Bike and Barge: Mainz to Strasbourg (MS Olympia / MS Switzerland)

Make your way to Mainz. Embarkation will be from 4 p.m. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the chance today to explore the capital of the 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 yourself.  You will ride along the Rhine Cycle Route, which is on well-paved cycleways and runs directly alongside the Rhine, to Nierstein. With almost 1,000 Hectares 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 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 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 be 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 to make 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 cycleway to Schwetzingen Castle. The famous ornate gardens are the perfect place to 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.

Along the old Rhine ox-bow lakes cycle through the unspoilt nature of the Palatinate region. Look forward to visiting the old fortified city of Germersheim with its numerous quaint lanes, corners and squares. Enjoy the boat tour to Gambsheim while having a fine glass of wine on deck or in the saloon, replaying the events of the day.

On your last bike tour stretch, cycle at an easy pace directly alongside the river through the gentle Rhine plain until you reach the capital of Alsace, the city of Strasbourg, with its countless channels. Stroll to the Strasbourg Minster, the landmark of the city, through the picturesque Tanners’ Quarter with its small historic half-timbered houses and enjoy a piece of French joie de vivre while your journey slowly comes to an end.

After breakfast, disembarkation until 9:00 a.m. Individual journey home.

Embarkation: 4.00 p.m.
Disembarkation: From 9.00 a.m.

Minimum number of participants: 75 guests (must be reached within 21 days before departure).

Bring your own bike: On request only, due to lack of space on the sun deck. E-bikes exclusively with removable battery packs. We exclude any liability for loss, theft, and damage, including damage caused by transportation from shore to ship or vice versa.

Excursions: We offer a small excursion programme that can be booked directly on board with the cruise director only. You will receive a brief description together with your travel documents. Depending on the number of participants, some excursions may be conducted in two languages (German/English).

Schedule and programme changes: We reserve the right to make changes to the routing and programme. If there is low or high water and a route cannot be navigated, the captain reserves the right to change the route because of your safety (this cannot be accepted as a reason for free withdrawal). The same applies to previously unknown administrative orders of lock or bridge repairs.

Digital Travel Documents and Route Maps: In the interest of sustainability and climate protection, opt for our digital route book instead of printed travel documents. The GUIBO app is your constant companion during your SE-Tours original journey. A glance at your smartphone is all you need to travel safely and worry-free, with all important information at your fingertips. Travel information, ship details, contact information, and bike tours are available digitally in the route book, accessible offline and at any time. The app is available for free and works on all standard smartphones. You will automatically receive access details to download your booked trip via email before your trip begins. If you still prefer to receive all documents from us in printed form beforehand, an additional fee will apply. We will send you all travel information in advance via email, and the maps for your bike tours will be available exclusively on board.

Travel documents: EU citizens (without special situations like dual citizenship, main residence abroad, or a limited-validity passport) are required to have a valid passport or ID card, not expiring within six (6) months of the return of your cruise. We kindly ask non-EU citizens, EU nationals with multiple citizenship, or anybody who has to respect special legal entry requirements for the country to visit, to seek information about visa and entry documents at the competent embassy.

This trip is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility. We recommend that you take out travel health insurance with repatriation coverage, as well as baggage, accident, and travel cancellation insurance.

Ship name: MS Switzerland
Built: 1988
Registry: Netherlands
Length: 99.65 m
Width: 11.20 m
Draft: 1.45 m
Number of Crew: Approximately 26
Passengers: Maximum 113

A stylish and welcoming atmosphere awaits you on board. The elegantly furnished cabins and public areas create a pleasant and relaxed setting. The spacious panoramic lounge with a bar and the restaurant add to the ship’s special charm. The large sun deck, with ample seating, invites you to unwind while enjoying beautiful views of the passing scenery and offers space for bicycle storage.

Cabins:
56 outside cabins, comfortable and tastefully furnished, equipped with a shower/WC, hairdryer, TV, individually adjustable air conditioning, and a safe.

Main Deck:

• The ship features 28 two-bed cabins (approx. 11 m²), 2 single-bed cabins (approx. 11 m²), and 2 mini-suites (approx. 11 m²) with additional seating.All cabins have panoramic windows, with the upper section that can be opened. In some cabins located at the front of the ship (Category Eco), engine and generator noise may be noticeable.

Upper Deck:

• 23 two-bed cabins (approx. 11 m²) and 2 mini-suites (approx. 11 m²) with additional seating. All cabins feature French balconies (floor-to-ceiling windows that can be opened).

Ship name: MS Olympia
Built: 1984
Cabin refurbishment: 2015/2016
Registry: Switzerland
Length: 88.50 m
Width: 10.50 m
Draft: 1.50 m
Number of Crew: Approximately 21
Passengers: Maximum 96

This comfortable and cosy river ship offers a family-friendly environment. The ship was refurbished in 2015/2016. The panoramic salon, designed in a gentlemen’s club style with a bar, and the bright, friendly restaurant provide ideal spaces for relaxing. The ship also features a spacious, partly shaded sun deck and storage space for bicycles.

Cabins:
49 outside cabins, comfortable and cosy with en-suite bathroom, hair dryer, telephone, TV, individual air conditioning/heating, fridge, and safe.

Main Deck:

• 21 two-bed cabins (approx. 11m²) with panoramic windows (not opening).

Upper Deck:

• 22 two-bed cabins (approx. 11m²).
• Four larger two-bed cabins at the stern of the ship (approx. 12m²), with perceptible engine and generator noise when the ship is in motion and in locks. Three of these feature twin beds.
• Two single cabins (approx. 9m²).
• Panoramic windows can be opened.

Ship name: MS Olympia
Built: 1984
Cabin refurbishment: 2015/2016
Registry: Switzerland
Length: 88.50 m
Width: 10.50 m
Draft: 1.50 m
Number of Crew: Approximately 21
Passengers: Maximum 96

This comfortable and cosy river ship offers a family-friendly environment. The ship was refurbished in 2015/2016. The panoramic salon, designed in a gentlemen’s club style with a bar, and the bright, friendly restaurant provide ideal spaces for relaxing. The ship also features a spacious, partly shaded sun deck and storage space for bicycles.

Cabins:
49 outside cabins, comfortable and cosy with en-suite bathroom, hair dryer, telephone, TV, individual air conditioning/heating, fridge, and safe.

Main Deck:

• 21 two-bed cabins (approx. 11m²) with panoramic windows (not opening).

Upper Deck:

• 22 two-bed cabins (approx. 11m²).
• Four larger two-bed cabins at the stern of the ship (approx. 12m²), with perceptible engine and generator noise when the ship is in motion and in locks. Three of these feature twin beds.
• Two single cabins (approx. 9m²).
• Panoramic windows can be opened.

Arrival: Mainz

Departure: Strasbourg

Nearest arrival airport(s): Frankfurt or Cologne

Nearest departure airport(s): Strasbourg, Frankfurt, Basel or Karlsruhe Baden-Baden

We also recommend travelling by train to all of our cycling holiday starting and departure points. We can help you plan your journey to Mainz 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.

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