Along the Rhine from Strasbourg to Mainz

The first evening of your cycling holiday is spent in Strasbourg. After the info meeting, grab your bike and explore Europe's capital. The city centre, Grande-Île, with its imposing church and the picturesque tanner's quarter La Petite France are real eye-catchers. In any of the winstubs - the small and cosy wine cellars, try an Alsace wine and their traditional cuisine.  

About half way to Rastatt, you cross over from the Alsace side of the river by ferry to the other side of the Rhine at Drusenheim to be in Baden-Württemberg. Pedalling through meadow-countryside, you reach the Baroque town of Rastatt. Visit the stately residential palace and gardens. If you have time to spare, take a trip to the nearby spa and baths town of Baden-Baden with its wonderful parks and gardens and many museums

Along the Altrhein, today your route takes you to Rhineland-Palatinate. Before you reach today's destination of Germersheim, you cycle along the Hördt riverside meadows, a nature reserve with lush vegetation and isolate lakes. The town, Germersheim, whose fortress is worth visiting, will provide you with relaxing moments thanks to its newly designed Rhine banks and lovely city centre. On a boat trip – Nachenfahrt – on the Altrhein, enjoy the countryside. The meadows here are regularly flooded by the river – find out more about the flora and fauna and this beautiful scenery. 

Today, your route first takes you to Speyer. In one of Germany's oldest towns at every corner you can see the eventful history of this town. The Imperial Cathedral in Speyer is the biggest intact Roman church in the world. From the south-west tower you have a wonderful view of the surrounding town and countryside. After Speyer, you have time until the next day to bid farewell to the Rhine. In Schwetzingen, the wonderful Baroque castle estate and parklands await you. You will continue to be amazed at the sights when you see Heidelberg. On a walk along the Philosopher's Walk above the Neckar you can enjoy views of Heidelberg Castle and the historic quarter. 

Passing the Roman town of Ladenburg, your cycling holiday takes you through the Rhine Rift Valley today to Worms. As a town known for its cathedral, for Luther and the Nibelungen, Worms presents is multifaceted sides! The stately Imperial Cathedral of St. peter, the Nibelungen Museum and the Luther Monument are just some of the sightworthy buildings and places that tell of the town's 2000 year history. Wine is grown in and around Worms. Try a glass of Liebfrauenmilch (milk) from the vineyards around the Liebfrauenkirche – with a view of the Rhine from the riverside promenade. 

More wine awaits you on today's route. Along the quieter Altrhein following endless green fields, you gradually cycle through the wine-growing region of Rhine Hessen. Today's destination, Nierstein, is considered the biggest wine-growing area on the Rhine. White wine, in particular, is produced here. A trip up to the Wartturm tower and the Red Cliffs in the vineyards is worth it for the views of the Rhine valley. 

To complete your cycling holiday along the Rhine, you cycle past the Nierstein wine gardens, along the Rhine cycle path, right into the heart of the Gutenberg town of Mainz. The short ride gives you lots of time to explore the Rhineland-Palatinate capital. Pay a visit to the cathedral, St. Martin, which has six steeples, and find out what Henne Gensfleisch has to do with the invention of the printing press. Closely related to wine-growing, wine enthusiasts will find what they're looking for in Mainz. Enjoy the local wines, a Piffche of wine – or maybe two or three! A Piffche is 0.1 litres. 

Today, your cycling holiday along the Rhine from Strasbourg to Mainz unfortunately comes to an end. We would be happy to extend your stay in Strasbourg or Mainz by adding an extra night.