Aschaffenburg to Cochem

Cochem to Aschaffenburg

Day 1: Cochem
Day 2: Cochem - Karden - Koblenz, 23 mi. (38 km)
Day 3: Koblenz - St. Goar, 23 mi. (38 km)
Day 4: St. Goar - Oberwesel - Rüdesheim (Bingen), 18 mi. (23 km)
Day 5: Rüdesheim (Bingen) - Mainz, 21 or 26 mi. (35 or 43 km)
Day 6: Mainz - Frankfurt-am-Main, 24 mi. (40 km)
Day 7: Frankfurt-am-Main - Aschaffenburg, 31 or 33 mi. (50 or 54 km)
Day 8: Achaffenburg

Day 1: Cochem
Individual arrival and embarkation from 2 p.m. in Cochem, where you will stay for the night. After a welcome by the captain, crew and tour leader there is time to take the bikes for a test ride. 

Day 2: Cochem - Karden - Koblenz, 23 mi. (38 km)
The boat takes you to Karden where you will visit the queen of German fortresses, the impressive Burg Eltz. You will cruise past Klotten, Pommern, and Alken, amongst others, in the heart of wine country. These are all typical Mosel towns, with nice timber-framed houses and of course, their own wines. Be sure to taste the “Pommerner Sonnenuhr”, which is a highly recommended Reisling. Today’s destination is fascinating and historic city of Koblenz, which has been an important defensive and economic center for centuries. Historic architecture such as the old castle, Ehrenbreitstein that towers over the right bank of the Rhine, the 12th century Alte Burg Castle, and the Old Town square are all highlights of Koblenz.

Day 3: Koblenz - St. Goar, 23 mi. (38 km)
Today’s cycling tour first goes to the castle Stolzenfels. Next is the ancient city of Boppard. Here the Rhine takes an amazing turn, nearly 180 degrees. Boppard, also called the ‘pearl on the River Rhine’, is home to the most famous observation spot on the river which can be reached via a chairlift. Boppard has always been a visitors magnet with her precipitous vineyards and one of the nicest bank promenades on the Middle Rhine and the oldest preserved Roman fort walls to the north of the Alps.

Your destination is St. Goar. A ferry and a bus bring you up to the famous statue, Loreley. A hiking path leads up to this lovely spot and offers a beautiful sight to the narrowest part in the romantic Rhine Valley. The Loreley is a 433 feet high slate cliff in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley World Heritage. 

First traces of human settlement have been apparent from the time the Loreley Plateau was level with the Rhine (600.000 years ago). During the Middle Ages the Loreley was well known, along with the Binger Loch, as the most dangerous section of the Rhine. Many mariners in their wooden dinghies faced a tragic end here. In St. Goar, directly opposite the Loreley, people settled to save shipwrecked mariners and nurse them back to health. After dinner you can join the city walk.

Day 4: St. Goar - Oberwesel - Rüdesheim (Bingen), 18 mi. (23 km)
During breakfast, join the boat through this famous passage. From Oberwesel we continue cycling along the lovely banks of the middle Rhine to Rüdesheim. Pompous castles attract on your way. We stay overnight in Rüdesheim, a historic city of winegrowers. Already the Romans grew wine here. The old town, dating from the Middle Ages, and parts of the city’s fortifications like the Adlerturm (eagle tower) are maintained. Here you will find cozy traditional wine taverns in historic half- timbered houses. No tourist leaves this international well-known city without visiting the world-famous Drosselgasse. The Drosselgasse is the heart of Rüdesheim’s old town, a “magnet” for guests from all continents. After dinner you can join the city walk through Rüdesheim.

Day 5: Rüdesheim (Bingen) - Mainz, 21 or 26 mi. (35 or 43 km)
This beautiful stage leads us through rolling vineyards and well-known wine villages. The Rhine flows leisurely, sometimes around little islands, and in places broadens its bed up to 800 meters in width! Our destination today is Mainz, where the Main river flows into the Rhine. In the afternoon there will be time to explore this interesting city. Mainz’s inner city is its pride and joy, filled with spacious plazas, lovingly restored -timbered houses and magnificent Baroque style churches. The ‘Old Town’ has a very charming and warm atmosphere. Dinner in town at your own account.

