Cochem - photo via Flickr:Random_fotos Schloss Stolzenfels in Koblenz - photo by Holger Weinandt

Cochem to Arnhem

Germany, Netherlands Bike + Boat Tour

Few towns in Germany can match the charm and beauty of Cochem. Legend, folklore and a rich history is woven into every street. Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the Mosel river valley, between the Eifel and Hundsrück, it is surrounded by high elevations, steep vineyards and typical wine villages.

Cochem  is  one of the prettiest villages along the Mosel. Little seems to have changed for centuries. The town has many fine buildings, quaint cottages, black & tan guild houses and winding streets. In the bustling old quarter, the timber-framed houses, the market square with its baroque town hall and Martins-Brunnen, St. Martin's Church and the former Capuchin monastery (now an arts center) have been well preserved and lovingly restored. Sections of the old town walls have also been well maintained, including the historical Enderttor, Mäusetor and Balduinstor town gates.   Cochem Castle towers above it all.  The late-Gothic castle with its unmistakable silhouette is perched on a striking hilltop more than 100 meters above the Moselle.

Another highlight of this tour is Koblenz,  visited on the second day. Surrounded by four low mountain ranges,  this 2000-year-old town boasts an abundance of cultural monuments and historic buildings. The narrow lanes and alleyways, the incredible atmosphere of the town squares and  river promenades make Koblenz quite unique. Fortess walls and towers, castles and palaces, monuments and parks paint a vivid picture of the town’s eventful past. Koblenz was conquered by foreign armies and has entertained princes, kings, emperors and presidents within its walls. Today visitors from all over the world enjoy discovering the history and rich cultural heritage of this old town. 

You will visit the former capital of West Germany, Bonn, an ancient city with a history dating back to Roman times and the birth city of Beethoven. Cultural Cologne with its vibrant arts scene, home to more than 30 museums and hundreds of galleries, and exciting Düsseldorf with its renowned night life are on the agenda as well.

Your tour ends in Arnhem,  the city between the Veluwe nature reserve and the Rhine River.  A city of art and culture, fashion and design, energy and environment, shopping and more!  Explore the history of this city as well before your arrival. Read about  'Operation Market Garden' , September 17 - 25, 1944, unsuccessful Allied military operation, fought in the Netherlands and Germany in the Second World War. It was the largest airborne operation up to that time designed with the hopes of ending the war early. "A Bridge Too Far" was a movie made about this endeavor and  follows the perspectives of American, Polish and British soldiers attempting to capture key bridges behind German lines in a complicated parachute and armoured assault.

 

.

Where You’ll Stay

Aboard the Comfort Plus boat the Merlijn

What’s Included

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • Breakfast, packed lunches, dinners
  • 7 speed bike with bike bag and water bottle
  • Helmet
  • Entrance fee to the Castle of Eltz
  • Tour guide
  • Daily cabin cleaning

What’s Not Included

  • Individual arrival to the boat
  • Beverages (other than coffee, tea, water, and hot chocolate)

Cochem to Arnhem Map

Book This Trip

TourBike + Boat
TypeGuided
SkillEasy
Length7 days
From€985
Print Tour

Tour Dates

  • October 6, 2012

Skill Level

Easy self guided bike and boat tour

Easy self guided bike and boat tour with daily distances ranging from 22 to 29 miles.

Tour Boats

Day-To-Day Itinerary

Cochem to Arnhem Map
  1. Arrival in Cochem
  2. Cochem - Koblenz, 22 mi./35 km
  3. Koblenz -Neuwied - Bonn, 29 mi./46 km
  4. Bonn - Cologne, 29 mi./46 km
  5. Cologne - Düsseldorf-Duisburg/Ruhrort, 36 mi./42 km
  6. Duisburg - Arnhem, 26 mi./42 km
  7. Departure

SATURDAY: Arrival in Cochem
Embarkation begins a 4 pm. The crew will welcom you on board and as you enjoy a complimentary welcom drink, you will be informed about the ship, the tours and the bicycles. You could visit Cochem Castle (Reichsburg) in the afternoon.  

SUNDAY: Cochem - Koblenz, 22 mi./35 km
Enjoy your first  "sailing breakfast", on board you travel to Moselkern to begin biking into the Eltztal and the castle of Eltz.. It is surrounded on three sides by a river and still owned by the same family that lived here in the 12th century, 33 generations ago.

The Eltz Castle features a museum and has an impressive collection of original furniture and artwork on display. The Knights Hall has armor dating back to the 16th century, and the original treasure vault is worth a visit. After, it is on to Koblenz. The Merlijn we be docked close to the Alstadt and the German corner.

MONDAY: Koblenz -Neuwied - Bonn, 29 mi./46 km
This morning you will enjoy yet another sailing breakfast, leaving Koblenz heading for Newwied to begin the cycling day. You will bike to Bonn along the banks of the Rhine River where you will overnight and enjoy a city walk in the evening.

TUESDAY: Bonn - Cologne, 29 mi./46 km
Today you bike further along the Rhine River to Cologne. You will have time to explore this great city including a visit to the Dom Cathedral. This evening you can explore the city on your own and enjoy dinner in town.

WEDNESDAY: Cologne - Düsseldorf-Duisburg/Ruhrort, 36 mi./42 km
After breakfast, you will bike along the Rhine River to Düsseldorf for a visit to the Alstadt.

THURSDAY: Duisburg - Arnhem, 26 mi./42 km
While you enjoy your breakfast, the Merlijn will take you to Emmercih to begin your cycling day to Arnhem. If you want a shorter route, you can stay on board and disemebark in Lobith to bike the last 9 miles to Arnhem. The boat will dock for the evening close to the city center and you can have an after dinner stroll through Arnhem.

 FRIDAY: Disembarkation 

    Book This Trip

    Questions? Call us! 877-965-2064 or e-mail us

    Cochem to Arnhem Boats + Barges

    • Merlijn Photo

      Merlijn Germany, Netherlands Comfort Plus Class Boat Comfort Plus class boats are very nicely furnished 5-star ships containing cabins with low beds, private bathrooms, a large dining area, separate saloon, and more.

    Facebook