Germany, Netherlands, Belgium by Bike/E-Bike and Boat

Day 1: Cologne

Your river cruise begins in the cathedral city of Cologne. Embarkation on your luxury vessel, the Sena begins at 3:00 pm. You can take advantage of the included bus shuttle starting at 2:30 pm every half hour from the main train station in Cologne to the dock. At 4 pm the ship departs and sails downriver towards Amsterdam offering an incredible view of the famous cathedral, the steeples of the surrounding Romanesque churches, and the modern harbor district. Your dinner this evening will be the first of a wonderful culinary experience, featuring organic and fresh local food.

Day 2: Rotterdam - Delft - Rotterdam
38 miles/60 km

Rotterdam is the third largest port in the world. However, since the port was moved out of the city to the coast, the cityscape has been transformed. Star architects have redesigned the vacated port areas. Modern architecture with extraordinary skyscrapers have earned the city the nickname "Maashatten". The landmark is the huge Erasmusbrug, which has spanned the Maas since 1996 and is also dubbed the "Swan" by locals. Also worth seeing is the market hall in the center of the city. During the construction work, archaeologists were able to make interesting discoveries. In addition to weapons, tools, pieces of jewelry and kitchen utensils, the remains of a very old farm were discovered. Some of the finds can be seen in the Rotterdam Market Hall. On the way from the first floor to the underground car park, a small exhibition, "time travel" has been created. The deeper you go down in the building, the older the finds become.

Day 3: Amsterdam - IJssel Sea - Amsterdam
38 miles/60 km

Today you leave the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam behind. With views of the Amsterdam Tower and the Eye Film Museum, you'll take the ferry across the Amstel River. You'll then ride your e-bike through Amsterdam's Old Holland and through a nature park on the way to Broek in Waterland, then through a rural paradise through fields and farms and past the old villages of Broek, where time seems to have stopped completely. The land is protected by miles of dikes and pumping stations, allowing picturesque villages to flourish and making the region a hotspot for outdoor activities on land and water. Finally, visit an authentic cheese farm to see how cheese and clogs are made.

Day 4: Antwerp

The largest church in Belgium, the Cathedral of Our Lady, lies within the city of Antwerp, a testament to Antwerp's reign as an economic powerhouse during the 16th century. The prosperity of the city is reflected in the Cathedral's sky high tower and the splendor of the market square. The historic old town centers itself around the catherdral and boasts lavishly decorated guild houses and a rich artistic heritage that includes renowned names like Rubens, van Dyck, Snyders, and Jordaens. You will explore the city by way of cobblestone streets which will bring you to charming squares where you will experience Antwerp's vibrant history and cultural legacy.

Day 5: Antwerp - Mechelen - Antwerp
22 miles/35 km

Culture is the highlight today as you explore Flanders. The day begins in Mechelen, where the skyline is not complete without the towering spires of St. Romuald, the Gothic cathedral that helped establish the city's rich architectural heritage. Known for its cariloon school, the city becons you to dive into the musical traditions and cultural heritage.

After exploring Mechelen, the cycle tours takes you through the scenic landscapes of Flanders as you pedal back to Antwerp. You will meander along traffic-free paths, pass a former abbey, charming churches, and idyllic lakes. Among pictureque landscapes, the guides will prepare a delicious picnic featuring the regional flavors. After lunch, the route leads you along rivers and canals providing you with glimpses of natural and industrial waterways.

Day 6: Nijmegen - Ooijpolder - Nijmegen
23 miles/37 km

This scenic cycling route starts in Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands, with roots in Roman times as a former Roman fort (castellum). From the historic city, the route leads into the beautiful Ooijpolder, a vast river meadow landscape known for its open plains, lush greenery, and winding waterways.

The Ooijpolder is an important wildlife area, especially for water birds, making it ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Along the way, you’ll pass traditional Dutch dyke houses perched on raised embankments, offering a glimpse into local architecture and the unique way of life shaped by the Netherlands’ low-lying land.

Day 7: Düsseldorf City Tour
19 miles/30 km

Düsseldorf, the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, traditional pub culture, and striking modern architecture. Today, much of the city’s energy is centered around the Media Harbor near the Old Town, where iconic Frank Gehry buildings dominate the skyline. Düsseldorf’s global cultural significance is further shaped by the discovery of the Neanderthal and the work of world-famous photographer Andreas Gursky.

This scenic cycling tour follows the Rhine River, the lifeline of Düsseldorf, beginning in the city center near the boat docks. The route crosses the Golden Bridge through the Hofgarten and continues over the Oberkasseler Bridge, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and expansive Rhine meadows. Smooth, well-maintained riverside bike paths on both riverbanks provide unforgettable views of the Rhine before the route returns you to the ship.

Day 8: Departure or extension in Cologne

Bid farewell to your new-found friends and the crew.

All distances are approximate. The route may be affected by weather or unexpected canal or lock repairs. The captain reserves the right to alter the course, always with passenger safety as first priority.