Welcome onboard

Merlijn is a fully equipt small River-Cruise-Ship, hosting 24 passengers. Build in 1930 as a freighter and converted to a luxurious cruise ship in 2002. Since then she is with no doubt the most elegant lady of all rivers in Europe.

Cruise in style on a converted vintage barge

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What we offer you

  • Bike & Barge trips in Europe
  • Cruise only trips in Europe
  • Individual bookings directly through our website
  • Reserve the entire ship for your group
  • Charter the barge with your company
  • Large, bright lounge/restaurant
  • Luxurious, spacious cabins

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Highlighted

2021 New tour: Holland Texel-island tour

8 days Amsterdam – Amsterdam

HIGHLIGHTS: Amsterdam – ‘de Zaansche schans’ with its open air museum and windmills – Texel island, ‘a country’ on its own – Beautiful open waters; UNESCO Heritage Wadden Sea, where you might be able to spot some seals – many little fishing towns on our way back to Amsterdam.

Take a look
Weser-Hills tour in Germany | ‘Following in Theodor Fontane’s footsteps”

Weser-Hills tour in Germany

June 06 - 13 / 2020
Departure port: Bremen Destination: Magdeburg Countries: Germany Travel time: 8 days Average biking distance per day (KM): 30 to 45
7 cabin(s) available
From the Bremen Town Musicians to Magdeburg’s Golden Rider Statue. Bike, Barge and Cruise through the ‘Weser-hills’ landscape, where tourists are hard to find.
€ 1.525,- p.p.
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East meets West Germany tour | ‘Following in Theodor Fontane’s footsteps”

East meets West Germany tour

July 04 - 11 / 2020
Departure port: Berlin/Spandau Destination: Wolfsburg Countries: Germany Travel time: 8 days Average biking distance per day (KM): 25 to 50 KM
4 cabin(s) available
After designing this trip we needed a new slogan because Bike & Barge didn’t cover the load! We named it: ‘Bike & Culture”, a perfect combination between biking and culture !!
€ 1.525,- p.p.
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Midland-canal & Rhine-river tour in Germany

Midland-canal & Rhine-river tour in Germany

July 11 - 18 / 2020
Departure port: Wolfsburg Destination: Cologne Countries: Germany Travel time: 8 days Average biking distance per day (KM): 35 to 55 KM
5 cabin(s) available
Bike, Barge and Cruise 2 different worlds; along the midland canal & the Rhine river. Where tourists are hard to find, you cycle through forests, visit castles & great city's
€ 1.525,- p.p.
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Where we sail

Bike, Barge & Cruise the most beautiful rivers of Europe!

The Merlijn sails in such waters as;

  • All rivers & lakes of Holland/Netherlands, including the IJssel, Meuse, IJssel Lake, inland lakes of the Randmeren, the Groene Hart van Holland (Green Heartlands) commencing in Amsterdam and running via Gouda/Delft to Kinderdijk. 
  • In Germany we sail the Rhine, Moselle, Saar, Main, Main-Danube-canal, Danube, Neckar, Midlandcanal, Havel, Weser, Oder, Peene & more. 
  • In Belgium we sail to Bruges & Brussels, from there to Maastricht.
  • In France we sail the Moselle, as far as to Nancy.
  • In Eastern Europe we sail the Danube river, as far as to Budapest in Hungary.

Merlijn's Captain knows all these waters & their natural surroundings well, and knows where the most tranquil spots are to be found. 

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The last news

Merlijn goes to the Blue Danube!

Monday 15 april 2019

Merlijn goes to the Blue Danube!

We are planning to sail the Blue Danube in 2022!

Don't want to miss out?! sign up for the pre-order-list now

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Merlijn has new owners

Friday 22 february 2019

Merlijn has new owners

We are Coen & Cristina, here is a short introduction about us, the proud new owners of Merlijn.

A dream coming thru, that is.......

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06 july 2019

Dear Coen and Cristina, your extended family crew, and of course Felix our tour guide, You all made our first trip to Germany a fantastic and memorable time. The boat and accommodations exceeded our expectations, and your service and food on board (and the packed lunches off board) was the best! Felix, our tour guide is a great addition to your family team and his daily entertainment on the trails, and knowledge of the historical sites and bakeries along the way each day seemed to make our day just that much better. Thanks for a great time, and we look forward to doing it all over again on the Merlijn for another trip down the road! Best to you all and hope you have great year ! Bob and Faith McDonald, So Burlington, Vermont USA"