Itinerary

Individual arrival in Mainz. Embarkation from 4:00 p.m. Perhaps there will be time to explore the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate with its lovingly restored half-timbered houses and the Romanesque Cathedral of St. Martin?

A short stage and plenty of time to enjoy yourself: cycle along the Rhine on well-maintained cycle paths on the Rhine Cycle Route to Nierstein. With almost 1,000 hectares of vineyards, Nierstein is the largest wine-growing community on the Rhine. Visit the historic town center with its medieval market square and noble houses. In the afternoon, take a boat trip from Nierstein to Worms. For those who would like to cycle more, there is the option of cycling from Mainz to Worms (Mainz-Worms cycle tour approx. 60 km).

You will start today's cycling stage in the imperial city of Worms. Enjoy cycling past extensive fields and meadows. The beautiful cycle path across Friesenheimer Insel offers a wonderful contrast to the BASF headquarters on the opposite bank of the Rhine. A few kilometers further on, you will reach the confluence of the Neckar and Rhine rivers in Mannheim, where your ship will be waiting for you. Spend the afternoon taking a detour through the “city of squares” of Mannheim to the baroque palace. The moated castle is also worth a visit.

Today, follow the beautiful Neckar River by bike to Heidelberg. The Roman town of Ladenburg with its historic old town is worth a short stop. Visible from afar, the ruins of Heidelberg Castle tower over the old town. Stroll across the famous Heidelberg sandstone bridge or through the winding alleys and dreamy squares of the old town. The way back takes you through the heart of the Kurpfalz region via the Kurpfalz Route to Schwetzingen Palace. It's worth taking a short break here in the palace gardens before you dive back into the bustling city life of Mannheim along the Rhine Cycle Route.

Today's route takes you along the numerous branches of the Old Rhine to the cathedral city of Speyer. Enjoy the short cycling stage through unspoiled areas that are designated as nature reserves and natural floodplains. Speyer Cathedral has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.

Cycle through the Palatinate countryside along the old arms of the Rhine through seemingly untouched nature. Look forward to the old fortified town of Germersheim with its many beautiful alleys, corners, and squares. Enjoy the boat trip to Gambsheim and reflect on the day's experiences with a delicious glass of wine on deck or in the saloon.

On the last stage of the cycle tour, you will cycle leisurely along the river to Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, with its many canals. Visit Strasbourg Cathedral, the city's landmark, or the picturesque tanners' quarter with its historic half-timbered houses and enjoy a taste of French joie de vivre to round off your trip.

After breakfast: Disembarkation and end of your journey.

Tour character

Easy

The quality of the cycle paths is excellent. The cycle path mostly runs along paved cycle paths and embankments or quiet country roads without any significant inclines. This trip is therefore also suitable for inexperienced cyclists.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Services & extras

Services

Included Services

7 nights’ accommodation in an outside cabin of the MS Olympia with shower/toilet in the booked cabin category
Programme according to the itinerary from Mainz to Strasbourg
Welcome drink
Daily cabin cleaning
Bedding and towel changes as needed
Full board: 7x breakfast, 6x lunch snack on board (non cyclists) or packed lunch for cyclists, 6x coffee and tea in the afternoon, 7x three-course dinner
All port and lock dues
Daily bike tour meeting
On-board tour guidance
Digital travel documents in the navigation app, including GPS data for cycling tours

Not included Services

Arrival and departure
transfers
bike rentals
entrance and sightseeing fees
city maps
travel insurance
gratuities and personal expenses

Arrival/Parking

Parking garage at the main train station, approx. € 55,00 per week (not guarded, no reservations in advance possible)
Mainz railway station, approx. 3 km from the pier.

Embarkation at 4:00 pm, disembarkation after breakfast at 9:00 am.

Rental bikes on board: smooth-running 7-gear unisex bicycle with hand and back pedal brake and saddle bag, made by Velo de Ville (special design for SE-Tours). Electric bicycle (limited number, an early booking is necessary). Please indicate your body height when you book

To bring your own bike: on request only – due to lack of space on sundeck.

Bike tours: the bike tours are individual and unguided. They cover distances between 15 and 45 km. All of the stated kilometre distances are approximate distances for the recommended bike tours.

Languages on board: German, English

Bike routes/level of difficulty: you will mostly be biking on car-free paths, rural country roads with little traffic and asphalted bike lanes but also on dusty field paths and dirt roads, with a few short sections on federal highways. “Pleasure-biking” - The routes are mostly flat with some hilly parts, although there will be a few steep inclines and downgrades.

If you don’t feel like a bike ride on a particular day, you can spend the day on the ship.

Luggage: please make sure that your vacation luggage includes good rainproof gear (jacket and pants), a bike helmet, a sun hat and sunscreen as well as tennis shoes.

Schedule/timetable: the schedule and programme are always subject to change.

If a certain route cannot be taken due to high or low tides, the Skipper retains the right to change the route for reasons of safety without this constituting any legal entitlement to a claim.

Because your boat will generally dock at the next port on the same day, your time frame for some activities and sight-seeing will be limited.

Due to a very low overhead clearance of some bridges the sundeck will be closed from time to time. Optional guided walking tours in Szczecin: can be booked on board only. Depending on the number of participants the excursion could be carried out in 2 languages (German/ English).

Travel Documents: EU-citizens (without special situations like dual citizenship, main residence abroad or a limited-validity passport) are required to have a valid passport or ID-card, not expiring within six(6) months of the return of your cruise. We kindly ask non-EU citizens, EU-nationals with multiple citizenship or anybody who has to respect special legal entry requirements for the country to visit, to inform about visa and entry documents at the competent embassy.

This trip is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.

Further information

Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!