2025
Rad und Schiff auf dem Rhein

Bike and boat on the Rhine

Rhine romance: castles, palaces and the Loreley

Mainz - Koblenz - Bonn - Cologne

  • Mainz and Cologne Cathedral, Middle Rhine Valley, Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
  • Full board included!
  • Daily routes ●○○○○, Altitude profile ●○○○○
  • Bike & boat: MS Olympia

Days
8

Ø km per day
35

Welcome to the romantic Middle Rhine! On the 200 km or so that accompany you along the Rhine on your journey by bike and boat, you will experience pure culture and enjoyment. You cycle between charming hilly landscapes where numerous castles and palaces were built by aristocratic lords. You will explore towns that are thousands of years old, such as Koblenz and Rüdesheim. Lovingly designed half-timbered houses and narrow alleyways characterize the image of these beautiful towns. You will experience a wildly romantic landscape with jagged high cliffs and narrow banks. Last but not least, this region is known for its excellent wines and cuisine. Let yourself be infected by the openness and cheerfulness of the Rhinelanders and turn your trip by bike and boat on the Rhine into an unforgettable experience.

The starting point alternates between Mainz and Cologne. Available dates are shown in the booking form.

 

Itinerary

  • Booking code
    Mainz - Cologne: SW-S-MK7oi
    Cologne - Mainz: SW-S-KM7oi
  • Duration
    8 days / 7 nights
  • Travel documents Languages
    German, English
  • Parking information
    Mainz:
    Parking garage (unguarded) near the main train station, costs: approx. 80 € per week. No reservation possible through Radweg-Reisen.
    Cologne:
    A guarded parking garage near the pier (approx. 6 km away), costs approx. 90 € - 110 € per week, registration required. No reservation possible through Radweg-Reisen.
  • Return journey to Mainz / Cologne
    On your own by train, connections hourly, 0 - 1 change, duration: approx. 2 - 3 hours, bike transport partly subject to reservation.
  • Minimum number of participants
    Minimum number of participants to be reached 21 days before the start of the tour: 75 people
    Boat trips are subject to change due to weather, water level or technical conditions.
  • Own bikes
    If you do not require a rental bike, please indicate on the booking form whether you are traveling with your own bike or your own electric bike.
Boat and Bike on the Rhine
MS Olympia
MS Olympia

Day 1: Individual arrival in Mainz

You are expected on board the MS Olympia at 4.00 pm. Use the remaining time after embarkation to see the numerous sights of the Rhineland-Palatinate state capital. Learn more about the cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum, St. Stephen's Church with its glowing blue windows by the artist Chagall and much more on a tour. In the evening, round off the day on board with a view of Mainz.

Mainz Cathedral

Mainz Cathedral

Day 2: Mainz - Rüdesheim, approx. 35 km

After leaving Mainz behind you, you cycle leisurely through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Past vineyards and through well-known wine-growing villages, you soon reach Eltville. Treat yourself to a break here. Take a look at the Electoral Castle with its beautiful rose garden. If you are not afraid of a short detour, cycle to Eberbach Abbey, which is situated in an elevated position near Eltville. In your stage destination of Rüdesheim, listen to the familiar melodies of the famous carillon over a glass of Rhenish wine in the famous Drosselgasse.

Electoral castle with rose garden in Eltville

Electoral castle with rose garden in Eltville

Day 3: Rüdesheim - St. Goar / St. Goarshausen, approx. 30 km

On today's stage of your journey by bike and boat on the Rhine, you will pass numerous romantic castles and castle ruins. A stop at each one is worthwhile. Roll on at a relaxed pace along the well-developed Rhine cycle path to St. Goar. Don't miss the opportunity to climb the hiking trail to the legendary Loreley. The climb will be rewarded: enjoy the wonderful view of the narrowest part of the Rhine Valley and the passing ships.

 

The legendary Loreley in St. Goar

The legendary Loreley in St. Goar

Day 4: St. Goar - Koblenz, approx. 40 km

Follow the narrow Rhine valley today until you reach Boppard. In the town center and directly on the banks of the Rhine, you will come across the sights of this lively town: the Roman fort and the electoral castle. The highlight of today's stage is Koblenz, one of the oldest cities in Germany. Do you want to get up high? Then take the cable car across the Rhine up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. The panoramic cabins offer you a spectacular view of the Deutsches Eck, where the Moselle flows into the Rhine, and the entire city with over 2000 years of history.

