Amsterdam – Cochem Premium

Premium

During this cycling holiday you will follow the rivers Rhine and Moselle from Amsterdam to Cochem. The history of the region along the banks of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers dates back to the Roman Era, some 2000 or so years ago. You will see and feel the rich history of these majestic rivers, from Roman times to the Industrial Revolution, and from WWII to German reunification.

In the Netherlands you will cycle through flat, peaceful, farming countryside with the famous windmills along the way. Later on, in Germany, you follow the Rhine upstream, through cities like Ruhrort and Düsseldorf. Next stop is Cologne, once one of the most important centers of the Holy Roman Empire. Cologne’s landmark is, of course, its monumental Dom cathedral, situated right next to the city’s central station and railway bridge across the Rhine. Then you bike through a more romantic section of the Rhine valley, with strongholds, mansions and the first vineyards appearing on the hills. You will visit Koblenz, a lively and interesting city, where the Rhine and the Mosel converge. Your last day of cycling is along the Moselle river. You cycle through this magical region with its culturally rich towns and cities, soak up the sights of untouched nature and endless vineyards.

One thing is clear: you’ll never be short of exciting things to do and see as you journey along the Rhine and Moselle.

The ship – Your sailing hotel
In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own if you mention it when booking.

Fully Guided
Accompanied by a competent, professional and multilingual tour leader, you and the group will visit interesting sights and places on the daily cycling tours. During the bike tour, they will explain the local history and culture behind the things you encounter along the way.

Tip for a two-week journey:
It is possible to combine two beautiful tours to create a particularly diverse 15-day boat and bike holiday. The week after this tour the ship will continue through the beautiful Moselle river valley into France. Partly in Germany, partly in Luxembourg and partly in France, along endless vineyards and the enchanting old cities like Bernkastel, Trier, Saarburg and Metz. You can find more information here

Always the best rental bikes

The rental bikes on our ships are unisex bicycles with a low bar and a comfortable upright sitting position. These are stable and dependable bikes, good for miles in the saddle. Decide which kind of bike you want to rent and simply fill in your preference with your reservation. We’ll make sure you get the right bike for you. On most of our tours, the bike rental cost is not included in the tour’s price.

Every Boat Bike Tour rental bike is well equipped. The bikes consist of a lightweight aluminum frame and have highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds, an adjustable gel seat, normal flat pedals (no clips), an easy-to-use lock attached to the frame, and special puncture-resistant tires. All told, this is a light, stable and reliable bike, very suitable for touring long distances pleasantly.

Our e-bikes also have at least seven speeds and handbrakes. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame, and sport anti-puncture tires. Note that some of the ships have their own bikes on board. They may look a bit different, but qualitatively they are equal to Boat Bike Tours’s e-bikes.

Bicycle helmets
The use of bicycle helmets is not required in the Netherlands, but for safety’s sake they are suggested. If you wish to rent one, you can do so during the booking process. If you book a premium tour and rent a bike or e-bike, then the helmet and a “limit of liability for damage or loss” for your bike or e-bike is included in the rental price.

Other rental items
Other items such as children’s bikes, tandems, family tandems (child & adult), tag-along, trailers to carry toddlers and child seats are available on request.

Taking your own bike or e-bike?
The fee for parking your own bicycle is €10 per week. For an e-bike the fee is €25 to cover parking and charging the battery. For safety reasons it is not always possible to charge your e-bike batteries in your cabin. The crew will tell you where you can charge the battery on board the ship. Neither the crew nor Boat Bike tours is responsible in any way for any damage, loss or theft of a guest’s own bike or e-bike or its accessories. Note: not all the ships are suitable or have enough room for extra bikes, so make sure you check with us well ahead of travel.

Touring bikes

Our bicycles have a lightweight aluminum frame and are furnished with highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds and a gel seat whose height can be adjusted. Attached to the frame is an easy-to-use lock and the wheels carry puncture-resistant tires.

E-bikes

Our e-bikes also have highly-responsive handbrakes and a minimum of seven speeds. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame and special anti-puncture tires.

Taking your own bicycle

It is possible to take your own bike or e-bike with you, as long as it doesn’t have mirrors or other elements that stick out. There’s only limited space available on board for guests’ bikes. You can reserve a place for your bike for a small fee. Boat Bike tours is not responsible for damage to your bike or for theft.

Classic elegance

Jacuzzi

Piano

Individually controlled air conditioning

max. 35 passengers

16 cabins

5 tours available with this ship

Princesse Royal

The premium barge Princesse Royal accommodates up to 30 guests and breathes an atmosphere of luxury and comfort. The 16 lower deck cabins are provided with box spring beds and a bathroom with shower, sink and toilet. On the main deck you’ll see that the bar is the center of attention, especially during the evening. Around are tables and comfortable chairs where you will be seated during breakfast and when the deliciously cooked dinners are served. In front there is a sitting area and outside are some seats. Last but not least: the Jacuzzi on the aft deck.

