Ludwigsburg to Mainz

Day 1: Ludwigsburg - sail to Marbach
Day 2: Ludwigsburg - Heilbronn, 16 mi. (26 km)
Day 3: Heilbronn - Bad Wimpfen - Eberbach, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 4: Eberbach - Heidelberg, 20 mi. (32 km)
Day 5: Heidelberg - Worms, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Worms - Nierstein, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 7: Nierstein - Mainz, 12 mi. (20 km)
Day 8: Mainz, departure

*All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to weather, last-minute mooring changes, and restructuring of locks or bridges. The owner/captain of the Merlijn reserves the right to change the schedule and/or program. If part of the route is not navigable, the captain is entitled to change the schedule for safety reasons.

Day 1: Ludwigsburg - Marbach
Check-in on board begins at 3:30 pm. For your convenience, you can drop off your luggage from 10 am off and explore Ludwigsburg unencumbered. After official embarkation, as you enjoy a complimentary beverage, you will enjoy meeting the crew, learning about the Merlijn and the tour, and being informed regarding safety during your tour.  At 5 pm, the boat will sail to Marbach, a charming city on the Neckar River while you enjoy your dinner. After dinner, there will be a chance to visit the city, where the famous writer Schiller was born.

Day 2: Marbach - Besigheim - Heilbronn, 26 mi. (42 km)
While, you enjoy your breakfast, the Merlijn sails to Besigheim. Your bike tour starts here along the Neckar river and leads to Benningen. Roman history is evident here in the Castle Vicus. Dinner on board and overnight stay in Heilbronn.

Day 3: Heilbronn - Neckarzimmern - Eberbach, 34 mi. (55 km)
The biking begins in Neckarzimmern and it will be just a short distance 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 tour ends in Eberbach where the Merlijn is waiting. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Eberbach.

Day 4: Eberbach - Heidelberg, 20 mi. (32 km)
Today you will bike through the southern part of the Odenwald. From 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. In the afternoon you will be offered a city tour through Heidelberg, a charming city nestled between the Neckar river and the foothills of the Odenwald forest. After the tour, you will enjoy your dinner in one of the many restaurants in Heidelberg.

Day 5: Heidelberg - Ladenburg -  Worms, 26 mi. (42 km)
The Merlijn sails during breakfast to Ladenburg, where the bike tour to Worms starts leading partly along the Neckar and partly along the Rhine rivers, ending in Worms. Worms is 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 onthe Rhine river, close to the Merlijn.

Day 6: Worms - Nierstein, 34 mi. (55 km)
After breakfast, the cycling begins and soon leads you away from the Rhine, through vineyards on rolling paths. Lovely landscapes will be your backdrop and your reward. In Nierstein you will board the Merlijn to change and drop your bikes, and enjoy a wine tour through the mountains including wine tasting. The Merlijn will overnight in Nierstein.

Day 7: Nierstein - Mainz, 16 mi. (25 km)
After breakfast your bike tour leads you along the Rhine river, the ride is not too long which gives you a good opportunity to pay a visit in the afternoon to the city of Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate. Farewell dinner and overnight stay in Mainz.

Day 8: Mainz
All good things must come to an end. Check-out after breakfast and either extend your stay in Mainz or onward travel home.

Be sure to check out all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news.

• Merlijn

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  4.7 out of 5 (10 Reviews)

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  Deluxe Class Barge

  Hybrid Bicycle

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  Electric Bicycle

  The Merlijn has e-bikes available to rent. You may reserve them in advance. The cost is €30 per day, payable on board, advanced reservation is required. Visa and MasterCard accepted for payment. •… 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 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 onboard and discover for yourself! Read More