Amsterdam to Koblenz
Germany, Netherlands Bike + Boat Tours
Bike the Rhine Cycle Route from Holland to the mountain chains of the Rhineland
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length9 days
- Prices from€1630 Rates
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Overview
This European bike and boat tour unveils the distinctive histories and cultures of two captivating countries: Holland and Germany
In Holland, the journey takes you beyond the vibrant cityscape of Amsterdam to the tranquil province of Gelderland, offering an authentic Dutch experience away from the urban hustle. You bike the untouched beauty of Hoge Veluwe National Park, home to diverse plant and animal life, and visit the Kröller-Müller Museum, an embodiment of the park's founders' vision to blend nature and culture seamlessly.
As you venture into Germany, the allure of Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Koblenz becomes apparent. Wander through the charming city centers with their historic Alstadts, where the echoes of history resound.
The itinerary features the Rhine Cycle Path, a segment of the EuroVelo Route 15, tracing both banks of the iconic Rhine. On this well-maintained, car-free route, medieval castles crown hilltops, vineyards adorn the slopes, and towering cathedrals reach for the skies.
Highlights
- Amsterdam
- Arnhem and Remagen
- National Park de Hoge Veluwe
- Kröller-Müller Museum
- Cologne's towering cathedral
- Romantic Rhine Valley
- Rhine river cycling
- Koblenz
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Itinerary
Amsterdam to Koblenz
Day 1: Amsterdam - Wijk bij Duurstede, 11 mi. (17 km)
Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede - Wageningen | Wageningen - Arnhem, 31 mi. (40 km)
Day 3: Arnhem - Pannerden | Pannerden - Rees, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 4: Rees - Wesel | Wesel - Ruhrort, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Ruhrort - Düsseldorf, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 6: Düsseldorf - Cologne, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 7: Cologne -Remagen, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 8: Remagen - Koblenz, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 9: KoblenzDay 1: Amsterdam - Wijk bij Duurstede , 11 mi. (17 km)
You are expected to arrive at the barge on Saturday between 1 and 2 pm. It is very important to be on time since the barge needs to leave the mooring place in Amsterdam (Oosterdok 2, near Nemo Museum) at 2:15 pm. Due to the opening hours of bridges and/or locks, timely departure is necessary. 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. Once the boat arrives in Negtevecht, the cycling begins. You pedal along the Vecht, River 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.Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede - Wageningen | Wageningen - Arnhem, 31 mi. (40 km)
While you are enjoying breakfast, the barge will sail to Wageningen where, following the distribution of bicycles, you are finally off and cycling through the picturesque river valley of the Rhine. Along the way, you will visit the protected nature reserve “De Blauwe Kamer” (the Blue Chamber), followed by the woods and moorlands of Veluwe National Park. The 5400-hectare park is home to many plant and animal species and also to the Kröller-Müller Museum featuring the largest private Van Gogh collection in the world. To visit involves 25 km more cycling and is optional. The guide will ride the shorter route excluding the museum and can provide a route description. In Oosterbeek you can visit the memorials and cemeteries of the Battle of Arnhem (Operation Market Garden) in WW2. Later in the day you pedal through the suburbs and past lovely parks such as Sonsbeek and Zijpendaal to Arnhem, where you spend the night close to the city center. As on most evenings the tour guide will take you on a walk around the city.Day 3: Arnhem - Pannerden | Pannerden - Rees, 25 mi. (40 km)
Today your biking starts from Pannerden. Before you hit the German border, you pass Doornenburg, with its wonderfully maintained medieval stronghold. From Doornenburg you 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 your destination, Rees, you pass Emmerich, a larger 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 finished nuclear processing plant has never been put into use due to massive protest and is recently re-opened as an attraction park! You end your day in Rees, a town with impressive remains of fortification.Day 4: Rees - Wesel | Wesel - Ruhrort, 25 mi. (40 km)
You sail once more during breakfast and disembark at Wesel for the day's focus on the Ruhr area—Germany's, and likely Europe's, industrial giant. Spanning 4,600 km2, a terrain rich in coal unfolds, revealing an expanse of steel plants and textile industries interwoven with chemical complexes. The cities of Essen, Duisburg, Oberhausen, and Dortmund are intricately connected by a labyrinth of highways, railways, and waterways.Despite its historical tribulations, having been a focal point in 1923 during attempts by Belgian and French troops to enforce WWI payments on Prussia and again in 1944-1945, the region has undergone substantial revitalization by the German government following the closure of numerous factories. Cycling through this industrial expanse might seem improbable, but it is indeed possible.
