Frankfurt to Ludwigsburg

Day 1: Arrival in Frankfurt. Frankfurt to Mainz
Day 2: Mainz - Nierstein, 16 mi. (25 km)
Day 3: Nierstein - Worms, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 4: Worms - Mannheim - Heidelberg, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 5: Heidelberg - Eberbach, 20 mi. (32 km)
Day 6: Eberbach - Heilbronn, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 7: Heilbronn - Marbach -  Ludwigsburg, 34 mi. (55km)
Day 8: Ludwigsburg

*All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, etc.

Day 1: Arrival in Frankfurt am Main. Frankfurt to Mainz
You are welcomed onboard the Merlijn with a welcome cocktail. You can drop your luggage off at 10 am. Mainz has beautiful squares, half-timbered houses, and impressive baroque churches. Behind Rococo Façades and in Baroque houses hide inviting elegant boutiques, cafés, and ‘Weinstuben’. And of course, there’s the famous Cathedral of Mainz you shouldn’t miss.  Official check-in will be at 3:30. You will be offered a complimentary welcome drink and crew introduction and learn about your upcoming tour, the ship, and safety.  At 5 pm the Merlijn sails to Mainz where you will spend the night. 

Day 2: Mainz - Nierstein, 16 mi. (25 km)
After breakfast, you can enjoy another visit to the city of Mainz. Your first bike tour will start from here and leads you along the Rhine river. In Nierstein you will board the Merlijn to drop your bikes, changes clothes, and enjoy an included wine tour through the mountains and wine-tasting. 

Day 3: Nierstein - Worms, 34 mi. (55 km)
After breakfast, the bike tour to Worms starts and promptly leads away from the Rhine, through the vineyards, and rolling paths. Your destination is Worms, famous for its Cathedral and Marten Luther. In the afternoon you will have time to explore this interesting city. After dinner, you may want to have a look at the famous Nibelungen tower, which is located directly on the banks of the the Rhine River, close to where the Merlijn will be docked.

Day 4: Worms - Mannheim - Heidelberg, 26 mi. (42 km)
The Merlijn sails during breakfast to Mannheim, the city where the Neckar and Rhine rivers merge. From here, the cycling begins following parts of the Neckar and parts of the Rhine to reach your destination, Heidelberg. In the afternoon you can take a city tour through Heidelberg. After the tour you will enjoy your dinner on your own, in one of the many restaurants in Heidelberg.

Day 5: Heidelberg - Eberbach, 20 mi. (32 km)
You will bike through the southern part of the Odenwald. From Heidelberg to Eberbach you will pass Hirschhorn, one of the pearls on the Neckar river. Hirschhorn has a charming castle, a Carmelite Monastery and an interesting Market Church. Your tour today ends in Eberbach, a charming village with quiet narrow streets.

Day 6: Eberbach - Heilbronn, 34 mi. (55 km)
During breakfast the captain navigates over the Neckar river,  the bikes are unloaded, and you begin your cycling day. First, a short loop to the castle of Hornberg. This castle is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the Neckar valley. After 1259,  the bishop of Speyer had his quarters here and in the 16th century, it became the house of Berlichingen. The bike tour ends in Eberbach where the Merlijn is waiting for you to navigate to Heilbronn.

Day 7: Heilbronn - Marbach - Ludwigsburg, 16 mi. (26 km)
While you enjoy your sailing breakfast the Merlijn will navigate a short distance where your bike tour starts on the right bank of the Neckar river to Benningen. Here you can see Roman history in the Castle Vicus.  You will board the Merlijn in Marbach, a charming city on the Neckar River where the famous writer Schiller was born. We will sail to our destination Ludwigsburg. After farewell dinner onboard you will have the chance to stroll through the city.

Day 8: Departure from Ludwigsburg
Departure after breakfast. 

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On the deluxe vessel, the Merlijn

• Merlijn

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  Touring Bicycle

  The Merlijn prides itself on the top quality bikes offered and as of 2023, have brand new standard bikes available. Although only your own helmet provides the best fit, bicycle helmets are available… Read More

  Electric Bicycle

  The Merlijn has unisex e-bikes available to rent. These must be reserved in advance. • Gudereit or ISY Brand … • 7 gears … • Bosch engine … Accessories … • Pannier bag … • Helmet rental included and… Read More

  "The Divine Miss M" as we lovingly call the Merlijn is a diva, for sure. What can we say? Is it the luxurious cabins with the most comfortable beds you have ever slept in? Is it the lovely dining area with the large windows and skylight that let the air, light, and sun pour in? Or perhaps it is the sun deck, where you can relax with newfound friends, sharing good wine and good conversation. We think you will find it is the entire divine package! Step on board and discover for yourself! Read More