Germany's Riverside Heritage and Culture by Bike and Boat

(0)
7 nights
28 miles/day
Guided from EUR € 1495
Countries: Germany
Rider Level: Recreational Electric bike tours Primarily bike paths Bike and boat tours

Germany's Riverside Heritage and Culture by Bike and Boat

(0)

Rider Level: Recreational Electric bike tours Primarily bike paths Bike and boat tours

7 nights
28 miles/day

Guided from EUR € 1495
Bike and Boat Tour aboard Zwaan or Iris
Countries: Germany

Tap above to jump to different sections of this tour

  • Unveiling history and charm along the Rhine, Mosel, and Main

    This bike and boat tour offers a fantastic mix of history, charming towns, and culture along the Rhine, Mosel, and Main rivers. Pedal through scenic routes during the day, exploring medieval castles, cozy villages, and lively cities. At night, relax on the boat and enjoy the beautiful views.

    Each stop along the route offers something special, making this river cruise truly memorable. Discover the mythical Lorelei Rock in St. Goar; enjoy Rüdesheim's winemaking traditions and lively Drosselgasse; explore the rich history of Mainz, rooted in its Roman origins; and discover the iconic Renaissance-era Johannisburg Castle in Aschaffenburg. After an active day of cycling and exploring, return to the Zwaan, a cozy barge known for its high-quality dining and friendly atmosphere.

    This tour offers the best balance between adventure and relaxation, with the addition of history, culture, and charm for an unforgettable trip!

    • Biking the Mosel River in Germany!
    • Biking the Mosel River in Germany!
    • Biking the Mosel River in Germany!
    • Cochem, Germany. CC:Asif Masimov
    • Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Kiran Eddy@Unsplash
    • Apple Strudel cake in Rüdesheim, Germany. Cat@Flickr
    • Reichsburg in Cochem, Germany. CC:Steffen Schmitz
    • Cochem along the River Mosel. Frans Berkelaar@Flickr

    View more photos

    Highlights

    • Cochem - charming castle town along the Mosel River.

    • Koblenz - historic town where the Rhine-Mosel meet.

    • Rüdesheim - known for its wine culture and the bustling lane, Drosselgasse.

    • Mainz - preserved architecture and baroque churches

    • Frankfurt - modern city with reconstructed 'Aldstat'.

    • Lorelei Rock and its enchanting folklore

    • Vineyards and scenic Rhine landscapes.


  • CC-BY-SA-2.0 - Mainz, Germany's many half-timbered buildings! Urko Korronsoro@Flickr' data-type='image'> Mainz, Germany's many half-timbered buildings! Urko Korronsoro@Flickr
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Cochem, Germany. CC:Asif Masimov' data-type='image'> Cochem, Germany. CC:Asif Masimov
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Reichsburg in Cochem, Germany. CC:Steffen Schmitz' data-type='image'> Reichsburg in Cochem, Germany. CC:Steffen Schmitz
    CC-BY-ND-2.0 - Cochem along the River Mosel. Frans Berkelaar@Flickr' data-type='image'> Cochem along the River Mosel. Frans Berkelaar@Flickr
    CC0 - Schnitzel & Spargel in Germany. CC:Roldan Tanglao' data-type='image'> Schnitzel & Spargel in Germany. CC:Roldan Tanglao
    CC-BY-ND-2.0 - Cochem along the River Mosel. Frans Berkelaar@Flickr' data-type='image'> Cochem along the River Mosel. Frans Berkelaar@Flickr
    CC-BY-SA-2.0 - Many great German beers to try! Maria Eklind@Flickr' data-type='image'> Many great German beers to try! Maria Eklind@Flickr
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Cochem, Germany. CC:Holger Weinandt' data-type='image'> Cochem, Germany. CC:Holger Weinandt
    CC-BY-2.0 - Riesling wines in Germany. Aironik@Flickr' data-type='image'> Riesling wines in Germany. Aironik@Flickr

    Germany's Riverside Heritage and Culture by Bike and Boat

     Tour Description Daily Program 

  • Daily program

    • Day 1: Cochem
      The tour begins in Cochem, a charming town famous for its wines and the stunning Reichsburg Castle. You can begin to board the ship between 2 pm and 3 pm. Take a moment to meet fellow travelers, guides, and the crew over a cup of coffee or tea. Settle in before joining your guide at dinner to discuss plans for the week ahead, including cycling routes and safety tips.

      Day 2: Cochem - Koblenz (25 miles/41 km)
      The first stop on today's journey is Burg Eltz, privately owned by the same family for over 33 generations and showcasing an extraordinary mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture across its 850-year history. This medieval marvel, nestled on a rocky spur and filled with a collection of medieval artifacts, including weaponry, armor, and art, has remained unscathed by wars. Following this visit, cruise to Koblenz where you'll spend the evening enjoying its stunning riverside scenery.

