The Via Romana – “Experience” Roman History

Six-day cycle tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Niedergermanischer Limes

Viersen

Follow in the footsteps of the Romans on the historic “Via Romana” theme route – that’s the motto of this circular cycle tour. Between Nijmegen and Xanten, you will be able to discover many a relic from Roman times on the former Roman military road.

For more than 400 years, the Rhine was both the border and the main traffic artery of the Romans. It marked the outer end of the Roman Empire and at the same time enabled the rapid development of the provinces on its banks with their numerous military camps and settlements. The Roman town of Colonia Ulpia Traiana, today known as Xanten, is still marked by this period and can boast a rich Roman heritage. The mighty Gothic Cathedral of St. Victor, which dominates the townscape of Xanten, can also tell of this period. The five-nave basilica is well worth a visit, as many rich art treasures await you inside the cathedral.

Since July 2021, the “Niedergermanischer Limes” has been on the list of UNESCO-World Heritage Sites. This also includes the LVR-Archäologischer Park Xanten and the LVR-RömerMuseum, where you can learn how the Romans lived.

On another day tour you will explore Nijmegen, or as the Romans called it, Noviomagus. The oldest city in the Netherlands can look back on a 2.000-year-old past. A visit to the museum “Het Valkhof” with its impressive archaeological collection is highly recommended. The Romans built a stone fort on the Valkhof, which Emperor Charlemagne later converted into one of his palaces.

Enjoy the beauty of the countryside on the Rhine and Waal. On your day trip to Cuijk you cycle past the “Kraaijenbergse Plassen” (lakes). In Kalkar you will discover the medieval town centre and the venerable church of St. Nicolai with its nine Flemish carved altars. Take a break under the old court lime tree and let your eyes wander over the town hall square. Your holiday here will be an experience!

Included
– 5 x overnight stay incl. breakfast
– 1 x 3-course dinner in Kalkar
– 1 x admission to LVR-Archäologischer Park Xanten and the LVR-RömerMuseum
– 1 x admission to Museum Schloss Moyland
– Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
– Map material and tour description

Tour distance
278 km

Tour itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival Kranenburg

Day 2 | Kranenburg – Cuijk – Kranenburg (approx. 72 km)

Day 3 | Kranenburg – Nijmegen – Kranenburg (approx. 62 km)

Day 4 | Kranenburg – Kalkar (approx. 43 km)

Day 5 | Kalkar – Xanten – Kalkar (approx. 53 km)

Day 6 | Kalkar – Kranenburg and departure (approx. 48 km)

Accommodation
Hotels 3-4* level

Travel dates 2023
daily, except Thursdays

Price
Double room per person    from € 469,00
Single room per person      from € 619,00

Notes
Any applicable visitor’s tax, bed taxes and parking fees are not included in the price and must be paid locally. All prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and in compliance with the Corona Protection Ordinance. Additional overnight stay possible on request.