Bike and Barge: Frankfurt – Heidelberg – Frankfurt (MS Casanova)

Arrive in Frankfurt am Main independently. Boarding takes place between 3.00 pm and 4.00 pm. At 5.00 pm, your cruise begins as you sail along the River Main towards the picturesque vineyard village of Nierstein.

With almost 1,000 hectares of vineyards, Nierstein is the largest wine-growing community along the Rhine. Begin the day by exploring its historic town centre, home to a medieval market square and elegant noble estates. Continue your cycle ride along the banks of the Rhine towards the historic imperial city of Worms.

The scenic route across Friesenheimer Island provides a striking contrast to the industrial Rhine frontage of BASF on the opposite bank. A few kilometres further on, you will reach the confluence of the Rivers Neckar and Rhine near Mannheim, where your ship will be waiting.

If you still have energy to spare, take a detour through the “City of Squares” to visit its magnificent Baroque Palace.

Enjoy breakfast on board as your ship takes you to Heidelberg. Your first cycling tour follows the River Neckar, passing through Ziegelhausen and the wooded landscapes of the Odenwald before reaching Neckarsteinach. Continue through the charming town of Hirschhorn and finish the day’s ride in Eberbach, your destination for today.

Take time to explore the town’s winding alleyways and picturesque little squares, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this historic Staufen town.

This morning’s cruise takes you along one of the most beautiful sections of the River Neckar. Between Eberbach and Bad Wimpfen, your ship passes wooded hillsides, sun-drenched vineyards, and historic castles. Impressive landmarks such as Hornberg Castle and Horneck Palace dominate the surrounding landscape.

The cruise ends in Bad Wimpfen, with its medieval skyline, striking towers, and charming historic character. From here, begin a leisurely cycle ride along the Neckar towards Heilbronn—the heart of the Württemberg wine region. This vibrant city blends historic attractions with a modern atmosphere, inviting you to explore, relax, and enjoy the moment.

Change your perspective today as you enjoy breakfast while cruising back to Bad Wimpfen. After a hearty meal, set off on your cycling tour through the romantic Neckar Valley, following one of the most scenic sections of the Neckar Valley Cycle Path.

Wooded hillsides, historic old towns, castles, and vineyards accompany you along the route. Charming villages such as Gundelsheim and Eberbach invite you to stop and take a short break before you continue on to Hirschhorn. The picturesque old town and the castle perched high above the river mark the end of this impressive cycling stage.

Late in the evening, your ship will continue to Heidelberg. Relax on the sun deck, enjoy the passing scenery, and reflect on the memorable cycling experiences of the past few days.

The ruins of Heidelberg Castle tower above the city and are visible from afar. Take time to explore the famous Heidelberg Sandstone Bridge, or wander through the winding alleyways and picturesque squares of the historic old town.

Afterwards, choose between two cycling routes to Mannheim. The shorter route takes you through the Roman town of Ladenburg, where you can explore its charming historic centre before continuing to Mannheim, the “City of Squares.”

Alternatively, follow the longer “Kurpfalz” Route, which leads you to one of Germany’s most impressive palaces. Schwetzingen Palace is renowned for its magnificent gardens, combining Baroque elegance with an expansive English-style landscape garden.

In the evening, your ship sets sail once more, travelling along the Rhine to moor overnight in Nierstein.

After following the Neckar and the Rhine, you will complete your Three-River Journey today. Your final cycling stage takes you along the Main Cycle Path from Mainz to the vibrant metropolis of Frankfurt am Main.

Following mainly flat cycle paths, the route leads through idyllic floodplain landscapes, past charming riverside towns and through green park areas. Enjoy a relaxed ride before Frankfurt’s impressive skyline gradually comes into view on the horizon.

With its blend of historic old town charm, modern architecture, and lively riverside atmosphere along the Main, Frankfurt provides a memorable finale to your cycling adventure.

Disembarkation by 9.00 am, followed by your individual journey home.

Embarkation: 4:00 p.m.
Disembarkation: Until 9:00 a.m.

Minimum Number of Participants: 80 guests (must be reached within 21 days before departure).

• Own Bikes On request only: Due to limited space on the sun deck.
• Liability Exclusion: We exclude any liability for loss, theft, and damage, including damage caused during transportation from shore to ship or vice versa.
• We offer a small excursion programme that can be booked directly on board through the cruise director.
• You will receive a brief description of your travel documents.
• Depending on the number of participants, some excursions may be conducted in two languages (German/English).
• We reserve the right to make changes to the routing and programme. In cases of low or high water making a route non-navigable, the captain may change the route for your safety (this cannot be accepted as a reason for free withdrawal).
• The same applies to unforeseen administrative orders for lock or bridge repairs.
• Sustainability and Climate Protection: Please choose our digital route book instead of printed travel documents.
• The GUIBO app is your constant companion during your SE-Tours original trip. It provides all important information, including travel details, ship and contact information, and bike tour routes, all available offline and accessible anytime.
• The app is free and works on all standard smartphones. You will automatically receive access data to download your booked trip via email before your journey begins.
• EU Citizens: A valid passport or ID card, not expiring within six (6) months of the return of your cruise, is required.
• Non-EU Citizens: EU nationals with multiple citizenships, or anyone with special legal entry requirements, should check visa and entry document requirements with the competent embassy.

• • 
  • • Ship name: MS Casanova
    • Year of construction: 1999
    • Registry: Switzerland
    • Length: 103 m
    • Width: 9.7 m
    • Draft: 1.55 m
    • Passengers: max. 96

    A touch of Rococo and an elegant atmosphere welcome you aboard the MS Casanova. Lovingly designed details, playful ornaments, and reproductions of famous paintings lend the ship its very own charm. In the stylish restaurant, the attentive crew takes care of your culinary needs. The spacious panorama lounge, with its regal flair, invites you to relax — whether over a glass of wine, a cocktail, or a pleasant chat at the bar. Those who wish to enjoy the scenery outside will find comfortable loungers and seating on the partially covered sun deck with steep stairs — the perfect place to take in the passing river landscapes.

    All 48 cabins are located on the outside of the ship and are equipped with a shower/WC, hairdryer, TV, safe (deposit required), minibar, onboard telephone, and individually adjustable air conditioning. In cabins with two single beds, one bed can be converted into a sofa during the day for added comfort. Cabins with a double bed (160 x 200 cm) have separate mattresses. All twin-bed cabins are approximately 12 m² in size.

    Main Deck:
    
    A total of 22 cabins with panoramic windows that cannot be opened.

    • 16 twin-bed cabins: eight with two single beds, eight with a double bed.

    • Four Eco* twin-bed cabins with two single beds are located at the rear of the ship.

    • Two more spacious Deluxe cabins with a double bed are located at the front of the ship.

    Upper Deck:

    A total of 26 cabins with French balconies (floor-to-ceiling windows that can be opened).

    • 22 twin-bed cabins: 14 with two single beds, eight with a double bed.

    • Four Eco* twin-bed cabins with two single beds are located at the rear of the ship.

    Please note: engine and generator noise may be noticeable in Eco cabins.

All times are subject to change. Please book your travel according to the scheduled arrival and departure times.

Arrival: Frankfurt / Main

Departure: Frankfurt / Main

Nearest arrival airport(s): Cologne or Frankfurt

Nearest departure airport(s): Cologne or Frankfurt

We also recommend travelling by train to all of our cycling holiday starting and departure points. We can help you plan your journey to Frankfurt by rail. Car parking is available on all tours at the first hotel or a nearby public parking location. Full details are available on request.

Please do not book travel until an official invoice confirms the cycling holiday.