Meuse Route and Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour

Meuse Route and Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour

Meuse Route and Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour

Prices

From $975USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Spend 8 sensational days cycling through Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg

Experience some of the best cycling in Europe on the Vennbahn Rail Trail and the Meuse Cycle Route.

Stay in charming towns and cities in the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Germany, and Luxembourg.

Zig-zag your way across international borders, taking in the serene countryside of northern France and southern Belgium.

Unwind in hand-picked 3- and 4-star accommodations featuring convenient, modern amenities for your comfort.

Discover five spectacular European countries on the 8-day self-guided Meuse Route and Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour, which spans the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Germany, and Luxembourg.

Enjoy the freedom of zig-zagging your way across international borders, revelling in the unique charm of several of Europe’s top cycling destinations, all in one trip. This epic tour combines the Meuse Route (part of the RAVeL network) and the Vennbahn Rail Trail, making for an epic ride on some of Europe’s most beautiful bike paths.

Setting out from Maastricht, a small city on the southern tip of the Netherlands, you’ll jump into the adventure with a ride on Day 1 to Liège. The days that follow have you weaving your way through idyllic villages and unspoiled pastoral landscapes in all five countries, where you’ll take in spectacular sights, like the impressive Château de Sedan, Europe’s largest castle. With the River Meuse as your steadfast guide through much of the tour, you’ll enjoy stops in small riverside towns along the route, like lovely Monthermé, where you can enjoy lunch and a glass of local wine at one of several riverside café terraces.

Accommodations along the route are selected with optimal comfort in mind, meaning you’ll enjoy excellent 3- and 4-star hotels at each stop with nights in Givet, Bouillon, Monschau, and more!

Book this spectacular international cycling journey and discover a true cyclist’s paradise on the Meuse Route and Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour. 4

Meuse Route and Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive

Your international cycling adventure kicks off in Maastricht, a small city that sits on the southern tip of the Netherlands in the province of Limburg.

In Maastricht, you’ll receive a warm welcome, complete with coffee and a slice of mouth-watering Limburg pie. When you’re ready, set those wheels in motion for your first ride to Liège, known as the “city of fire.” Trace the Jeker River, which leads you through the pretty village of Kanne, then join the RAVel trail and press on to Liège, where you’ll find your first accommodations.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Liège
Distance
35km, 210m of ascent, 199m of descent
Meals
None

Day 2 Cycle the Meuse Routebanks and Walloon Villages to Namur

Following breakfast this morning, get ready to take on your second day of riding to Namur. This leg begins with a lively route, right through the center of Liège before joining a scenic path that traces the banks of the River Meuse. Then, enjoy a pleasant stretch alongside the John Cockerill railway to depart Liège, following signs for the RAVel.

An optional stop along the way at the Val St. Lambert crystal factory shop comes highly recommended before continuing through several pretty Walloon villages until you reach Huy. Hop off your bike to enjoy lunch at a brasserie on the Huy Grand Place (Huy’s central square) before embarking on today’s final stretch to Namur.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Namur
Distance
75km, 708m of ascent, 690m of descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 3 Dinant, Gardens of Annevoie, and the Castle of Freÿr

Today’s challenging ride has plenty in store, so fuel up with a hearty breakfast and set out to return to the banks of the Meuse this morning following the RAVel to Dinant. Cruise through the lovely village of Wépion, known for its abundant strawberry crops, and perhaps take in the beautiful Gardens of Annevoie while here, too.

Stop for lunch at one of several riverside cafés in Dinant, then continue on the route, taking in the impressive Castle of Freÿr in Hastière, where you can explore its Le Nôtre-style gardens in a fairy-tale setting right on the River Meuse.

To top off an already magical day, you’ll then cross the border into France, riding to Givet, where you’ll find tonight’s accommodations.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Givet
Distance
50km, 626m of ascent, 603m of descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 4 Cycle the Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes to Charleville-Mézières

Depart Givet this morning, ready to seize another mesmerizing day of cycling as you set out on the first stretch to Haybes. The rest of today’s scenic ride unfolds on the Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes, with the River Meuse as your guide.

En route to Charleville-Mézières, pause in the charming town of Monthermé, where you’ll delight in the authentic charm and warm ambience of this tiny village in northern France.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Charleville-Mézières
Distance
55km, 988m of ascent, 930m of descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 5 Visit Europe’s Largest Castle: Château de Sedan

Continue on the Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes this morning on the extended section created in 2015, pedalling to Sedan. In Sedan, you’ll lay eyes on Europe’s largest castle, the famous Château de Sedan, which boasts seven stories and sprawls over 35,000 square meters.

After taking some time to take in this most remarkable site, you’ll depart the Meuse Route cycle path and set out on the Vennbahn Rail Trail. Enjoy a steady climb on quiet country lanes towards the French-Belgian border, then cross over to your hotel in beautiful Bouillon, saying farewell to France.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Bouillon
Distance
50km, 618m of ascent, 560m of descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 6 Cycle the Countryside of South Belgium

Start your day with a visit to the spellbinding Bouillon Castle, if you didn’t get the chance to take it in yesterday, and then set out for the serene country roads carving a path through southern Belgium. Take in several villages seemingly untouched by time, then hop off your bike in Libramont-Chevigny for a tasty lunch.