Bicycles/E-bikes:

The bicycles on board are unisex city bicycles of the brand Batavus Dinsdag with normal mount (ladies model), easy-to-handle Shimano 7 gears, handbrakes, gel-saddle (height adjustable), a lock on the frame and a pannier bag.
The e-bike is Velo de Vile with Nexus 7 gears, 5 support levels and hand breaks only, a lock on the frame and a pannier bag (or a comparable brand/model). E-Bikes are limited available, on request).
Bicycle rent is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles/e-bikes (limited number of parking places available). Guests can book a parking place for a normal bicycle or a parking and charge station for an e-bike for a small additional fee. For safety reasons it is no longer possible to charge the batteries of your own e-bikes in the cabin. The crew will inform you where on deck/ on board you can recharge your battery. However, the crew or tour operators are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of guests own bicycles or e-bikes.
Tours in The Netherlands: Extra e-bikes can be requested (limited, on request). Other bikes (e.g. children’s bikes, “slip streamers”, tandems, etc.) and child saddles (rear) on these tours are only available after prior request (by booking) and confirmation and in very limited numbers.
Tours to/in Germany: Extra e-bikes are not possible.

Spacious teakwood deck

Jacuzzi

Intimate and exclusive

Individually controlled air conditioning

max. 40 passengers

21 cabins

4 tours available with this ship

Magnifique III

This beautiful ship has 16 lovely cabins on the lower deck, all with two very comfortable beds, an en-suite bathroom, satellite TV, mini-safe and hairdryer. The 5 suites on the upper deck also have a small sitting area and large windows. The air conditioned restaurant and lounge area are situated around the prominent bar; ideal spots to enjoy life aboard! Let’s not forget about the Jacuzzi and deckchairs on the top deck.

Bicycles/E-Bikes:

The bicycles on board is a unisex city bike with a low-entry and a riding position that is upright and comfortable. The bike is handmade in the Netherlands by Azor, specially designed by Boat Bike Tours. The bike consists of a lightweight aluminum frame and is equipped with responsive roller brakes (handbrake), a Shimano 7 speed nexus drive, Selle-Royal gel saddle (adjustable), an easy to use lock (fixed on frame) and the Schwalbe Marathon anti-puncture tyre. This all results in a lightweight, stable and reliable bike, good for many miles on the saddle.
The E-bike is an Azor Steps with Nexus 7 gears and hand brakes. The crank Shimano motor (400 WH) offers 4 support levels, The E-bikes have a comfortable gel saddle and a lock on the frame (or a comparable brand/model).
2020: Bicycle rent is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles (at no additional fee). Please note that the space on board the sailing ship is limited. However, the crew or tour operators are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of guests own bicycles.
2021: Bicycle rent is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles/e-bikes (limited number of parking places available). Guests can book a parking place for a normal bicycle or a parking and charge station for an e-bike for a small additional fee. For safety reasons it is no longer possible to charge the batteries of your own e-bikes in the cabin. The crew will inform you where on deck/ on board you can recharge your battery. However, the crew or tour operators are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of guests own bicycles or e-bikes.
Prices of other bikes (e.g. children’s bikes, “slip streamers”/tag-a-long, tandem bicycles etc. and child’s saddles (rear) are on request.

Intimate and exclusive

Individually controlled air conditioning

Covered sun deck

New junior suites

max. 32 passengers

16 cabins

4 tours available with this ship

Magnifique I
The Magnifique I will have a capacity of max. 32 guests in 16 cabins. All beautifully decorated cabins are on lower deck and have en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, a mini-safe and a hair-dryer. Twelve twin cabins are approx. 11 m²; four junior suites have queen size beds (two single beds set together) and are approx. 15 m². The upper deck has a tastefully furnished salon with a restaurant area, a nice bar and a lounge area with sitting corners, air-conditioning, TV and large panoramic windows.

Bicycles/E-Bikes:

The bicycles on board is a unisex city bike with a low-entry and a riding position that is upright and comfortable. The bike is handmade in the Netherlands by Azor, specially designed by Boat Bike Tours. The bike consists of a lightweight aluminum frame and is equipped with responsive roller brakes (handbrake), a Shimano 7 speed nexus drive, Selle-Royal gel saddle (adjustable), an easy to use lock (fixed on frame) and the Schwalbe Marathon anti-puncture tyre. This all results in a lightweight, stable and reliable bike, good for many miles on the saddle.
The E-bike is an Azor Steps with Nexus 7 gears and hand brakes. The crank Shimano motor (400 WH) offers 4 support levels, The E-bikes have a comfortable gel saddle and a lock on the frame (or a comparable brand/model).
Bicycle rent is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles/e-bikes (limited number of parking places available). Guests can book a parking place for a normal bicycle or a parking and charge station for an e-bike for a small additional fee. For safety reasons it is no longer possible to charge the batteries of your own e-bikes in the cabin. The crew will inform you where on deck/ on board you can recharge your battery. However, the crew or tour operators are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of guests own bicycles or e-bikes.
Prices of other bikes (e.g. children’s bikes, “slip streamers”/tag-a-long, tandem bicycles etc. and child’s saddles (rear) are on request (not available on tours in Germany/France).