 

Rhine promenade in Boppard

Rhine promenade in Boppard

Day 5: Koblenz - Andernach, approx. 25 km

Castles and fortresses, the Rhine and vineyards accompany you on your way again today. The short cycle stage gives you plenty of time for a leisurely stop in one of the many wine villages. You pass the dyke town of Neuwied at the foot of the Westerwald with its Engers Castle before reaching Andernach. In the historic old town, you will encounter many contemporary witnesses, such as St. Mary's Cathedral, the Round Tower and the well-preserved town wall. Don't miss out on a trip to the Andernach geyser. In a nature reserve, you can experience the eruption of the cold-water geyser, which is up to 60 m high.

Deutsches Eck in Koblenz

Deutsches Eck in Koblenz

Day 6: Andernach - Bonn, approx. 45 km

After breakfast on board, you cycle past numerous thermal baths. Relax there for a few hours before continuing on your way. Passing Koenigswinter with Drachenburg Castle, which towers over the city, you soon reach Bonn. The former federal capital has a cozy Rhineland feel. Take a tour of the former government district. You will find the most important buildings directly along the banks of the Rhine. Enjoy the rest of the day in a café in Bonn's medieval old town.

 

Drachenburg Castle in Koenigswinter

Drachenburg Castle in Koenigswinter

Day 7: Bonn - Cologne, approx. 40 km

Today, the last few kilometers are covered on the bike. Continuing along the Rhine, you will soon be able to catch your first glimpse of the city's landmark from afar: Cologne Cathedral with its two 157-metre-high towers. After a visit to the Chocolate Museum or the Ludwig Museum, don't miss out on Cologne's old town. Enjoy the unique atmosphere with its many restaurants, breweries and squares, where you can experience Rhineland conviviality until late in the evening.

Old Town Hall Bonn

Old Town Hall Bonn

Day 8: Individual departure

After breakfast, your journey by bike and boat on the Rhine comes to an end. Disembarkation takes place at 09.00 a.m., after which you start your individual journey home.

Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral

Itinerary from Cologne

1 . Day: Arrival in Cologne

2 . Day: Cologne - Bonn, cycle tour approx. 37 km

3 . Day: Bonn - Andernach, cycle tour approx. 45 km

4 . Day: Andernach - Koblenz, cycle tour approx. 25 km

5 . Day: Koblenz - St. Goar / St. Goarshausen, cycle tour approx. 38 km

6 . Day: St. Goar / St. Goarshausen - Rüdesheim, cycle tour approx. 32 km

7 . Day: Rüdesheim - Mainz, cycle tour approx. 32 km

8 . Day: Departure from Mainz

 

Arrival Cologne

Accommodation

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Dates / Prices / Services

Season times and prices 2025

Arrival on Saturdays from 07.06.2025 to 12.07.2025Early booking discount: -30 €

Bookable dates are displayed in the booking form. The day of arrival determines the season time.

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MS Olympia - Main deck

Season A
07.06. - 12.07.

from1299 €

All prices per person in a double cabin

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Services

  • 7 nights in double cabins with shower/WC
  • Full board (7 x breakfast, 6 x packed lunch, 7 x dinner)
  • Welcome drink, coffee and cake in the afternoon
  • Daily cabin cleaning
  • Bed linen and towels are provided and changed if required
  • All passenger, port, bridge and lock fees
  • Daily bike tour briefing, on-board tour guide
  • Digital travel documents and route navigation via app
  • Service hotline (7 days, 8 am - 8 pm)
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Not included:

  • Drinks
  • Entrance fees and excursions
  • Drinks
  • Transfers
  • Ferry fees

    Minimum number of participants to be reached up to 21 days before departure: 75 people

    Changes to the itinerary due to weather, water level or technical conditions are possible and reserved.

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Children's discount

No child discount is offered on this trip.

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Additional services

Supplement double cabin for single use

price on request

Supplement upper deck

199 €

All prices are per person

Rental bikes

Rental Bikes

Rental Bike
Rental Bike
59 €
E-Bike
E-Bike
169 €

Rental bike types

  • 7-speed unisex bike hub gear with coaster brake or freewheel (limited number)
  • Electric bike, 8-speed unisex bike with coaster brake or freewheel (limited number)
Features

Waterproof pannier

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7-speed rental bike

59 €

Electric bike

169 €

All prices are per person

Route profile

  • Start / Finish
    Mainz / Cologne
  • Length
    approx. 210 km
    Stage length ●○○○○
    between 25 and 45 km, Ø 35 km
    Elevation profile ●○○○○
  • Road conditions
    Mostly on paved cycle paths and embankments or quiet country roads without significant gradients. Suitable for leisure cyclists and beginners.
  • Tour operated by
    Local cooperation partner
  • Mobility advice
    The tour is only partially suitable for people with limited mobility.
    Simply contact us regarding your individual needs.
Bike and boat on the Rhine

Days
8

Ø km per day
35