Mainz to Cologne
Germany Bike & Boat Tours
Bike & boat the Rhine River Valley!
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length8 days
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Prices from€1423 Rates
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Overview
This bike and boat tour in Germany from Mainz to Cologne and reverse leads along the most beautiful stretch of the great Rhine River. A rich and varied history unfolded along these banks and has left its mark in culture, landscape, and the arts.
Today, the entire Upper Middle Rhine Valley is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meeting the criteria for such on many levels. The gorges rise steeply on both river banks, protected now by strict building and developing codes, allowing the sheer beauty of the area to remain. It is not hard to step back in time.
This romantic river valley, with precipitous cliffs, steep vineyards, typical villages, and hilltop castles, is best explored by bike and boat, land and river!
Highlights
- Loreley Rock
- Rüdesheim near St. Goarshausen
- Koblenz
- Bonn
- Unsurpassed and timeless scenery
- Wonderful world-famous wine and beer
All of our bike & barge tours in Germany can be found here.
Need help deciding which river to tour? Read our guide to European bike and boat river cruises.
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Itinerary
Mainz to Cologne
Day 1: Mainz
Day 2: Mainz - Rüdesheim, 21 mi. (33 km)
Day 3: Rüdesheim - St. Goar/St. Goarshausen, 20 mi. (32 km)
Day 4: St. Goar - Koblenz, 24 mi. (38 km)
Day 5: Koblenz - Andernach, 16 mi. (25 km)
Day 6: Andernach - Bonn, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 7: Bonn - Cologne, 23 mi. (37 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.
Day 1: Mainz
Embarkation takes place between 4 and 5 pm. Be sure to explore the old town of Mainz with its lovely alleys and public squares!Day 2: Mainz - Rüdesheim, 21 mi. (33 km)
Today you will experience firsthand why the Rhine River and its surroundings are part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. Beautiful islands, steep slate rocks, and vineyards shape the region around Rüdesheim. By bike, you will pass Eltville, the Kurfürstliche Burg fortress, and the famous landmark, Oestrich-Winkel, a former wine-loading crane from the 18th century. Completed in 1745, it was functioning until 1926. The day's destination is Rüdesheim, the winemaking town in the Rhine Gorge. Be sure to visit the famous street, Drosselgasse, and stop at a cafe for a taste of the world-famous Ruedesheimer Riesling.Day 3: Rüdesheim – St. Goar/St. Goarshausen, 20 mi. (32 km)
Following the Rhine through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, you cycle past romantic castles and ruins, including the Reichenstein and Rheinstein fortresses. The famous Loreley rock will be passed on the way to St. Goar, your destination for today. Legend has it that a beautiful but melancholy siren would sit on the rock and sing as she combed her golden hair, distracting sailors while the strong currents smashed their ships to pieces against the rock. This has been called the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River. From the top of the rock, you will have a beautiful view of St. Goar and St. Goarshausen.Day 4: St. Goar/St. Goarshausen - Koblenz, 24 mi. (38 km)
Boppard and the Marksburg are on the itinerary today as the route leads to Koblenz with its famous “Deutsche Eck” (German corner). Against a backdrop of vineyards, forests, and mountain ranges, the Moselle and Rhine Rivers merge here. From the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, reached by cableway, you can enjoy a fantastic view over the splendid landscape of the Rhine. Koblenz is one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in Germany. Tickets for the cableway are available on board.Day 5: Koblenz - Andernach, 16 mi. (25 km)
The cycling itinerary today will lead you past Neuwied and the Engers Castle to Andernach, the destination for today. Like Koblenz, Andernach is one of the oldest cities of Germany. Here you will find the famous geyser that shoots 50 to 60 meters and is said to be the highest in the world. In Andernach you can enjoy sights like the Round Tower or visit the wine village Leutesdorf, which can be reached by ferry.Day 6: Andernach - Bonn, 28 mi. (45 km)
On the way to Bonn it is worthwhile to visit the Drachenburg Castle on the Drachenfels Königswinter or Sea Life, complete with the brand new Octopus Cave. Bonn is the former capital of Germany and the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. You can visit the great composer’s birthplace, top-rated museums, and stroll the lovely riverside setting and the old government quarter.