The Magnifique I will have a capacity of max. 32 guests in 16 cabins. All beautifully decorated cabins are on lower deck and have en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, a mini-safe and a hair-dryer. Twelve twin cabins are approx. 11 m²; four junior suites have queen size beds (two single beds set together) and are approx. 15 m². The upper deck has a tastefully furnished salon with a restaurant area, a nice bar and a lounge area with sitting corners, air-conditioning, TV and large panoramic windows.

Reviews

based on 5 reviews on

The food was fantastic. Chef “Roger” was awesome. Dinners were delicious. Each day after our bike travels the crew set out a gorgeous and delicious snack. Our every need was meant by Jolene and Daniel. We met the first Captain and saw him on the first day. He left partly through our journey. The second Captain was amazing! He actually helped out the crew doing dishes behind the bar! And was always around for conversation. He was first class. We also loved the size of the boat. To only have 32 people and Not hundreds was a benefit. And yes, we will be going again! I think the only downside to the trip we would’ve liked to have had more independence in biking.

Thank you for your review. We're glad to hear you enjoyed the atmosphere on board, the meals, and the crew's support throughout the trip. It’s nice to know the smaller group size suited you well and contributed to your experience. We’ve noted your feedback about the desire for more independence during the rides— we also offer semi-guided tours and would be happy to recommend you some of these tours. We look forward to welcoming you on board again! Kind regards, Boat Bike Tours

Advertise the trip as a repo tour, and reduce the price, or start the first trip from Cologne. The first few days were boring, cycling through industrial estates and time bound. There was very little time for village tours, and the villages were too few & far between. Due to Pentecost holidays very little was open, start times delayed and missed stops. It was obvious no one had cycled this trip for a long time due to detours, and dangerous ramping at times. Only e-bikes should be used, and training for new e-bike users. Franklin the guide tried desperately to come up with resolutions. I would not recommend this trip. Please note the tour started in Amsterdam, these first three days should be removed from the tour.

Hi Jen, Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear the start of the Cologne to Metz tour didn’t meet your expectations. While this was a repositioning tour, it should still offer an enjoyable and well-balanced experience — we’re sorry it fell short in this case. Your comments about the route, timing, and bike use are very helpful and will be reviewed internally. We’d love to welcome you again, perhaps on our tour from Metz to Cochem, which offers a different and more scenic experience.

The overall experience was disappointing and did not meet our expectations.
The trip we took was as actually a repositioning cruise which we were not aware of prior to boarding. Consequently we feel the ’trip’ commenced in Cologne, days later not Amsterdam where we boarded.
The staff on board did an exceptional job with clean & comfortable cabins. Our guides seemed inexperienced in the route taken. At one point I was left stranded, by myself, on the outskirts of an unfamiliar town for 30 minutes waiting for the second group of the tour to arrive. This was due to a breakdown in communication between the two guides.
This particular cruise I would not recommend to my family & friends.

Hi Hank, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're truly sorry to hear that this trip did not meet your expectations. While it was indeed a repositioning cruise, it should still offer a smooth and enjoyable experience — we regret that this was not the case. We understand your frustration about the lack of clear communication regarding the start point and the incident where you were left waiting alone. This should not have happened, and we’re following up with our guide team to ensure better coordination in the future. We’re glad to hear you appreciated the efforts of the onboard staff and the comfort of the cabins. We hope you might give us another chance — for example, on our Metz to Cochem route, which many guests find more scenic and better paced.

Guides and all the staff were great. Barge was beautiful! Biking was on well maintained bikes and in interesting areas!

Thank you for your kind words! We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed the beautiful barge, the well-maintained bikes, and the interesting biking routes. Our guides and staff will be thrilled to know they made your experience special! Kind regards, Boat Bike Tours

Amsterdam – Cochem Premium

Travel upstream on the Rhine and Moselle

About this tour

Day to day program Amsterdam - Cochem

The bicycles of Boat Bike Tours

Always the best rental bikes

Touring bikes

E-bikes

Taking your own bicycle

Prices & availability

Prices & information

Photos (18)

Videos (1)

Reviews

Let’s do it again!

Mark Amidon

Advertise the trip as a repo tour. Start the trip from Cologne

Jen Krautz

The overall experience was not as we had hoped.

Hank

Great vacation!

Patty Sypek

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Available ships for this tour

Princesse Royal

Magnifique III

Magnifique I

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