In the afternoon, a visit to Duisburg-Nord's vast landscape park beckons. Here, you'll encounter massive former industrial plants and gain in-depth insights into the area's transformation. While the scenery may not always be idyllic, the landscape is undeniably impressive and a must-see for anyone exploring the Rhine. Seek out the ship in Ruhrort to complete your day of exploration
Day 5: Ruhrort - Düsseldorf, 26 mi. (42 km)
Today, you bid farewell to the industrial landscapes of the Ruhr area, setting your course towards Krefeld. In the 18th century, Krefeld flourished, thanks to its vibrant textile industry. Exquisite fabrics such as velvet, silk, and brocade were sought after by emperors and kings worldwide. The weavers plied their craft in quaint houses that doubled as both factories and residences—some of which can still be glimpsed in Krefeld today.Your final destination for the day is Düsseldorf. As evening descends, the historic Altstadt beckons for exploration. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the renowned local dark beer, Altbier. Düsseldorf unfolds as a truly international city, with nearly a fifth of its population comprising foreigners— a testament to its cosmopolitan allure.
Day 6: Düsseldorf - Cologne, 19 mi. (30 km)
Pedaling in the direction of Cologne, you'll stick closely to the Rhine, ensuring ample time to explore the city upon your arrival. Cologne holds the distinction of being the oldest among Germany's larger cities, with its roots tracing back to Roman times. Bestowed with city rights just 50 years after the birth of Christ, as a gift from the Roman empress Agrippa, Cologne later evolved into a pivotal hub of the Holy Roman Empire.A towering landmark is, of course, the Cathedral, situated adjacent to the railway station and overlooking the Rhine. Construction of this monumental structure commenced in 1248, with its completion achieved only in 1880—a testament to the enduring dedication invested in its creation.
The city faced near-total devastation in the tumultuous years of 1944-1945. Despite this, the city hall, a historic gem dating back to 1330, has been painstakingly and beautifully restored to its former glory.
Day 7: Cologne - Remagen, 28 mi. (45 km)
Embarking on your cycling journey, you'll continue along the Rhine, heading towards the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Beethoven, Bonn. Following the river and tracing the former border of the Roman Empire, your route leads to the mooring place in Remagen. Once a Celtic settlement and later a Roman fort, Remagen gained global recognition during World War II due to the pivotal struggle for the "Bridge of Remagen," immortalized in the 1960s film of the same name.In March 1945, following the setback in Arnhem in September 1944, the Allies successfully crossed the Rhine via the Ludendorff Bridge, now commemorated by the Peace Museum housed in the surviving piers. The city center of Remagen boasts a lively pedestrian area adorned with chic shops, intriguing cafes, and traditional, inviting pubs. Wandering through narrow streets bearing ancient Roman names, you'll be guided from the old town to the picturesque Rhine promenade.
