Aschaffenburg to Cochem

Day 1: Cochem
Day 2: Moselle, visit of the Burg Eltz
Day 3: Koblenz - St. Goar
Day 4: St. Goar - Ruedesheim
Day 5: Ruedesheim - Mainz
Day 6: Mainz - Frankfurt am Main
Day 7: Frankfurt am Main - Aschaffenburg
Day 8: Aschaffenburg

This itinerary, as on all bike and boat tours, is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances such as changing weather or lock repair, etc. In case of flood or low tide, the captain reserves the right to change the route of the ship and therefore, cycling itinerary may also be affected. In extreme situations, a tour could be canceled on short notice.  No legal right shall be constituted of both situations. (Water level is force majeure). The same applies for officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges or in the event of mechanical breakdown.

Average daily distance: 30 mi. (48 km)

Day 1: Cochem
Today you will join the IRIS docked in Cochem and enjoy the day in this typical Moselle and Wine village. The guide will take you on a walk to the Burg (Castle) to have a guided tour there!

Day 2: Moselle, visit of the the Burg Eltz
Your first ride will be along the river on the Moselle bike path with a stop at Burg Eltz. You will hike part ot the visit,  as it is well hidden in the hills. This Castle is different from any other castle. It remained unscathed by wars. It has been owned and cared for by the same family from the time it was built.  Its architecture has no comparison and many of the original furnishings of the past eight centuries still remain in place. There is a Treasury and Armoury boasting world-class artworks in gold and silver. It towers high on a large rock, but is still in a valley. It is a must visit. You will return to the barge by bike for a cruise to Koblenz and docking for the night.

Koblenz has a beautiful “Altstadt” (old city) in the triangle between the Mosel and the Rhine River.

Day 3: Koblenz - St. Goar
After breakfast the route leads to the ancient city Boppard. Here the Rhine takes an amazing turn, nearly 180 degrees. Boppard has always been a visitors' magnet with precipitous vineyards and one of the nicest bank promenades on the Middle Rhine. It also boasts the oldest preserved Roman fort walls north of the Alps.
Your destination is St. Goar, opposite the famous Loreley. A ferry and a bus will transfer you up to the Loreley and a hiking path leads the final way to this lovely vista over the narrowest part in the romantic Rhine Valley.
The first traces of human settlement have been apparent from the time the Loreley Plateau was level with the Rhine. 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 came to tragedy here. In St. Goar, directly opposite the Loreley, the Saint Goar settled to save shipwrecked mariners and nurse them back to health.

Day 4: St. Goar - Ruedesheim
Your morning starts with a great sail along the Lorelei. Once you begin to cyle, you will pass by pompous castles to reach Ruedesheim.  Even the Romans planted vines here! Stroll through the “Drosselgasse”, famous for its entertaining music and taste some of the wines of this wine village. This small old “gasse” is only 144 meters long and has thousands of paving stones. Visit the Asbach center, home of German Brandy, produced locally since 1892. You’re not into brandy? They produce some great chocolate as well.

The old town, dating from the Middle Ages, and parts of the city’s fortifications like the Adlerturm (eagle tower) are well maintained. Here you will find cozy traditional wine taverns in historic half-timbered houses.

Day 5: Ruedesheim - Mainz
This beautiful first stage leads through rolling vineyards and well-known wine villages. The Rhine is flowing gently, forming little islands and broadening its bed up to 800 m width! Today's  destination is Mainz, where the Main river meets 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.

Day 6: Mainz - Frankfurt am Main
You now cycle on the cycle paths along the Main River to Frankfurt, one of Germany’s largest cities. Frankfurt is a trade city, home to Banks and Stockmarkets. The city skyline is very contemporary due to these developments and also because of the destruction in the Second World War and subsequent rebuilding. Frankfurt has many museums as well,  located at a special area along the riverside and famous for its annual Buchmesse (Book Fair).

Day 7: Frankfurt am Main - Aschaffenburg
Today’s bike tour leads first to the small and romantic city of Seligenstadt with its windings alleys, wood-framed houses, and basilica. After that you cross the Main on a small ferry and continue through Hanau the town where the famous Grimm Brothers were born. 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.

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

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• Iris

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  4.7 out of 5 (10 Reviews)

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  Premium Class Barge

  The Iris is a refitted freight barge that accommodates 24 overnight passengers. The interior of the Iris is fresh, tasteful, and comfortable. This vessel can navigate on most rivers and canals in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. On the top deck, you will find the lounge, a roomy sitting area, a cozy bar, and a sun deck. The whole barge has central heating and air-conditioning.