Arrive in historic Bastogne, settling into your accommodations before setting out to admire the town’s fascinating monuments, many commemorating the famous Battle of the Ardennes during WWI.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Bastogne
Distance
70km, 1484m of ascent, 1189m of descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 7 Cross the Border to Luxembourg

Set out from the Gare du Sud railway station this morning, following the RAVel 13 north on one of the most beautiful tracks of the whole RAVel network.

Soon, you’ll cross the border into Luxembourg, where you’ll enjoy a stretch on peaceful rural roads on the Vennbahn Rail Trail. With a pleasant taste of Luxembourg’s serene countryside, you’ll cross the border back into Belgium, where you can visit the ruins of Burg Reuland before pressing on to St. Vith, today’s final destination.

Overnight Location
Hotel in St. Vith
Distance
63km, 918m of ascent, 953m of descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 8 Cycle to Waimes, Montenau, and Monschau

Day 8 has a pleasant, easy route in store for the ride to Monschau. Zoom towards Waimes this morning, soon reaching the Belgian-German Ardennes-Eiffel Nature Park. Plenty of delightful options for a lunch break present themselves along the route—Montenau, which serves artisanal smoked ham sandwiches, is a superb choice.

Departing the Vennbahn, you’ll ride to Monschau to spend the night in this quaint town, which boasts half-timbered houses and lovely cafes.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Monschau
Distance
45km, 546m of ascent, 580m of descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 9 Final Ride to Maastricht

Your final ride brings you back to Maastricht via the Vennbahn, but not without a visit to the monumental town of Kornelimünster in Germany.

Continue the route to Aachen, then cross over into the Netherlands to ride through the idyllic Dutch town of Kerkrade. From Kerkrade, you’ll catch the train to Maastricht, enjoying the majestic scenery afforded by the rolling green hills of southern Limburg.

Back in Maastricht, soak up your final evening of the tour, enjoying a farewell dinner and reflecting on the magical memories made!

Overnight Location
Hotel in Maastricht or 's-Gravenvoeren
Distance
61km, 540m of ascent, 840m of descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 10 Departure

Your international cycling tour comes to an end this morning, and with that, you’ve cycled in five of Europe’s most beautiful countries. Check out and head to the airport to depart.

Overnight Location
None
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Meuse Route and Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour Prices and Dates

This self-guided cycling tour is run as a private tour and the price per person depends on the type of room you require (single/double).

The best time to visit Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg for this cycling tour is April to September, when the weather is at its best. July and August see the greatest number of tourists. This tour is available from May to September, allowing you the option to travel during the spring, summer, or early fall.

Please note, that in some cases the departures may start from s-Gravenvoeren instead of Maastricht.

Prices below are per person:

StartFinishDurationPlaces LeftPrice

2023-06-14

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

10 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2023-06-23

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

105+
$975USDBook Now
Book Now

2023-06-28

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

10 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2023-07-07

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

105+
$975USDBook Now
Book Now

2023-07-05

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

10 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2023-07-14

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

105+
$975USDBook Now
Book Now

2023-07-12

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

10 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2023-07-21

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

105+
$975USDBook Now
Book Now

2023-07-19

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

10 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2023-07-28

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

105+
$975USDBook Now
Book Now

2023-07-26

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

10 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2023-08-04

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

105+
$975USDBook Now
Book Now

2023-08-02

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

10 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2023-08-11

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

105+
$975USDBook Now
Book Now

2023-08-09

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

10 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2023-08-18

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

105+
$975USDBook Now
Book Now

2023-08-16

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

10 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2023-08-25

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

105+
$975USDBook Now
Book Now

2023-08-30

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

10 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2023-09-08

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

105+
$975USDBook Now
Book Now

2023-09-06

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

10 days / 5+ Spaces Left

2023-09-15

s-Gravenvoeren/Maastricht

105+
$975USDBook Now
Book Now

Accommodation on the Meuse Route and Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour

This tour is based on hotels. Hotels on this trip are 3- and 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Guests may have access to amenities such as swimming pools, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of $395USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible.

Ramada Plaza Liege City in Liege

A beautifully converted seventeenth-century monastery sets the scene for this charming hotel near the historic city centering, complete with wonderful views of the Meuse Route.

Ibis Namur Center in Namur

Modern, comfortable rooms and a range of helpful amenities make this a pleasant stay.

Hôtel Les Reflets Jaunes in Givet

Just a stone throw away from the center of Givet, this warm hotel has a unique charm with much of the décor fashioned with the colour yellow (as you may have guessed from the name).

Kyriad Charleville Mézières in Charleville Mézières

Located in the heart of the city, this hotel features a gym and sauna as well as comfortable modern rooms.

Hotel de la Poste in Bouillon

This elegant hotel overlooks the Semois river and offers several helpful amenities such as room service and an in-house restaurant and bar.

