Mainz to Cologne
Germany Bike + Boat Tours
Bike & boat the Rhine River Valley!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1313 Rates
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
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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
Boats & Bikes
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
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Premium Class Boat
Olympia
Saturday departures
Mainz to Cologne
June 22 & July 20, 2024Cologne to Mainz
June 29 & July 27, 2024Main deck Main deck | Twin $ 2206 £ 1130 $ 2,014 € 1313 Ft 529623 kr 203957 ₪ 5525 ¥ 209982 Mex$ 28986 NZ$ 2398 kr 15894 zł 5739 S$ 1930 kr 15265 CHF 1261 $ 1,484 Main deck | Twin for single-use $ 2811 £ 1440 $ 2,566 € 1673 Ft 674835 kr 259878 ₪ 7040 ¥ 267555 Mex$ 36933 NZ$ 3056 kr 20252 zł 7312 S$ 2459 kr 19450 CHF 1607 $ 1,891 Upper deck Upper deck | Twin $ 2542 £ 1302 $ 2,321 € 1513 Ft 610296 kr 235024 ₪ 6367 ¥ 241967 Mex$ 33401 NZ$ 2763 kr 18315 zł 6613 S$ 2224 kr 17590 CHF 1453 $ 1,710 Upper deck | Twin/astern $ 2458 £ 1259 $ 2,244 € 1463 Ft 590128 kr 227257 ₪ 6157 ¥ 233971 Mex$ 32297 NZ$ 2672 kr 17710 zł 6394 S$ 2150 kr 17009 CHF 1405 $ 1,653 Upper deck | Single $ 2626 £ 1345 $ 2,398 € 1563 Ft 630465 kr 242791 ₪ 6577 ¥ 249963 Mex$ 34505 NZ$ 2855 kr 18920 zł 6831 S$ 2297 kr 18171 CHF 1501 $ 1,766 Upper deck | Twin for single-use $ 3248 £ 1663 $ 2,965 € 1933 Ft 779711 kr 300265 ₪ 8134 ¥ 309136 Mex$ 42673 NZ$ 3531 kr 23399 zł 8448 S$ 2841 kr 22473 CHF 1856 $ 2,184 Premium Class Boat
Olympia
Saturday departures
Mainz to Cologne
June 6 & July 5, 2025Cologne to Mainz
June 14 & July 12, 2025Main deck Main deck | Twin $ 2290 £ 1173 $ 2,091 € 1363 Ft 549791 kr 211724 ₪ 5736 ¥ 217978 Mex$ 30090 NZ$ 2489 kr 16499 zł 5957 S$ 2003 kr 15846 CHF 1309 $ 1,540 Main deck | Twin for single-use $ 2920 £ 1496 $ 2,666 € 1738 Ft 701054 kr 269975 ₪ 7314 ¥ 277950 Mex$ 38368 NZ$ 3174 kr 21039 zł 7596 S$ 2555 kr 20206 CHF 1669 $ 1,964 Upper deck Upper deck | Twin $ 2626 £ 1345 $ 2,398 € 1563 Ft 630465 kr 242791 ₪ 6577 ¥ 249963 Mex$ 34505 NZ$ 2855 kr 18920 zł 6831 S$ 2297 kr 18171 CHF 1501 $ 1,766 Upper deck | Twin/astern $ 2542 £ 1302 $ 2,321 € 1513 Ft 610296 kr 235024 ₪ 6367 ¥ 241967 Mex$ 33401 NZ$ 2763 kr 18315 zł 6613 S$ 2224 kr 17590 CHF 1453 $ 1,710 Upper deck | Single $ 2710 £ 1388 $ 2,474 € 1613 Ft 650633 kr 250558 ₪ 6788 ¥ 257960 Mex$ 35609 NZ$ 2946 kr 19526 zł 7050 S$ 2371 kr 18752 CHF 1549 $ 1,823 Upper deck | Twin for single-use $ 3357 £ 1719 $ 3,065 € 1998 Ft 805930 kr 310362 ₪ 8408 ¥ 319531 Mex$ 44108 NZ$ 3649 kr 24186 zł 8733 S$ 2937 kr 23228 CHF 1919 $ 2,258 Extra Options
Electric bike: $ 185 £ 95 $ 169 € 110 Ft 44371 kr 17087 ₪ 463 ¥ 17592 Mex$ 2428 NZ$ 201 kr 1332 zł 481 S$ 162 kr 1279 CHF 106 $ 124
Electric bike: $ 185 £ 95 $ 169 € 110 Ft 44371 kr 17087 ₪ 463 ¥ 17592 Mex$ 2428 NZ$ 201 kr 1332 zł 481 S$ 162 kr 1279 CHF 106 $ 124
Helmets (limited number, cash only onboard): $ 67 £ 34 $ 61 € 40 Ft 16135 kr 6213 ₪ 168 ¥ 6397 Mex$ 883 NZ$ 73 kr 484 zł 175 S$ 59 kr 465 CHF 38 $ 45
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
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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