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 Koblenz to Bad Wimpfen, and visit the famous cities of Mainz, Heidelberg and Koblenz.
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 to Koblenz:
Embarkation starts at 4pm. The crew will welcome you on board. You will spend the evening and first night in Koblenz.
Day 2 (Sun): Koblenz – Boppard by ship | Boppard – Rüdesheim (bike tour ca. 46 km/28 miles)
You sail by barge upstream the river Rhine from Koblenz to Boppard. Enjoy the panoram-ic view of the unforgettable Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO Word Heritage site. From there you cycle on the left river bank via castles and burgs alongside the celebrated Rock of Lorelei to the beautiful and famous city of Rüdesheim. Overnight stay in Rüdes-heim or in Bingen on the other side of the river.
Day 3 (Mon): Rüdesheim – Mainz (bike tour ca. 34 – 37 km/21 – 23 miles)
The many picturesque houses and the beauti-ful 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 magnifi-cent of the residences on the Middle Rhine.
Day 4 (Tue): Mainz – Nierstein (bike tour ca. 17-26 km / 10-16 miles)
You cycle via Laubenheim to Nierstein, the biggest vine growing community on the river Rhine, where your will enjoy your lunch on board. Nierstein is a popular destination for exploring the vineyards with a tractor wagon.
Day 5 (Wed): Nierstein – Mannheim by ship | Mannheim – Heidelberg (bike tour ca. 25 km /15 miles)
The ship brings you to Mannheim. From there on you will cycle via the Celtic city of Ladenburg, where you first reach the river Neckar, then on to Heidelberg. This old city draws tourists from all over the world. Visit the castle and explore the old town. If you would like to learn more about Heidelberg, you can book a guided city tour.
Day 6 (Thu): Heidelberg – Eberbach (bike tour ca. 34 km/20 miles)
After a bike tour from Heidelberg via Ziegelhausen and through the Odenwald to Neckarsteinach you will reach picturesque Eberbach, a nice old town with narrow streets.
Day 7 (Fri): Eberbach – Bad Wimpfen (bike tour ca. 45 km/ 28 miles)
The first stop of today’s bike tour is Burg Hornsberg in Neckarzimmern. Bad Wimpfen, the destination of this tour, looks like a dream village of the middle Ages.
Day 8 (Sat): Bad Wimpfen
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.
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 Voyages SNCF 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 completing a Contact Form or call 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: | 14.05 – 21.05 | Saturday |
Season 2: | 09.07 – 16.07 | 03.09 – 10.09 | Saturday |
Season | Prices per person |
Season 1: Main Deck | £750 |
Season 1: Main Deck (Single use) | £1065 |
Season 2: Main Deck | £885 |
Season 2: Main Deck (Single use) | £1205 |
Season | Prices per person |
Season 1: Upper Deck 2 bed | £840 |
Season 1: Upper Deck (Single use) | £1205 |
Season 2: Upper Deck 2 bed | £975 |
Season 2: Upper Deck (Single use) | £1340 |
Bike Type | Price |
Rental Bike: | £80 |
Electric Bike Upgrade: | £165 |
Date From | Date To | Price |
14 May 2022 | 21 May 2022 | £0 |
09 July 2022 | 16 July 2022 | £0 |
03 September 2022 | 10 September 2022 | £0 |