Day 6: Mainz - Frankfurt-am-Main, 24 mi. (40 km)
Today we follow the river Main, passing some small villages to arrive in Frankfurt, the financial heart of Germany. A unique feature of Frankfurt is its significant number of skyscrapers in the city center which form the Frankfurt skyline. Frankfurt is one of only a few cities in the European Union that have such a skyline, the others being London, Warsaw, Madrid, Rotterdam and La Défense in the outer Paris region. Because of the city’s skyline, Germans sometimes humorously refer to Frankfurt am Main as “Mainhattan”. After dinner you can join the city walk through Frankfurt.

Day 7: Frankfurt-am-Main - Aschaffenburg, 31 or 33 mi. (50 or 54 km)
Today’s cycling tour passes by Philippsruhe Castle and leads first to Hanau, birthplace of the Brothers Grimm, famous for their fairy tales. After crossing romantic town of Seligenstadt with its winding alleys, wood-framed houses, and basilica. You will find the barge again in Aschaffenburg, with the Johannisburg Palace, located on the banks of the Main River. This castle will be the first thing you see as you enter Aschaffenburg as it is the grandest of all Renaissance palace complexes. We will visit the castle in the afternoon. And after dinner you can join the city walk.

Day 8: Achaffenburg
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before saying goodbye. Disembarkation by 9:30 am in Aschaffenburg.

Aschaffenburg to Cochem

Day 1: Arrival in Aschaffenburg
Day 2: Aschaffenburg - Frankfurt-am-Main, 31 or 33 mi. (50 or 54 km)
Day 3: Frankfrust-am-Main - Mainz, 24 mi. (40 km)
Day 4: Mainz - Rüdesheim (Bingen), 21 or 26 mi. (35 or 43 km)
Day 5: Rüdesheim (Bingen) - St. Goar, 24 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: St. Goar - Koblenz, 27 mi. (45 km)
Day 7: Koblenz - Alken - Moselkern - Cochem, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 8: Cochem

Cochem to Aschaffenburg

Day 1: Cochem
Day 2: Cochem - Koblenz, 26 mi. (41 km)
Day 3: Koblenz - St. Goar, 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 4: St. Goar - Ruedesheim, 21 mi. (33 km)
Day 5: Ruedesheim - Mainz, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 6: Mainz - Frankfurt am Main, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 7: Frankfurt am Main - Aschaffenburg, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 8: Aschaffenburg

Day 1: Cochem
Boarding is scheduled between 2 pm and 3 pm. Upon your arrival on the ship, take the opportunity to get comfortable and savor a cup of coffee or tea. This is the perfect time to acquaint yourself with fellow travelers, meet your guide(s), and connect with the crew. As you dine on board, the evening program will unfold, covering the agenda for the following day and outlining the week's overall plan. You can also anticipate receiving essential guidance on cycling and safety procedures. Cochem's fame lies in its exquisite wines, and its skyline is characterized by the imposing presence of the historic Reichsburg.

Day 2:  Cochem - Koblenz, 41 km
The initial leg of this journey guides you along the river to Burg Eltz. This castle, a true embodiment of a fairytale, boasts a rich history spanning over 900 years. Preserving the essence of centuries gone by, the castle still showcases original furnishings, including rustic suits of armor, swords, and exquisite gold and silver artifacts. Perched high on a rock, the castle offers commanding views of the valley and the Eltz forest.

Following the castle visit, you'll pedal back to the barge for a scenic cruise to Koblenz, where you'll anchor for the night. Koblenz charms with its picturesque "Altstadt" (old city), nestled in the triangle formed by the Moselle and the Rhine rivers.

Day 3: Koblenz - St. Goar, 23 mi. (37 km)
Departing from Koblenz, the path unfolds towards the historic city of Boppard. At this juncture, the Rhine takes a distinctive turn, nearly a full 180 degrees. Boppard, perennially drawing visitors, boasts vineyards and one of the most enchanting lakeside promenades along the Middle Rhine. It is also home to the oldest preserved Roman fortress walls north of the Alps.

