The itinerary of this semi-guided bike & barge tour on Germany’s oldest trade route – the River Rhine – reads like an excursion into history: the Dome of Worms, Nibelungen Gate, the historic old town and castle ruin of Heidelberg, the intimidating fortification of Koblenz. Between all these places you cycle through lovely little historic villages with half-timbered houses, small alleys and then again past vineyards and idyllic river meadows. Enjoy a varied and hugely interesting cycle break with warm and welcoming climate. 

This tour is also offered in the opposite direction, ie. from Bad Wimpfen to Koblenz. See dates below.

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY 

Day 1: Arriving in Koblenz

Individual arrival at the ship in Koblenz Harbour. The crew welcomes you on board. Experiencing the Old-town on your own is recommended. Embarcation begins at 4 p.m. however you may drop off your bags earlier than that.

Day 2: Koblenz – Boppard – Rudesheim – 45 km

In the morning we cruise to Boppard in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage area! After distribution of the rental bikes you cycle on the left side of river Rhine past castles and fortresses and through the valley of Lorelei to Rüdesheim! Overnight stay in Rüdesheim (Drosselgasse) or Bingen.

Day 3: Rudesheim to Mainz – 35 km

The many picturesque houses and the beautiful landscape along the way from Rüdesheim to Mainz make your bike tour an experience. Mainz has numerous churches, museums and historical monuments, e.g. the Cathedral or the Electors Palace, one of the most magnificent of the residences on the Middle Rhine. Discover the city on a guided tour.

Day 4: Mainz – Nierstein  – 17 to 26 km

Today you cycle along the beautiful riverbank from Mainz to Nierstein, the biggest wine growing village along the river Rhine. Lunch on board. In the afternoon you explore the vineyards with a tractor, before the day ends with wine and a rustic dinner at a vineyard (optional, bookable on board).

Day 5: Nierstein – Mannheim – Heidelberg – 25 km

Before noon the boat brings you past Worms to Mannheim. Then by bike to the Celtic city of Ladenburg, where you will meet the River Neckar for the first time. A short section along this river and you are in Heidelberg where your boat is awaiting you already. You should plan a stroll through Heidelberg this afternoon and we recommend visiting the palace. You have the possibility to book a guided city tour (optional).

Day 6: Heidelberg – Eberbach – 34 km

From Heidelberg you cycle via Ziegelhausen and through Odenwald to Neckarstein. You reach via Hirschhorn, the old city Eberbach which is today’s goal. Enjoy the cheerful life of this city during a stroll through the narrow alleys and small squares.
Optional: Guided city tour with a night watchman, who will show you “his” city..

Day 7: Eberbach – Bad Wimpfen 45 km

After breakfast you will have the energy to bike to Neckarzimmern. A short trip to Hornberg Castle will be very interesting. This castle is one of the most beautiful in the Neckar valley, formerly the home of the bishops of Speyer. Our destination today is Bad Wimpfen – the city where emperor “Friedrich 1 Barbarossa” lived.

Day 8: Bad Wimpfen

After breakfast it will be time to say goodbye. Public transport is available to take you back to Koblenz in about 4 hours, or in about 30 minutes to Stuttgart central station, where you have  access to ICE trains in all directions.

MS Patria – 3+ star

On the Rhine and Neckar, the MS PATRIA, which can accommodate a max. of 68 guests, is your sailing home. The ship is modernized for boat bike tours and provides 15 cabins on the main deck and 19 cabins on the upper deck. All cabins are small and practical (approx. 7 m²), with two beds at a right angle, with window (to be opened on the upper deck, but for safety reasons fixed on the main deck), shower + toilet, individually regulated air conditioning in all cabins on the main deck, as well in the restaurant and salon. This authentic ship has a nice salon with bar and large windows in front of the top deck and a separate restaurant on the main deck. On the partially covered sun deck there are tables + chairs for all guests, as well as a cycle shed. The ship sails under a Dutch Flag.

RATING – Easy

Mostly paved cycle paths along the rivers, with a few small hills; Some public roads in the cities; suitable for novice cyclists, families, and experienced cyclists alike. Total of approx. 210 km of cycling over six days.

AIRPORT / TRANSFERS

The nearest international airport is Frankfurt, with regular rail transfers available directly from the terminal (75 minutes). These are available at approx. $45.00 one way.

TOUR SCHEDULE  & PRICE

2019 departure Dates:

This tour includes: 

• 7 nights accommodation in a Main deck cabin with porthole, air-con, and shower/toilet
• 7 days x full board meal plan (3 meals per day)
• coffee and cake until 4.30pm daily
• daily cleaning service / towels are changed upon request
• welcome drink and orientation on your first evening
• detailed maps and documentation
• modern 7-speed touring bicycles with insurance, paniers, lock, and both caliper and back-pedal brakes. 21 speed bikes also possible, subject to availability
• all harbour, lock, and bridge fees
• tour guide aboard the barge to give daily briefings (bi-lingual German/English)

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