Rhine Valley Barge & Bike

Name: Rhine Valley Barge & Bike
Brand: UTracks
SKU: RVB
Rating: 5.00 (1 reviews)

Discover Ehrenfels Castle near Rüdesheim on our Rhine Valley Bike & Barge in Germany

View of the Middle Rhine Valley

Panoramic view of the city of Koblenz

MS Olympia sails past a castle

Discover Ehrenfels Castle near Rüdesheim on our Rhine Valley Bike & Barge in Germany

View of the Middle Rhine Valley

Panoramic view of the city of Koblenz

MS Olympia sails past a castle

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Duration

8 days

Activities

self guided cycle

Accommodation

7 nights barge

Meals

7 Dinners
6 Lunches
7 Breakfasts

Price

$1520USD

Overview

Trip Code: RVB

Trip highlights

Cycling through the stunning Rhine Valley
Wine tasting and dinner in Nierstein and learning of the ancient wine growing traditions of the region
Experiencing the areas rich history through its impressive castles and towns
Relaxing on board the comfortable MS Olympia

The Rhine River flows from high in the Swiss Alps through five countries and the majestic Lake Constance, to reach a vast delta in the Netherlands. This relaxed pace cycle based on board the MS Olympia includes some of the most beautiful sections of the river between Koblenz and Worms. Starting in either Koblenz, located at the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle rivers or Mainz with its half timbered houses, take in the classic scenery as you gently pedal past majestic vineyards and mystic castle ruins. After your day cycling and visiting the sights, your comfortable floating hotel provides the fabulous advantage of only having to pack and unpack once. The journey by bike and on board the boat takes you through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Middle Rhine Valley with its picturesque small towns, coloured half-timbered gable buildings and legendary castles. Short cycle tours through the idyllic landscape and plenty of time to discover each town, make this journey a particularly good option for first time cycle tourists.

Trip Grading

introductory

More info about grading system

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Day 1
Arrive Koblenz

On arrival in Koblenz, make your way to the dock to board the MS Olympia - embarkation is from 4pm. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, Koblenz has been an important defence centre for the region over its more than 2000 year history. Its impressive fortifications are still in good condition today and it’s worth exploring these, as well as the old town with its ancient churches and winding streets.

Meals: D

Day 2
Cycle to Boppard (23km/14mi)

In the morning you begin cycling to Boppard. Enjoy the panoramic view of the unforgettable Upper Middle Rhine Valley (or Rhine Gorge) a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cycle alongside the river, surrounded by vineyards and castle ruins.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Cycle to Oberwesel (20km/12.5mi)

From Boppard, you cycle along the Rhine to Oberwesel. On this short stage you'll pass by many scenic viewpoints from where you can enjoy the varied landscape. From the banks of the river, the many fortresses and the legendary Loreley cliff offer a picturesque backdrop all along the way.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Cycle to Rüdesheim / Bingen (25km/15mi)

The cycle today takes you from Oberwesel past slate cliffs and through dense forests to sights including the Pfalzgrafenstein Castle near Kaub and the Niederwald Monument. Today's destination is the wine town of Bingen, and Rudesheim across the river. Here we suggest that you visit the world-famous Drosselgasse.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Cycle to the delightful town of Mainz (30km/19mi)

On this stretch, the Rhine River again shows all of its beauty. Ride past Eltville am Rhein, where the Electoral Castle is well worth a visit. Continue to Mainz, home to numerous impressive buildings. You may want to visit St Martin's Cathedral, one of the proud imperial cathedrals in Germany, or the Electoral Palace. Lined with beautiful half-timbered buildings and wine taverns, pretty narrow lanes and marvellous squares like the Augustinerstraße and the Kirschgarten Square, a stroll through the Old Town is highly recommended.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Continue cycle to Nierstein (17-26km/12-16mi), cruise to Worms

A short stage allowing lots of time to take it slowly and absorb the beautiful views. Directly alongside the Rhine, you cycle on the well-paved Rhine Cycle Route to Nierstein. With almost 1.000 hectares of vineyard surface area, Nierstein is the biggest wine-growing municipality on the Rhine. You may also want to visit the historic Old Town with its medieval market square and the noble houses. In the afternoon, enjoy the boat tour from Nierstein to Worms.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Cycle to Nierstein, cruise to Mainz (37km/24mi)

Today's cycle begins from Worms, the city of the Nibelungs. Following the banks of the Rhine, you will have again the possibility to fall for the charms of the vineyards and to enjoy the scenery along the river. Coming from the south, you cycle towards Nierstein, also referred to as the Riesling City. In the evening, cruise to Mainz for your last night on board.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8
Trip concludes Mainz

Trip concludes after breakfast with disembarkation at 9:00am.

Meals: B

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Day 1
Arrive Mainz

On arrival in Mainz please make your way to the embarkation point to board the MS Olympia. Boarding is at 4pm. Time permitting, you can visit the old town of Mainz, with its lovely alleys and public squares.