Your journey's endpoint is St. Goar, situated opposite the renowned Loreley. Throughout the Middle Ages, the Loreley, coupled with the Binger Loch, held a reputation as the Rhine's most perilous stretch. A captivating ancient poem recounts the tale of Lore Lay, a betrayed woman accused of enchanting men and causing their demise. Instead of a death sentence, the bishop opts to send her to a nunnery. Accompanied by three knights, Lore Lay reaches the Lorelei rock. Seeking permission to ascend and catch a final glimpse of the Rhine, she tragically falls to her death, and the rock resonates with her name to this day.

Day 4: St. Goar - Ruedesheim, 21 mi. (33 km)
Commencing the day with a leisurely boat excursion along the picturesque Loreley, you delve into one of Germany's premier wine regions—an area with a vinicultural legacy dating back to Roman times. The ancient charm of Ruedesheim, a medieval town, unfolds before you, its well-preserved character evident in the historic Tudor-style half-timbered houses that house delightful traditional wine taverns. Wander through the enchanting "Drosselgasse," renowned for its lively music, and savor the flavors of local wines. Spanning a mere 144 meters, this quaint old "gasse" is adorned with thousands of cobblestones.

Venturing further into the heart of Asbach, you'll have the opportunity to explore the birthplace of the renowned German Brandy, a local gem in production since 1892.

Day 5: Ruedesheim - Mainz, 22 mi. (35 km)
The first stage unfolds amidst undulating vineyards and charming wine villages. The Rhine, adopting a gentle demeanor, meanders through the landscape, creating petite islands and expanding its bed to a width of up to 800 meters. The journey culminates in Mainz, where the Main River converges with the Rhine. The afternoon beckons exploration of this fascinating city, whose inner sanctum stands as a testament to its pride and joy. Brimming with expansive squares, meticulously restored half-timbered houses, and resplendent Baroque-style churches, Mainz's 'Old Town' exudes a charming and warm atmosphere.

Day 6: Mainz - Frankfurt am Main, 28 mi. (45 km)
Embarking on today's journey, you will traverse delightful, traffic-free cycle paths tracing the scenic River Main until you reach Frankfurt, counted among Germany's major urban centers. Recognized as a bustling trading city, Frankfurt is renowned for its financial institutions and stock markets. The cityscape, predominantly modern, reflects the aftermath of World War II destruction and the subsequent reconstruction efforts. Nestled along the riverbank is a distinctive area housing numerous museums, notably celebrated for hosting the annual Book Fair.

While exploring Frankfurt, consider a visit to the rebuilt old city center (Altstadt) during the evening, where a plethora of bars and restaurants add vibrancy to the historic surroundings.

Day 7: Frankfurt am Main - Aschaffenburg, 28 mi. (45 km)
On the concluding cycling day, your path unfolds toward the quaint and romantic town of Seligenstadt in the morning. Picture winding alleys, wooden-framed houses, and the impressive basilica contributing to the town's charm. Following the visit, a small ferry ushers you across the Main, leading the way through Hanau, the birthplace of the renowned Grimm Brothers. Your journey culminates back in Aschaffenburg, where the Johannisburg Palace graces the banks of the River Main. This grand castle, the largest among all Renaissance palace complexes, stands as the prominent landmark that welcomes you upon entering Aschaffenburg.

Day 8: Aschaffenburg
Departure
 

Aschaffenburg to Cochem

Day 1: Arrival in Aschaffenburg
Day 2: Aschaffenburg - Frankfurt-am-Main, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 3: Frankfurt-am-Main - Mainz, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Mainz - Rüdesheim, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 5: Rüdesheim - St. Goar - Boppard - Koblenz, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 6: Koblenz - Cochem, 26 mi. (41 km)
Day 7: Cochem - Beilstein - Neef - Cochem, 14 or 34 mi. (22 or 55 km)
Day 8: Cochem

Day 1: Arrival in Aschaffenburg
As you arrive in Aschaffenburg, the majestic Johannesburg Palace welcomes you, standing proudly as the grandest of Renaissance palace complexes. After boarding, the crew introduces themselves, followed by a tour presentation and bike fitting. Your evening unfolds with a guided stroll through Aschaffenburg, offering insights into its history, culminating in a delightful dinner.

