Discover the Rhine and Beyond: A Cycling Adventure from Basel to Amsterdam
Rhine & Moselle Bike & Cruise adventure through Switzerland, France, Germany & Netherlands - the Classic Rhine Cruise from Basel to Amsterdam. A Tapestry of Cities, Villages, and Vineyards! Embark on a captivating journey along the classical Rhine River, from the charming city of Basel to the vibrant Amsterdam. This 8-day adventure combines the tranquility of river cruising with the exhilaration of guided E-Bike excursions, offering a unique perspective on the heart of Europe.
Highlights
- 6 guided bike tours along the Rhine and Moselle & beyond the river banks
- Strasbourg & Alsatian Charm: Strasbourg iconic Münster & Obernai, a village boasting a beautiful medieval center
- Speyer, Heidelberg & Mannheim: Imperial cathedral in Speyer & captivating old town of Heidelberg
- Rhine Romance & Loreley: Spectacular Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Moselle Magic & Cochem: Moselle Wine Tasting
- Cologne: Iconic Cologne Cathedral, The Cologne Beer & City Panorama
- Amsterdam: Amsterdam's canals & “Old Hollands Coast” Ijsselmeer
- Accommodations on the Amadeus Riva, Cara, Queen or Aurea, state of the art cruise ships
- Stress-free battery-assisted cycling with a support vehicle
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Itinerary
Day 1: Basel
Day 2: Strasbourg - Obernai - Strasbourg | 27 mi. (42 km)
Day 3: Speyer – Heidelberg – Mannheim | 34 mi. (56 km)
Day 4: Middle Rhine Valley: Rüdesheim - Koblenz | 41 mi. (67 km)
Day 5: Moselle Cruise and Cochem | 18 mi. (30 km)
Day 6: Cologne | 13 mi. (20 km)
Day 7: Amsterdam and Ijsselmeer | 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 8: Departure or extension in Amsterdam
*All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change, at times 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.
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Day 1: Basel Arrival in Basel and embarkation, afternoon introduction.
Your voyage begins in Basel, where you'll board the ship and enjoy an introductory afternoon gathering. At 5:00 p.m., the River Cruise ship sets sail, gliding downriver towards France.
Day 2: Strasbourg & Alsatian Lifestyle | Approx. 27 miles / 42 km
Full-day bike tour Strasbourg's Cathedral & Alsatian Lifestyle" incl. Lunch picnic. The adventure truly unfolds on day two in Strasburg, with a full-day E-Bike tour showcasing the city's magnificent Münster, picturesque half-timbered streets, and the enchanting "Little Venice" district. Pedal through the scenic Alsace region, discovering the medieval charm of Obernai.
Day 3: Speyer, Old Town of Heidelberg and Mannheim | Approx. 34 miles / 56 km
Full-day bike tour: "From the Imperial Cathedral in Speyer, to the picturesque Old Town of Heidelberg and the Prince-Elector's Baroque Palace" incl. Lunch picnic. The journey continues to Speyer, where you'll visit the impressive Speyer Cathedral before cycling through the lush Rhine plain to the historic city of Heidelberg. A guided tour unveils Heidelberg's delightful Old Town, followed by a scenic ride along the Neckar River to Mannheim.
Day 4: Rhine Romanticism through the Middle Rhine Valley and the vineyards of Rheingau | Approx. 41 miles / 67 km
Rhine Romanticism through the Middle Rhine Valley and the vineyards of Rheingau" incl. Lunch picnic. Experience the romance of the Rhine Valley on day four with a full-day bike tour through the Rheingau vineyards. Marvel at the Niederwald Monument, cycle across the Rhine to Bingen, and glide through the spectacular Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, passing the legendary Loreley and numerous castles before reaching the Deutsches Eck, where the Moselle and Rhine rivers meet.
Day 5: Cochem & Roman Wine Bliss on the Moselle | Approx. 18 miles / 30 km
Half-day bike tour in the afternoon "Cochem & Roman Wine Bliss on the Moselle. The allure of the Moselle awaits you on day five with an afternoon E-Bike excursion to Cochem. Cycle along the scenic vineyards, passing renowned wine-growing slopes like the "Bremmer Calmont," and discover a monastery ruin before indulging in a wine tasting.
Day 6: Cologne | Approx. 19 miles / 20 km
Half-day bike tour Cologne by Bike in the morning. On the e-bike tour Cologne "Panorama" you will ride an extended tour through Cologne and see the most beautiful and interesting sights of the city. Cologne beckons on day six, where a morning E-Bike tour, "Cologne Panorama," reveals the city's highlights. Explore the Eigelstein and Agnesviertel, cross the Rhine for panoramic views, cycle along the river, and immerse yourself in the city's green spaces. The tour continues through the Old Town, past the iconic Cologne Cathedral, and southwards to the Rheinauhafen with its impressive Crane Houses, before venturing into the Südstadt and returning via the green belt to Eigelstein.
Day 7: Amsterdam and Ijsselmeer | Approx. 34 miles / 55 km
Holland's Coast, Cheese & Amsterdam" incl. Lunch picnic. The final cycling day takes you to Amsterdam and the Ijsselmeer. Enjoy a full-day E-Bike tour exploring Amsterdam's canals, with their unique charm created by over 80 kilometers of waterways and 1,000 bridges, picturesque gabled houses, and houseboats. Experience Amsterdam's famous cycling culture, cross the Amstel River by ferry, and explore Amsterdam's Old Holland quarter and the natural beauty of Waterland. Cycle past canals, bridges, historic farmsteads, and encounter a timeless landscape with expansive fields and traditional Dutch farmers. Conclude the day with a canal cruise through Amsterdam.
Day 8: Departure Amsterdam
The cruise ends in Amsterdam on day eight, with disembarkation after breakfast.
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We kindly ask for your understanding that changes to the timetable and program may occur. Factors such as high and low tide, maintenance work, and waiting times at locks and bridges can necessitate adjustments at short notice. In rare instances of high or low tide or force majeure, certain parts of the route may need to be covered by alternative transportation such as bus or train. Additionally, in individual cases, hotel accommodation may be required. Rest assured, our priority is to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the journey, and we will strive to minimize any disruptions to your experience. Thank you for your flexibility and cooperation.
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E-BIKE TRIP - ROUTE ASSESSMENT: The total distance by e-bike is approx. 167 Miles (270 km). Low-traffic cycle paths or small side streets along the Rivers Rhine and Moselle and in the countryside of France, Germany and the Netherlands Wind can be tiring right on the Dutch coast. Then you can change to our escort bus at any time.