Day 8: Remagen - Koblenz, 22 mi. (35 km)
During the final stage of your bike and barge cycling holiday, you will experience for the last time the rich history of this majestic river. You visit the Andernach, once a Roman settlement. It is still a wonderful town with many historical sites. Shortly after Andernach, you arrive in Koblenz. Its name comes from the Latin Confluences, meaning the merging of two rivers (Rhine en Moselle). The statue of Emperor Wilhelm of Prussia on the merging point is an impressive landmark. Koblenz is a city cozily rebuilt after the Second World War damages.Day 9: Departure
Your tour officially ends after breakfast.Koblenz to Amsterdam
Day 1: Amsterdam, embarking between 1 and 2 pm. Amsterdam - Nigtevecht by boat | Nigtevecht - Breukelen by bike | Breukelen - Wijkbij Duurstede by boat, 11 mi. (17 km)
Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede - Wageningen by boat | Wageningen - Arnhem, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Arnhem - Pannerden by boat | Pannerden - Rees by bike, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 4: Rees - Wesel by boat | Wesel - Ruhrort, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Ruhrort - Düsseldorf, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 6: Düsseldorf - Zons by boat | Zons - Cologne Rheinau Sport, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 7: Cologne - Remagen, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 8: Remagen - Koblenz, 28. (45 km)
Day 9: Departure by 10 amAmsterdam to Koblenz
Day 1: Amsterdam - Wijk bij Duurstede
Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede - Wageningen - Arnhem
Day 3: Arnhem - Pannerden - Rees
Day 4: Rees - Wesel - Düsseldorf
Day 5: Düsseldorf - Zons
Day 6: Zons - Cologne
Day 7: Cologne - Bonn
Day 8: Bonn - Koblenz
Day 9: Koblenz - Burg Eltz - Cochem
Day 10: CochemDaily distances are approximately 28 mi. (44 km) per day. 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.
Day 1: Amsterdam - Wijk bij Duurstede
Onboard, as the boat navigates, you will get a taste of the beauty of Amsterdam seen from the water. Your cycling begins as a scenic ride past the prestigious houses along the Vecht, where Amsterdam's sophisticated traders and aristocrats had their country homes. You follow this small winding river (a branch of the Rhine) upstream to Breukelen. By the end of the afternoon, you board the barge and cruise to Wijk bij Duurstede, a small fortified town on the Rhine River.Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede - Wageningen - Arnhem
What a magical place! No visit to Holland is complete without a ride through Europe’s largest drifting dunes in the National Park Hoge Veluwe. Imagine an African safari with grassy plains, weathered pines, bogs brimming with rare species, and hardwood forests filled with birdsong. The geography is wild thanks to an Ice Age glacier that dumped its load of sand and gravel in the region. Awaiting you on the other side is the world-famous Kröller-Müller art gallery and sculpture park with the largest private Van Gogh collection in the world. Also showcased are works by Claude Monet, Georges Seurat, Pablo Picasso, and Piet Mondrian. The route continues to Arnhem ‘Home of Eagles,’ given its name by Romans stationed on the Rhine. Perhaps you recall the 1977 classic A Bridge Too Far and the failed Allied Forces attempt to break through German lines and take several bridges (including Arnhem) in Operation Market Garden? Renamed the John Frost Bridge, you may walk or ride across this beloved landmark into Arnhem center which is teeming with art, fashion, and all things Lekker (Sweet, fun, cool).Day 3: Arnhem - Pannerden - Rees (Germany)
Today is all about bridges, battlegrounds, and castles, for example, the 13th-century Doornenburg Castle. It’s an impressive brick behemoth where German commanders set up headquarters during the Battle of Arnhem. Naturally, it became a prime target for British bombers. After a tour, your route leaves Holland, crossing the border into Germany. Around the bend is Emmerich, home of Germany’s longest suspension bridge. This engineering feat spans some 1,600 ft across the Rhine and you can bike across for super aerial photos. Some 500 ships pass underneath it every day. Before the Rhine was channeled in the 1800s, sturgeon, shad, and salmon used to swim the river. Now, the barges are the big fish. Emmerich is also home to a WWII Biber submarine and one-man U-Boat which you can view in the Rhine Museum. The day's destination is Rees, famous for its medieval wall, towers, and river promenade with art sculptures, restaurants, and cafés. This is the perfect place to raise your Riesling glass or beer stein and watch the Rhine flow by.Day 4: Rees - Wesel - Düsseldorf
