Mainz to Strasbourg by Bike and Barge
Mainz to Strasbourg by Bike and Barge
Mainz to Strasbourg by Bike and Barge
8 Days Starting in Mainz, Germany and ending in Strasbourg, France
Visiting: Mainz, Worms, Mannheim, Heidelberg, Speyer, Germersheim, Strasbourg
Tour operator:
Tour code:
URS
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Group size:
75 - 96
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Mainz to Strasbourg by bike and barge, exploring the picturesque landscapes of Germany and France. Cycle through the enchanting Alsace wine region and the Black Forest, savoring delicious cheeses and traditional wines along the way. Discover the rich history of the Upper Rhine Valley with visits to medieval towns like Speyer and Strasbourg, and marvel at the ancient Roman city of Ladenburg and Heidelberg Castle. Enjoy the comfort of the MS Olympia, a premium barge with twin share cabins, as it transports you between cycling destinations. This self-guided tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and culinary delights.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Mainz
Location: Mainz
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Dinner
On arrival in Mainz, you are welcome on board the MS Olympia, a river barge with a comfortable atmosphere, at 4pm. If you have the time, perhaps see the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate with its lovingly restored half-timbered houses in the Old Town and the Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Martin. This evening there will be a welcome briefing and drink on board the barge.
Day 2 : Follow The Rhine Cycle Route To Nierstein And Then Worms (20 Or 60Km/12.5 Or 37Mi)
Location: Worms
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you have the option of a shorter cycle, with plenty of time for one to rest and enjoy the scenery from the barge, or to extend the route into a longer cycle. 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, sail or cycle from Nierstein to Worms.
Short cycle: Mainz-Nierstein.
Long cycle: Mainz-Worms.
Day 3 : Cycle To Mannheim On The Confluence Of The Rhine And Neckar Rivers (25Km/15.5Mi)
Location: Mannheim
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You start your cycle for the day in the imperial city of Worms. Enjoy riding through vast fields and meadows. The beautiful cycle trail across the Friesenheim Island offers a high contrast to the opposite Rhine bank dominated by the BASF plant. A few kilometres further on, you will reach the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Neckar in Mannheim, where the barge will be waiting for you. Make the most of the afternoon, and take a stroll through Mannheim, the City of Squares, up to the Baroque castle.
Day 4 : Cycle To Heidelberg And Return Through Rhineland Palatinate To Mannheim (52Km/32.3Mi)
Location: Heidelberg
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, follow the course of the marvellous Neckar River up to Heidelberg. The ancient Roman city of Ladenburg with its historic Old Town is worth a quick visit. Visible already from afar, the ruin of the Heidelberg Castle towers over the Old Town. Stroll across the famous Heidelberg Sandstone Bridge, or through the winding lanes and charming squares of the Old Town. Your way back leads through the heart of the Rhineland Palatinate (formerly part of the Roman Empire) along the Kurpfalzruote cycle way to Schwetzingen Castle. The castle garden is a perfect place for a short break before continuing along the Rhine Cycle Route to Mannheim.
Day 5 : Continue Via Oxbow Lakes To Speyer (27Km/16.7Mi)
Location: Speyer
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will cycle alongside numerous oxbow lakes of the Old Rhine as you head towards Speyer. The cycle for today is short and you can take your time enjoying these marvellous lakes and unspoilt nature of the Natural Reserves and flood plains that you will cycle through. When you arrive in Speyer you can visit the UNESCO listed Cathedral.
Day 6 : Cycle To Germersheim, Then By Boat To Gambsheim (22Km/13.7Mi)
Location: Germersheim
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue exploring the untouched Palantinate region, cycling past more stunning oxbow lakes and natural landscapes. Today you can visit the old fortified town of Germersheim with its numerous picturesque alleyways, corners and squares. From Germersheim you will join the boat again and enjoy an apperitif enroute to Gambsheim.
Day 7 : Cycle From Gambsheim Lock Through Countryside Alsace To Strasbourg (18Km/11.2Mi)
Location: Strasbourg
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From the lock station of Gambsheim, our last day of cycling is an easy route along the Rhine plain all the way to the Alsatian capital, Strasbourg. The city of Strasbourg has countless canals which can be discovered on foot or by bike. Visit the Strasbourg Minster, stroll through the tanners' quarter with its small historic half-timbered houses and enjoy this fascinating French city.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
Location: Strasbourg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip concludes after breakfast around 9:00am and individual departure from Strasbourg/Kehl.
Note: Itinerary operates in reverse every alternate departure, i.e. Strasbourg to Mainz.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
7 nights barge -
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
-
7 nights accommodation aboard the Premium category barge MS Olympia in twin share cabin with ensuite facilities on the main deck (supplement applies for other categories of berths on main or upper deck). The compact cabins are configured with two lower be
-
Information pack including route notes & maps per cabin. Plus navigational app access (smartphone required)
-
Cruise director on board - does not cycle with the group, provides daily briefings
-
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
-
Mobile phone holder
-
Welcome drink and briefing on the first evening
-
Linen and change of towels as required
-
Daily cabin cleaning
-
All charges for harbours, bridges and locks
What's Not Included
-
Travel to and from Mainz / Kehl
-
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.
-
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 or available to purchase onboard: UVEX I-VO € 25,- per helmet, limited numbe
Grading
INTRODUCTORY - GRADE 1
This trip involves 6 days cycling of between 20 and 60km / 12.5 and 37mi 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 along the scenic Rhine Cycle Route with a 7-speed unisex bike, equipped with hand and back pedal brakes or freewheel hubs. The barge will transport you between cycling destinations, offering a relaxing journey.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights aboard the comfortable MS Olympia, a premium barge with twin share cabins featuring ensuite facilities. The compact cabins are equipped with two lower beds, and daily cabin cleaning is provided.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of bike will I be using on this tour?
You will be using a 7-speed unisex bike, equipped with hand and back pedal brakes or freewheel hubs. The bike is supplied with a pannier, bicycle insurance, a repair kit, pump, handlebar bag, and a mobile phone holder.
-
What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
You will stay aboard the MS Olympia, a premium barge with twin share cabins featuring ensuite facilities. The compact cabins are equipped with two lower beds, and daily cabin cleaning is provided.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, 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.
-
Is there a guide accompanying us during the cycling routes?
No, this is a self-guided tour. However, a cruise director on board will provide daily briefings but will not cycle with the group.
-
What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the panniers provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, water, and camera.
-
Is there any special equipment I need to bring?
Yes, helmets are mandatory on all bike tours, and you are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. No hire facility is available, but you may be able to purchase one from bike shops locally or onboard.
-
What happens if I have a dietary requirement?
Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian) is available, but a supplement is payable for lactose or gluten-free diets, which is EUR25 per person (subject to change) and paid locally on board.
-
What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?
The trip is graded as introductory (Grade 1). It involves 6 days of cycling between 20 and 60 km per day, usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain, making it suitable for beginners.
-
What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Some highlights include cycling through the Alsace wine and Black Forest regions, visiting medieval towns such as Speyer and Strasbourg, exploring the ancient Roman city of Ladenburg and Heidelberg Castle, and discovering Strasbourg's canals and historic half-timbered houses.
-
What is the itinerary for the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in Mainz and board the MS Olympia at 4 pm. You can explore the Old Town and the Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Martin before attending a welcome briefing and drink on board.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Saturday
May 24, 2025 - May 31, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 31, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025Book with Confidence
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.