The Via Romana –Experience Roman history

Follow in the footsteps of the Romans on the historic “Via Romana” themed route – that's the motto of this circular bike tour. Between Nijmegen and Xanten, you will discover numerous relics from Roman times on the former Roman road.

For over 400 years, the Rhine was both, the border and the main traffic artery of the Romans. It marked the outer border 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 city of Colonia Ulpia Traiana, known today as Xanten, is still characterized by this period and has a rich Roman heritage.

The mighty Gothic St. Victor's Cathedral, which dominates the cityscape of Xanten, also bears witness to 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 Lower German Limes has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This also includes the LVR Archaeological Park Xanten with Roman Museum, where you can learn about how the Romans lived.

On another day trip, explore Nijmegen, or Noviomagus as the Romans called it. The oldest city in the Netherlands can look back on a 2.000-year history. We recommend visiting the Het Valkhof museum with its impressive archaeological collection. The Romans built a stone fortress or castle on the Valkhof, which Emperor Charlemagne later converted into one of his palaces.

Enjoy the beauty of the countryside along the rivers Rhine and Waal. On your day trip to Cuijk, you will cycle past the Kraaijenbergse Plassen (lakes). In Kalkar, discover the medieval town center and the venerable St. Nicolai Church with its nine Flemish carved altars. Take a break under the old court linden tree and let your gaze wander over the town hall square. Here, your vacation becomes an experience!

Included

• 5 nights' accommodation including a generous breakfast
• 1 x 3-course meal in Kalkar
• 1 x admission to the LVR Archaeological Park Xanten and LVR Roman Museum
• 1 x admission to the Museum Schloss Moyland
• Luggage transport from hotel to hotel
• tour description and gps-tracks

Tour distance

278 km

Tour itinerary

1.Day | Arrival in Kleve

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

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

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

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

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

Accommodation

elaya hotel kleve****, Kleve

Landhaus Beckmann****, Kalkar-Kehrum

Travel period

1. March to 1. November

Arrival

daily possible, except Thursdays

Early booker (till 28.02.2026)

Double room per person          from € 549.00

Single room per person            from € 719.00

Optional add-on:

Map material including postage and shipping € 20.00

Notes

Any visitor's tax, bed tax, and parking fees are not included in the price and must be paid on site. All prices are subject to availability at the time of booking. Additional nights are available on request.