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Medieval stone towers flanking a bridge over a canal in Strasbourg. Historic buildings and church spires visible in background under blue sky.

Bike Cruise: Alsace and Rhine, Strasbourg - Mainz

8 Days / 7 Nights
Easy
Medieval stone towers flanking a bridge over a canal in Strasbourg. Historic buildings and church spires visible in background under blue sky.

The cycle route along the Rhine offers fantastic views of the river, which has been immortalised in songs and stories throughout the centuries. The route takes you through picturesque towns, charming villages and lush wine-growing regions, with beautiful scenery alternating between vineyards and riverbanks.

The region is rich in fascinating cultural sights and delicious local specialities to enjoy along the way. A short detour takes you along the Neckar River to the historic city of Heidelberg, where you can experience its unique blend of charm, history and atmosphere.

The tour is also available in the opposite direction, from Mainz to Strasbourg, on selected dates.

See the tour from Mainz to Strasbourg here.

The route

This tour is rated Category 1. You’ll cycle on traffic-free paths, quiet country roads and paved cycle paths, with some sections on gravel and farm tracks and a few short stretches along main roads.

The routes are mostly flat, with some rolling sections and a few steeper climbs and descents along the way. Overall, the cycling is ideal for enjoying the scenery at a relaxed pace.

You can always skip a cycling stage and stay on board the boat instead.

You can find more information in the practical information section further down the page.

Itinerary

See the day-by-day itinerary below.

You arrive at the boat in Strasbourg and are shown to your cabin. Embarkation takes place between 4:00pm and 5:00pm. The evening and night are spent in Strasbourg.

After breakfast, you will have the opportunity to explore Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, with its countless canals, impressive cathedral and charming Tanners’ Quarter with its small, historic half-timbered houses. Enjoy a taste of French joie de vivre before setting off on your first bike ride.

You cycle directly along the Rhine through the gentle Rhine Plain until you reach the lock at Gambsheim, where your boat will be waiting to set sail for Germersheim. During the cruise, you can relax with a glass of wine on deck or in the lounge while reflecting on the first impressions of your journey.

Today’s bike ride takes you through unspoilt nature along the old branches of the Rhine. First, however, you can look forward to exploring the historic fortress town of Germersheim, with its charming winding streets, small squares and picturesque corners steeped in history.

You then continue through the lush countryside of the Palatinate until you reach the cathedral city of Speyer. Speyer Cathedral was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981 and is an impressive landmark well worth visiting during your stay.

Enjoy a short bike ride along the Rhine, passing beautiful lakes and cycling through unspoilt, protected landscapes, including nature reserves and natural river valleys.

You arrive in Mannheim, also known as the “City of Squares” because of its distinctive grid layout. The city is home to numerous sights worth visiting, including the famous Mannheim Baroque Palace, Germany’s largest Baroque palace complex, and the Water Tower, the city’s iconic landmark.

Today, you follow the beautiful Neckar River all the way to Heidelberg. The old Roman town of Ladenburg, with its historic old town, is the perfect place for a short stop and a stroll.

From a distance, you can already see the ruins of Heidelberg Castle, majestically overlooking the old town. Take a stroll across Heidelberg’s famous sandstone bridge or explore the winding streets and charming squares of the old town, where history and atmosphere go hand in hand.

On the return journey, you follow the Neckar River back to Mannheim and the lively atmosphere of the city.

Today, you leave Mannheim and cycle past meadows and fields as you follow the Rhine towards the historic imperial city of Worms. As you explore the city’s 2,000 years of history, you will learn about emperors and kings, the myths and legends of the Nibelungs, the importance of Jewish heritage, and Martin Luther’s work and influence in the region.

With almost 1,000 hectares of vineyards, Nierstein is the largest wine-growing municipality along the Rhine. Its historic old town, with a medieval market square and beautiful stately houses, is also well worth a visit.

Today’s short stage gives you plenty of time to enjoy the ride at a relaxed pace. You cycle along the Rhine Cycle Route on well-maintained paths directly beside the river from Nierstein to Mainz. If you prefer a longer bike ride, you can start in Worms instead. The route from Worms to Mainz is approximately 60 km.

You leave the boat no later than 9:00am and begin your journey home or continue your travels. Frankfurt Airport is approximately 25 minutes away by train. It is also possible to take the train back to Strasbourg, which takes around 2–3 hours with 1–2 changes.

The boat

Prices and dates

Prices per person in EUR

The price includes

ACCOMMODATION

  • 7 nights in an outside cabin on your selected deck

 

FOOD & DRINKS

  • Full board on the boat (breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee and dinner)
  • Welcome drink

 

CYCLING & EXPERIENCES

  • 6 days of cycling (approx. 170 km in total)
  • Daily briefing about the following day’s route
  • Detailed route descriptions, maps and other materials (in English)
  • Guide on board the boat who can provide advice and assistance

OTHER

GENERAL

  • Transport to/from Germany/France
  • Administration fee of 25€
  • Cancellation and travel insurance
  • Drinks on board the boat
  • Tips

OPTIONAL
The following can be selected in the booking form, when you book the tour.

  • Rental of bicycle/e-bike (selected when booking the tour)

 

Use the button "Calculate price" on this page to see what the tour will cost with your wanted inclusions.

PARKING
It is possible to park at the harbour or nearby. Parking can be reserved in advance and must be arranged before arrival.

Bikes

You can choose between these bikes on the tour
Red unisex touring bicycle with 21-speed gearing, equipped with bright yellow panniers on front and rear, parked on grass.
7-speed Unisex Bike
Hub gears with coaster brake

High-quality unisex touring bike with coaster brake on the rear wheel.

