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Cologne to Mainz by Bike and Barge

5.0Based on
8 days
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8 daysDuration
Group TourJoin a group of travelers
96 peopleMaximum group size
18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Relaxed
Minimal physical effort, perfect for travelers seeking an easy-going experience.

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

Itinerary

Explore the storybook inspired landscapes of the Middle Rhine Valley by bike and barge. The landscapes of the Middle Rhine Valley 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 is a magical experience. 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 and Rudesheim and the cities of Cologne and Mainz. You will cycle past the merging point of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers at Koblenz, Drachenburg Castle, and the fortress of Marksburg, the only hilltop castle of the middle Rhine that has never been destroyed. In the evenings you can relax on board the barge, enjoying the idyllic scenery and camaraderie of like-minded cyclists, all while indulging in regional delicacies and a glass of the local wines.

day 1Arrive Mainz

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. There are numerous remarkable buildings including the cathedral Hoher Dom St Martin, one of the proud imperial cathedrals of Germany, and Kurfurstliches Schloss. The Gutenberg Museum is also interesting.

Meals
Dinner

day 2Cycle to Rudesheim (32km/20mi)

day 3Through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley to St Goar/St Goarshausen (32km/20mi)

day 4Cycle to Koblenz (38km/27mi)

day 5Continue to Andernach via Neuwied (25km/16mi)

day 6Cycle to the city of Beethoven, Bonn (45km/28mi)

day 7Cycle to Cologne via Groov (37km/23mi)

day 8Trip concludes in Cologne

What's Included

Accommodation
7 nights accommodation aboard the Premium category barge MS Olympia (MS Switzerland in 2027) in twin share cabin with ensuite facilities on the main deck (supplement applies for other categories of berths on main or upper deck). Most cabins are configured with two lower beds. 2 cabins on the upper deck have a single bed. We do not match travellers together so if you are travelling solo you will need to book a single cabin or a twin cabin for single use (limited and on a request basis - supplement applies).
Meals
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.
Guide
Cruise director and on-board tour guide - does not cycle with the group, provides daily briefings
Others
Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps, roadbook and GPS TracksBicycle, 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 eveningLinen and change of towels as requiredDaily cabin cleaningAll charges for harbours, bridges and locksEmergency hotline

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.
Jane Andersen
Sine
Rasmus Juul Olsen

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Bronwyn

Booking with Bookmundi is so easy. The website is straightforward and easy to use. Peter Adley is an absolute star! He is quick to respond to my many queries and to offer helpful guidance. I am looking forward to the 2 tours I have booked!
1 month ago

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