Tour boat on the Rhine River - Germany

Rhine River – Netherlands & Belgium

Rhine North River Crossing: Guided Bike and Boat Tour

Guided 8 days

An adventure like no other. Over 8 days, you will discover three countries, diverse cultures, landscapes, and an array of flavours. Glide and ride through Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

Style
Touring
Gain
Distance
219 km
Level
Easy

Tour overview

GABLED HOUSES, CANALS, AND VAN GOGH

The Rhine North River Guided Bike and Boat Tour takes you on an epic journey through three countries, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. You’ll be travelling on the luxurious A-Rosa Aqua cruise ship to each location, and exploring the towns, cities and local landscapes on daily e-bike rides. 

The laid-back pace of this wonderful trip is complemented by exciting guided tours and amazing discoveries as we visit some of the oldest and most impressive art and architecture this region of northern Europe has to offer. From Cologne Cathedral in Germany to the Kinderdijk windmills, Gothic cathedrals and Flemish masters in Ghent and Antwerp, this trip will not disappoint. We’ll also visit the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum in Cologne and see world-famous artwork by Van Gogh, Rubens and Monet. 

Ride your e-bike along traffic-free, well-maintained and flat roads and lanes that flank the wonderful riverscape of these legendary towns. We’ll sample Dutch cheeses and Belgian chocolates along the way, and reward ourselves after each day of cycling and exploring with a wonderful dinner aboard the A-Rosa Aqua as we cruise along to our next location. 

Start point
Cologne
End point
Cologne
See program for full itinerary
Flying in
Frankfurt /Cologne
Flying out
Frankfurt /Cologne

Flights not included. Direct flights available at lastminute.com

Highlights of your cycling trip

Embassy Building - Netherlands

Picturesque Routes

Cycle along the Rhine, through the beautiful centuries-old landscapes of Holland, and explore enchanting cities such as Amsterdam and Ghent. This spectacular cruise will be complemented by leisurely bike tours each day that take us into the heart of the local area near where the ship docks. Your e-bikes will make riding easy so all you have to concentrate on is enjoying the sights, smells and sounds of this beautiful region of northern Europe.

Room on Stella cruise ship - Rhine river

Boutique Stays

On this unique tour you will spend each night on the spectacular A-Rosa Aqua, a state-of-the-art cruise ship. All cabins are roomy, well-furnished and have their own AC unit and ensuite bathroom. We will also enjoy dinner on the deck each evening as the ship sails gracefully down the River Rhine to our next location.

support vehicle

Guided Cycling

All your routes on this tour are pre-planned and guided by our expert team. The paths are well-established cycle paths that offer flat cycling conditions, so all you have to worry about is enjoying the views and a day in the fresh air.

Tour destination

River Rhine

The River Rhine is one of Europe’s longest and most important rivers. It starts its journey as a small stream in the Swiss Alps, but soon gathers momentum and volume as it makes its way towards Lake Constance in Germany. It flows through six countries, Switzerland, Principality of Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands where it is joined by several other rivers and eventually flows into the North Sea in Rotterdam. This area is covered in well-established cycle paths that weave along the river, through lush forests and vine-covered slopes. The region is a dream for cyclists and wine enthusiasts.

Discover More
  • Weather

    The weather in south west Germany is generally mild all year round, with warm summers of around 20ºC and cool winters, with temperatures rarely dropping below 0ºC. Spring, summer and autumn offer the most pleasant cycling conditions with little rainfall, which will allow you to see and enjoy the area in all its glory.

  • Terrain

    As the route follows the course of the River Moselle, it offers the perfect conditions for a relatively flat and easy riding experience. The majority of the cycle path is free of cars and is in great condition. You will ride less than 50 km per day as the tour has been designed so that most riders can achieve this daily distance.

  • Culture

    One of the dominant cultures and industries in this area is viticulture, or wine. The landscape is covered in green vineyards (around 60%!) that produce world-famous wines such as Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The architecture is also markedly mediaeval with some wonderfully preserved examples of half-timbered houses and ancient market squares. Make sure you soak up the history and culture of this region in your free time!

Accommodation during your tour

SILVA RHINE RIVER CRUISE SHIP

Your room will accompany you on this journey

You’ll spend each night of the tour on the A-Rosa Aqua, a state-of-the-art cruise ship. All cabins are roomy, well-furnished and have their own AC unit and ensuite bathroom. We will enjoy breakfast and dinner onboard as we start and end each day on this wonderful vessel. 

Tour itinerary

Your guide to a perfect cycling tour

IJSSELMEER & EDAMER CHEESE
  • Distance
    35 km

IJSSELMEER & EDAM CHEESE

The first morning of your trip will be spent onboard the ship relaxing, as it will not reach northern Holland until around noon. Enjoy the sights as you sail through the Netherlands on your way towards Amsterdam. 

You’ll have lunch on board before the ship docks at Hoorn pier, at the gates to the old town. You’ll enjoy a tour of Hoorn on which you’ll see the magnificent gabled houses and the famous market square. Your e-bikes will be waiting for you in the nearby historic Marktplatz and your guide will help set them up to suit you.

Your first bike ride of the tour will head along the coast from Hoorn to Edam, where we’ll find more examples of traditional architecture such as gabled houses, clinker facades and great wooden doors.

Edam is known around the world for its cheese sealed in red wax. You’ll see it being sold in the market square on wooden boards by vendors wearing traditional dress. The route continues for another half an hour to Volendam, Edam’s former port, on the banks of the Markermeer. In the late afternoon, a transfer will pick you up and take you back to the ship, where you will enjoy dinner onboard and another pleasant night’s rest.

Getting there

Information to help you book your flights and get around.

Any questions about flights and transfers? The Epico team is here for you. Ping us via the chatbot in the corner of your page or send an email to [email protected]

Flying in

Fly in airport options: Cologne.

When best to arrive: in the morning the day the tour starts.

Where the tour starts: Cologne

Transfers: are not included. If you require assistance, please contact us for more information.

Flying out

Fly out airport options: Cologne.

When best to depart: the afternoon the day the tour ends.

Where the tour ends: Cologne.

Transfers: included drop off to the airport.

Tour essentials

What’s included in your cycling trip.

  • Hotel room key
    7 Nights Accommodation

    7 nights onboard the beautiful cruise boat Stella

  • All Meals

    Buffet breakfast, picnic lunches, dinners, and some drinks are included on this tour.

  • E bike rental terranova
    Bike Rental

    Rental electric bike included with English guided cycling experiences.

  • Transfers

    Transfers on cycling routes are included to get you back to the cruise boat.

  • Admission Costs

    All visits and admissions as indicated in the itinerary.

Cycling bottle

What’s not included in your cycling trip.

  • Flights

    Flights are not included in the tour package. Please follow our advice about which flights will be best suited for this tour. Reach out to us if you have any questions about flights.

  • Insurance

    We strongly recommend that you obtain dedicated health insurance that covers your sports activities. Reach out to us if you have questions about the insurance.

More things to maximise your cycling trip

  • EXTRA
    Single accommodation
    €675 per person for entire trip

    If you’d like a whole room to yourself, that’s no problem. For an extra €675 for the trip duration, you can enjoy the comfort of your own room. Just select this option when you proceed to book your tour.

Booking options

Choose when you want to travel

Don't see the travel dates you want or have a special request, such as adding a non-rider, please contact us.

  • This tour can run flexible dates. We can make it start and finish the day you need. Contact us to request alternative tour dates!
Booking options