Day 2: Aschaffenburg - Frankfurt-am-Main, 28 mi. (45 km)
Embarking on your cycling adventure, you first stop in Hanau, the birthplace of the renowned Grimm Brothers. Crossing the Main River via a small ferry, the route proceeds to the charming and romantic town of Seligenstadt. Here, picturesque winding alleys, a basilica, and medieval half-timbered houses contribute to the town's enchanting atmosphere. Today's journey concludes in Frankfurt, one of Germany's major cities. Boasting a vibrant commercial landscape, Frankfurt is a hub for international banks and hosts a thriving stock market. The city is also home to numerous museums, adding cultural depth to its dynamic character.

The final destination today is Frankfurt, one of Germany’s largest cities. Frankfurt is a bustling and thriving trade city, home to many international banks and the stock market but has a historic element as well, home to many museums. The city was bombed severely in WWII and has only recently restored its historic center, Römerberg which is well worth a visit!

Day 3: Frankfurt-am-Main - Mainz, 28 mi. (45 km)
Meander downstream, deviating from the Main River through a wooded shortcut leading to the mighty Rhine. Your destination is Mainz, a city where the Main River converges with the Rhine. Spend the afternoon exploring the inner sanctum of Mainz, boasting expansive plazas, meticulously restored timber-framed houses, and opulent Baroque-style churches, each echoing the city's Roman legacy.

Day 4: Mainz - Rüdesheim, 22 mi. (35 km)
A shorter route today allows ample time to relish the destination – the charming town of Ruedesheim. Pedal through rolling vineyards and historic wine villages along the Rhine, where the river gently weaves through the landscape. Dive into the lively ambiance of the "Drosselgasse" in Ruedesheim, known for its animated music and wine indulgences. Optionally, explore the Asbach Center, a bastion of German Brandy production since 1892.

Day 5: Rüdesheim - St. Goar - Boppard - Koblenz, 22 mi. (35 km)
You sail down the Rhine through the narrow passage at the Loreley, where legends still live. There is an ancient poem about an enchanting woman, the beautiful Lore Lay, betrayed by her sweetheart, and accused of bewitching men and causing their death. Rather than sentence her to death, the bishop consigned her to a nunnery. On the way, accompanied by three knights, she comes to the Lorelei rock. She asks permission to climb it and view the Rhine once again. Thinking that she sees her love in the Rhine, she falls to her death. The rocks still echo her name.

In St. Goar and Boppard, you cycle in the area that is the most visited part of the Rhine through charming little wine villages ending at your final destination for the day, the city of Koblenz, overseen by the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. 

Day 6: Koblenz - Cochem, 26 mi. (41 km)
By ship, you cross the first lock and enter the Moselle to be dropped off with bikes, giving you a headstart to the foot of the hills where the Burg Eltz is hidden. Untouched by wars or fires, you will find this beautiful castle worth the hike to reach it. The guided tour takes you back through the ages. You then continue cycling to Cochem, the most visited village on the Moselle River. A bustling and characteristic Moselle town with steep wine-clad mountains, wooded hills, an impressive castle, and a picturesque square with beautiful timber-framed houses and cafes. Time for a Moselle wine!

Day 7: Cochem - Beilstein - Neef - Cochem, 14 or 34 mi. (22 or 55 km)
On this last full day of the tour, You have the option of a bike tour to Beilstein and back. Beilstein is a small and picturesque village, still appearing very medieval, it has been used as a film set several times. You can walk to the monastery and enjoy a coffee and kuchen there. A ferry takes you to the other side of the Moselle, and you can cycle back to Cochem. If you want to add mileage, you can continue to cycle to Neef and return from there. For those who are finished with cycling, Cochem has a great castle to visit, offering a magnificent view over the Moselle. 

Day 8: Cochem

Aschaffenburg to Cochem

Day 1: Arrival in Aschaffenburg
Day 2: Aschaffenburg - Frankfurt-am-Main, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 3: Frankfurt-am-Main - Mainz, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Mainz - Rüdesheim, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 5: Rüdesheim - St. Goar - Boppard - Koblenz, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 6: Koblenz - Cochem, 26 mi. (41 km)
Day 7: Cochem - Beilstein - Neef - Cochem, 14 or 34 mi. (22 or 55 km)
Day 8: Cochem

Day 1: Arrival in Aschaffenburg
As you arrive in Aschaffenburg, the majestic Johannesburg Palace welcomes you, standing proudly as the grandest of Renaissance palace complexes. After boarding, the crew introduces themselves, followed by a tour presentation and bike fitting. Your evening unfolds with a guided stroll through Aschaffenburg, offering insights into its history, culminating in a delightful dinner.