Day 7: Bonn - Cologne, 23 mi. (37 km)
Before you reach Cologne by bike, there is the possibility for a stop at the Isle of Groov situated in the vast landscape of the Rheinaue wetland in the Cologne suburb Porz-Zündorf. The "island" is actually a peninsula and popular as a local recreation area with numerous outdoor restaurants as well as a rowing and pedal boat rental station. Final destination city and end of your tour is Cologne, overseen by the towering Cologne Gothic Cathedral. Yet amidst the antiquity, an energetic and youthful spirit shine. Life in Cologne is uncomplicated and vivacious. The breweries with their famous beer “Kölsch” will introduce you to the more relaxed side of the city.Day 8: Departure
Disembarkation by 9 am.Cologne to Mainz
Day 1: Cologne, Embarkation at 4 pm
Day 2: Cologne - Bonn, 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 3: Bonn - Andernach, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Andernach - Koblenz, 19 mi. (25 km)
Day 5: Koblenz - St. Goar/St. Goarshausen, 24 mi. (38 km)
Day 6: St. Goarshausen/St. Goar - Rüdesheim, 19 mi. (32 km)
Day 7: Rüdesheim - Mainz, 21 mi. (32 km)
Day 8: Mainz, Disembarkation at 9 amOptional excursions are possible and will be presented and bookable onboard, payable in cash only.
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Map
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Boats & Bikes
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Olympia
Premium Class Boat
Touring BicycleElectric Bicycle![]()
Velo de Ville bikes (unisex frames) or similar … • Aluminum frame … • Upright handlebar … • Selle Royal saddle … • Shimano gearing … • 7 speeds … • Flat pedal … • Shimano coaster brakes (backpedal… Read More![]()
Velo de Ville bikes (unisex frames) or similar … • Upright handlebar … • Selle Royal saddle … • Flat pedal … • 8 speeds … • Bosch mid-drive motors … • 500 Wh Bosch detachable rechargeable batteries … Read MoreOn this premium vessel, you will enjoy wonderful amenities and a memorable cycling itinerary. Read More
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Switzerland
Deluxe Class Boat
Touring BicycleElectric Bicycle![]()
Velo de Ville bikes (unisex frames) or similar … • Aluminum frame … • Upright handlebar … • Selle Royal saddle … • Shimano gearing … • 7 speeds … • Flat pedal … • Shimano coaster brakes (backpedal… Read More![]()
Velo de Ville bikes (unisex frames) or similar … • Upright handlebar … • Selle Royal saddle … • Flat pedal … • 8 speeds … • Bosch mid-drive motors … • 500 Wh Bosch detachable rechargeable batteries … Read MoreThe MS Switzerland is a deluxe river cruise ship accommodating up to 113 guests. Featuring elegant cabins, Upper Deck French balcony staterooms, a panoramic lounge and bar, and a spacious sun deck, it offers a comfortable way to explore Europe’s scenic waterways. Read More
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights on the Premium class ship, the Olympia
- Complimentary welcome beverage
- Breakfasts, packed lunches for cyclists or light lunch on board for non-cyclists, 7 three-course dinners
- Afternoon coffee break
- Daily cabin cleaning
- Change of bedding & towels if requested
- Daily briefing on board & explanation of cycling itinerary
- Onboard tour leader (does not cycle with group)
- 7-gear unisex city touring bicycle (Velo de Ville) with hand & backpedal brake or hand brakes only (please specify which you prefer)
- Bicycle protection
- Digital travel documents via GUIBO app
- GPS tracks
- WiFi (signal speed & strength varies)
- Passenger & port fees
What’s Not Included
- All beverages
- Entrance fees & excursions
- Ferry fees
- Gratuities
- Helmets
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Questions about dates or pricing? We’re here to help! Call 800-951-4384 to talk to a Tour Specialist now.