Meals: D

Day 2
Continue cycle to Nierstein (17-26km/12-16mi), cruise to Worms

A short leg of the journey with lots of time to indulge: You will cycle on the Rhine Cycle Route with its well-paved cycle ways directly alongside the river to Nierstein. With almost 1,000 hectares of vineyards, 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, enjoy the boat tour from Nierstein to Worms.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Cycle to Nierstein, cruise to Mainz (37km/24mi)

Today's cycling stage begins from Worms, the city of the Nibelungs. Riding along the banks of the Rhine, you can again enjoy the charm of the vineyards and the scenery along the river. Coming from the south, you cycle towards Nierstein, also referred to as the Riesling City. From there, re-board the boat and cruise to Mainz.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Cycle Mainz to Rüdesheim (32km/19.9mi)

On this stretch, the Rhine again shows its beauty. The picturesque landscape features stunning Rhine islands, towering slate cliffs, and flourishing vineyards, particularly in the vicinity of Rüdesheim. During your bike excursion, journey through Eltville with its electoral castle and Oestrich-Winkel, where a historic wine loading crane stands as a distinctive landmark, until you reach Rüdesheim. Here, we recommend exploring the Drosselgasse.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Cycle to Oberwesel (26km/16.1mi)

Cycle from Rüdesheim in the morning, pedalling past dense forests and scenic vineyards, tracing the course of the Rhine. Along the way you'll encounter landmarks such as the Niederwald Monument and Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, before reaching today's destination, Oberwesel.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Continue cycling to Boppard (20km/12.4mi)

From Oberwesel, set out on a short ride along the Rhine towards Boppard. There are numerous scenic vantage points, allowing you to appreciate the varied landscape. From the banks of the river, the many fortresses and the legendary Loreley cliff offer a picturesque backdrop all along the route.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Cycle from Boppard to Koblenz (22km/13.7mi)

On your last cycling day, ride from Boppard to Koblenz, where the Moselle River converges with the Rhine. As you make your way, pass by notable landmarks including the Marksburg Castle in Braubach and Stolzenfels Castle. Conclude your day at the Deutsche Eck, also known as the German Corner, or extend your ride to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, where you can relish the panoramic view of the city of Koblenz.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8
Departure from Koblenz

After breakfast, disembarkation until 09:00 am.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's 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.
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).
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)
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

What's not included

Travel to and from Koblenz / Mainz
Drinks other than afternoon tea and coffee on board
Meals not listed as included
Upgrade to a cabin on upper deck or single cabin - supplement applies, ask our office for details
Helmet - mandatory on all bike tours, you are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet, or can be purchased on board (limited availability) - brand: UVEX I-VO: EUR 40, payment in cash only
Travel insurance - mandatory *cruise cover may be required - check with your insurer
Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
Entrance fees and sightseeing fees
Optional excursions: a small excursion program is available. Details and bookings are available on board, bookings with the cruise director only.
Tips - while tipping is not obligatory, it is customary to offer a tip if the guide and crew have done a good job. As a guide we would recommend around EUR30-60 per person (to be distributed between the guide/s, captain and crew).
Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian) - a supplement is payable for lactose or gluten free diets (allow EUR25-50 dependent on requirements and subject to change). See below for further details regarding catering for dietary requirements.
Wi-fi
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.

Cabins

MS Olympia

Main Deck

All cabins boast en-suite bathroom, hair dryer, telephone, TV, individual air conditioning/heating, fridge and safe.

On the Main Deck, the cabins have a large panoramic window which cannot be opened.

Limited number of single and double cabins available on both decks.

MS Olympia

Upper Deck

2-bed-cabins (approx. 11m2) with panoramic windows which can be opened.

* four 2-bed-cabins of bigger size at the stern of the ship (upper rear: engine and generator noise when ship is in motion and in locks, approx. 12m2, three of them feature twin beds)

*two single cabins (approx. 9m2).

Bike information

7 Speed Bike

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 are mandatory on all bike tours, so you will need to bring your own well-fitted helmet. In 2025: available for purchase onboard - eur40 per helmet, cash only, brand: UVEX I-VO.

Electric Bike

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.

Grading

introductory

INTRODUCTORY - GRADE 1 This trip involves 6 days cycling of between 17km and 46km/10.5 to 28.5mi per day usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain. Distances provided daily are provided as a guide only and may change according to the location of the boat. 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. For this reason the trip is a grade 1 cycle and is considered suitable for beginners.*For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

Departure dates

Notes

IT1

Trip begins in Koblenz.

IT2

Trip begins in Mainz

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1520USD

Options & Supplements*

Electric Bike SupplementUSD$140
upper deck twin supplementUSD$170
Single Supplement - upper deck single cabinUSD$340
Single Supplement - main deck twin cabin for single useUSD$360
Single Supplement - upper deck twin cabin for single useUSD$590

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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