Cologne to Mainz Boat & Bike Tour

Boat & Bike 7 nights

VISITING: Germany

Why we love this tour

"Following the Rhine from Cologne to Mainz, you will cycle on gentle riverside paths. Visit hilltop castles, sample the local wines & explore the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine. After cycling relax in the panoramic saloon or take in the views from the sundeck."

Historic cities with half-timbered houses

Castles, ruins and the legend of Loreley Rock

Rhine Valley vineyards and local cuisine

Easy cycling on gentle riverside paths

Guiding
Self-Guided
Distance
130miles/209km
Level
Easy
Standard
Superior
Departs
Sat
Runs
Jun, Jul
Code
GE043
Fly to
Cologne
Good for
Riverside Routes, Solo
Return
Frankfurt

The beautiful Rhine Valley boasts romantic castles, World Heritage sites and historic towns, some more than 2,000 years old. With gorges rising steeply on the river banks, this relaxing bike and boat tour is the best way to take it all in. You’ll live and dine aboard the spacious MS Olympia, setting off on scenic daily rides and stopping off at typical villages. From Cologne, you'll pedal to the city of Bonn, Beethoven’s birthplace, and the geyser in Andernach, before pushing on to the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine.

Suitable for all levels, you’ll be riding on paved or tarmacked cycle paths, with few gradients. Of the many hilltop castles you’ll encounter, Marksburg is the most intact, and ruined Rheinfels is the largest. Along the way, you’ll taste delicious regional delicacies and sample Rhine Valley wines from steep and scenic vineyards. Towards the end of the tour, look forward to legendary Loreley Rock and its fabled sirens. Mainz is your final destination, with its half-timbered houses and medieval market squares.

This one week tour can be combined with Mainz to Strasbourg to create a unique two week trip along the Rhine on the same boat.

Accommodation

Cologne to Mainz

View full details of MS Olympia.

The superior class MS Olympia has 49 cabins with a maximum of 96 passengers. There are 21 main deck twin cabins (approx. 11m²) and 22 upper deck twin cabins (approx. 11m²) plus two single cabins (approx. 9m²). Four larger upper deck twin cabins located at the stern where engine noise is possible are sold with a reduction. All cabins are en-suite with shower and toilet, individually regulated air conditioning, fridge, hair dryer, small safe, TV and large panoramic windows (that open on the upper deck cabins only).

On the upper deck there is a panoramic saloon with a bar and the restaurant is on the main deck.  The partly shaded large sun deck has deck chairs from which you can enjoy the beautiful scenery.

MS Olympia

MS Olympia

Mainz to Cologne

This is the reverse route from Mainz to Cologne on the MS Olympia.

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What's included

Price includes

7 nights accommodation on the MS Olympia

Board basis: Full board including breakfast, packed lunch for cyclists or light lunch on board (non-cyclists) and dinner

English speaking on-board guide with daily briefings of the bike tours

Maps and route information (GPS tracks available on request)

Welcome meeting with drink

Local contact number for assistance

Daily cabin cleaning

Mooring fees

Coffee in the afternoon

Price excludes

Flights and transfers

Cycle helmets

Bike hire

Entrance fees and excursions

Drinks on board

Transfers to/from the docking place

Ferry fees & tips

Bike hire and extras

Bike hire

Bikes come with a pannier and a handlebar bag, small repair kit with spare inner tube, pump and lock are given per cabin and are included at no extra cost when you hire a bike.

Hybrid bike

Hybrid bike with 7 gears

£91

E-bike

£201

Bringing own bike

£30

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Friendly service with expert knowledge

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Easy to book and pay online

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Full financial protection

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about this tour. Simply click on a question to reveal the answer.

How do I get there?

Fly to Cologne airport, then take the train (DB) to Cologne.

Alternatively by train, take the Eurostar from London to Brussels and change for Cologne.

How do I get back?

Take the train (DB) from Mainz and fly from Frankfurt.

What is an ‘Easy’ cycle holiday?

Your days will involve gentle riding, mainly on flat terrain and with minimal effort required. Easy cycling holidays are suitable for most people whether you are a regular cyclist or not, however we recommend at least a few practice rides before your holiday!

We are always on hand to offer advice, so please give us a call if you wish to chat about the tour’s grading.

Will the itinerary ever change?

For Boat & Bike tours the boat will generally keep to the advertised itinerary, however the captain may have to adapt the itinerary due to the river or sea conditions.

How much space will I have in my cabin?

There is limited space in the cabins, so pack light and take a soft suitcase.

Can the boat cater for special dietary requirements?

Please advise us of any special requirements at time of booking and we will notify the boat operator in advance. Understandably, kitchen galley space is limited and it may not be possible to provide specialist products (eg. Gluten free). We suggest you bring a few items with you and, in some cases, these can be provided at a supplement. 

Can I stay on the boat during the day and not cycle?

Yes, you can relax on the boat or explore when you arrive at each destination instead of cycling. 

Will I be cycling with other people?

Although there is no organised group, self-guided guests regularly find they come across their fellow passengers along the route during the day and may even get together to form their own cycling groups.

Can I book by myself?

Absolutely! Boat & Bike tours are very sociable and a good choice for single travellers wishing to mix with other guests and share your common interest of cycling.

What does my on-board Tour Leader do?

Your on-board Tour Leader provides daily briefings ahead of the next day's ride. These are always beneficial, including information on the local area, main sights, and tips on good places to stop en route.

Have another question? Get in Touch with us
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Freedom Treks is run by a small team of passionate cyclists, we can help find a tour that is right for you.

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