Hiking cruise on the Rhine - Mainz to Koblenz

You arrive at the ship in Mainz and settle into your cabin. Embarkation takes place between 4:00pm and 5:00pm. The evening and night are spent in Mainz.

Today you explore part of the RheinTerrassenWeg, where you are rewarded with impressive views across the Rhine, the Taunus Mountains and even the Frankfurt skyline. The walk begins in Mainz and initially follows the river.

The landscape gradually changes as you pass the former limestone quarry at Weisenau, an interesting site offering a glimpse into millions of years of geological history. One of today's highlights is the wonderful panoramic view from Laubenheimer Höhe.

In Bodenheim, you can enjoy beautiful views and the attractive riverside promenade. From here, take the train to Nierstein or Worms. Train tickets are purchased locally. If you reach Nierstein early enough, you can rejoin the ship and enjoy the final stretch of the cruise to Worms.

Today's walk begins on the banks of the Rhine in Worms and follows the varied RheinTerrassenWeg. Along the way, you walk beside the small River Pfrimm, which winds through the town like a green ribbon, before following a former railway line towards the impressive Herrnsheim Palace. Its extensive English-style park provides a beautiful contrast to the surrounding vineyards.

Another highlight is the Abenheim Sculpture Trail, where art and nature blend beautifully. On your way towards Osthofen, you pass the distinctive Bergkirche as well as several carefully preserved vineyard huts that reflect the region's long wine-growing tradition.

From Osthofen, take the S-Bahn to Nierstein or Mainz. If you return to Nierstein in good time, you can board the ship there and join the final part of the day's cruise.

Train tickets are purchased locally.

Today you walk the first section of the Rheinsteig. The route begins in Oestrich-Winkel and takes you through the beautiful Rheingau wine region. Early in the walk, you pass the impressive Schloss Vollrads winery, surrounded by an attractive park and ideal for a short break.

The route then continues through vineyards and along peaceful woodland paths, with frequent views across the Rhine Valley. The stage finishes with a spectacular “Logenblick” viewpoint above Rüdesheim – a fitting introduction to the dramatic scenery that awaits over the coming days.

Your ship awaits you on the riverbank, ready to continue the journey into the evening.

Travel from Mainz to Oestrich-Winkel is by train. Tickets are purchased locally.

The Rheinsteig takes you high above Rüdesheim, offering magnificent views along the way. From the Niederwald Monument, the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley unfolds below you. You walk through sun-drenched vineyards and shady woodland towards the atmospheric Zauberhöhle, a hidden gem on the route to the charming wine village of Assmannshausen.

After descending to this renowned red-wine village, a demanding but rewarding climb awaits. From the top, the route continues along narrow hillside trails with wide-ranging views of the Rhine and the many castles scattered across the surrounding landscape. The stage finishes in Lorch, an idyllic wine town with a long history and a distinctive atmosphere.

Tip: If you would like a shorter walk, you can take the cable car in Rüdesheim or the chairlift in Assmannshausen – or combine both options while still enjoying many of the most beautiful sections of the route.

From Lorch, continue to Oberwesel by ferry and S-Bahn. All train, ferry and cable-car tickets are purchased locally.

Today you can choose between two spectacular walks depending on your fitness and how challenging a day you would like.

The RheinBurgenWeg from Oberwesel to St. Goar offers sweeping views, a peaceful woodland section and a rest area with outstanding views towards the Loreley Rock. From St. Goar, continue by train to Boppard.

Alternatively, experienced walkers can tackle the so-called “king's stage” of the Rheinsteig from Kaub to St. Goarshausen. This demanding route includes numerous steep ascents and descents, rocky sections and approximately 20 challenging kilometres. In return, you are rewarded with magnificent panoramas, romantic valleys and the legendary Loreley Plateau.

Some sections can be shortened by bus. Take the ferry from Engelsburg to Kaub, and from St. Goarshausen continue towards Boppard by train and ferry.

Tickets are purchased locally.

For the grand finale, another varied stage of the Rheinsteig awaits, with exciting trails, peaceful valleys and impressive viewpoints. From Braubach, the route climbs to Kerkertser Platte before continuing through the tranquil Schlierbach Valley towards Lahnhöhe.

With views towards Lahneck Castle, you descend into the idyllic Lahn Valley before reaching one of the day's most adventurous sections: Ruppertsklamm Gorge. Here, you encounter rope-secured passages and a short but challenging scrambling section. At the top, you are rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view.

The route then descends through the peaceful Bienhorn Valley towards the Rhine and continues into Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle meet at the famous Deutsches Eck – a memorable setting in which to finish your walking journey.

The section from Boppard to Braubach is travelled by train and ferry. Tickets are purchased locally.

You leave the ship no later than 9:00am and begin your journey home or continue your travels elsewhere.

It is possible to take the train back to Mainz. The journey takes approximately one hour and costs around €25–30 per person.