Cologne to Mainz by Bike and Barge
8 Days Starting in Cologne, Germany and ending in Mainz, Germany
Visiting: Cologne, Bonn, Andernach, Koblenz, Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Rudesheim, Mainz
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MRB
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Group size:
75 - 96
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an enchanting journey from Cologne to Mainz by bike and barge, exploring the fairytale Middle Rhine Valley. Cycle through picturesque towns like Koblenz, Rudesheim, and Bonn, and marvel at romantic castles and historic landmarks. Indulge in regional delicacies and wines, and relax aboard the comfortable MS Olympia. Highlights include the world's largest cold water spring in Andernach, the impressive Ehrenbreitstein fortress in Koblenz, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This self-guided tour offers a perfect blend of cycling adventure and leisurely river cruising, making it ideal for beginners.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Cologne
Location: Cologne
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Dinner
On arrival in Cologne, you are welcome on board the MS Olympia, a river barge with a comfortable atmosphere, at 4pm. Enjoy the evening on board and afterwards perhaps sample a Kölsch beer in one of the pubs overlooking the Rhine river.
Day 2 : Cycle To The City Of Beethoven, Bonn (37Km/23Mi)
Location: Bonn
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Before heading out on the cycle today, you have the option to join a walking tour of Cologne's old town and cathedral (additional cost - payable locally). Today you will cycle to Bonn, the city of Beethoven. This federal city and former capital of Germany still has international flair. On your way it is worthwhile to visit the leisure island Groov amidst a vast landscape of the Rheinaue wetland in the Cologne suburb Porz-Zundorf. In Bonn there are museums of interest such as the House of History, the Bundeskunsthalle and House of Beethoven. You can also visit the Rheinaue Leisure Park, and the Bundesviertel on the 'Path of Democracy' in the former Government Quarter of Bonn.
Day 3 : Continue To Andernach Via Drachenburg Castle (45Km/28Mi)
Location: Andernach
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The cycle today will lead you to Andernach. Along the way you will pass through Konigswinter with its Drachenburg Castle on the Drachenfels (steep ascent), and the Sea Life aquarium with more than 6,000 sea inhabitants. Your destination for today, Andernach, is famous for the world's largest cold water spring with an impressive 60m / 196ft fountain.
Day 4 : Cycle To Koblenz (25Km/15.5Mi)
Location: Koblenz
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On today's cycle to Koblenz you will find Engers Castle in Neuwied, built around the 17th century. Continue to the famous "Deutsche Eck" (German corner) where the Moselle river merges with the Rhine river. Further along you will find the Ehrenbreitstein fortress, which you can reach by cable car across the Rhine in Koblenz (tickets available for purchase on board).
Day 5 : Through The Upper Middle Rhine Valley To St Goar/St Goarhausen (38Km/24Mi)
Location: Upper Middle Rhine Valley
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you cycle up the Rhine river through the UNESCO World Heritage site the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Pass the romantic fortress Marksburg, the only hilltop castle of Middle Rhine, which has never been destroyed. Continue to Boppard with its fortress Kurfürstliche Burg, before reaching St Goar. Here you will find the ruins of the fortress Rheinfels, the largest of its kind along the Rhine. Also worth visiting are the fortresses of Katz and Maus (cat and mouse) in St Goarshausen on the opposite side of the Rhine.
Day 6 : Pass Beautiful Castles En Route To Rudesheim (32Km/20Mi)
Location: Rudesheim
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You will cycle past more beautiful castles today including Burg Reichenstein and Burg Rheinstein, and the famous rock Loreley, before reaching Rudesheim. Here you can take an optional guided tour around the historic town with its beautiful half-timbered houses (additional cost payable on board). Alternatively, treat yourself with a ride on the cable car up to the Niederwald monument, for beautiful views over the old town of Rudesheim and the river (not included).
Day 7 : Cycle To Mainz And Explore Its Charming Old Town (32Km/20Mi)
Location: Mainz
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On the final cycling stage you will find the Rhine at its best (if you weren't already impressed!). Along the way is Eltville am Rhein with its castle Kurfurstliche Burg. Your destination, Mainz, presents itself with numerous remarkable buildings. You may want to visit the cathedral Hoher Dom St Martin, one of the proud emperors' cathedrals of Germany, or the castle Kurfurstliches Scloss. In the old town you will find attractive alleys and squares including Augustinerstraße, the Kirschgarten with its lovely timber framed houses and wine restaurants.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes In Mainz
Location: Mainz
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip concludes after breakfast with disembarkation by 9 am.
