near the Central Trail Station. Sailing to Wijk bij Duurstede
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.

Please be on time as the barge will set sail around 2 on the Amsterdam-Rijncanal in a south-easterly direction. This is one of the busiest waterways in Europe. It was dug to connect Amsterdam Seaport with the European hinterland. You spend the night in Wijk bij Duurstede on the river that, which up to that point, is called the Rhine, but downstream the name changes to Lek. During the early Middle Ages, this town was a prestigious trading center. The marauding expeditions of the Norsemen put an end to their flourishing period however. The old city center is picturesque with its marketplace surrounded by trees, the town hall dating back to 1662 and the Main Church dating back to the 15th Century. The gothic tower has never been finished, though. On the other side of town, you will find the hidden ruins of Duurstede Castle, consisting of the (restored) Burgundy Tower and the Donjon (= bell tower) dating back to the 12th Century. In the 15th Century, Bishop David of Burgundy lived in the castle.

Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede, sailing to Wageningen cycling to Arnhem, 31 mi. (50 km)
Enjoy breakfast while the boat cruises to the city of Wageningen and then cycle along the Nederrijn River through a wonderful river landscape. Later, you bike through National Park de Hoge Veluwe with its abundant beauty. You can visit the Kröller-Möller museum right in the middle of the park. Your bike tour ends today in Arnhem, famous for its role in WWII.

Day 3: Arnhem & Dutch Open Air Museum
Arnhem is the capital of the province of Gelderland. In September of 1944, the center of the town was heavily damaged by the efforts of the Allies to conquer the Rhine bridge (Operation “Market Garden”). The plan backfired. (The battle of Arnhem has been filmed in "A bridge too far"). Following the war, the city center was reconstructed to reflect its past patterns and design as closely as possible. Arnhem is generally known as the “Park City of the Netherlands” in large part due to its centuries-old city parks, which extend well into the city center. Sonsbeek Park is the most important part of the city. It is located against the city’s dam walls and offers a multitude of breathtaking views with far-reaching vistas of the Rhine river on the one hand and hidden, intimate corners on the other. It contains waterfalls, a deer camp, a belvedere and the watermill, “Arnhem”. In the afternoon you can visit the Dutch Open Air Museum

Day 4: Arnhem, sailing to Pannerden, cycling to Rees, 25 mi. (40 km)
After a wonderful sailing breakfast once again, biking begins in Pannerden. Before the German border, the route leads through Doornenburg, with its wonderfully maintained medieval stronghold. This fairy tale castle was the scene of many movies. From Doornenburg, you take the right bank of the Rhine and pass the border at Lobith. On the way to today's destination, Rees, you pass Emmerich, a larger town with a lovely boulevard along the Rhine. It is possible to stop at Kalkar. This beautiful town is also known for the failure of the German Nuclear Energy program in the 1970s. A completely finished nuclear processing plant was never put into operation and has been re-opened as an attraction park! The day ends in Rees, a town with an impressive and fortified town. 

Day 5: Rees, sailing to Wesel, cycling to Rhurort, 25 mi. (40 km)
From Wesel, the focus is on the Ruhr area where Germany’s, and perhaps even 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, Oberhaussen, and Dortmund are tied together through a maze of highways, railways, and waterways. Once very prosperous, it was a target in 1923 during WWI and WWII. The German government put a lot of effort into developing the area after numerous factories had closed down. In the afternoon, there is a visit to the enormous landscape park of Duisburg-Nord. The boat is waiting for you in Ruhrort. 

Day 6: Ruhrort - Düsseldorf, 26 mi. (42 km)
Leaving the Ruhr-area, the route leads to 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. Today's destination is  Düsseldorf. In the evening, there will be time to visit the Altstadt and to taste the 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.

Day 7: Düsseldorf, sailing to Zons, cycling to Cologne Rheinai Sport
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 HolyRoman 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 1944-1945. The city hall however, dating from 1330,is beautifully restored.

Day 8: Departure
Disembarkation by 10 am.

Cologne to Amsterdam

Day 1: Cologne, embarkation at 2 pm. Sailing to Dusseldorf
Day 2: Dusseldorf - Ruhrort, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 3: Ruhrort, sailing to Orsoy, cycling to Rees, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Rees - Arnhem, cycling to Emmerich and Arnhem, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Arnhem
Day 6: Arnhem, cycling to Wageningen, sailing to Wijk bij Duurstede, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Wijk bij Duurstede, sailing to Breukelen, cycling to Amsterdam, 25 mi. (40 Km)
Day 8: Amsterdam, disembarkation by 10 am.

Magnifique III

With  22 guests or more, the daily cycling tours will be accompanied by two knowledgeable and multi-lingual tour leaders. On most days, the tour leaders will offer a long and a short (or a quicker and a more relaxed) cycling option. The option for a long tour is also depending on weather conditions and wishes of the group. When there are less than 22 guests aboard, the tours will be accompanied by one knowledgeable and multi-lingual tour leader. In this case, during days when two bicycle options are possible, the tour leader will make a choice to guide the longer or the shorter option after consultation of the group. Please note that all mentioned highlights may not be visited during the short cycling option

Amsterdam to Cologne

Day 1: Amsterdam - Wijk bij Duurstede
Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede _ Wageningen | Wageningen - Arnhem, 21 or 24 mi. (35 or 40 km)
Day 3: Arnhem, 23 or 27 mi. (38 or 45 km)
Day 4: Arnhem - Pannerden | Pannerden - Rees, 27 mi. (44 km)
Day 5: Rees - Wesel | Wesel Duisburg, 22 or 30 mi. (37 or 49 km)
Day 6: Duisburg - Düsseldorf, 21 or 34 mi. (35 or 55 km)
Day 7: Düsseldorf - Cologne, 18 or 34 mi. (30 or 55 km)
Day 8: Cologne

Day 1: Amsterdam - Wijk bij Duurstede
From 2 p.m you’ll be welcomed on board with tea and coffee and have the opportunity to meet the crew. Your tour will officially begin when the ship leaves the harbor and heads for the Amsterdam – Rhine channel. While cruising your guide will inform you of what you can expect in the week to come, including a bike safety briefing. After you enjoy a freshly-prepared dinner served by the onboard chef, the ship will dock for the night in Wijk bij Duurstede. (You may bring your luggage on board from 11 am but cabins will not be ready for check-in at this time.)

Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede _ Wageningen | Wageningen - Arnhem, 21 or 24 mi. (35 or 40 km)
Today is all about nature. After a hearty breakfast about the Magnifique III, you’ll embark on your first bike excursion, going deep into the Hoge Veluwe National Park. The park features one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Netherlands, where over 500 plant species can be found in the varied, lush terrain consisting of forest, woodland heath, and sparkling lakes. You may well catch a glimpse of a deer or a fox, or some spectacular birdlife. You’ll also have a chance to soak up some art with a visit to the Kröller-Müller museum, renowned for its sculpture park and collection of over 80 Van Gogh paintings. When the day comes to an end you’ll cycle back down towards the river valley, and spend the night in Arnhem.

Day 3: Arnhem, 23 or 27 mi. (38 or 45 km)
Today you say goodbye to the Veluwe and cycle in a northerly direction towards the unique Hanseatic town of Doesburg, situated on the banks of the IJssel river. This town used to be the oldest fortified town in the Netherlands, and features over 150 monumental buildings, as well as the oldest tavern in the country, founded in 1478! It’s still open for business, and well worth a stop for some delicious apple pie. You willl cycle back to the boat on the popular bike path running along the banks of the IJssel River. In the evening you’ll have the opportunity to explore Arnhem by night, and have dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

*As the ship will remain stationary today, you also have the option to skip the bike tour and explore Arnhem by foot instead, exploring the Open Air Museum, doing some souvenir shopping, or finding out more about the fascinating WW2 history in the area.

Day 4: Arnhem - Pannerden | Pannerden - Rees, 27 mi. (44 km)
As you enjoy an elaborate breakfast, your ship will cruise along the Pannerdens Kanaal, in the direction of Germany. Just before reaching the Rhine, the ship will dock close to Fort Pannerden, constructed in 1869 and used as part of the Dutch defense effort in WWII. After a short visit, you’ll cross the river and cycle over the border to visit the city of Kleve, built around the fairytale Schwanenburg Castle. Today’s final destination is the fortified town of Rees. In the evening you can rest and relax, and enjoy a delicious dinner on board. You’re also free to go for an evening stroll and sample some German liqueur in Rees.

Day 5: Rees - Wesel | Wesel Duisburg, 22 or 30 mi. (37 or 49 km)
In the morning, the Magnifique III will head along the Rhine towards Wesel where your next cycling adventure begins. From here you follow quiet roads through the German countryside, stopping at pretty villages along the way. For the last leg of the trip you’ll leave the medieval times behind and head straight into the modern age as you visit the largest inland harbor of Europe, located in Duisberg. Duisburg had to be completely rebuilt after WWII as 80 percent of the houses were destroyed by bombings. They rebuilt the entire city from the ground-up, creating a cosmopolitan and thoroughly modern German city, a highlight while visiting the Rhine.

Day 6: Duisburg - Düsseldorf, 21 or 34 mi. (35 or 55 km)
This morning you will leave the modern industry of Duisberg behind and continue the journey along the Rhine Cycle Path, which runs all the way from the North Sea to the Swiss Alps, providing some of the most spectacular views in Europe. The path winds through an inviting landscape of wide fields and meadows, taking you all the way to your next destination: Düsseldorf. Düsseldorf is the capital of North-Rhine Westphalia, famous for its glamorous shopping streets and incredible offerings of contemporary art. In the city center, you can quench your thirst with a delicious icy beer at one of the traditional brewhouses.

Day 7: Düsseldorf - Cologne, 18 or 34 mi. (30 or 55 km)
Today you’ll continue cycling along the Rhine to reach your final destination, Cologne. There is just so much to see in this diverse, ancient city with more than 2000 years of history to explore. You can visit the oldest perfume factory in the world, and learn all about the creation of the famous Eau de Cologne. Or meander around the vast botanical gardens featuring an exquisite glass palace. And don’t forget a visit to the Cologne Cathedral or to one of its twelve large Romanesque churches! After your busy day of sightseeing, you can return to the ship for a delicious farewell dinner on board.

Day 8: Cologne
Today marks the end of your tour. After enjoying a hearty breakfast, you’ll say your last goodbyes and can disembark anytime up until 9.30 a.m.

Cologne to Amsterdam

Day 1: Cologne - Düsseldorf
Day 2: Düsseldorf - Duisburg, 21 or 34 mi. (35 or 55 km)
Day 3: Duisburg - Wesel | Wesel - Rees, 27 or 31 mi. (44 or 50 km)
Day 4: Rees - Arnhem, 26 or 31 mi. (41 or 50 km)
Day 5: Arnhem, 22 or 31 mi. (37 or 49 km)
Day 6: Arnhem - Wijk bij Duurstede, 21 or 34 mi. (35 or 55 km)
Day 7: Wijk bij Duurstede - Breukelen | Breukelen - Amsterdam, 22 or 28 mi. (36 or 46 km)
Day 8: Amsterdam