The Rhine Cycle Route provides fine views over the Rhine, which has often been immortalised in story and song, as well as over untouched riverside forests with rich varied flora and fauna.
The cycle path also leads through picturesque towns, villages and wine growing areas. The region boasts a wealth of popular touristic destinations and cultural sites as well as of culinary specialities.
You cannot miss a short detour to the Neckar River and to Heidelberg, a marvellous city steeped in history. Words are useless to describe the beautiful landscape, the unique cultural sites and the regional delicacies: you simply have to experience them yourself!
Day 1 (Sat): Arrival to Mainz
Make your own way to Mainz. Embarkation will be from 3:00 – 5:00p.m.
Depending on your arrival time, you may have the chance today to explore the capital of Rhineland - Palatinate. You will find here lovingly restored half-timbered houses and the Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Martin.
Day 2 (Sun): Mainz - Nierstein, Cycle Tour approx . 20 km / Boat Tour Nierstein - Worms
A short first ride today will leave you with plenty of time to indulge yoursel. Tou will ride along the Rhine Cycle Route, which is on well-paved cycle ways and runs directly alongside the Rhine, to Nierstein. With almost 1,000 Hectare of viticulture area, Nierstein is home to the largest wine-growing community on the Rhine. Wander around the historic Old Town where you will find a charming medieval market square and noble houses. In the afternoon, you will sail from Nierstein to Worms. Guests, who would like to cycle a longer stretch, can ride all theway from Mainz to Worms. (cycle distance Mainz - Worms approx. 60 km).
Day 3 (Mon): Worms - Mannheim, Cycle Tour approx. 45 km
Today's cycle ride will start from the imperial city of Worms. It will be a pleasant ride through vast fields and meadows. The beautiful cycle trail across the Friesenheim Island is a welcome detour away from the opposite Rhine bank which is dominated by the BASF plant. A few kilometres further on, you will reach Mannheim, at the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Neckar, where your ship will waiting to take you onwards. Make the most of the afternoon, and take a stroll through Mannheim, the City of Squares, up to the Baroque castle.
Day 4: Mannheim – Heidelberg - Mannheim, Cycle Tour approx. 60 km
The route today will follow the course of the marvellous Neckar River up to Heidelberg. It is worthwhile today making a short stop at Ladenburg, the ancient Roman City, which now styles itself as the oldest town in Germany. Its historic Old Town is well worth a visit. Visible already from afar, the ruin of the Heidelberg Castle towers over the Old Town. Alternatively, you can take a relaxing stroll across the famous Heidelberg Sandstone Bridge, or through the winding lanes and charming squares of the Old Town. The return ride will lead you through the heart of the Electoral Palatinate along the Kurpfalzruot cycle way to Schwetzingen Castle. The famous ornate gardens are the perfect placeto relax and enjoy a short break before continuing along the Rhine Cycle Route to Mannheim, where you will find yourself back in the buzz of city life.
Day 5 (Wed): Mannheim - Speyer; Cycle Tour approx. 20 km
Riding at the side of the numerous oxbow lakes of the Old Rhine; you will make your way to today’s destination, the cathedral city of Speyer. Enjoy today's shorter ride through unspoilt nature, areas that are designated Natural Nature Reserves and natural flood plains. The Speyer Cathedral was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981.
Day 6: Speyer - Germersheim, Cycle Tour approx. 25 km / Boat tour Germersheim - Gambsheim
By bike, continue your tour through the Palatinate region past oxbow lakes and untouched nature. Look forward to visiting the old fortified town of Germersheim with its numerous picturesque lanes, corners and squares. Enjoy the evening boat tour to Gambsheim; you can enjoy a glass of fine wine on deck or in the saloon,while you relive all your highlights of the day.
Day 7: Gambsheim/Freistett - Strasbourg, Cycle Tour approx. 25 km
On your last cycle stretch, enjoy an easy ride along the river through the gentle Rhine plain,until you reach the capital of the Alsace, the city of Strasbourg, characterized by its countless charming channels. Stroll to the Strasbourg Minster, the landmark of the city, through the picturesque tanners’ quarter, where you will find historic half - timbered houses. Enjoy your own little piece of the French joie de vivre, as the end of your journey approaches.
Day 8 (Sat): Departure from Strasburg (Kehl)
After breakfast disembarkation until 9:00a.m. It is time to either extend your journey, or begin to make your way home.
