1
introductory

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights barge
Meals
  • 7 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1560GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: MRB

Trip highlights

  • Cycling through the fairytale Middle Rhine Valley
  • Indulging in regional delicacies and wines
  • Experiencing the areas rich history through its romantic castles and picturesque towns such as Koblenz, Rudesheim, Cologne and Mainz
  • Relaxing on board the comfortable MS Olympia

The landscapes of the Middle Rhine Valley look could easily be mistaken for fairytale illustrations. Lined with pretty riverside villages, steep vineyards, and what seems like a castle on nearly every hilltop, exploring the World Heritage listed region by both bike and barge is nothing short of magical. Numerous romantic castles and fortresses have been built along the banks of the Rhine between Cologne and Mainz, and they all have exciting stories to tell. Travelling by bike and barge is the perfect way to explore this beautiful and historic region, allowing you to soak in the beauty from both land and water. On this week long cycle tour you will have the chance to explore the picture-perfect towns of Koblenz, Rudesheim, Cologne and Mainz. You will cycle past the merging point of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, Drachenburg Castle, and the fortress of Marksburg, the only hilltop castle of the middle Rhine that has never been destroyed. In the evenings you will relax on board the barge, enjoying the idyllic scenery and making friends with other like-minded cyclists, all while indulging in regional delicacies and a glass of the local wines.

Countries:

Germany

Starting Point:

Cologne or Mainz

Finishing Point:

Mainz or Cologne

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Make your own way to Cologne and the boat for embarkation at 4:00 pm. The crew will be waiting on board to welcome you. Enjoy the evening on board or stroll to one of the nearby pubs with views over the river and and enjoy a Kölsch beer. Don't miss a visit to the Dom, Cologne's UNESCO World Heritage listed Gothic cathedral. Time permitting, climb the Dom's tower for great views of the city and river. If you feel like exploring, Cologne has a great night life - bars, cafes, restaurants and shops and is easy to get around. There are also some good art museums, and a chocolate museum!

Meals:  D

Before heading out on the cycle today, you can take the opportunity to walk through Cologne's old town and cathedral. Afterwards you will cycle to Bonn, the city of Beethoven. This federal city and former capital of Germany still has international flair. On your way it is worthwhile visiting the leisure island Groov amidst a vast landscape of the Rheinaue wetland in the Cologne suburb Porz-Zundorf. In Bonn there are museums of interest such as the House of History, the Bundeskunsthalle and House of Beethoven. You can also visit the Rheinaue Leisure Park, and the Bundesviertel on the 'Path of Democracy' in the former Government Quarter of Bonn.

Meals:  B,L,D

The cycle today will lead you to Andernach. Along the way you will pass through Konigswinter with its Drachenburg Castle on the Drachenfels (steep ascent), and the Sea Life aquarium with more than 6,000 sea inhabitants. Your destination for today is Andernach, famous for the world's largest cold water spring - it has an impressive 60m (196ft) fountain.

Meals:  B,L,D

On today's cycle to Koblenz you will find Engers Castle in Neuwied, built around the 17th century. Continue to the famous "Deutsche Eck" (German corner) where the Moselle river merges with the Rhine river. Another place of interest is the Ehrenbreitstein fortress, which you can reach by cable car across the river in Koblenz (tickets available for purchase on board).

Meals:  B,L,D

Today you cycle through the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, known for its castles, historic towns and vineyards. Pass the romantic fortress Marksburg, the only hilltop castle of Middle Rhine which has never been destroyed. Continue to Boppard with its fortress Kurfürstliche Burg, before reaching St Goar. Here you will find the ruins of the fortress Rheinfels, the largest of its kind along the Rhine. Also worth visiting are the fortresses of Katz und Maus (cat and mouse) in St Goarshausen on the opposite side of the Rhine.

Meals:  B,L,D

You will cycle past more beautiful castles today including Burg Reichenstein and Burg Rheinstein, and the famous rock Loreley, before reaching Rudesheim. Rudesheim has beautiful half-timbered houses and we recommend a city walk around the historic town. Alternatively, treat yourself with a ride on the cable car (payable locally) up to the Niederwald monument, for beautiful views over the old town and the river.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today you will find the Rhine at its best (if you weren't already impressed!). Along the way is Eltville am Rhein with its castle Kurfurstliche Burg. The destination is Mainz, where you'll find numerous remarkable buildings including the cathedral Hoher Dom St Martin, one of the proud imperial cathedrals of Germany, and Kurfurstliches Schloss. In the old town you will find attractive alleys and squares including Augustinerstraße and the Kirschgarten with its lovely timber framed houses and wine restaurants.