      Day 3: Koblenz - St. Goar (17 miles/37 km)
      Today's route leads from Koblenz to the town of Boppard with its medieval architecture, lush vineyards, and picturesque landscapes. From here, continue to St. Goar, where you can explore the quaint streets and catch sight of the legendary Lorelei Rock, steeped in the captivating tale of a maiden whose song entranced passing sailors.

      Day 4: St. Goar - Rüdesheim (21 miles/33 km)
      Begin the day cruising along the Loreley section of the Rhine River, featuring views of the fabled cliffs and picturesque vineyard-covered slopes. Stop at Rüdesheim, a town known for its winemaking heritage, and explore the lively Drosselgasse, a cobblestone street lined with shops, wine taverns and lively pubs.

      Day 5: Rüdesheim - Mainz (22 miles/35 km)
      Today's route traverses rolling vineyards and idyllic wine villages alongside the Rhine. The destination is Mainz, a vibrant Rhine River city known for its historic landmarks and attractions like the Mainz Cathedral and Gutenberg Museum. Take time to visit the Old Town, with its half-timbered houses, Baroque-style churches, markets and cafes.

      Day 6: Mainz- Frankfurt am Main (28 miles/45 km)
      Cycle along the Main River to Frankfurt, a modern financial hub. This city hosts a skyline dominated by sleek skyscrapers, constructed following the mass destruction of World War II, earning it the nickname "Mainhattan" due to its resemblance to Manhattan. However, within the contemporary architecture is the reconstructed Old Town ("Altstadt"), showcasing traditional German architecture. The city also boasts renowned museums and a diverse culinary scene, blending culture and contemporary allure.

      Day 7: Frankfurt am Main - Aschaffenburg (28 miles/45 km)
      Begin the last day of cycling along a path to Seligenstadt, with its winding alleys, timber-framed houses, and the stunning Basilica of St. Marcellinus and Peter. Following a visit here, take a quick ferry ride and continue to Hanau, a historic town recognized as the birthplace of the renowned Grimm Brothers, famous for their fairy tales. Continue cycling until you reach the town of Aschaffenburg, adorned with the majestic Johannisburg Palace, a splendid Renaissance palace complex. Here you will meet the barge for your final night.

      Day 8: Aschaffenburg
      Following one last delicious breakfast, disembark the boat by 10 am.

    • Day 1: Aschaffenburg
      The tour begins in the lovely city of Aschaffenburg with its shops and terraces. Boarding on the Zwaan begins between 2 pm and 3 pm. Take a moment to meet the crew and receive your bike before taking a stroll around the city. Aschaffenburg is known for the impressive Johannisburg Castle overseeing the Main River. This large palace, built between 1605 and 1614, showcases German Renaissance architecture. You may also opt to visit the Pompejanum, a replica of a Roman Village from the 19th century.

      Day 2: Aschaffenburg - Frankfurt am Main (28 miles/45 km)
      Your cycling journey begins at Hanau, the birthplace of the famous Grimm Brothers. After crossing the Main River via a small ferry, the path guides you to the quaint town of Seligenstadt, known for its winding alleys, basilica, and medieval-style half-timbered houses. End the day cycling to Frankfurt. This city hosts a skyline dominated by sleek skyscrapers, constructed following the mass destruction of World War II, earning it the nickname "Mainhattan" due to its resemblance to Manhattan. However, within the contemporary architecture is the reconstructed Old Town ("Altstadt"), showcasing traditional German architecture. The city also boasts renowned museums and a diverse culinary scene, blending culture and contemporary allure.

      Day 3: Frankfurt am Main - Mainz (28 miles/45 km)
      Cycling away from the Main, today's path leads to the Rhine and the city of Mainz, a vibrant Rhine River city known for its historic landmarks like the Mainz Cathedral and Gutenberg Museum. Take time to visit the Old Town, with its half-timbered houses, Baroque-style churches, markets and cafes.

      Day 4: Mainz - Rüdesheim (22 miles/35 km)
      Today's shorter route allows ample time to enjoy the day's destination: the charming town of Ruedesheim. Pedal through vineyards and wine villages alongside the Rhine, where it widens to 800 meters, creating small islands. Wander through the lively "Drosselgasse" known for its vibrant music and savor the local wines. This quaint, short street, spanning 144 meters, is paved with thousands of stones. You can also opt for a cable car ride offering breathtaking views of the Rhine Valley or explore Asbach's center, renowned for producing German Brandy locally since 1892

      Day 5: Rüdesheim - St. Goar (21 miles/33 km)
      Begin the day cruising along the Rhine with views of the fabled cliffs and picturesque vineyard-covered slopes. From here, continue to St. Goar, where you can explore the quaint streets and catch sight of the legendary Lorelei Rock, steeped in the captivating tale of a maiden whose song entranced passing sailors.

      Day 6: St. Goar - Koblenz (17 miles/37 km)
      Today's route leads from St. Goar to the town of Boppard with its medieval architecture, lush vineyards, and picturesque landscapes. Boppard is also host the oldest preserved Roman fortress walls north of the Alps. From here, the path continues through idyllic wine villages to the city of Koblenz.

