Numerous romantic castles and fortresses have been built along the banks of the Rhine between Cologne and Mainz and they have many exciting stories to tell. The UNESCO World Heritage Site "Upper Middle Rhine Valley" is very beautiful and rich in tales and adventures.
The Rhine in this area pushes its way through rocks and passes towns like Koblenz, which are over 2000 years old and have old towns with many timber framed houses. This is the ideal landscape for a beautiful and relaxing holiday. Last but not least many of these towns between Mainz and Cologne are home to some noble wines and regional delicacies, which make this journey also a culinary one.
Day 1: Arrival to Mainz
Embarkation from 3:00p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Depending on the time of your arrival you migh have time to see the old town of Mainz with its lovely alleys and public squares.
Day 2: Mainz – Rüdesheim, Cycle tour approx. 32km
Today you will come to understand why the river Rhine and its surroundings are part of the UNESCO world cultural heritage. Today will be filled with beautiful islands, steep slate rocks and the vineyards that shape the region around Rüdesheim. You will cycle past Eltville with its fortress “Kurfürstliche Burg” and Oestrich - Winkel with its crane for loading wine as a famous landmark and arrive finally in Rüdesheim. Here, the world-famous wine alley “Drossel-gasse” is well worth a visit.
Day 3: Rüdesheim – St. Goar (St. Goarshausen), Cycle tour approx. 32km
Today you will cycle along the Rhine through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. As you cycle, you will pass several romantic castles and ruins. These buildings include the fortresses Reichenstein and Rheinstein. You will also ride by the famous rock of the Lorelei as you make your way to St. Goar, your destination for today. From the top of the rock you will have a beautiful view of St. Goar and St. Goarshausen.
Day 4: St. Goar/ St. Goarshausen – Koblenz, Cycle tour approx. 38 km
Boppard and the Marksburg are both places that you can stop for a break today, on you way to Koblenz with its famous “Deutsche Eck” (German corner), where the rivers Moselle and Rhine are merging. You can reach the fortress Ehrenbreitstein easily by cableway, and from there, you will be able to enjoy a fantastic view over the splendid landscape of the Rhine.
Day 5: Koblenz - Andernach, Cycle tour approx. 25km
The route for today will lead you past Neuwied, where you will be able to see Castle Engers, to Andernach, your destination for today. This city, like Koblenz, is one of the oldest in Germany. Here you will find the famous cold water geyser, whose water fountain, reaching up to 50/60 meters is widely believed to be the highest cold water volcanic spring in the world. In Andernach you can enjoy sights like the Round Tower or visit the wine village Leutesdorf, which you can reach from Andernach by ferry.
Day 6: Andernach - Bonn, Cycle tour approx. 45 km
As you ride to Bonn it is worth making a syop to visit Königswinter castle Drachenburg on the Drachenfels (steep slope) or the Sea Life centre which features over 2000 different varieties of marine wildlife. Finally you will reach your day's destination, Bonn. The former capital of Germany, Bonn is both cosy and traditional, yet a modern and cosmopolitan city. The birthplace of Beethoven, the city of Bonn still has international flair and many companies still house their global headquarters there.
Day 7: Bonn - Cologne, Cycle tour approx. 37 km
Before you reach Cologne, there will be a chance for a nice rest at the leisure island Groov, amidst a vast landscape of the Rheinaue wetland in the Cologne suburb Porz - Zündorf. Once you have reached Cologne, take your time to enjoy a stroll through the Old Town. There are also many museums that are wekk worth a visit, as well as the modern parts of Cologne, which can be found at the port of the Rheinaue wetland with its crane houses. The breweries with their famous beer “Kölsch” show a relaxed side of this big city.
Day 8: Departure from Cologne
Disembarkation after breakfast until 9:00 a.m
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: 209 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 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: Mainz to Cologne 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 Cologne, 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 completing a Contact Form or call 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.
Ship | Route Summary |
MS Olympia | Mainz to Cologne |
Season | Date Band | Arrival Day |
Season 1: | 09.10.2021- 16.10.2021 | Saturday |
Season 2: | 19.06.2021 - 26.06.2021 | Saturday |
Season | Prices per person |
Season 2: Main Deck: | £975 |
Season 2: Main Deck Single: | £1260 |
Season | Prices per person |
Season 1: Twin Deck: | £1115 |
Season | Prices per person |
Season 1: Upper Deck: | £1165 |
Season 1: Upper Deck Single: | £1305 |
Bike Rental: | £70 |
Electric Bike Upgrade: | £155 |
Season | Prices per person |
Season 1: Main Deck: | £925 |
Season 1: Main Deck Single: | £1210 |
Season | Prices per person |
Season 1: Twin Deck: | £1020 |
Season | Prices per person |
Season 1: Upper Deck: | £1070 |
Season 1: Upper Deck Single: | £1260 |
Bike Rental: | £70 |
Electric Bike Upgrade: | £155 |
Date From | Date To |
---|---|
19 June 2021 | 26 June 2021 |
09 October 2021 | 16 October 2021 |