The marvellous Lower Rhine

Discover two countries as you cycle 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-develloped route leads past river landscapes, 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.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day1: Arrival to 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 a view over the Rhine. Besides its many historical treasures, the Cathedral City offers a considerable number of parks and gardens.

Day 2: Cologne – Düsseldorf, Cycle Tour, approx. 55 km

Cycle along the Rhine Cycle Route on well-paved cycle ways, past quaint villages and with a 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.

Day 3: Boat Tour Düsseldorf – Xanten / Xanten – Emmerich,  Cycle Tour approx. 30 km, plus Boat Tour Emmerich – Arnhem

At night your boat will have sailed to the 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, located in Emmerich. Your ship is waiting here to go on and to pass the Dutch-German border and bring you to Arnheim.

Day 4: Arnhem – Rhenen, Cycle Tour approx. 30 km; Boat Tour Rhenen – Wijk bij Duurstede

Today your start for the cycle tour is 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, before reaching Rhenen. In the evening, the ship will take you from Rhenen to Wijk bij Duurstede.

Day 5: 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.

Day 6: 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.

Day 7: 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.

Day 8: Departure from Rotterdam

After breakfast, disembarkation until 09:00 a.m. Individual journey home.

ms Arkona

Your ship: The 4 star MS ARKONA has been completely refurbished during the winter of 2017/2018. The modern and elegant atmosphere aboard the vessel will make your journey a relaxed experience. The Upper deck holds the tastefully furbished saloon with bar and a bright and friendly restaurant. The spacious sun deck is partly shaded and features comfortable deck chairs, which invite the passengers to enjoy the passing scenery in relaxation. Both the Upper and the Main deck hold small but comfortable cabins at 11 m², furnished in a modern way. All cabins feature hotel-style beds, en-suite facilities with shower and hair dryer, TV, safe and individually controlled air conditioning.

Upper deck: twelve two-bed-cabins with sliding glass doors and French balcony (= room high window, the upper part of the window can open) and two one-bed-cabins with a small double bed (140cm) and opening panoramic windows.

Main deck: 34 two-bed cabins with non-opening windows.