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The Rhine is one of Europe's quintessential rivers flowing from Switzerland through Austria and touching France before continuing through Germany and the Netherlands. On this trip the Upper Rhine, between Strasbourg in France and Mainz in Germany, is travelled by comfortable barge and along designated cycle ways on your bike. Crossing between France and Germany as you make your way between the cities, visit the Alsace wine and Black Forest regions. Pass by beautiful churches and Baroque castles, scenic towns with half timbered medieval houses such as Speyer and Strasbourg and sample delicious cheeses and traditional wines. The gentle cycling on mainly flat terrain allows you to relax and enjoy the outstanding scenery whilst offering an excuse to indulge in the wonderful cuisine offered on board your floating hotel in the evening.
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102kg of CO2-e PP per day
(713kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Mainz
On arrival in Mainz you can board the comfortable river barge MS Switzerland at 4pm. If you have the time, perhaps see the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate with its lovingly restored half-timbered houses in the Old Town and the Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Martin. This evening there will be a welcome briefing and drink on board the barge.
Meals: D
Day 2
Follow the Rhine Cycle Route to Nierstein and then Worms (26 or 60km/16.3 or 37mi)
Today you have the option of a shorter cycle, with plenty of time to rest and enjoy the scenery from the barge, or to extend the route on a longer ride. Cycle on the Rhine Cycle Route with its well-paved cycle ways directly alongside the Rhine to Nierstein. With almost 1,000 hectares of vines, Nierstein is home to the largest wine-growing community on the Rhine. Visit the historic Old Town with its medieval market square and the noble houses. In the afternoon, sail or cycle from Nierstein to Worms. Short cycle: Mainz-Nierstein. Long cycle: Mainz-Worms.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Cycle to Mannheim, at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar Rivers (26km/16.3mi)
You start your cycle for the day in the imperial city of Worms. Enjoy riding through vast fields and meadows. The beautiful cycle trail across the Friesenheim Island offers a stark contrast to the opposite Rhine bank dominated by the BASF plant. A few kilometres further on, you will reach the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Neckar in Mannheim, where the barge will be waiting for you. Make the most of the afternoon and take a stroll through Mannheim, the City of Squares, up to the Baroque palace.
Day 4
Cycle to Heidelberg and return through Rhineland Palatinate to Mannheim (52km/32.3mi)
Today you will follow the course of the Neckar River up to Heidelberg. The ancient Roman city of Ladenburg enroute with its historic Old Town is worth a short visit. Carl Benz, inventor of the first automobile, lived here and the Bertha Benz Memorial Route, named after his wife, runs through the town. Continue and soon visible is the ruin of the Heidelberg Castle towering over the Old Town. Cross the famous Heidelberg Karl Theodor Bridge and walk through the winding lanes and charming squares or up to the castle - the gardens are a perfect spot for a picnic lunch and the Apothecary museum inside is interesting. Your way back leads along the other side of the Neckar back to Mannheim. It's possible to take the train today, in one or both directions, if you'd like to spend more time in Heidelberg.
Day 5
Continue via oxbow lakes to Speyer (27km/16.7mi)
Today you will cycle alongside numerous oxbow lakes of the Old Rhine as you head towards Speyer. The cycle for today is short and you can take your time enjoying these marvellous lakes and unspoilt nature of the Natural Reserves and flood plains that you will cycle through. When you arrive in Speyer you can visit the UNESCO listed Cathedral.
Day 6
Cycle to Germersheim, then by boat to Gambsheim (22km/13.7mi)
Continue exploring the untouched Palantinate region, cycling past more stunning oxbow lakes and natural landscapes. Today you can visit the old fortified town of Germersheim with its numerous picturesque alleyways and squares. From Germersheim you will join the boat again and can enjoy an aperitif en route to Gambsheim.
Day 7
Cycle from Gambsheim Lock through countryside to Strasbourg (18km/11.2mi)
From the lock station of Gambsheim, with its significant fish ladder, the last day of cycling is an easy route along the Rhine plain all the way to the capital city of the Grand Est region, formerly Alsace, the city of Strasbourg. Its countless canals can be discovered on foot or by bike. Visit the Strasbourg Minster, stroll through the tanners' quarter with its small historic half-timbered houses and enjoy this fascinating French city.
