Amsterdam to Cologne

Day 1: Amsterdam - Muiden
Day 2: Muiden - Zwolle, 16 to 19 mi. (25 to 30 km)
Day 3: Zwolle - Deventer, 25  to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km)
Day 4: Deventer - Doesburg, 19 to 22 mi. (30 to 35 km) or extend to 34 to 37 mi. (55 to 60 km)
Day 5: Doesburg - Wesel, 22 to 25 mi. (35 to 40 km) or extend to 34 to 37 mi. (55 to 60 km)
Day 6: Wesel - Düsseldorf, 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km)
Day 7: Düsseldorf - Cologne, 19 to 22 mi. (30 to 35 km)
Day 8: Cologne
 

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.

Day 1: Amsterdam - Muiden
Arrival and check-in begins at 3:30 pm. After settling into your cabin, a welcome drink is served during an introductory tour briefing. Around 4:30 pm, the boat sets off. Enjoy a delicious first dinner on board while the boat cruises to Muiden. This evening you can stroll through this charming Dutch city, the first of many beautiful gems that you will explore this week. 
 
Day 2: Muiden - Zwolle, 16 to 19 mi. (25 to 30 km)
The day begins with a lovely morning cruise. After your first breakfast, you have the opportunity to get to know your rental bike. The first day of cycling is an easy one. Across the water is the eastern part of Flevoland, one of the new Dutch provinces. Your bike tour takes you to the Veluwe, and you will visit Elburg, a charming fishermen’s village. The Veluwe features many different landscapes including woodland, heath, some small lakes and Europe's largest sand drifts. You’ll reach todays destination Zwolle. Zwolle is a Hanseatic medieval city but also a dynamic one; a place for creative students, inventive entrepreneurs. and headstrong freethinkers. 
 
Day 3: Zwolle - Deventer, 25  to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km)
Your bike tour leads you along the IJssel river, along the border of the Veluwe, a beautiful heathered landscape. Today's destination is Deventer, a stunning medieval (9th century) Hanseatic City. At night there’s time to explore the city.
 
Day 4: Deventer - Doesburg, 19 to 22 mi. (30 to 35 km) or extend to 34 to 37 mi. (55 to 60 km)
After a delicious breakfast onboard, the bike tour will start along the sparkling river, described by many a person as the most beautiful river of the Netherlands, and certainly by many Dutch captains. Choosing the shorter option today means that you’ll cruise along with Merlijn for a section of the day, the longer option goes all the way from Deventer to Doesburg. After taking in the beautiful country side of eastern Netherlands, the Merlijn awaits you in Doesburg a lovely small city and one of the seven Hanseatic cities on the river IJssel. An evening stroll is highly recommended.
 
Day 5: Doesburg - Wesel, 22 to 25 mi. (35 to 40 km) or extend to 34 to 37 mi. (55 to 60 km)
This morning, stay in port, or venture out for a sunrise morning walk! For most part of today’s ride you will leave the rivers and cycle through the eastern part of the Netherlands. On the way you’ll visit Doetinchem, the last Dutch city on this tour before entering Germany. Pass by small towns, forests, and traditional agricultural landscape before finally crossing the border to Germany where you'll meet the Rhine river for the first time. The Merlijn awaits you, and you can choose to get on board or continue cycling. At a later point, you'll meet the boat and  cruise to today’s destination, Wesel.
 
Day 6: Wesel - Düsseldorf, 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km)
Enjoy another beatuiful day on the Rhine river! The captain will start the engines early for a morning cruise. Take an extra coffee or tea and relax on the terrace and enjoy the passing scenery. The cycle tour will go along the Rhine all the way to Düsseldorf! You’ll cycle in the Ruhr area, where the big industries are located. Cities like Essen, Duisburg, Oberhausen, and Dortmund are all connected with roads, railways, and waterways. This region was once very prosperous and therefore a target in 1923, when French and Belgian troops tried to occupy it to enforce Prussia’s WWI reparation payments. Then it was a top target for the Allies in 1944-1945. After so much conflict and industry, it’s hard to imagine that it's a great place to cycle, but you can but it's actually impressive to see how they developed this former industrial landscape. Tonight you stay in Düsseldorf which has a great “Altstadt” with lots of bars and their own dark beer!
 
Day 7: Düsseldorf - Cologne, 19 to 22 mi. (30 to 35 km)
Your last cruising breakfast and packing your bike back for the day, you’ll cycle along the mighty father Rhine river to Cologne, founded in Roman times and once a seat of a mighty bishopric. In spite of the great damage it suffered in WWII, it still has the spectacular gothic cathedral, 12 beautiful Romanesque churches, several other historical monuments, and a lively city center. In the evening there will be a farewell dinner.
 
Day 8: Cologne
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye and continue your European trip or leave for the airport. If you wish to extend your holiday, Cologne is the city we recommend for an extra day.

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.

• Merlijn

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  5 out of 5 (10 Reviews)

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  Deluxe Class Barge

  Touring Bicycle

  The Merlijn prides itself on the top quality bikes offered and as of 2023, have brand new standard bikes available. Although only your own helmet provides the best fit, bicycle helmets are available… Read More

  Electric Bicycle

  The Merlijn has unisex e-bikes available to rent. These must be reserved in advance. • Gudereit or ISY Brand … • 7 gears … • Bosch engine … Accessories … • Pannier bag … • Helmet rental included and… Read More

  "The Divine Miss M" as we lovingly call the Merlijn is a diva, for sure. What can we say? Is it the luxurious cabins with the most comfortable beds you have ever slept in? Is it the lovely dining area with the large windows and skylight that let the air, light, and sun pour in? Or perhaps it is the sun deck, where you can relax with newfound friends, sharing good wine and good conversation. We think you will find it is the entire divine package! Step on board and discover for yourself! Read More