Bike and Barge: Mainz to Strasbourg
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!
Itinerary
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Route overview
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):
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
What’s included
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)
- 7 nights in outside cabins on MS OLYMPIA with private facilities and air conditioning
- Standard Bike Hire
- Programme according itinerary
- Port fees included
- Captains greeting and Welcome drink
- Daily cabin cleaning, Changing of towels and bed cloths if wanted
- Full meals: 7x breakfast, 6x light lunch on board (non cyclists) or packed lunch for cyclists, 6x afternoon coffee break, 7x dinner
- Daily informational meeting
- Information pack with route book (one per cabin)
- Tour guide on board (does not cycle with group)
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.
Check Availability
We have put a calendar of events together that will provide you with some inspiration of what you can expect on your holiday, and when the best time to jet off is. Now’s your chance to travel further than you can by foot and be part of a memorable and exciting two-wheel journey with us.
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