Day 8
Trip concludes
Trip concludes after breakfast in Strasbourg at 9:00am. The itinerary operates in reverse every alternate departure - see below.
Meals: B
Arrive Strasbourg
On arrival in Strasbourg you can board the comfortable barge MS Switerland at 4pm. If you arrive early you can spend some time exploring the capital city of the Grand Est region, formerly Alsace, and its many canals. Visit the Strasbourg Minster, stroll through the tanners' quarter with its small historic half-timbered houses and enjoy this fascinating French city.
Explore Strasbourg before cycling to Gambsheim, cruise to Germersheim (18 or 11.2mi)
After breakfast, you have the possibility to visit Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace, with its numerous channels, the Strasbourg Minster and the Tanners` Quarter with its small historic half-timbered houses. Enjoy some French joie de vivre before your first cycle tour begins. You'll cycle directly alongside the Rhine River through the gentle Rhine plain until you reach the Gambsheim lock, where the boat will await your arrival to set sail for Germersheim. While sailing, enjoy a glass of wine on deck or in the salon.
Cycle from Germersheim to Speyer (22km/13.7mi)
Today's cycle begins in Germersheim. Take the time first to visit this old fortified town with its many picturesque lanes and squares. Continuing through the Palatinate Rhine region, you will reach the city of Speyer. You can visit its UNESCO listed Cathedral this afternoon or relax on board the barge.
Short cycle past oxbow lakes to Mannheim (28km/17.4mi)
Today is a short cycle alongside the old Rhine, past lakes, through untouched and protected areas designated as National Nature Reserves, and natural flood plains. Continue to Mannheim, known as the "City of Squares" due to its grid-like layout. You can explore the city's sights on foot or by bike including the Baroque Palace, one of the largest in Europe, and the city's landmark water tower.
Loop cycle to visit Heidelberg (52km/32.3mi)
Follow the Rhine River to Worms (26km/16.2mi)
This morning you leave Mannheim along the Rhine, passing meadows and fields as you head to the imperial city of Worms. On your journey through two millennia of the city’s history, learn about emperors and kings, myths and legends of the Nibelung, Judaism and Martin Luther.
Boat or bike to Nierstein, then cycle to Mainz (20 or 60km/12.5 or 37mi)
The boat will cruise to Nierstein this morning, which is home to the largest wine-growing community on the Rhine. The historic old town and its medieval market square are worth visiting. From here you will cycle along the Rhine Cycle Path to Mainz. If you prefer a longer cycle you can ride from Worms all the way to Mainz. Longer route: Worms - Mainz, 60km/37mi.
Trip concludes in Mainz after breakfast at 9:00am. If you have the time, spend time exploring the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate with its lovingly restored half-timbered houses in the Old Town and the Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Martin. The Gutenberg Museum is also interesting.
What's included
What's not included
Upper deck
There are 23x 2-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). Supplement applies.
Main deck
The main deck has 28x 2-bed-cabins, 2x 1-bed-cabin, and 2 mini-suites with additional seating. All cabins are approx. 11 m². Cabins have panoramic windows (upper section can be opened). In some cabins at the front of the boat (category Eco), engine and generator noise may be noticeable.
Bicycles provided are 7 speed touring bikes with bike rack, panniers and repair kit and handbrake and/or backpedal brake. Helmet rental is not included but they are mandatory on all bike tours, so you will need to bring your own well-fitted helmet. A limited number of helmets are available for purchase onboard - eur45 per helmet, cash only, brand: UVEX I-VO.
An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 148cm / 4ft10in. Unisex frame.
GRADE 1 - This trip involves 6 days cycling of between 17 and 60km / 12.6 and 37.5mi per day usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain. In and out of the cities there will be some light traffic. You need only carry your camera/rain gear and water bottle. Your luggage remains on the boat. This trip is considered suitable for beginners. There is not an age restriction for children on this trip however travellers should be aware that there is no program for children and no small bicycles on board, you will need to bring your own bicycle, and be responsible for them at all times. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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