Jun 20, 2026Jun 20, 2026 Cologne to Mainz on Olympia € 1423 Jun 20, 2026Jun 20, 2026 Cologne to Mainz on Olympia € 1673 Jul 18, 2026Jul 18, 2026 Cologne to Mainz on Olympia € 1423 Jul 18, 2026Jul 18, 2026 Cologne to Mainz on Olympia € 1673 Jun 12, 2027Jun 12, 2027 Mainz to Cologne on Switzerland € 1473 Book Jun 12, 2027Jun 12, 2027 Mainz to Cologne on Switzerland € 1673 Book Jun 19, 2027Jun 19, 2027 Cologne to Mainz on Switzerland € 1473 Book Jun 19, 2027Jun 19, 2027 Cologne to Mainz on Switzerland € 1673 Book Jul 10, 2027Jul 10, 2027 Mainz to Cologne on Switzerland € 1473 Book Jul 10, 2027Jul 10, 2027 Mainz to Cologne on Switzerland € 1673 Book Jul 17, 2027Jul 17, 2027 Cologne to Mainz on Switzerland € 1473 Book Jul 17, 2027Jul 17, 2027 Cologne to Mainz on Switzerland € 1673 Book Pricing details and extra options
- Cologne to Mainz • Olympia2026 departures: Jun 20, Jul 18
2026 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Main deck 2-bed cabin € 1423 Upper deck 2-bed cabin, astern* € 1523 2-bed cabin € 1573 Single occupancy Price Main deck 2-bed cabin, for single use € 1813 Upper deck Single cabin € 1673 2-bed cabin, astern* for single use € 1943 2-bed cabin, for single use € 2008 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike 7-speed unisexIncluded Electric bike € 120 - Mainz to Cologne • Olympia
Double occupancy Main deck 2-bed cabin € 1423 Upper deck 2-bed cabin, astern* € 1523 2-bed cabin € 1573 Single occupancy Price Main deck 2-bed cabin, for single use € 1813 Upper deck Single cabin € 1623 2-bed cabin, astern* for single use € 1943 2-bed cabin, for single use € 2008 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike 7-speed unisexIncluded Electric bike € 120
- Cologne to Mainz • Switzerland 2027 Jun 19, Jul 17 from € 14732027 departures: Jun 19, Jul 17
2027 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Main deck 2-bed cabin, eco* € 1473 2-bed cabin € 1523 2-bed mini-suite € 1573 Upper deck 2-bed cabin, eco* € 1623 2-bed cabin € 1673 2-bed mini-suite € 1723 Single occupancy Price Main deck Single cabin € 1673 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike 7-speed unisexIncluded Electric bike € 120 *Cabins in front and at rear of the ship; perceptive engine and generator noise (when ship is in motion and in locks)Please note: Limited number of double cabins available for single use. - Mainz to Cologne • Switzerland 2027 Jun 12, Jul 10 from € 14732027 departures: Jun 12, Jul 10
2027 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2027 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Main deck 2-bed cabin, eco* € 1473 2-bed cabin € 1523 2-bed mini-suite € 1573 Upper deck 2-bed cabin, eco* € 1623 2-bed cabin € 1673 2-bed mini-suite € 1723 Single occupancy Price Main deck Single cabin € 1673 Bike rentals Price Standard touring bike 7-speed unisexIncluded Electric bike € 120 *Cabins in front and at rear of the ship; perceptive engine and generator noise (when ship is in motion and in locks)Please note: Limited number of double cabins available for single use.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
- Cologne to Mainz • Olympia
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This is an easy self-guided bike and boat tour. You will cycle between 25 and 45 km per day. The quality of the bike paths along the route is excellent. Most of the stretches are paved or asphalted and lead alongside the Rhine dikes without any gradients to note.
Airport Info
Closest international airport is Frankfurt International Airport (FRA).
Local Travel
If your tour begins in Mainz and ends in Cologne, upon arrival to the Frankfurt International Airport, you can take a direct train to Mainz. The Frankfurt Airport Regional Station is located below Terminal 1. S-Bahn train services S8 and S9 link the airport with central Frankfurt at Hauptbahnhof (central) station and surroundings. From Cologne, back to Frankfurt Airport, there is an ICE (Inter City Express Train) that can arrive in as little as one hour. If your tour begins in Cologne, again, the ICE inner city express train can travel between the airport and the city in less than an hour.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival!