The quality of the cycle ways along this route is excellent. Most of the way is paved or asphalted and does not have any gradients of note. This makes the trip suitable even for unpractised cyclists.
Total distance cycled: 197 km
Route Map (For guidance only):
Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.
Tour Details (All times are subject to change):
We recommend flying to Frankfurt airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.
Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.
We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Rail Europe for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.
Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0161 703 8161 for more specific travel advice.
You do not need to go back to the starting point of the cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.
Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
The Bike & Barge: Mainz to Strasbourg cycling holiday includes accommodation on-board the MS Olympia and local support if required.
Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
Services not included:
Journey to Mainz and from Strasbourg, shuttles, entrance fees and excursions, bike rental, ferry fares, travel insurances, parking fee, drinks on board, tips.
About the Rental Bikes
This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes based on KTM frame technology, Selle Royal saddles, Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres to ensure that you have an enjoyable cycle tour. The bikes feature modern V-brakes, aluminium frames with mudguards, comfortable saddles and a rack for a supplied waterproof pannier.
You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation when riding your daily itinerary. Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.
Unisex Bike (Colour may vary)
Men's Bike (Colour may vary)
Electric Bike (Colour may vary)
Accessories
If you would like GPX files for a suitable device, please request them at the time of booking. Devices are not provided and please make sure that you bring along with you any fittings required to attach the Garmin (or similar) to the handlebars. You might want to download maps onto your phone to avoid data charges when roaming.
All bikes are provided with standard flat pedals. You can bring your own cycling pedals, but ensure that you have the correct tools to remove the pedals if the tour does not have a welcome meeting. You may also not be able to travel through airports with the tools if you are carrying hand luggage only.
You can rent a men's bike with a crossbar, unisex/female bike with a sloping tube or an electric bike for a supplement.
Gears
7 speed bikes are equipped with a Shimano Nexus gear hub and 21 speed bikes have a Shimano Alivio derailleur. We request 21 speed bikes for all cycling holidays (when available).
Frame Sizing
When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Unisex frame 21-gears with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm. Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedalling brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm. Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 "sloping" cm. Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use.
We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday!
Bike Hire Insurance
This cycle tour benefits from bike insurance against rental bike theft and damage in the holiday price. Please make sure you lock up the bike, leave it where told by the hotel and treat your hire bicycle as if the bike was your own. Any negligent treatment of the bike will exempt you from cover. We advise you to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance for your cycling holiday prior to arrival.
Electric Bike Hire
Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 120 km for each full charge depending on usage.
E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
MS Olympia
Comfortable and cosy river ship with family environment. The ship was refurbished in 2015/2016. The panoramic salon with bar in gentlemens club-style and the bright and friendly restaurant are waiting for you to pass relaxing hours here. A spacious, partly shaded sun deck and storage space for bicycles.
A total of 49 comfortable outside cabins for a max. of 96 guests are available.
Main deck: 21 two-bed-cabins (about 11m²).
Upper deck: 22 two-bed-cabins (about 11m²), 4 cabins of bigger size at the stern of the ship (12m²), 3 of which feature twin beds; during the trip increased noise perception as well as two single cabins about 9m². All cabins boast en-suite bathroom, hair dryer, telephone, TV, individual air conditioning/heating, fridge, safe, and large panoramic window. On the Upper deck, cabins feature opening windows.
Technical Details: Length 88.50 m. Width 10.50 m. Draught 1.30 m. Capacity max. 96 passengers. Flag Switzerland. Built 1984. Refurbished 2015/2016. Crew ca. 21
You can find out more about this cycling holiday by calling 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.
Ship | Route Summary |
MS Olympia | Mainz to Strasbourg |
Dates | Arrival Day |
5th-12th June 2021 | Saturday |
25th September – 2nd October 2021 | Saturday |
Cabin Type | Prices per person |
2 Bed - Main Deck | £975.00 |
2 Bed - Upper Deck Rear | £1115.00 |
2 Bed - Upper Deck Single Use | £1165.00 |
1 Bed - Upper Deck Single Use | £1355.00 |
2 Bed - Main Deck Single Use | £1260.00 |
Rental Bike | £70 |
Electric Bike Upgrade | £155 |
Date From | Date To |
---|---|
05 June 2021 | 12 June 2021 |
25 September 2021 | 02 October 2021 |