Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Germany's enchanting Rhine Valley with the "Rhine Valley Bike & Barge" tour. This unique adventure combines cycling and cruising, offering an immersive experience of the region's breathtaking landscapes and rich history. Cycle through the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, passing by picturesque vineyards, majestic castles, and charming towns. Enjoy wine tasting in Nierstein, explore the historic fortifications of Koblenz, and visit the world-famous Drosselgasse in Rudesheim. The tour includes accommodation aboard the premium MS Olympia, with daily briefings from a cruise director. Savor delicious meals and relax in comfortable cabins as you cruise along the scenic Rhine River. This self-guided tour provides bicycles and digital navigation tools, ensuring a seamless and memorable exploration of one of Germany's most beautiful regions. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Koblenz
Location: Koblenz
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Dinner
On arrival in Koblenz, make your way to the dock to board the MS Olympia - embarkation is from 4pm. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, Koblenz 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 and winding streets. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Cycle to Boppard (23km/14mi)
Location: Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Boppard
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning you begin cycling to Boppard. Enjoy the panoramic view of the
unforgettable Upper Middle Rhine Valley (or Rhine Gorge) a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cycle alongside the river, surrounded by vineyards and castle ruins.
Day 3 : Cycle to Oberwesel (20km/12.5mi)
Location: Boppard, Loreley, Oberwesel
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Boppard, you cycle along the Rhine to Oberwesel. On this short stage you'll pass by many scenic viewpoints from where you can 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.
Day 4 : Cycle to Rüdesheim / Bingen (25km/15mi)
Location: Oberwesel, Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, Kaub, Niederwald Monument, Bingen, Rüdesheim, Drosselgasse
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The cycle today takes you from Oberwesel past slate cliffs and through dense forests to sights including the Pfalzgrafenstein Castle near Kaub and the Niederwald Monument. Today's destination is the wine town of Bingen, and Rudesheim across the river. Here we suggest that you visit the world-famous Drosselgasse.
Day 5 : Cycle to the delightful town of Mainz (30km/19mi)
Location: Eltville am Rhein, Mainz
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On this stretch, the Rhine River again shows all of its beauty. Ride past Eltville am Rhein, where the Electoral Castle is well worth a visit. Continue to Mainz, 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, a stroll through the Old Town is highly recommended.
Day 6 : Continue cycle to Nierstein (17-26km/12-16mi), cruise to Worms
Location: Nierstein, Worms
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short stage allowing 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.
Day 7 : Cycle to Nierstein, cruise to Mainz (37km/24mi)
Location: Worms, Nierstein, Mainz
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today's cycle begins from Worms, the city of the Nibelungs. Following the banks of the Rhine, you will have again the possibility to fall for the charms of the vineyards and to enjoy the scenery along the river. Coming from the south, you cycle towards Nierstein, also referred to as the Riesling City. In the evening, cruise to Mainz for your last night on board.
Day 8 : Trip concludes Mainz
Location: Mainz
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip concludes after breakfast with disembarkation at 9:00am.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights barge -
Bicycle
A 7-speed unisex bike with hand and back pedal brakes or freewheel hubs with hand brakes only is provided. The bike comes with a waterproof pannier and bicycle insurance per bike, repair kit, pump, and handlebar bag per cabin.
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Digital Information Pack
A digital information pack including a smartphone app with maps, roadbook, and GPS tracks is included.
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Cruise Director
A cruise director is on board to provide daily briefings.
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Welcome Drink
A welcome drink and briefing are provided on the first evening.
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Harbour Charges
All charges for harbours, bridges, and locks are included.
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Emergency Hotline
An emergency hotline is available.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Koblenz / Mainz
Travel to and from Koblenz / Mainz 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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Helmet
Helmet is mandatory on all bike tours, you are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. Available to purchase on board for EUR40 per helmet.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
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Tour Guide
Tour guide is not included as this is a self-guided tour.
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Single Room 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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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions are bookable and payable on board.
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Special Diets
Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian) is not included. A supplement is payable for lactose or gluten free diets.
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Tips
Tips are not obligatory, but it is customary to offer a tip if the guide and crew have done a good job. Recommended around EUR30-60 per person.
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Personal Items
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc., are not included.
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Wi-fi
Wi-fi is not included and a fee applies.
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Handlebar Phone Holder
A handlebar phone holder is not included. It is recommended to bring your own to follow the route more easily using the app.
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.
Grading
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
ain gear and water bottle. Your luggage remains on the boat. For this reason the trip is graded introductory and is considered suitable for beginners.*For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
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Mode of Transport
Travel includes cycling along the scenic Rhine Valley and cruising on the comfortable MS Olympia. Bicycles are provided, and the tour includes a cruise director for daily briefings.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights of accommodation in a main deck cabin with ensuite facilities onboard the premium MS Olympia. Daily cabin cleaning and linen changes are provided as required.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of bicycles are 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, bicycle insurance, a repair kit, pump, and handlebar bag per cabin. Electric bikes are available on request for a supplement. ...more ...less
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Is there a guide accompanying the cycling tour?
No, this is a self-guided cycling holiday. However, a cruise director is on board to provide daily briefings but does not cycle with the group.
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Are helmets provided for the cycling tour?
Helmets are mandatory on all bike tours, but you are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. There is limited availability to purchase helmets on board for EUR 40, payment in cash only.
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What meals are included during the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners. Breakfasts are buffet style, picnic lunches are assembled at breakfast, and dinners are 3 courses served in the dining room. Special diets may be catered for on request with an extra fee.
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What kind of accommodation is provided on the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights of accommodation in a main deck cabin with ensuite facilities onboard the premium MS Olympia. Daily cabin cleaning and linen changes are provided as required.
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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. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Is travel insurance required for the tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for the tour, and cruise cover may be required. It is not included in the tour package.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, a small excursion program is available. Details and bookings are available on board, and bookings can be made with the cruise director only.
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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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Saturday - Saturday
May 17, 2025 - May 24, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025Book with Confidence
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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.
Rhine Valley Bike & Barge
8 Days Starting in Koblenz, Germany and ending in Mainz, Germany
Visiting: Koblenz, Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Boppard, Loreley, Oberwesel, Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, Kaub, Niederwald Monument, Bingen, Rüdesheim, Drosselgasse, Eltville am Rhein, Mainz, Nierstein, Worms ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
RVB
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
