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Cologne to Rotterdam 8-day Bike & Barge Tour (OL)
Discover two countries - cycling indulgence along the Lower Rhine from Cologne to Rotterdam
What could be more natural than discovering the beauty of the Lower Rhine by bike? The Lower Rhine Region has one of the most beautiful and largest cycle route networks in Europe. Along high-quality routes, explore the marvellous landscape: this well-developed route leads past river landscape, meadows and fields and offers,especially for lovers of nature, a relaxed possibility to explore the region. Labyrinths of rivers on the Rhine delta in the Netherlands, quaint little towns and vibrant major cities along the route offer a welcome change and guarantee a relaxed and eventful stay.
Comfortable and cosy river ship with a family environment, refurbished in 2015/2016. The panoramic salon with bar in gentlemen club-style and the bright and friendly restaurant are waiting for you to pass relaxing hours here. A spacious, partly shaded sun deck and storage space for bicycles. A total of 49 comfortable outside cabins for a max. of 96 guests. Main deck: 21 two-bed-cabins (about 11 sqm). Upper deck: 22 two-bed-cabins (about 11 sqm), 4 cabins of bigger size at the stern of the ship (12 sqm, 3 of which feature twinbeds; during the trip increased noise perception) as well as two single cabins about 9 sqm). All cabins boast ensuite bathroom, hair dryer, telephone, TV, individual air conditioning/heating, fridge, safe und large panoramic window. On the Upper deck, cabins feature opening windows
This tour is conducted in German and English
7 nights in outside cabins with private facilities and air conditioning
Programme according itinerary
Port fees included
Captains greeting and Welcome drink
Daily cabin cleaning, Changing of towels and bed linen
Full meals: 7x breakfast s, 6x light lunches on board (non-cyclists) or packed lunches for cyclists, 6x afternoon coffee break, 7x dinners
Daily informational meeting
Information pack with route book (one per cabin)
Tour guide on board (does not cycle with group)
Journey to Cologne and from Rotterdam, shuttles, entrance fees and excursions, bike rental, ferry fares, travel insurances, parking fee, drinks on board, tips..
If you would like to rent a bike or e-bike, please contact our office when booking: [email protected]
Rental bike 7 speed unisex city bikes: 75 euro
Rental e-bike (limited availability): 165 euro
To bring your own bike: on request only due to lack of space on sundeck
Bike tours: self-guided. You will cycle 25-45 kms per day. The kilometres indicated for the suggested cycle tours are approximate.
Bike routes / level of difficulty: The quality of the cycle ways along the route is excellent. Most of the stretches are paved or asphalted, and lead alongside the Rhine dikes without any gradients of note. This makes the trip suitable even for unpractised cyclist.
Optional excursions: Tour stages and the ship's time in port permitting, an optional excursion programme will be organised. Excursions can only be booked and paid (in cash) aboard the ship.
Luggage: We recommend waterproof rain gear, bike helmet, sun hat and sports shoes. We would like to ask you to do without hard-side luggage, as storage space in the cabin is very limited
Travel documents: EU -citizens (without special situations like dual citizenship, main residence abroad or a limited-validity passport) are required to have a valid passport or ID-card, not expiring within six (6) months of the return of your cruise. We kindly ask non-EU citizens, EU-nationals with multiple citizenship or anybody who has to respect special legal entry requirements for the country to visit, to inform about visa and entry documents at the competent embassy.
Upper deck: Upper deck cabins available: single cabin 60 euro extra (2 available); twin cabin 150 euro p.p. extra
Slow Tours offers other Bike & Barge tours in Europe
Arrival in Cologne Embarkation from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Enjoy a cosy evening on board the ship or taste a Kölsch, a typical beer from Cologne, in one of the numerous Old Town pubs with view over the Rhine. Besides its many historical treasures, the Cathedral City offers a consider-able number of parks and gardens.
Cologne - Düsseldorf, Cycle Tour, approx. 55 km
Cycle along the Rhine Cycle Route on well-paved cycle paths, past quaint villages and with view over the other bank of the Rhine. This route offers variety between industry and idyll. At the end of this tour leg, you reach Düsseldorf. The multifaceted city is one of the leading cultural metropolis’ in Germany.
Boat Tour Düsseldorf – Xanten / Xanten - Emmerich, Cycle Tour approx. 30 km. Boat Tour Emmerich - Arnhem
Already at night your boat will move to Roman City of Xanten. Almost 2000 years ago the Romans liked this tiny place and settled here. The Archaeological Park is worth a visit. Here you start your today cycle tour, passing nature reserves and moving on to the village Kalkar until you reach the oldest German suspension bridge in Emmerich. Your ship is waiting here to go on and to pass the Dutch-German border and brings you to Arnheim.
Arnhem - Rhenen, Cycle Tour approx. 30 km. Boat Tour Rhenen - Wijk bij Duurstede
Today start for the cycle tour in Arnhem – a detour to the city centre will take you back to bygone days with narrow alleys and picturesque buildings. Continue cycling through the Betuwe – one of the Netherland’s largest fruit-growing regions, past dike foreland and reach Rhenen. In the evening, the ship will take you from Rhenen to Wijk bij Duurstede
Wijk bij Duurstede - Gorinchem. Cycle Tour approx. 50km
Enjoy your cycle tour through unspoilt nature and pass cute villages and the historic place of Fort Everdingen. Continue following the Linge River, a tributary of the Rhine to reach the fortified city of Gorinchem.
Gorinchem - Dordrecht, Cycle Tour approx. 37 km.
On your way from Gorinchem to Dordrecht, you pass by the national park of De Biesbosch, a green maze of rivers with crystal clear water and small forested islands. It is one of the few tidal freshwater zones in the world. At the end of the day, from the quietness of nature dive into the vivid city life of Dordrecht. The oldest city in the Holland area lies on an island bordered by large rivers and is characterised by numerous historic buildings, city ports and a fantastic atmosphere.
Dordrecht - Rotterdam, Cycle Tour approx. 40km
On your last stretch, explore the best-known windmills in the Netherlands at Kinderdijk. The 19 windmills, which date back to the 18th century, are beautifully preserved and are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The windmills are well worth a visit! Follow the route along the Maas River up to Rotterdam, one of the largest ports in the world.
Departure from Rotterdam After breakfast, disembarkation until 09:00 a.m. Individual journey home.
Alterations of schedule or programme: Subject to change. If a route cannot be shipped as a result of low or high water or bad weather, the captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety (this will not be accepted as a reason for free withdrawal).
Tours marked with are special prices.
| Start | End | Max. No. Guests | Accommodation | Price p.p. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 27 2020 | Jul 04 2020 | 96 | Single rooms | 1,239€ | ||
| Double rooms | 949€ | |||||
| Sep 19 2020 | Sep 26 2020 | 96 | Single rooms | 1,239€ | ||
| Double rooms | 949€ |
If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe.
Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote
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