Explore the river valleys of by the Rhine and Neckar by Bike and Barge on this unique self-guided holiday through Germany. Combine riding with river cruising as you sail and cycle from Bad Wimpfen to Koblenz, and visit the old town of Eberbach, and the famous cities of Heidelberg and Mainz.
You will stay on the comfortable MS Patria and each day will bring a new adventure as you explore the beautiful scenery, pretty towns and cultural attractions of this famous region.
Day 1 (Sat): Arrival in Bad Wimpfen
Embarkation from 4 p.m., you will be welcomed on board by the crew. This evening you can spend exploring Bad Wimpfen, where you will spend the night, or relaxing onboard.
Day 2 (Sun): Bad Wimpfen–Eberbach, Cycle tour approx.45 km
Your first ride will take you to Neckarzimmern, from here you can go either by bike or on foot to the castle Burg Hornberg, where Götz von Berlichingen once lived. You will continue your bike tour to the picturesque, old town of Eberbach, the day's destination.
Day 3 (Mon): Eberbach–Heidelberg, Cycle tour approx.34 km
The first destination of the day is the “Pearl of the Neckar valley”: Hirschhorn. You will then cycle through the Odenwald to Neckarsteinach, before heading via Ziegelhausen to Heidelberg.We strongly recommend taking a walk through the old town, and making a visit to the castle.
Day 4 (Tue): Heidelberg–Mannheim, Cycle tour approx. 25km | Boat tour Mannheim–Nierstein
You will head out from Heidelberg today. Across the Neckar you will have the perfect view over to Heidelberg and its castle. As you continue, you will eventually reach Mannheim, where you will leave the valleys of the Neckar behind. The ship will be waiting for you when you reach Mannheim and, over lunch, will sail over to Nierstein, a popular destination for exploring vineyards.
Day 5 (Wed): Nierstein–Mainz, cycle tour approx. 17-26 km
Your day will begin in the biggest vine growing community on the river Rhine, from where you will cycle to Mainz. Romance, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque; today you can discover everything the city of Mainz has to offer.
Day 6 (Thu): Mainz–Rüdesheim, cycle tour approx. 32-35km
Picturesque houses and a breath taking landscape will characterize your ride from Mainz to Rüdesheim; making this bike tour an especially aesthetically enjoyable experience. The heart of Rüdesheim's old town is a meeting place for locals and visitors from all over the world. Overnight you will stay in either Bingen or Rüdesheim.
Day 7 (Fri): Rüdesheim–Boppard, cycle tour approx. 46 km | Boat tour Boppard–Koblenz
You will follow the river, on the left bank, to Boppard, where you can enjoy the view of the unforgettable Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO Word Heritage site. As you ride, you will pass castles and palaces and the celebrated Rock of Lorelei.Later, this afternoon, MS PATRIA will take you to the final destination on the tour, Koblenz where the rivers Rhine and Moselle meet.
Day 8 (Sat): Departure from Koblenz
After breakfast you will disembark: End of tour.
The quality of the bike paths is very good. You cycle mostly on roads with no or less traffic, side roads and asphalted bike paths along the banks, no noteworthy climbs. Therefore this journey is suitable also for unexercised cyclists. All mentioned distances of recommended bike tours are approximate.
Total distance cycled: 211 km
Route Map (For guidance only):
Routes may be 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 Cologne 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: Koblenz to Bad Wimpfen cycling holiday includes accommodation on-board the barge and local support if required.
Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
Not Included
About the Rental Bikes
This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes. Quality Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres are among the components that will ensure you have an enjoyable cycle tour.
You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation while. 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)
Rental Bike PLUS
E - 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. Please ensure you bring 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.
Gearing information available on request.
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. They have a range of around 120 km for each full charge.
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 Patria
A rustic, comfortable river boat with restaurant and saloon with small bar (air-conditioned). Partially roofed sun deck with seats and storage for bikes. Length 68 m, breadth 7.70 m, space for 66 guests, Dutch flag and captaincy.
14 cabins with air-conditioning on the cabin deck/main deck (windows cannot be opened), 19 cabins on the upper deck/promenade deck (no air-conditioning, windows can be opened), only twin-bed cabins (about 7 sqm, 2 separate beds), shower/toilet. A word concerning meals on board: good and plenty of plain fare is awaiting you.
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 Patria | Koblenz to Bad Wimpfen |
Season | Date Band | Arrival Day |
Season 1: | 21.05 – 28.05 |16.07 – 23.07 |10.09 – 17.09 | Saturday |
Season | Prices per person |
Season 1: Main Deck | ÂŁ750 |
Season 1: Main Deck (Single use) | ÂŁ1065 |
Season | Prices per person |
Season 1: Upper Deck | ÂŁ840 |
Season 1: Upper Deck (Single use) | ÂŁ1205 |
Bike Type | Price |
Rental Bike: | ÂŁ80 |
Electric Bike Upgrade: | ÂŁ165 |
Date From | Date To | Price |
21 May 2022 | 28 May 2022 | ÂŁ0 |
16 July 2022 | 23 July 2022 | ÂŁ0 |
10 September 2022 | 17 September 2022 | ÂŁ0 |