Hotel Leo at Home in Bastogne

With a laid-back vibe and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Hotel Leo at Home prides itself on offering guests all the comforts of home during their stay.

Relaxhotel Pip Markgraff in St. Vith

Located nearby several top attractions in St. Vith, including some great museums, the Relaxhotel Pip Markgraff invites guests to enjoy an indoor swimming pool and several other modern amenities.

Hotel Michel and Friends in Monschau

Surrounded by charming woodlands, Hotel Michel and Friends offers a tranquil setting, just a short walk from the border with Belgium. Guests can enjoy the indoor pool and room service during their stay here.

Novotel Maastricht in Maastricht

A beautiful outdoor pool and several modern amenities make the Novotel Maastricht the perfect stay. Guests can enjoy the use of a free shuttle to the city center of Maastricht.

Hotels on Standard Tour

What’s Included in the Meuse Route and Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour?

Meals

9 breakfasts are included, as well as coffee and pie in Maastricht and Cugnon on day 1 and day 6. You can upgrade to Half Board (include dinners) for an additional charge of $350USD per person.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 9 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Maastricht are not included but can be added as a supplement.

Transportation during the Tour

Luggage transportation during the tour is included. Airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.

Also Included

  • Maps and route descriptions
  • Tourist information on all places of interest
  • Tourist tax
  • 24-hour phone support
  • GPS tracks in digital format available upon request

Not included

  • Bike rental
  • Guide services
  • Flights
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
  • Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
  • Tourist taxes (to be paid at the hotel)
  • GPS
  • Entrance fees and excursions
  • Airport transfers

Optional Extras

  • Bike rental:
    • Hybrid bike: $175USD
    • E-Bike: $225USD
  • Upgrade to half board: $350USD per person
  • Additional nights before or after the tour
  • Airport transfers
  • Single occupancy upgrades
  • Optional activities or excursions

Frequenty Asked Questions about Meuse Route and Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour

How hard is the Meuse Route and Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour?

We rate this tour as a 4/5. You should be comfortable cycling distances of up to 75 kilometres in a day with some challenging extended climbs. The terrain is a mix of hilly and flat.

I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?

Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills, and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.

Do I need a visa to travel to Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Meuse Route and Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour?

9 breakfasts are included, as well as coffee and pie in Maastricht and Cugnon on day 1 and day 6.. You can upgrade to Half Board (include dinners) for an additional charge of 293 EUR per person.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Maastricht to start this tour?

Schiphol Airport (AMS) or Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST). From Schiphol Airport (AMS), you can take a train (IC3543) to Venlo. In ‘s-Hertogenbosch transfer to train IC845 and continue to Maastricht Central Station. From here, you can take bus 6 to Amby and get off at Scharnerweg. From Scharnerweg it’s a 5-minute walk to Novotel Maastricht. From Maastricht-Aachen Airport (MST), you can take bus 30 to the central station. Then take bus 6 to Amby, getting off at Scharnerweg. From Scharnerweg, it’s a 5-minute walk to Novotel Maastricht. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer from the train station.

Where does the Meuse Route and Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour?

The tour ends in Maastricht. You can get to Schiphol Airport (AMS) by a combination of train and bus and to Maastricht Airport (MST) by bus. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to the airport as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.

Can I rent a bike?

Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are Giant Aero RS2 hybrid bikes or similar or Kalkhoff Impulse 2.0 E-Bikes or similar.

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a bike suitable for the demands of the tour.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

Reviews

All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.

Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.

Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

4.5
13 ratings
5 star
10
4 star
1
3 star
1
2 star
1
1 star
0

Written Reviews

There are no written reviews yet.

13 total ratings, 0 with reviews

Add a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Thank you!

Thank you for submitting your review!

If you enjoyed your tour please consider leaving a Google review for 10Adventures to help others discover the world of custom adventure travel.

Google Review

Prices

From $975USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

What travellers say

When can I do this tour?

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Why 10Adventures?

Save time and let us plan your perfect trip.

Customize your travel experience to get it just right.

Knowledgeable adventure specialists are a click or call away.

Stress-free booking at your fingertips.

Flexible payments with interest-free installments.

Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

We rate this tour as a 4/5. You should be comfortable cycling distances of up to 75 kilometres in a day with some challenging extended climbs. The terrain is a mix of hilly and flat.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

Get in touch

+1 (587) 327-9828

Book your next Adventure on 10Adventures

Hassle-free Adventure Travel

Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Let us take care of all the travel planning details, so you don’t have to.

Don't Just Take A Trip, Take YOUR Trip

Let us help you get exactly what YOU want with a customizable adventure tour centred around your active interests and passions.

No Hidden Fees

We don’t believe in hidden fees like credit card fees, booking fees or more. Even better, most people can pay in their local currency!

Happiness Guarantee

We want your journey to meet your expectations, and we will work with you to solve any issues you’ve encountered.

Personal Adventure Travel Concierge

Our dedicated adventure travel concierge will curate the perfect itinerary to make your travel dreams a reality.

Vetted Local Guides

Book with confidence, knowing that our team has carefully hand-picked each tour operator and they use local, experienced guides.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Tours

Routes

Blogs