Mainz to Strasbourg by Bike and Barge

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Description

Summary

Starts
Mainz
Duration
8 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on an enchanting 8-day journey, exploring the captivating landscapes and rich history of Germany and France. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of cycling and river cruising, allowing you to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the Rhine and Neckar rivers. From the charming half-timbered houses of Mainz to the medieval squares of Nierstein, the imperial city of Worms to the baroque castle of Mannheim, and the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Speyer to the picturesque city of Strasbourg, there's an adventure at every turn. The tour also includes visits to the largest wine-growing community on the Rhine, the historic city of Ladenburg, and the stunning Schwetzingen Castle. Enjoy the comfort of the MS Olympia river barge, your floating hotel, as you sail through the heart of Europe.

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Included

7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners - breakfasts are buffet style consisting of breads, cereals, cheese, meats, fruit, yoghurt and breakfast beverages. Picnic lunches are assembled at breakfast time. Dinners are 3 courses served in the dining room. Special diets may be catered for on request (e.g. lactose-free and gluten-free diet) however there will be an extra fee (payable locally). Please advise us at the time of booking or at least 21 days prior to departure. If necessary, some special dietary supplements may need to be brought with you.

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7 nights accommodation aboard the Premium category barge MS Olympia in twin share cabin with ensuite facilities on the main deck (supplement applies for other categories of berths on main or upper deck). The compact cabins are configured with two lower beds. We do not match travellers together so if you are travelling solo you will need to book a single cabin (limited and on a request basis - supplement applies).

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7 speed unisex bike with hand and back pedal brakes or freewheel hubs with hand brakes only (the latter must be reserved in advance - limited number). The bike is supplied with a pannier and bicycle insurance per bike; repair kit, pump and handlebar bag per cabin (electric bike available on request for a supplement)

Boat

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Information pack including route notes & maps per cabin. Plus navigational app access (smartphone required)

Cruise director on board - does not cycle with the group, provides daily briefings

Bicycle, 7 speed unisex bike with hand and back pedal brakes or freewheel hubs with hand brakes only (the latter must be reserved in advance - limited number). The bike is supplied with a waterproof pannier and bicycle insurance per bike; repair kit, pump and handlebar bag per cabin (electric bike available on request for a supplement)

Mobile phone holder

Welcome drink and briefing on the first evening

Linen and change of towels as required

Daily cabin cleaning

All charges for harbours, bridges and locks

Emergency hotline

RENTAL BIKES

Standard are high-quality 7 speed, 28-inch unisex (low bar) bicycles.

E-bikes are a unisex model, 8 speed with Bosch mid-drive motors that come with fully integrated 500 Wh Bosch rechargeable batteries.

Bikes are the German brand Velo de Ville and come with comfortable Selle Royal seats.

A pannier is included.

HELMET

We recommend bringing your own helmet with you. Helmets are available to purchase on board in 2025 (brand: UVEX I-VO) - price EUR40 per helmet, payment in cash only and limited availability

Rental bike insurance is included (does not cover negligence). We kindly ask you to take care of the bikes and to lock your bike securely in a secure area. Never leave the bikes unattended (especially in the inner cities). During your journey, you are liable for any damages caused to the bikes.

If you have any issues with the bike, please speak to the cruise director on board.

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To bring your own bike: On request only – due to lack of space on sun deck. E-bikes exclusively with removable battery pack. We exclude any liability for loss, theft and damage - this also applies to damage caused by transportation from shore to ship or vice versa.

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Destinations

Mainz - city in GermanyMainz
Photo of traditional half-timbered houses on picturesque canals in La Petite France in the medieval fairytale town of Strasbourg, France.Strasbourg

Map

Attractions

Heidelberg Palace, Altstadt, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, GermanyHeidelberg Palace
Cathedral of Speyer, Rheinland Pfalz, germanySpeyer Cathedral
Schwetzingen Castle, Schwetzingen, Rhein-Neckar-Kreis, Baden-Württemberg, GermanySchwetzingen Palace
photo of view of Mannheim Watertower, Mannheim, Germany.Wasserturm Mannheim
Architectural detail of the Museum of Modern Art in Strasbourg on a winter day. Inaugurated in December 1998 by Culture Minister Catherine Trautmann.Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Nizza, R-62400, R-51477, R-62650Nizza

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Mainz

  • Mainz - Arrival day
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Welcome to Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate. Board the MS Olympia, your floating hotel, at 4pm. If time allows, explore the city's Old Town, adorned with beautifully restored half-timbered houses, and visit the Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Martin. The day concludes with a welcome briefing and drink on board the barge.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Mainz to Nierstein and Worms

  • Mainz
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  • Nizza
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Today, you have the option of a shorter or longer cycle ride along the Rhine Cycle Route. Visit Nierstein, the largest wine-growing community on the Rhine, and explore its historic Old Town and medieval market square. In the afternoon, continue your journey to the city of Worms.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Worms to Mannheim

Day 3: Worms to Mannheim

  • Wasserturm Mannheim
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Start your day in the imperial city of Worms and cycle through vast fields and meadows. Arrive in Mannheim, where the barge awaits. Spend the afternoon exploring Mannheim, the City of Squares, and visit the Baroque castle.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Mannheim to Heidelberg and Schwetzingen

  • Heidelberg
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  • Heidelberg Palace
  • Schwetzingen Palace
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Follow the course of the Neckar River to Heidelberg. Visit the ancient Roman city of Ladenburg and the Heidelberg Castle. Enjoy a stroll across the famous Heidelberg Sandstone Bridge or through the charming squares of the Old Town. Continue to Schwetzingen Castle, where you can relax in the castle garden before returning to Mannheim.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Mannheim to Speyer

Day 5: Mannheim to Speyer

  • Speyer Cathedral
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Today's cycle takes you alongside the oxbow lakes of the Old Rhine towards Speyer. Enjoy the unspoilt nature of the Natural Reserves and flood plains. Upon arrival in Speyer, visit the UNESCO-listed Cathedral.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Speyer to Germersheim and Gambsheim

Day 6: Speyer to Germersheim and Gambsheim

  • Wasserturm Mannheim
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Continue exploring the untouched Palatinate region, cycling past more stunning oxbow lakes and natural landscapes. Visit the old fortified town of Germersheim with its picturesque alleyways, corners, and squares. From Germersheim, join the boat again and enjoy an aperitif en route to Gambsheim.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Gambsheim to Strasbourg

  • Strasbourg
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  • Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
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From Gambsheim, cycle along the Rhine plain to the Alsatian capital, Strasbourg. Explore the city's countless canals, visit the Strasbourg Minster, stroll through the tanners' quarter with its historic half-timbered houses, and enjoy this fascinating French city.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Departure from Strasbourg

  • Strasbourg - Departure day
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Your memorable tour concludes after breakfast around 9:00am. Depart from Strasbourg at your leisure. Please note that the itinerary operates in reverse on alternate departures, i.e., from Strasbourg to Mainz.

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