What could be better than discovering the beautiful Lower Rhine by bike? The Lower Rhine Region has one of the largest cycle route networks in Europe, which will lead you through breathtaking landscapes as you ride.
Riding on high-quality roads, following excellent routes; you can explore this marvellous region. The well-developed route will lead you past river landscapes, meadows and fields and offers, especially for lovers of nature, a relaxed but still active way 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 get away.
Day 1 (Sat): Cologne, Arrival and embarkation
Embarkation from 3:00pm – 5:00pm. Enjoy the evening on board the ship or, if you'd rather explore, why not enjoy a Kölsch, a typical beer from Cologne, in one of the many charming Old Town pubs with view over the Rhine. Besides its many historical treasures, the Cathedral City of Cologne offers a considerable amount of green space, parks, and gardens.
Day 2 (Sun): Cologne – Düsseldorf, Cycle Tour, approx. 55 km
The Rhine Cycle Route is a well-paved cycle way. You will ride past quaint villages witha wonderful view over the other bank of the Rhine.
This route offers variety between industry and nature. You will end the day in Düsseldorf. The multifaceted city is one of Germany's leading cultural metropolis's.
Day 3 (Mon): Boat Tour Düsseldorf – Xanten / Xanten – Emmerich, Cycle Tour approx. 30 km; Boat Tour Emmerich – Arnhem
Overnight the boat will sale to the Roman City of Xanten. Almost 2000 years ago the Romans liked the area and chose to settle here. The Archaeological Park is worth a visit.
Here you start cycle tour for the day. Youm will ride past nature reserves and then pass the village Kalkar. Eventually you will reach the oldest German suspension bridge in Emmerich. The ship will be waiting here to continue on past the Dutch-German border and brings you to Arnheim.
Day 4 (Tue): Arnhem – Rhenen, Cycle Tour approx. 30 km; Boat Tour Rhenen – Wijk bij Duurstede
Today you will start your ride in Arnhem. A detour around the city centre will take you back to times gone by, with its narrow alleys and picturesque buildings.
The ride will continue through the Betuwe, one of the Netherland’s largest fruit growing regions, until, eventually you reach Rhenen. In the evening, the ship will take you from Rhenen to Wijk bij Duurstede.
Day 5 (Wed): Wijk bij Duurstede – Gorinchem; Cycle Tour approx. 50 km
Enjoy your cycle tour through unspoilt nature and pass cute villages and the historic place of Fort Everdingen. You will follow the Linge River, a tributary of the Rhine, to reach the fortified city of Gorinchem.
Day 6 (Thu): Gorinchem – Dordrecht, Cycle Tour approx. 37 km
On your way from Gorinchem to Dordrecht, you will pass De Biesbosch national park; a green maze of rivers with crystal clear water and small forested islands. It is one of only very few tidal freshwater zones in the world.
At the end of the day, youcan emerge from the quietness of nature, into the vivid city life of Dordrecht. The oldest city in Holland lies on an island bordered by large rivers and is characterised by numerous historic buildings, city ports, and a fantastic atmosphere.
Day 7 (Fri): Dordrecht – Rotterdam. Cycle Tour approx. 40 km
On your final ride, you can explore the best-known windmills in the Netherlands at Kinderdijk. The 19 windmills, which date back to the 18th century, are a beautiful and wonderfully well preserved 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, where your tour comes to an end.
Day 8 (Sat): Rotterdam, Disembarkation
After breakfast, disembarkation until 09:00. Individual journey home.
The routes along the river Rhine are completely flat, without any climbs.
Route Map (For guidance only):
Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.
Tour Details (All times are subject to change)
We recommend flying to Cologne airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.
Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.
We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Rail Europe for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.
Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0161 703 8161 for more specific travel advice.
You do not need to go back to the starting point of the cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.
Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
The Bike & Barge: Cologne to Rotterdam cycling holiday includes accommodation on-board the MS Arkona and local support if required.
Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
7 nights aboard MS Olympia 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 cloths if wanted
• Full meals: 7x breakfast, 6x light lunch on board (non cyclists) or packed lunch for cyclists, 6x afternoon coffee break, 7x dinner
• Daily informational meeting
• Information pack with route book (one per cabin)
Services not included
Journey to Cologne and from Rotterdam, shuttles, bike hire, entrance fees and excursions, ferry fares, travel insurances, parking fee, drinks on board, tips.
About the Rental Bikes
This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes. Quality Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres are among the components that will ensure you have an enjoyable cycle tour.
You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation while. Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.
Unisex Bike (Colour may vary)
Rental Bike PLUS
E - Bike (Colour may vary)
Accessories
If you would like GPX files for a suitable device, please request them at the time of booking. Devices are not provided. Please ensure you bring any fittings required to attach the Garmin (or similar) to the handlebars. You might want to download maps onto your phone to avoid data charges when roaming.
All bikes are provided with standard flat pedals. You can bring your own cycling pedals but ensure that you have the correct tools to remove the pedals if the tour does not have a welcome meeting. You may also not be able to travel through airports with the tools if you are carrying hand luggage only.
You can rent a men's bike with a crossbar, unisex/female bike with a sloping tube or an electric bike for a supplement.
Gearing information available on request.
Frame Sizing
When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Unisex frame 21-gears with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm. Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedalling brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm. Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 "sloping" cm. Helmets are not provided, and you will need to bring your own to use.
We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday!
Bike Hire Insurance
This cycle tour benefits from bike insurance against rental bike theft and damage in the holiday price. Please make sure you lock up the bike, leave it where told by the hotel, and treat your hire bicycle as if the bike was your own. Any negligent treatment of the bike will exempt you from cover. We advise you to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance for your cycling holiday prior to arrival.
Electric Bike Hire
Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging, and assistance up to 25 km/h. They have a range of around 120 km for each full charge.
E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
MS Olympia
Comfortable and cosy river ship with family environment. The ship was refurbished in 2015/2016. The panoramic salon with bar in gentlemens 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 are available.
Main deck: 21 two-bed-cabins (about 11m²).
Upper deck: 22 two-bed-cabins (about 11m²), 4 cabins of bigger size at the stern of the ship (12m²), 3 of which feature twin beds; during the trip increased noise perception as well as two single cabins about 9m². All cabins boast en-suite bathroom, hair dryer, telephone, TV, individual air conditioning/heating, fridge, safe, and large panoramic window. On the Upper deck, cabins feature opening windows.
Technical Details: Length 88.50 m. Width 10.50 m. Draught 1.30 m. Capacity max. 96 passengers. Flag Switzerland. Built 1984. Refurbished 2015/2016. Crew ca. 21
You can now book this cycling holiday either by emailing info@freewheelholidays.co.uk or calling 0161 703 8161
Ship | Route Summary |
MS Olympia | Cologne to Rotterdam |
Season | Date Band | Arrival Day |
Season 1: | 25.06 – 02.07 | Saturday |
Season | Prices per person |
Season 1: Main Deck | £885 |
Season 1: Main Deck (Single use) | £1160 |
Season | Prices per person |
Season 1: Upper Deck 2 bed astern | £975 |
Season 1: Upper Deck 2 bed | £1020 |
Season 1: Upper Deck (Single use) | £1205 |
Bike Type | Price |
Rental Bike: | £80 |
Electric Bike Upgrade: | £165 |
Date From | Date To | Price |
25 June 2022 | 02 July 2022 | £0 |