The route
The walking routes are rated Category 3 and include some demanding sections on narrow and rocky paths with frequent ascents and descents, particularly along the Rheinsteig. Good sure-footedness, a head for heights and a good level of fitness are therefore required. The tour is best suited to experienced walkers who are comfortable on varied terrain.
Itinerary
You arrive at the ship in Koblenz and are shown to your cabin. Embarkation takes place between 4:00 and 5:00 pm. You spend the evening and first night in Koblenz.
The first stage along the Rheinsteig requires a good level of fitness, but the effort is rewarded with beautiful scenery. After a gentle start along the Rhine promenade, the route leads through the idyllic Bienhorn Valley and climbs towards Liedcheshöhe. Narrow paths, far-reaching views and frequent ascents and descents characterise this varied stage.
You continue along the Lahnhöhe ridge, past Lahneck Castle and through the peaceful Schlierbach Valley to the Kerkertser Plateau, with views of the Rhine and impressive Marksburg Castle along the way. The day's walk ends in the charming town of Braubach, known for its attractive half-timbered houses.
From Braubach, you continue to Boppard by train and ferry. Tickets are purchased locally.
Today you can choose between two very different walking routes depending on your energy levels and preferences.
The shorter option follows the RheinBurgenWeg, a scenic route with moderate climbs. You walk through woodland and along a sculpture trail before reaching the Maria Ruh viewpoint, famous for its panorama towards the Loreley. The route ends in beautiful Oberwesel, where you follow the historic town walls with wide views across the Rhine. To reach the start of the walk, you travel by train from Boppard to St. Goar.
The longer option follows the so-called “King’s Stage” of the Rheinsteig. This is a physically demanding walk with repeated ascents and descents, steep rocky paths and a considerably longer distance. In return, you are rewarded with magnificent views across the UNESCO-listed Rhine Valley, peaceful side valleys, dramatic rock formations and the iconic Loreley Plateau.
Some sections can be shortened by bus. For the longer option, you travel from Boppard to St. Goarshausen by train and ferry, and later take the ferry from Kaub to Engelsburg near Oberwesel.
All local transport tickets are purchased locally.
The Rheinsteig begins in Lorch with extensive views across the Rhine Valley and the surrounding castles. Narrow paths follow the hillsides through vineyards and shady woodland, with constantly changing views along the way.
After descending to the picturesque town of Assmannshausen, a steep climb leads towards the so-called “Magic Cave”. One of the highlights of the day is the impressive Niederwald Monument above Rüdesheim, which you can reach either on foot or by cable car.
You travel from Oberwesel to Lorch by train and ferry. Tickets are purchased locally.
Today’s stage begins with beautiful views across Rüdesheim and combines nature with cultural sights along the way. Eibingen Abbey and Marienthal Monastery offer peaceful places to pause during the walk.
The route continues through forests and vineyards towards Oestrich-Winkel, passing the impressive Schloss Vollrads. Its park is an excellent place to stop for a break.
From Oestrich-Winkel, you continue to Mainz by train. The ticket is purchased locally.
Today you explore part of the RheinTerrassenWeg, with impressive views across the Rhine, the Taunus Mountains and even the Frankfurt skyline in the distance. The walk begins in Mainz and initially follows the river at a relaxed pace.
The landscape gradually changes as you cross the former limestone quarry at Weisenau, an interesting geological area that reveals millions of years of natural history. One of the day's highlights is the viewpoint at Laubenheimer Höhe, where the panorama opens up across the surrounding countryside. In Bodenheim, riverside promenades and open landscapes provide more lovely views.
From Bodenheim, you take the train to either Nierstein or Worms. The ticket is purchased locally. If you reach Nierstein in time, you can board your floating hotel and enjoy the final section of the cruise to Worms.
Today’s walk begins directly on the banks of the Rhine in Worms and once again follows the scenic RheinTerrassenWeg. You walk alongside the small River Pfrimm, which winds through the city like a green corridor, before following a former railway line towards the impressive Herrnsheim Palace. Its extensive English-style gardens contrast beautifully with the surrounding vineyards.
Another interesting section awaits along the Abenheim Sculpture Trail, where art and nature come together. On the way towards Osthofen, you pass the distinctive Bergkirche church and several well-preserved vineyard huts that reflect the region's long wine-growing traditions.
From Osthofen, you continue by local train to Nierstein or Mainz. The ticket is purchased locally. If you return to Nierstein in time, you can enjoy the final cruise aboard your floating hotel.
You leave the ship no later than 9:00 am and begin your journey home or continue your travels elsewhere. It is possible to take the train back to Koblenz. The journey takes approximately one hour and costs around €25–30 per person.
Pictures from the trip
See the boat
Prices and dates
The price includes
ACCOMMODATION
- 7 nights in an outside cabin on your selected deck
MEALS & DRINKS
- Full board on the boat (breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee and dinner)
- Welcome drink
WALKING AND EXPERIENCES
- 6 days of walking (approx. 100–110 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
- Port fees
- Daily cabin cleaning
- 10% rabat i bestemte udstyrsbutikker
- This is a packaged holiday and is therefore covered by The Travel Guarantee Fund - See which benefits this means for you - click here
GENERAL
- Transport to/from Germany
- Handling fee (€25)
- Cancellation and travel insurance
- Drinks on board the boat
- Tips
REQUIRED AND PAID LOCALLY
- Daily train and ferry tickets are not included and must be purchased locally (approx. €4–12 per person per day)
OPTIONAL
- Bikes can be rented on board the ship on a daily basis, subject to availability. This is arranged and paid for locally.
Use the button "Calculate price" on this page to see what the tour will cost with your wanted inclusions.
Practical information
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)
The flights to/from Frankfurt am Main (closest airport) 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:
- You book your chosen holiday with us
- We confirm your holiday (usually within 2-4 business days)
- 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 train connections from Frankfurt to Koblenz with a traveling time of aproximately 1,5 hours.
There are also trains from Mainz to Koblenz. The journey takes about 1 hour.
Parking in Koblenz
Public parking garage near the ship’s docking point in Koblenz available from approx. €140 per week, as well as free commuter parking areas outside the city. From there, you can take a public bus into the city center. No reservation possible. Parking at Koblenz Ehrenbreitstein railway station (unguarded, not reservable) available from approx. €15 per week.
Please note: In Koblenz, it is not possible to load or unload your car directly at the ship!
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 hikers (or cyclists) or lunch snack on board (for people stayin on board)
- 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.
Further important information about your trip:
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.
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.
