Amsterdam to Cologne
Netherlands, Germany Bike + Barge Tours
Bike and boat along the majestic Rhine in Holland and Germany
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1223 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Offered in both directions, this bike and boat tour in Holland and Germany showcases two diverse cultures. Historically, the Dutch and German connection is quite complicated, and though today they are united economically and share open borders, culturally, they are quite diverse.
As you cycle the daily itinerary, you will experience and connect with the local landscape and the diversity of both of these two European powerhouses.
Each night your boat will moor in a different village or city allowing you the opportunity to meander and explore the ancient cobblestone streets and alleyways for yourself.
Highlights
- Beautiful landscapes as you cycle two diverse countries
- Cultural highlights
- History from the Roman times to WWII
- Art treasures
- Regional culinary specialties
- Visit to Dutch cheese farm
- National Park de Hoge Veluwe
- River scenery of Ijssel and Rhine
- Bustling Amsterdam, historic Arnhem, metropolitan Cologne, charming Düsseldorf
Everyone wants to travel to Europe, many go and are able to tour in Europe, but few experience it. By bike and by boat, your 'going' will be different!
A full list of our Bike and Barge tours in Holland can be found here.
Itinerary
All distances are approximate. The above-planned itinerary is subject to change, even on very short notice, due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, docking location changes, lock repairs, etc.
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, departureDay 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, departureDay 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 explanations 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 WarDay 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 onboard 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
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: DepartureDay 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 onboard 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 MuseumDay 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 of 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 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.Looking for a different flavor? Check out our entire list of bike and boat tours or view all our featured bike trips, news, and specials.
Boats
You will be accommodated on the Premium class boat, the Sailing Home.
- Sailing Home
Premium Class Boat
Built in 2001, the Sailing Home was designed specifically to provide a more attractive hotel ship during your carefree vacation. It was built to meet the latest wishes and ideas with respect to comfort and service. The experience of a lifetime: cycling through the most beautiful spots within the Netherlands while residing on a very comfortable, newly built and well-furnished ship. Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
- 7 nights accommodation in a climate-controlled cabin
- Breakfast, packed lunches, & 7 dinners
- Coffee & tea on board
- Fully guided cycling itinerary (one guide)
- 24 gear city touring bicycle (Batavus Boulevard) equipped with pannier bags, lock, helmet, & water bottle (repair kits are available on request)
- Detailed route description & tourist information (one set per cabin)
- Harbor charges
- Free WiFi (in the Netherlands; up to 100 Mb) available in the lounge & on deck
- GPS tracks
What’s Not Included
- Beverages (other than coffee & tea)
- Electric bicycle, available with supplement, see pricing (24 gears with detachable lithium Ion battery, pannier bags, lock, helmet, water bottle & helmet)
- Museum entrance fees (approximately €15)
- Gratuities
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2021
Sailing Home
Saturday to Saturday
Amsterdam to Cologne
Low season: June 26, 2021
Standard season: June 5, 2021Cologne to Amsterdam
Low season: July 3, 2021Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2021
Sailing Home
Saturday to Saturday
Amsterdam to Cologne
Low season: July 24, 2021
Standard season: June 5, 2021
Cologne to Amsterdam
Low season: July 3, 2021Cabin type/pricing
Low season Standard season Twin cabin $ 2031 £ 1154 $ 1,997 € 1274 NZ$ 2188 kr 13127 $ 1,579 $ 2232 £ 1268 $ 2,195 € 1400 NZ$ 2404 kr 14426 $ 1,735 Twin cabin/single-use $ 2828 £ 1607 $ 2,781 € 1774 NZ$ 3047 kr 18280 $ 2,199 $ 3387 £ 1925 $ 3,331 € 2125 NZ$ 3649 kr 21896 $ 2,634 Extra Options
Electric bike: $ 135 £ 77 $ 133 € 85 NZ$ 146 kr 876 $ 105 Gluten-Free, Celiac or Vegan Diet: $ 80 £ 45 $ 78 € 50 NZ$ 86 kr 515 $ 62 Tag-Along Bike with helmet (ages 5-9): $ 88 £ 50 $ 86 € 55 NZ$ 94 kr 567 $ 68 Bike Seat with helmet (age 11 mos-5 yrs): $ 24 £ 14 $ 24 € 15 NZ$ 26 kr 155 $ 19 Bike Trailer: $ 317 £ 180 $ 312 € 199 NZ$ 342 kr 2051 $ 247 Child's 21-speed bike with helmet (ages 9+): please ask
Children's discounts availableChildren's bikes, tag-alongs, and bike trailers are available.
Children's discounts are offered.Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This is an easy guided (or self guided) bike and boat tour that traverses mainly flat terrain. Daily distances average about 45 km per day.
Airport Info
For tours starting in Amsterdam, the nearest airport to the embarkation point of the barge is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). The tour ends one week later in Cologne, to which the closest airport is the Frankfurt International Airport (FRA). If you prefer, you can fly into Frankfurt even if your tour starts in Amsterdam. For tours starting in Cologne, the most practical scenario is to fly into Frankfurt International Airport and out of Amsterdam Schiphol.
Local Travel
For tour starts in 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 € 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. If you fly to Frankfurt, 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. Return travel is simply reverse.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival. The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate influenced by the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean and Cologne, as well has a mild continental climate. The greater part of Germany lies in the cool/temperate climatic zone in which humid westerly winds predominate. See below for Monthly Weather Averages.
Day of Rest
Any day can be designated as a day of rest by simply remaining on board and enjoying the scenery.
Important to know
Travel Documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
*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.
Tour Documents
Your final travel information will be emailed approx. one month before your tour date. For tours on the Magnifique III, for those who want to cycle self-guided, or are interested in having the route on your personal smart device, Ride With GPS is an app that you can download for free on your mobile phone. Your phone then becomes your own cycling navigation device, a bike route mapping tool for cyclists. This option is in addition to traditional printed route notes and printed maps. Once the app is installed, you can then download 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. In your final travel information, you will find the code you can use to access your specific tour. An account is not required.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Cycletours.
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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