The great Ruhr region was once Germany’s blast furnaces during the Industrial Revolution, until recently. Pedaling peacefully along the Rhine, you’ll see historic factory stacks, now mostly quiet and converted into other uses and venues - a reminder of when coal was king. This area is also where Neanderthal Man was found in 1856. And, it’s home to the mega supermarket chain Aldi. We cruise through the world’s biggest inland harbor in Duisburg then it’s anchors away to the modern, sparkling city of Düsseldorf—Germany’s fashion and advertising capital. Here you drink Altbier which doesn’t mean the beer is old; it’s a top-down fermentation style that’s hoppy and bitter-crisp. The waiters won’t ask if you want a second beer, it will just appear in front of you. Explore the Altstadt along the river or check out Media Harbor, the rehabbed riverside warehouse district that will blow your mind. The city sparkles with international flair, übermodern architecture, and swanky folk. A casual feeling reigns in the evening when the “suits” loosen their ties at the 17th century Füchschen Brewery for roast pork shank (Haxen). You will need a couple of cold ones to wash down the Haxen. Bring it on Düsseldorf!Day 5: Düsseldorf - Zons
First, you take some time to see Dusseldorf by day, continue on a lovely ride partly along the meandering Rhine, and end your cycling in Zons. This seemingly small town has a very long history! The first settlement in the seventh century.Day 6: Zons - Cologne
Today’s ride stretches from one rival city to the other. Be it beer suds or soccer clubs, ne’re the two agree. In Düsseldorf you drank Altbier, but you’ll forget that word exists when you arrive in Cologne. Here in Köln, Kölsch is king. It’s the largest city on your Rhine cruise and everything worth seeing is within walking distance from the barge. The city isn’t just big—it’s ancient. The Romans set up their northern military headquarters here in 50 AD. The blending of Roman and Germanic cultures comes to life in the Roman-Germanic Museum. After the telecommunications tower with its rotating restaurant, Cologne Cathedral is next. This giant Gothic beauty is longer than a football field and holds 20,000 people! The best place to take it all in is at Café Reichard for a German trifecta: coffee, cake and cathedral views. What a colossal city.!Day 7: Cologne - Bonn
Today you will pedal to West Germany’s former capital city. When the wall came down in 1990, most of the government moved back to Berlin. It’s the birthplace of musical genius Ludwig van Beethoven. You can visit the world-famous Haribo factory with all the gummy sweets and gadgets—imagine Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Bonn’s parks and gardens are splendid. The first-rate Botanical Gardens at Poppelsdorf Palace are among the oldest. Here you can see the world’s rarest flowering plant, titan arum, the Sumatran Corpse Flower that takes 7 years to blossom for just one day! Stroll Bonn’s endless river promenade and the nearby Rheinaue Leisure Park. For the best views of the legendary Siebengebirge hills, join the locals under the great chestnut trees at the Alter Zoll, a local hotspot. It is a former Rhine toll station and military fort along the river.Day 8: Bonn - Koblenz
This morning you cruise past the Siebengebirge (seven hills) and officially enter the legendary middle Rhine valley with its dramatic cliffs and curves, romantic castles, sloping vineyards, and sleepy half-timbered villages. You sail past the ancient volcano, Dragon’s Rock where the hero Siegfried killed the dragon and bathed in its blood to become invincible. The Dragon’s Castle lies in ruins, a reminder of French revenge. Today’s biking starts in Remagen with a stop at Ludendorff Bridge. It was only one of two bridges still intact over the Rhine during Operation Lumberjack in the final days of WWII. The U.S. Army got 25,000 troops, six Army divisions, tanks, artillery, and trucks across the river in a stroke of good luck. You pass little villages with old churches and the medieval harbor crane. Arriving in Koblenz, you moor in the shadows of the mighty Ehrenbreitenstein fortress. Order a Trocken Riesling and prepare to become a convert for life. Prefer a beer in the Koblenz’ Biergarten? You will find that just steps away.Day 9: Koblenz, disembarkation approximately 9am.
