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: URS

Trip highlights

  • Cycling through Alsace wine and Black Forest regions in the Upper Rhine Valley
  • Indulging in delicious cheeses and traditional wines
  • Experiencing the areas rich history through its beautiful castles and scenic medieval towns such as Speyer and Strasbourg
  • Relaxing on board the comfortable MS Olympia

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.

Countries:

Germany

Starting Point:

Mainz or Strasbourg/Kehl

Finishing Point:

Strasbourg/Kehl or Mainz

Expand all | Collapse all

On arrival in Mainz please board the comfortable river barge MS Olympia 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

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

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 castle.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today you will follow the course of the marvellous Neckar River up to Heidelberg. The ancient Roman city of Ladenburg with its historic Old Town is worth a short visit. Visible from afar, the ruin of the Heidelberg Castle towers over the Old Town. Stroll across the famous Heidelberg Sandstone Bridge, or through the winding lanes and charming squares of the Old Town. Your way back leads through the heart of the Rhineland Palatinate (formerly part of the Roman Empire) along the Kurpfalzruote cycle way to Schwetzingen Castle. The castle garden is a perfect place for a short break before continuing along the Rhine Cycle Route to Mannheim.

Meals:  B,L,D

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.

Meals:  B,L,D

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.

Meals:  B,L,D

From the lock station of Gambsheim, 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.

Meals:  B,L,D

Trip concludes after breakfast in Strasbourg/Kehl at 9:00am. The itinerary operates in reverse every alternate departure - see below.

Meals:  B

Expand all | Collapse all

On arrival in Strasbourg, please board the comfortable barge MS Olympia 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.

Meals:  D

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.

Meals:  B,L,D

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.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is a short cycle alongside the old Rhine, past marvellous 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. In these squares there are countless sites that are well worth a visit, including the Mannheim Baroque Palace (the largest in Germany) and the city's landmark water tower.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today you will follow the course of the Neckar up to Heidelberg. The ancient Roman city of Ladenburg with its old town is worth a short visit. Visible from afar, the ruin of the Heidelberg Castle towers over the old town. Stroll across the famous Heidelberg Sandstone bridge or through the winding lanes and charming squares of the old town. Your way back leads along the Neckar back to buzzing Mannheim.

Meals:  B,L,D

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 millenniums of the city’s history, learn about emperors and kings, myths and legends of the Nibelung, Judaism and Martin Luther.

Meals:  B,L,D

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 today you can start your cycle from Worms and travel by bike all the way to Mainz. Longer route: Worms - Mainz, 60km/37mi.

Meals:  B,L,D

Trip concludes in Mainz after breakfast at 9:00am.

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)
  • 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

  • Travel to and from Mainz / Strasbourg/Kehl
  • 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.
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • 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. 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 20 and 60km / 12.5 and 37mi 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 Mainz.
IT2
Trip follows a reverse itinerary beginning in Strasbourg (or in Kehl (Germany), directly across the border from Strasbourg) - refer to itinerary 2 in trip notes.

Priceper person from

£1560GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Electric Bike SupplementGBP£110
  • Upper Deck Twin cabin Supplement (Rear of boat nearer engine)GBP£130
  • Upper Deck Twin cabin SupplementGBP£180
  • Single Supplement - Upper Deck (single cabin)GBP£220
  • Single Supplement - Main Deck (single use of twin 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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