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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: Rhine and Alsace, Mainz - Strasbourg

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 cycling route along the Rhine offers wonderful views of the river, which has inspired songs and stories for centuries. Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque towns, charming villages and lush wine-growing regions, with the scenery shifting beautifully between vineyards and riverbanks.

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

 

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 Mainz and are shown to your cabin. Boarding takes place between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm. The evening and night are spent in Mainz.

A short cycling stage with plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings. You cycle directly along the Rhine on the well-maintained and easy-going Rhine Cycle Route all the way to Nierstein. It’s a relaxing start to the day, with beautiful scenery and the peaceful river as your backdrop.

With almost 1,000 hectares of vineyards, Nierstein is the largest wine-growing municipality along the Rhine, and the area is full of wine traditions and charm. You can also explore the historic old town with its medieval market square and elegant houses reflecting the town’s proud past.

In the afternoon, sit back and enjoy a relaxing boat trip from Nierstein to Worms, taking in the scenery from the water.

If you prefer a longer day in the saddle, you can cycle all the way to Worms (approx. 60 km).

Today’s cycling stage begins in the imperial city of Worms. Enjoy the ride through vast fields and lush meadows, where open landscapes alternate with green countryside. The scenic cycle route across Friesenheim Island offers an interesting contrast to the opposite riverbank, dominated by the impressive BASF plant.

A few kilometres further on, you reach the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers in Mannheim, where your boat is already waiting. Spend the afternoon exploring Mannheim – the “City of Squares” – and take a leisurely walk to the impressive Baroque Palace in the heart of the city.

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 little exploring.

From a distance, you can already see the ruins of Heidelberg Castle rising majestically above the old town. Take a stroll across the famous Old Bridge or explore the winding streets and charming squares of the historic centre.

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

Today’s route follows the many branches of the Old Rhine towards Speyer, the historic cathedral city. Enjoy a short ride through unspoilt countryside, protected nature reserves and peaceful river landscapes.

Speyer Cathedral, an impressive architectural landmark, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981 and is an absolute highlight to visit while exploring the city.

Following the old branches of the Rhine, you cycle through the unspoilt countryside of the Palatinate, where peaceful river meadows alternate with lush green fields. Look forward to visiting the historic fortress town of Germersheim, with its winding streets, small squares and charming corners full of history and local character.

After your ride, relax on board as the boat continues to Gambsheim. Enjoy a glass of wine on deck or in the lounge while reflecting on the day’s experiences.

The day ends at Gambsheim Lock, an important part of the Rhine that regulates water levels and allows ships to pass safely. The impressive lock offers a fascinating glimpse into life on the river and the history of navigation along the Rhine.

On your final cycling stage, enjoy a leisurely ride along the river through the peaceful Rhine Plain until you reach Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, with its many canals and charming atmosphere.

Take a relaxing stroll through the picturesque Tanners’ Quarter, with its historic half-timbered houses, to Strasbourg Cathedral, the city’s iconic landmark. Here, you can truly enjoy a taste of French joie de vivre as your journey slowly draws to a close.

You leave the boat no later than 9:00 am and travel home or continue on to your next destination.

It is possible to take the train back to Mainz. The journey takes approximately 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
  • Administration fee of DKK 165
  • 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
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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
There are many train connections from Frankfurt to Mainz in just 25 minutes
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 Park at the central station (unguarded, cannot be booked in advance) in Mainz. Parking fee approx. € 55,- per week.

 

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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