Heidelberg to Cochem

Day 1: Heidelberg
Day 2: Heidelberg - Worms, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 3: Worms - Mainz, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 4: Mainz - Rüdesheim, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 5: Rüdesheim - St. Goar - Koblenz, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Koblenz - Burg Eltz - Cochem,  25 mi. (40 km)
Day 7: Cochem, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 8: Departure

All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change sometimes without prior notice.  Some waterways may be subject to occasional closures due to drought, storms, floods, canal or lock repairs, or other unforeseen circumstances that make navigation unsafe or impossible. The captain reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary. Parts in Italic are undertaken on board.

Day 1: Embarkation in Heidelberg
What a way to begin! Heidelberg captivates with its historic charm, natural beauty, academic prominence, and cultural events. The majestic castle (Schloss Heidelberg) sits majestically on a hill overlooking the city. A combination of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, you can take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding area, visit the castle ruins, and wander through the charming gardens. The Altstadt (Old Town) of Heidelberg is another highlight. It features narrow, winding streets with well-preserved medieval buildings, baroque-style houses, and traditional German timber-framed structures. The Hauptstrasse (Main Street) is the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe and is filled with shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Day 2: Heidelberg - Worms, 28 mi. (45 km)
The route first follows the scenic Neckar tributary, connecting with the Rhine River in Mannheim, which you then follow to Worms, one of the oldest cities in Northern Europe. It served as the capital of the Kingdom of the Burgundians in the early fifth century and continued as a significant site in European history, particularly in relation to the Holy Roman Empire and the Protestant Reformation. The city's historic sites, such as the Worms Cathedral and the Nibelungen Museum, offer insights into its past.

Day 3: Worms - Mainz, 34 mi. (55 km)
Today you follow the course of the Rhine River to Mainz, where the Rhine River and the Main River join. Founded by the Romans in the 1st century as a military fortress, Mainz became an important trading hub in the Holy Roman Empire. During the reign of Charlemagne (768-814), it held a central position in the vast Frankish Empire and played a significant role in the development of Christianity. Mainz is also renowned as the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg, who invented the movable type printing press and produced the first books, including the Gutenberg Bible, in the city. Despite extensive damage during World War II, many of Mainz's historic buildings have been reconstructed.

Day 4: Mainz - Rüdesheim, 22 mi. (35 km)
The area from Mainz to Rüdesheim is a region with a long history of viticulture, dating back to Roman times and your route will lead through numerous vineyards.  In Rüdesheim, you can explore the famous "Drosselgasse," a charming alley known for its lively music, and sample some of the local wines from this picturesque wine village.

The Asbach Center has been producing German brandy since 1892. And even if brandy isn't your preference, they also produce excellent chocolate, so it is worth a visit. The old town of Rüdesheim, with its medieval architecture and well-preserved city fortifications like the Adlerturm (eagle tower), offers a delightful atmosphere, with traditional wine taverns housed in historic half-timbered buildings.

Day 5: Rüdesheim - St. Goar - Koblenz, 25 mi. (40 km)
You start the day with a scenic boat ride along the Lorelei, taking in the breathtaking views of the Rhine River. Here you will soak in stunning views of the Rhine River and its surrounding landscapes. The combination of the majestic river, lush greenery, and the imposing rock formation creates a visually captivating scene, steeped in German mythology and folklore. It is associated with the legend of a beautiful siren or mermaid who sat atop the rock, luring sailors with her enchanting voice and causing them to crash their ships. 

Arriving at St. Goar, you rejoin the bike path until reaching the ancient city of Boppard. Boppard is known for its stunning vineyards, a bank promenade considered one of the finest on the Middle Rhine, and the oldest preserved Roman fort walls north of the Alps. Your cycling tour will conclude in Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers converge.

Day 6: Koblenz - Burg Eltz - Cochem,  25 mi. (40 km)
The Moselle bike path will lead first to Burg Eltz, a unique castle hidden in the hills where you can explore parts of the castle on foot, marveling at its well-preserved architecture and original furnishings spanning eight centuries. The castle boasts a Treasury and Armoury showcasing world-class artworks in gold and silver. After this remarkable visit, you continue on to Cochem.

Day 7: Cochem, 25 mi. (40 km)
First on the agenda is a morning visit to the stunning Burg of Cochem. Enjoy the magnificent views and immerse yourself in the castle's rich history. Later, you can join the guides on a delightful trip to Beilstein, the most picturesque village along the Moselle River. You can take a ferry to the other side, approximately 9 kilometers (6 miles) away from Cochem, or continue to Senheim and cross the bridge, cycling back into the charming town center of Cochem.

Day 8: Departure
Disembarkation after breakfast by 9:30 am.

Be sure to browse our full list of bike & boat tours in Europe or view all our featured tours, including hiking & multi-adventure!

• Iris

  Premium

  ?

  4.8 out of 5 (10 Reviews)

  View Boat

  Premium Class Barge

  Touring Bicycle

  Giant Touring Bike from the LIV collection … Lightweight, low-maintenance, and equipped with a belt drive, this touring bike is ideal for both daily and recreational use. Combining a synthetic belt… Read More

  Electric Bicycle

  Gazelle Ultimate C8 … • Stable and rigid step-through frame … • Integrated 500 Wh battery … • Bosch Active Line Plus motor … • Nexus hub and Gates belt drive … • Hydraulic disc brakes … • Front fork… Read More

  In 2005, the Iris was transformed from a cargo ship to a passenger ship. Her owner, Lenny Versteeg, has lovingly updated and maintained her throughout the years. The interior is fresh, tasteful, and comfortable. Read More