Bike and Barge: Koblenz to Mainz (MS Switzerland)

Make your own way to Mainz, where boarding begins at 4.00pm. Once on board, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the captain, crew and tour manager before your journey begins.

Today’s route is short, leaving plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Following the well-maintained Rhine Cycle Route, you’ll ride alongside the river to Nierstein, the largest wine-producing municipality on the Rhine, with almost 1,000 hectares of vineyards. Take time to explore the historic Old Town, with its medieval market square and elegant period houses. In the afternoon, rejoin the ship for a scenic cruise from Nierstein to Worms.

Today’s cycle begins in Worms, the historic City of the Nibelungs. Following the banks of the Rhine, you’ll enjoy a leisurely ride through rolling vineyards and the region’s varied riverside landscapes. Your route heads north to Nierstein, often known as the Riesling City, where you’ll rejoin the ship for the return cruise to Mainz.

Today, discover why the Upper Middle Rhine Valley has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beautiful river islands, steep slate cliffs and terraced vineyards create some of the Rhine’s most spectacular scenery. Your cycle ride takes you through Eltville, home to its impressive Electoral Castle, and Oestrich-Winkel, known for its historic wine-loading crane, before arriving in Rüdesheim. Here, we recommend a visit to the world-famous Drosselgasse, renowned for its lively atmosphere and traditional wine taverns.

This morning, set off from Rüdesheim on a scenic cycle ride along the banks of the Rhine. Passing through lush forests and picturesque vineyards, you’ll enjoy stunning riverside views as you make your way past landmarks including the Niederwald Monument and the striking Pfalzgrafenstein Castle. Your day’s ride ends in the charming town of Oberwesel.

Leaving Oberwesel, you’ll enjoy a leisurely cycle along the Rhine to the historic town of Boppard. Although the route is relatively short, there are plenty of scenic viewpoints where you can pause to take in the surrounding countryside. Throughout the ride, the river is framed by impressive castles and the legendary Loreley Rock, creating a spectacular backdrop at every turn.

Today’s ride takes you from Boppard to the historic city of Koblenz, where the Moselle meets the Rhine. Along the way, you’ll pass more of the region’s impressive landmarks, including the magnificent Marksburg Castle near Braubach and the elegant Stolzenfels Castle. Round off the day with a visit to the Deutsches Eck (German Corner), where the two rivers converge, or cycle up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress to enjoy spectacular panoramic views across Koblenz and the surrounding countryside.

Departure from Koblenz or extra nights in the city or the surrounding region.

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 Switzerland
Built: 1988
Registry: Netherlands
Length: 99.65 m
Width: 11.20 m
Draft: 1.45 m
Passengers: Maximum 113

A stylish and welcoming atmosphere awaits you on board. Elegantly furnished cabins and public areas provide a comfortable and relaxing environment. The spacious panoramic lounge with a bar, along with the restaurant, enhances the ship’s unique charm. The large sun deck, with plenty of seating, is the perfect place to unwind while taking in the beautiful passing scenery. It also offers convenient storage space for bicycles.

Cabins

The MS SWITZERLAND offers 56 modern outer cabins, each about 10.5 m², with the following amenities:

• Shower and toilet
• Hairdryer
• Phone
• Satellite TV
• Safe (for a fee)
• Individually controlled air conditioning

The cabins are equipped with two separate beds that provide storage space underneath for luggage, making for a raised but comfortable entry. Above the beds, there are storage cabinets for your items, along with a small built-in wardrobe with hanging and storage options.

Main Deck:

• 42 twin cabins, each approximately 10.5 m² in size.
• 2 additional comfortable twin cabins, each approximately 11.5 m², featuring windows that cannot be opened.

Upper Deck:

• 7 twin cabins, each approximately 10.5 m², equipped with opening panoramic windows.

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

Arrival: Koblenz

Departure: Mainz

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 Cologne 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.