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1
introductory

Traveller Rating

 

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

8 Days£1185GBP

View Inclusions

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.

Countries:

Germany

Starting Point:

Koblenz or Mainz

Finishing Point:

Mainz or Koblenz

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On arrival in Koblenz, you are welcome on board the MS Olympia, a river barge with a comfortable atmosphere, from 4pm. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, the city 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.

Meals:  D

In the morning you begin cycling to Boppard. Enjoy the panoramic view of the unforgettable Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cycle on the river, passing vineyards and ruins of castles en route.

Meals:  B,L,D

From Boppard, you cycle along the Rhine to Oberwesel. On this short trip, pass by many scenic viewpoints from where you have the possibility to 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

The cycle today takes you past slate cliffs and through dense forests, before you pass sights like the Pfalzgrafenstein Castle near Kaub and the Niederwald Monument before reaching today`s destination, the wine town of Bingen. Here we suggest that you visit the world-famous Drosselgasse.

Meals:  B,L,D

On this stretch, the Rhine River shows off again all of its beauty. On your way, you ride past Eltville am Rhein. The town`s landmark, the Electoral Castle, is well worth a visit. Mainz, today`s destination, is 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 invite you for a stroll through the Old Town.

Meals:  B,L,D

A short leg of the journey with 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

The cycle begins from Worms, the city of the Nibelungs. Following alongside the banks of the Rhine River, you will have again the possibility to fall for the charms of the vineyards and to enjoy the scenery along the Rhine. Coming from the south, you cycle towards Nierstein, also referred to as the Riesling City. From there, your boat cruises to Mainz.

Meals:  B,L,D

Trip concludes after breakfast with disembarkation at 9:00am

Meals:  B

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On arrival in Mainz please make your way to the embarkation point to board the MS Olympia between 3 and 5 pm. If you have time you can visit the old town of Mainz, with its lovely alleys and public squares.

Meals:  D

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 Rhine to Nierstein. With almost 1,000 Hectare of viticulture area, 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

The cycle begins from Worms, the city of the Nibelungs. Following alongside the banks of the Rhine River, you will have again the possibility to fall for the charms of the vineyards and to enjoy the scenery along the Rhine. Coming from the south, you cycle towards Nierstein, also referred to as the Riesling City. From there, your boat cruises to Mainz.

Meals:  B,L,D

On this stretch, the Rhine River shows off again all of 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 renowned Drosselgasse, a world-famous attraction.

Meals:  B,L,D

Embark on your cycling adventure from Rüdesheim in the morning. Pedal 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 your destination for the day: Oberwesel.

Meals:  B,L,D

Commencing from Oberwesel, set out on a short cycling excursion along the Rhine towards Boppard. This brief journey unveils numerous scenic vantage points, allowing you to appreciate the varied landscape. Along the riverbank, the route is adorned with enchanting fortresses and the legendary Loreley cliff, painting a picturesque scene throughout the ride.

Meals:  B,L,D

Continue cycling from Boppard to Koblenz, your destination for the day - where the Moselle River converges with the Rhine. As you make your way, pass by notable landmarks such as 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 a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Koblenz.

Meals:  B,L,D

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 picnic lunches, 7 dinners, tea and coffee in the afternoon - 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 in main deck cabin on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities onboard MS Olympia - Premium category vessel (supplement applies for other categories of berths on main or upper deck). Season supplements apply. 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).
  • Information pack including route notes & maps per cabin.
  • GPS Tracks for cycling routes
  • Bicycle, 7 speed 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 (8 speed electric bike available on request for a supplement)
  • Welcome drink and information meeting on first evening aboard
  • Cruise director on board - does not cycle with the group, provides daily briefings
  • Linen and change of towels as required
  • Daily cabin cleaning
  • All harbour, lock and bridge fees
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Koblenz / Mainz
  • Drinks other than afternoon tea and coffee on board
  • Meals not detailed in the itinerary
  • Helmets - mandatory on all bike tours, you are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. No hire facility is available, you may be able to purchase from bike shops locally.
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Tour guide - this is a self guided tour
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room.
  • Entrance fees and sightseeing fees
  • Optional excursions - bookable and payable on board
  • Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian). A supplement is payable for lactose or gluten free diets - EUR25pp (subject to change) paid locally on board. See below for further details regarding catering for dietary requirements.
  • 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).
  • 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. Helmets are not supplied locally but are mandatory on all bike tours, so you will need to bring your own well-fitted helmet.

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 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 Bad Wimpfen.

Priceper person from

£1185GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Electric Bike SupplementGBP£110
  • upper deck twin supplementGBP£140
  • Single Supplement - upper deck single cabinGBP£270
  • Single Supplement - main deck twin cabin for single useGBP£270
  • Single Supplement - upper deck twin cabin for single useGBP£450
*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.

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