Day 2: Aschaffenburg - Frankfurt-am-Main, 28 mi. (45 km)
Embarking on your cycling adventure, you first stop in Hanau, the birthplace of the renowned Grimm Brothers. Crossing the Main River via a small ferry, the route proceeds to the charming and romantic town of Seligenstadt. Here, picturesque winding alleys, a basilica, and medieval half-timbered houses contribute to the town's enchanting atmosphere. Today's journey concludes in Frankfurt, one of Germany's major cities. Boasting a vibrant commercial landscape, Frankfurt is a hub for international banks and hosts a thriving stock market. The city is also home to numerous museums, adding cultural depth to its dynamic character.

The final destination today is Frankfurt, one of Germany’s largest cities. Frankfurt is a bustling and thriving trade city, home to many international banks and the stock market but has a historic element as well, home to many museums. The city was bombed severely in WWII and has only recently restored its historic center, Römerberg which is well worth a visit!

Day 3: Frankfurt-am-Main - Mainz, 28 mi. (45 km)
Meander downstream, deviating from the Main River through a wooded shortcut leading to the mighty Rhine. Your destination is Mainz, a city where the Main River converges with the Rhine. Spend the afternoon exploring the inner sanctum of Mainz, boasting expansive plazas, meticulously restored timber-framed houses, and opulent Baroque-style churches, each echoing the city's Roman legacy.

Day 4: Mainz - Rüdesheim, 22 mi. (35 km)
A shorter route today allows ample time to relish the destination – the charming town of Ruedesheim. Pedal through rolling vineyards and historic wine villages along the Rhine, where the river gently weaves through the landscape. Dive into the lively ambiance of the "Drosselgasse" in Ruedesheim, known for its animated music and wine indulgences. Optionally, explore the Asbach Center, a bastion of German Brandy production since 1892.

Day 5: Rüdesheim - St. Goar - Boppard - Koblenz, 22 mi. (35 km)
You sail down the Rhine through the narrow passage at the Loreley, where legends still live. There is an ancient poem about an enchanting woman, the beautiful Lore Lay, betrayed by her sweetheart, and accused of bewitching men and causing their death. Rather than sentence her to death, the bishop consigned her to a nunnery. On the way, accompanied by three knights, she comes to the Lorelei rock. She asks permission to climb it and view the Rhine once again. Thinking that she sees her love in the Rhine, she falls to her death. The rocks still echo her name.

In St. Goar and Boppard, you cycle in the area that is the most visited part of the Rhine through charming little wine villages ending at your final destination for the day, the city of Koblenz, overseen by the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. 

Day 6: Koblenz - Cochem, 26 mi. (41 km)
By ship, you cross the first lock and enter the Moselle to be dropped off with bikes, giving you a headstart to the foot of the hills where the Burg Eltz is hidden. Untouched by wars or fires, you will find this beautiful castle worth the hike to reach it. The guided tour takes you back through the ages. You then continue cycling to Cochem, the most visited village on the Moselle River. A bustling and characteristic Moselle town with steep wine-clad mountains, wooded hills, an impressive castle, and a picturesque square with beautiful timber-framed houses and cafes. Time for a Moselle wine!

Day 7: Cochem - Beilstein - Neef - Cochem, 14 or 34 mi. (22 or 55 km)
On this last full day of the tour, You have the option of a bike tour to Beilstein and back. Beilstein is a small and picturesque village, still appearing very medieval, it has been used as a film set several times. You can walk to the monastery and enjoy a coffee and kuchen there. A ferry takes you to the other side of the Moselle, and you can cycle back to Cochem. If you want to add mileage, you can continue to cycle to Neef and return from there. For those who are finished with cycling, Cochem has a great castle to visit, offering a magnificent view over the Moselle. 

Day 8: Cochem