Note: Itinerary operates in reverse every alternate departure, i.e. Mainz to Cologne. See below.
What's Included
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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.
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Accommodation
7 nights accommodation aboard a Premium barge in twin share cabins with ensuite facilities on main deck. The compact cabins are configured with two lower beds.
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Information Pack
Information pack including route notes and maps per cabin. Plus navigational app access (smartphone required).
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Cruise Director
Cruise director on board who provides daily briefings but does not cycle with the group.
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Bicycle
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.
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Welcome Drink
Welcome drink and briefing on the first evening.
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Linen and Towels
Linen and change of towels as required.
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Daily Cabin Cleaning
Daily cabin cleaning.
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Local Fees
Local passenger and port fees.
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Emergency Hotline
Emergency hotline.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Mainz / Cologne
Travel to and from Mainz / Cologne is not included.
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Drinks
Drinks other than afternoon tea and coffee on board are not included.
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Meals Not Detailed
Meals not detailed in the itinerary are not included.
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Cabin Upgrades
Upgrade to a cabin on upper deck or single cabin - supplement applies.
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Helmet
Helmet is mandatory on all bike tours.
You are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet.
In 2024, no hire facility is available, but you may be able to purchase from bike shops locally.
In 2025, helmets are available to purchase on board for EUR40 per helmet. -
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
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Tour Guide
This is a self-guided tour; a tour guide is not included.
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Solo Traveler Supplement
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees and sightseeing fees are not included.
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Tips
Tips are not obligatory but customary if the guide and crew have done a good job.
Recommended tip is around EUR30-60 per person. -
Special Diets
Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian) is not included.
A supplement is payable for lactose or gluten-free diets - EUR25 per person (subject to change) paid locally on board. -
Personal Items
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
, are not included.
Grading
INTRODUCTORY - GRADE 1
This trip involves 6 days cycling of between 30 and 45km/19 and 28mi 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
ain 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.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the panniers provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, water and camera. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel between Cologne and Mainz by bike and barge. The tour includes a 7-speed unisex bike with hand and back pedal brakes, a waterproof pannier, and bicycle insurance. The MS Olympia serves as your floating hotel, providing a relaxing atmosphere.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights aboard the comfortable MS Olympia, a premium barge with twin share cabins featuring ensuite facilities. The compact cabins are configured with two lower beds, and daily cabin cleaning and linen changes are provided as needed.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of bike is provided for the tour?
The tour provides a 7-speed unisex bike with hand and back pedal brakes or freewheel hubs with hand brakes only. The bike comes with a waterproof pannier and bicycle insurance per bike, as well as a repair kit and pump.
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Is there a guide who will cycle with the group?
No, this is a self-guided tour. However, there is a cruise director on board who provides daily briefings but does not cycle with the group.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners. Breakfasts are buffet style, picnic lunches are assembled at breakfast time, and dinners are 3 courses served in the dining room.
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What kind of accommodation is provided on the tour?
Accommodation is provided aboard a Premium barge in twin share cabins with ensuite facilities on the main deck. The compact cabins are configured with two lower beds.
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Are helmets provided for the cycling tour?
Helmets are mandatory on all bike tours. For 2024, no hire facility is available, but you may be able to purchase helmets from local bike shops. For 2025, helmets will be available for purchase on board for EUR 40 per helmet.
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What should I carry during the cycling day?
During the cycling day, you will carry your daily requirements in the panniers provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, water, and camera. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Is there any special dietary accommodation available?
Catering for special diets is available, except for vegetarian diets. A supplement is payable for lactose or gluten-free diets, which is EUR 25 per person (subject to change) and paid locally on board.
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What happens if I am traveling solo?
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Additional costs include travel to and from Mainz/Cologne, drinks other than afternoon tea and coffee on board, meals not detailed in the itinerary, entrance fees and sightseeing fees, tips, travel insurance, and items of a personal nature such as phone calls and laundry.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling tour?
The tour is graded as introductory - grade 1. It involves 6 days of cycling between 30 and 45 km per day, usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain. It is considered suitable for beginners.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.