Body size approx. 155cm - 190cm.

46cm
51cm
56cm
Red electric bicycle with yellow panniers parked on green grass. The e-bike has a front basket and rear pannier bag, both in bright yellow.
Unisex 7-speed E-bike
Hub gears with freewheel

High quality unisex e-bike with comfortable low entry.

Body size approx. 148cm - 195cm.

46cm "XS"
46cm
51cm
56cm

Practical information

Here you can get answers to various questions about your trip
Green logo of Rejsegaranti-fonden featuring a globe symbol above the text 'REJSEGARANTI FONDEN' with registration number 2529.
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It is possible to alone on this tour and stay in a double room. This can be selected on the booking form.

All departures require at least 75 guests. Departures are cancelled minimum 21 days before departure (which rarely happens)

Upon request, it is possible to bring your own bicycle on this tour. Approval from the boat is required, as there is a limit to the number of bicycles that can be accommodated. Your bicycle must be insured, and you must understand that it will be stored together with rental bicycles, packed tightly, and handled by the onboard staff.

Please note that the boat disclaims responsibility for damages and theft of privately brought bicycles.

If bringing an e-bike, it is required that the battery can be removed and brought into the cabin.

There will be a handling fee for bringing your own bicycle - see details on the booking page.

The flights to/from Frankfurt am Main or Strasbourg are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.

Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.

It works like this:

  1. You book your chosen holiday with us
  2. We confirm your holiday (usually within 2-4 business days)
  3. You arrange your transportation

Get a quote
If you prefer that we handle your flight, then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You simply book a quote below the map on this page and we will return with a quote as soon as possible (usually within 48 working hours). Please note that we add a handling fee of 45 euro to each flight and this means that the flight will be cheaper if you book it yourself.

Train from Frankfurt or Strasbourg
There are many train connections from Frankfurt airport to Mainz in just 25 minutes
The same goes for Strasbourg airport to the city. 
There are also trains from Strasbourg to Frankfurt or Mainz. The journey takes about 2-3 hours with 1-2 changes. See Rome2rio 

Parking in Mainz
Car parking in Strasbourg is part of the City's "sustainable mobility" policy; parking spaces in the city centre are very limited. The rates are higher than average, like in every international large town. Outside the city centre there are several park & ride parking spaces. The parking garage „Gare Wodli“ at the central station costs 20 € per 24 h (www.strassburg.eu)

 

On this journey you will stay on the boat. The price on this page is based on cabins on the main deck, but on the booking form you can choose to upgrade to cabins on the upper deck. The cabins are approximately 11 square metres in size and have a private shower/toilet.

The following is included in the price

  • 7x breakfast
  • 6x packed lunch for cyclists or lunch snack on board (non cyclists)
  • 6x afternoon coffee break
  • 7x 3-course-dinner
  • 1 x welcome-drink
  • For a stress-free start to your trip, it is recommended to arrive at the starting point early in the evening of the day before. The individual return journey will take place on the last day of the trip.
  • The indicated cycling distance is an approximation and may differ from the actual distance.
  • This journey is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

 

Spoken language on board
On cycling cruises, German is typically the primary language on board, as a large proportion of the participants are German-speaking, and the crew is generally also most comfortable communicating in German. At the same time, participants come from a wide range of countries, making English a natural supplement. The guides speak good English and can, when needed, conduct briefings and provide practical information about the day’s cycling tours in English. You therefore do not need to speak German to feel well informed and take an active part in the tours.

 

Further important information about your trip by bike and boat
There is always a possibility of changes in the schedule and programme. In the event of extremely high or low water levels, the shipping company reserves the right to bridge parts of the route with a bus or to cancel the trip at short notice without liability (water level is force majeure). The same applies in the case of officially arranged lock and/or bridge repairs not previously announced or in the case of engine damage not caused by the fault of the ship.

Also be aware that your riverboat is both your "holiday hotel" and a working machine, constantly moving with engine power, even at night (sometimes with lock and bridge passengers and consequent ejection and retraction of structures). Particularly noise-sensitive guests are advised to bring earplugs. Lock passages are particularly associated with noise nuisance - it is the same on all boat trips - and unfortunately cannot be changed!

Please note that storage space in the cabin is very limited. In your luggage you should pack good rainwear (jacket and trousers), a helmet, sun hat and sun cream and sports shoes.

Tips are not included in the price.
It is customary to tip the crew of the riverboat at the end of the trip. The level is about 7-10€ from each participant. per day. On a trip like this of 7 days duration, about 50-70€ per person would be appropriate - depending on your experience.
There will typically be an envelope in the cabin for this purpose, or information will be provided to this effect at the end of the trip.

We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.

Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.

After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.

Join the special ‘Bering Cycling Holidays’ group on Facebook. Here you'll be notified about new holidays, special offers and much more.

Link to the group

Note: you need to request membership, but everyone is approved.

When you book a trip with us, we plant a tree in Kenya.

Bering Travel partners with Growing Trees Network, which has been planting trees in Kenya since 2020 in collaboration with Seniorer uden Grænser (Seniors Without Borders). The trees are planted with small-scale local farmers in the Mount Kenya region, as well as at schools, where the fruit helps supplement students’ diets and is incorporated into their learning.

The trees are planted using the shamba method – a sustainable approach that combines reforestation with agricultural crops. This keeps the soil covered with vegetation throughout the year, helping to prevent nutrient loss and reduce erosion.

The contribution to tree planting comes directly from Bering Travel’s own earnings and is not added to the price of your trip.

This initiative is not intended as a carbon offset for travel, but as a way to make a positive contribution.

Read more

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