      Day 7: Koblenz - Cochem (25 miles/41 km)
      On this final day of cycling, you'll journey to Burg Eltz, privately owned by the same family for over 33 generations and showcasing an extraordinary mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture across its 850-year history. This medieval marvel, nestled on a rocky spur and filled with a collection of medieval artifacts, including weaponry, armor, and art, has remained unscathed by wars. Following this visit, continue to Cochem, a charming town famous for its wines and the stunning Reichsburg Castle

      Day 8: Cochem
      Following one last delicious breakfast, disembark the boat by 10 am.

    Surface and terrain

    The tour has relaxed cycling, which follows a flat terrain route with occasional hills.


    Boats


    How to get there

    Tour start

    Cochem

    The mooring place of the barge in Cochem is along the Mosel. The nearest airport to the embarkation point is Frankfurt Airport (FRA). From the airport, you can take the train to Cochem (appx. 2 hours). For the exact departure times and prices check Deutschebahn. From the station, you can opt to walk (appx. 1 mile) or take a taxi to the mooring place of the barge (appx. 5 minutes).

    Aschaffenburg

    The mooring place of the barge in Aschaffenburg is along the Main. The nearest airport to the embarkation point is Frankfurt Airport (FRA). From the airport, you can take the train to Aschaffenburg (appx. 1 hour). For the exact departure times and prices check Deutschebahn. From the station, you may opt to walk (appx. 1 mile) or take a taxi to the barge (appx. 5 minutes).

    Tour End

    Aschaffenburg

    Following the debarkation in Aschaffenburg, you can take the train back to Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Travel time is about 1 hour. For the exact departure times and prices, please refer to Deutschebahn.

    Cochem

    Following the debarkation in Cochem, you can take the train back to Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Travel time is about 2 hours. For the exact departure times and prices, please refer to Deutschebahn.


    Germany's Riverside Heritage and Culture by Bike and Boat

     Tour Photos Dates & Prices 

  • Dates

    • Cochem - Aschaffenburg

      May 20, 2024

      Aschaffenburg - Cochem

      Jun 24, 2024

    • Aschaffenburg - Cochem

      Sept 7, 2024

    Prices

    • Per person, double occupancy
      Front cabin (small) €1495
      Twin cabin €1735
      Luxury cabin €1955
      Single-use cabin (1 person/1 cabin)
      Front cabin €2255

      *Please note that the tour prices are based on the current fuel price. If the fuel price increases more than 5% (reference date March 2023), a supplement may be added after a reservation has been made.

      Bike Rentals

      Standard touring bike €110
      Electrically-assisted bike €220

      *bike insurance included with rental

      Additional Options

      Gluten-free or vegan meals €75

      Discounts

      Child, ages 0-2 sharing a room with at least 1 full paying adult (on base package price) 100%
      Child, ages 3-11 sharing a room with at least 1 full paying adult (on base package price) 30%
    • Per person, double occupancy €1780
      Single-use cabin (1 person/1 cabin) On request

      Bike Rentals

      Standard touring bike €110
      Electrically-assisted bike €220

    Included services

      • 7 nights accommodation in booked cabin style
      • Full board: 7x breakfast, 7x dinner, and packaged lunch for cycle days.
      • Coffee and tea on board
      • Tour guide for daily cycle routes
      • 3x guided city walks
      • Free WiFi (limited availability in lounge and on deck)
      • Route book and information pack (1 set per cabin); GPS tracks (upon request)
      • Ferry fares on the route

      Please note that special dietary needs can be accommodated upon request. Extra fees may apply; gluten-free/Celiac/vegan/lactose-free meals are an additional €75 charge. When ordered upon arrival, the additional charge is €100 per person, to be paid on location. Please inform us of dietary requirements when booking your tour to avoid this increased fee, and ensure we can accommodate your specific needs.

      • 7 nights accommodation in climate-controlled cabins
      • Daily cabin cleaning
      • 7x breakfast, 6x dinner, and packaged lunch for cycle days
      • Coffee and tea on board
      • Tour guide for daily cycle routes
      • Guided tour at Burg Eltz
      • Cable car fare
      • Ferry fares on the route

    Bike rentals

    Bikes available to be rented (booked in advance at the time of booking) include: 

    Zwaan

    • Standard touring bike, 24-speed
    • Electrically assisted bicycle, 24-speed, detachable lithium-Ion battery, unisex*

    All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge: 

    • Pannier bag
    • Lock
    • Water bottle

    Iris

    • Standard touring bike, 8-speed
    • Electrically assisted bicycle*

    All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge: 

    • Lock
    • Rear Rack

    *More about electrically-assisted bikes >

    Bike Protection:
    Bike protection included with rental

    Pedals:
    The bikes will have either have flat (Zwaan) or platform (Iris) pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.

    Helmets:
    Helmets are included with your bike rental. For safety and hygiene purposes, we recommend you bring your own or plan to purchase one upon arrival.

     


    Tour Company


    Germany's Riverside Heritage and Culture by Bike and Boat

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    Germany's Riverside Heritage and Culture by Bike and Boat

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