Day of Rest
Any day can be used as a day of rest by remaining on board.
Recommended
Soft-sided luggage is recommended as storage space is limited.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Tour Operator
This tour is run by SE Tours.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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Photos
![Rüdesheim & Bingen in Germany. ©TO]()
![<i>Altes Rathaus</i> in Bamberg, Germany. Flickr:Rey Perezoso]()
![Biking & Boating along the Mosel River. ©TO]()
![Relaxing in Mainz along the Rhine River, Germany. Flickr:Florian Christoph]()
![<i>Altes Rathaus</i> in Bamberg, Germany. Flickr:Wei-Tewong]()
![Biking through Mainz, Germany. Flickr:Jodage]()
![<i>Altes Rathaus</i> in Bamberg, Germany on river Regnitz and Main. Flickr:magnetismus]()
![Rüdesheim, Germany. ©TO]()
![<i>Bambergpfanne</i> in Bamberg, Germany. Flickr:Vladislav Bezrukov]()
![Untere Brucke in Bamberg, Germany. Flickr:Matthias Ripp]()
![Rudesheim is famous for its beauty throughout Germany. Flickr:Chico]()
![Ice wine made in St. Goar, Germany. Famously made from frozen white grapes - not to be missed! Flickr:Cat]()
![Cathedral in Mainz, Germany. Flickr:Heribert Pohl]()
![Schloss Stolzenfels, Koblenz, Germany. Flickr:Ralf Schulze]()
!["Little Venice" in Bamberg, Germany. Flickr:HeinzBunse]()
![Downtown Cologne, Germany. ©TO]()
![Eltville, Germany. ©TO]()
![Cologne's landmark Cathedral and Bridge. Flickr:Anja Pietsch]()
![Bonn, Germany. ©TO]()
![St. Goar along the Rhine River, Germany. Flickr:m.prinke]()
!["Little Venice" in Bamberg, Germany. Flickr:Heinz Bunse]()
![Altes Rathaus in Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Germany. Creative Commons:Tamcgath]()
![St. Goar along the Rhine River, Germany. Flickr:Nigel Swales]()
![Cobblestone streets in Bamberg, Germany. Flickr:Mos]()
![Rüdesheim, Germany. ©TO]()
![Cologne, Germany. ©TO]()
![Schnitzel in Cologne, Germany. Flickr:Aleksandr Zykov]()
![Sightseeing in Bamberg, Germany. Flickr:Magnetismus]()
![Wildflowers in Bamberg, Germany. Flickr:Thomas Depenbusch]()
![Coming back from a soccer game in Bamberg, Germany. Flickr:Alan Bruce]()
![Rudesheim's great architecture and vineyards along the Rhine River, Germany. Flickr:michael clarke stuff]()
![Rüdesheim, Germany. Flickr:Skajalee]()
![Rüdesheim and its many vineyards. Flickr:Philipp Gerbig]()
![Schloss Namedy in Andernach, Germany. ©TO]()
![Traditional German schnitzel. Flickr:Larry Hoffman]()
![Rhine River in Rüdesheim, Germany. Flickr:Andrew Gustar]()
![Rüdesheim, Germany. Flickr:Duane Huff]()
Tripsite Traveler Photos
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Reviews
Reviews
Eileen K.
1 month agoVerified Reviewer
I loved this trip. It was a perfect balance of biking to see the countryside and time to see the port cities. The ship had under 100 passengers so it felt comfortable and cozy. The staff was excellent.
Virginia C.
October 17, 2023Verified Reviewer
Ronald B.
July 2, 2022Verified Reviewer
Hanna W.
December 16, 2019Verified Reviewer
Marla E.
December 12, 2019Verified Reviewer
Sandra D.
November 28, 2018Verified Reviewer
Louise M.
August 6, 2018Verified Reviewer
JoAnn G.
January 22, 2018Verified Reviewer
Linda S.
October 14, 2017Verified Reviewer
Denise M.
October 10, 2017Verified Reviewer
Penny S.
October 10, 2017Verified Reviewer
pam
September 30, 2016Verified Reviewer
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Tripsite Customer Reviews
Eileen K.
1 month ago
Verified Reviewer
Ronald B.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
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