Meals:  B,L,D

Trip concludes after breakfast with disembarkation by 9 am. The itinerary operates in reverse from Mainz to Cologne every alternate departure - see below.

Meals:  B

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

Meals:  D

Today you will see why the Rhine and its surroundings are UNESCO World Cultural heritage listed. Beautiful islands, steep slate rocks and vineyards shape the region around Rudesheim. You will cycle pass Eltville with its fortress Kurfurstliche Burg and Oestrich-Winkel. When you reach Rudesheim we recommend visiting the famous street of Drosselgasse and exploring the historic town with its beautiful half-timbered houses on foot. Alternatively, treat yourself with a ride on the cable car (payable locally) to the Niederwald monument, for beautiful views over the old town of and the river.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today you will cycle through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. You'll pass romantic castles and ruins including the fortresses Reichenstein and Rheinstein and the famous rock of the Loreley en route to today's destination. From the top of the rock you have a beautiful view of St Goar and St Goarshausen.

Meals:  B,L,D

On your way to Koblenz it is possible to visit Boppard and the Marksburg Castle. The "Deutsche Eck" (German corner) is where the rivers Moselle and Rhine merge in Koblenz and well worth viewing while you're here. You can also visit the fortress Ehrenbreitstein by cable car and enjoy a fantastic view over the splendid landscape of the Rhine (tickets available for purchase on board). Koblenz has lovely winding streets through its old centre, where you can shop or relax in a cafe or bar.

Meals:  B,L,D

The path today heads past Neuwied with its castle, before leading to today's destination, Andernach. Andernach is one of the oldest cities in Germany and is famous for the world's largest cold water spring - it has an impressive 60m (196ft) fountain. In Andernach you can visit the Round Tower, or take a ferry to the wine village of Leutesdorf (not included).

Meals:  B,L,D

On your way to Bonn you can visit Konigswinter and its Drachenburg Castle on the Drachenfels (steep slope), or the Sea Life aquarium with more than 6,000 sea inhabitants. Cosy and cosmopolitan Bonn is the former capital of Germany. Numerous global organisations still have their headquarters here and they provide the city of Beethoven with international flair. There are museums of interest such as the House of History, the Bundeskunsthalle and House of Beethoven. You can also visit the Rheinaue Leisure Park, and the Bundesviertel on the ‘Path of Democracy’ in the former Government Quarter of Bonn.

Meals:  B,L,D

En route to Cologne you can take a nice break at the leisure island Groov, admist a vast landscape of the Rheinaue wetland in the Cologne suburb of Porz-Zundorf. Once you have reached the city centre of Cologne, take your time and stroll through the Old Town. Also worth visiting are the Ludwig Museum, the Chocolate Museum or the modern parts of Cologne found at the port of the Rheinaue wetland. The city also offers several breweries with their popular Kölsch local beer. The Dom is Cologne's vast UNESCO World Heritage listed cathedral, well worth a visit. The tower is great to climb for views of the city and river.

Meals:  B,L,D

Trip concludes after breakfast around 9:00am. The main station is a short walk from the river if you're not extending your stay,

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

  • Travel to and from Mainz / Cologne
  • 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 cruise director, 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 they are mandatory on all bike tours, so you will need to bring your own well-fitted helmet, or available for purchase onboard.

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request (limited availability). 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.

Suitability

introductory

1

INTRODUCTORY - GRADE 1 This trip involves 6 days cycling of between 30 and 45km/19 and 28mi 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. 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 Cologne.
IT2
Trip begins in Mainz.

Priceper person from

£1560GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Electric Bike SupplementGBP£110
  • Upper Deck twin Supplement (rear of boat nearer to engine)GBP£130
  • Upper Deck twin SupplementGBP£180
  • Single Supplement - Upper Deck (single cabin)GBP£220
  • Single Supplement - Main Deck (single use of twin share cabin)GBP£330
  • Single Supplement - Upper Deck (single use of twin cabin)GBP£560
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Videos

Germany Barge & Bike Holiday | UTracks Active Travel

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