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Map
Boats & Bikes
- Iris
Premium Class Barge
In 2005, the Iris was transformed from a cargo ship to a passenger ship. Her owner, Lenny Versteeg, has lovingly updated and maintained her throughout the years. The interior is fresh, tasteful, and comfortable. Read More
- Zwaan
Comfort Class Barge
Once a cargo boat, the Zwaan (Swan) was completely renovated and converted into a comfortable passenger barge. On board you will find seven comfortable cabins allowing a total capacity of 16 passengers. Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
Zwaan
- Accommodation for 8 nights
- Breakfast & dinner
- Packed lunches
- Coffee & tea on board
- Cycling tour guide
- Min. 3 city walks with tour guide
- Roadbook (one per cabin)
- Ferry fares on the route
- 24-speed touring bicycle (Oxford) equipped with helmet, pannier, lock, & water bottle
- Bike Protection
- GPS tracks on request
- †Free Wifi (limited, available in the lounge and on deck)
- Accommodation for 9 nights
- Breakfast, packed lunches, & 6 three-course dinners
- Coffee & tea on board
- Tour guide - two guides will be included for 18 guests and over
- Daily cabin cleaning
- Bike rental including helmet, pannier, & water bottle
- Entrance to the National Park Hoge Veluwe and Kroeller Mueller Museum
- †Note on Wifi if your ship includes this, 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.
Iris
What’s Not Included
Zwaan
- Electric bicycle (Van Dijck Eris, step through with helmet) available with supplement. See pricing.
- Drinks other than those mentioned
- Entrance fees & excursions not mentioned (approx: €25)
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Electric bicycle (available with supplement. See pricing)
- 2 dinners (in Arnhem and Cologne)
- Drinks other than those mentioned
- Entrance fees & excursions not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
Iris
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2024
Zwaan
Thursday departure
Amsterdam to Koblenz
May 9, 2024Luxury double $ 3534 £ 1827 $ 3,132 € 2090 kr 320433 ₪ 8476 ¥ 348788 Mex$ 38191 NZ$ 3847 NOK 24904 kr 24535 $ 2,305 Twin/double $ 3162 £ 1635 $ 2,802 € 1870 kr 286703 ₪ 7584 ¥ 312073 Mex$ 34171 NZ$ 3442 NOK 22283 kr 21953 $ 2,063 Small double/front of the boat $ 2756 £ 1425 $ 2,443 € 1630 kr 249907 ₪ 6610 ¥ 272021 Mex$ 29785 NZ$ 3000 NOK 19423 kr 19135 $ 1,798 Small double for single-use/front of the boat $ 3990 £ 2063 $ 3,536 € 2360 kr 361828 ₪ 9571 ¥ 393846 Mex$ 43125 NZ$ 4344 NOK 28121 kr 27705 $ 2,603 Children's discounts available.
Iris
Friday departure
Amsterdam to Koblenz
May 31, 2024Twin/double $ 3652 £ 1888 $ 3,237 € 2160 kr 331165 ₪ 8760 ¥ 360469 Mex$ 39470 NZ$ 3976 NOK 25738 kr 25357 $ 2,382 Twin for single-use On request Extra Options
Zwaan
Electric bike $ 186 £ 96 $ 165 € 110 kr 16865 ₪ 446 ¥ 18357 Mex$ 2010 NZ$ 202 NOK 1311 kr 1291 $ 121 Gluten-free, lactose-free, or vegan diet $ 127 £ 66 $ 112 € 75 kr 11499 ₪ 304 ¥ 12516 Mex$ 1370 NZ$ 138 NOK 894 kr 880 $ 83 Child's bike (21 speed) w/ helmet, tag-along Bike w/ helmet, bike seat w/ helmet, bike trailer Please ask Iris
Electric bike $ 211 £ 109 $ 187 € 125 kr 19165 ₪ 507 ¥ 20861 Mex$ 2284 NZ$ 230 NOK 1489 kr 1467 $ 138 Please note that pricing on the Zwaan is based on the current fuel price (Oct 2023). A supplement will be required if prices increase more than 5%, even for previously confirmed reservations.
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
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
Closest international airport to Amsterdam is Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and to Koblenz, Frankfurt International Airport (FRA). You could fly into one airport and out of another depending on your tour start and end. Both airports have train stations in the lower level.
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. A taxi from the airport to the barge in Amsterdam takes about 30 minutes and costs approx. €45
Koblenz:
There are many direct train departures that run from the airport in Frankfurt to Koblenz. Travel time is approx. 1 1/2 hour.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 Koblenz, as well, has a mild continental climate.
Day of Rest
You can always remain on board the boat on any given day to relax and enjoy the passing scenery.
Important to know
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 Operator
This tour is run by CycleTours & BikePlanet.
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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