Rudesheim's great architecture and vineyards along the Rhine River, Germany. Photo via Flickr:michael clarke stuff
Cafe in Mainz along the Rhine River, Germany. Photo via Flickr:Florian Christoph

Cologne Rail Station, Germany. Photo via Flickr:Thomas Depenbusch

Mainz to Cologne

Germany Bike + Barge Tours

Bike and boat the Rhine River Valley!

Brand new for 2016 is this bike and boat tour in Germany from Mainz to Cologne and reverse 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.

Since prehistoric times, the river has been strategic, first for local transporting, and then later, linking the southern and northern halves of the continent, enabling trade and cultural exchange, and the developement of settlements. Castles and fortresses sprung up, protecting and ruling their mini kingdoms, whose remnants and ruins still adorn the mountains.

Flash forward a bit in time, and you have Napoleon's forces camped on the banks and suffering a surprise attack from the Prussians, and forward even more, to the bridge at Remagen that brought the Americans streaming across in WW II.

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 and barge tours in Germany can be found here.

Tour Dates

Mainz to Cologne: August 13 and September 10, 2016
Cologne to Mainz: August 20 and September 17, 2016

2017:

Mainz to Cologne: August 12 and September 9, 2017
Cologne to Mainz: August 19 and September 16, 2017

Where You’ll Stay

On board the Comfort class vessel, MS Andante

What’s Included

  • Accommodations for 7 nights on board
  • Welcome drink
  • All meals (breakfast, packed lunch, coffee and tea in the afternoon, three-course dinner)
  • Daily cabin cleaning
  • Change of bedding and towels if requested
  • Passenger and port fees
  • Daily briefing on board and explanation of cycling itinerary
  • Tour guide on board
  • Maps and information material 1 x per cabin
  • 7 speed unisex bicycle with hand and back pedal brakes and pannier. Very limited number of bikes with freewheel hubs.

What’s Not Included

  • All beverages
  • Entrance fees and excursions
  • Gratuities
  • Bicycle protection
  • Trip insurance

Mainz to Cologne Map

TourBike+Boat
TypeSelf Guided
SkillEasy
Length8 days
From€889 Rates
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Skill Level

This 8 day self-guided bike and boat tour is rated easy on paved, flat surfaces.

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Day-To-Day Itinerary

Mainz to Cologne Map

Day 1: Mainz
Day 2: Mainz – Rüdesheim, Cycle, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 3: Rüdesheim – St. Goar, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 4: St. Goar – Koblenz, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 5: Koblenz - Andernach, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 6: Andernach - Bonn,  28 mi. (45 km)
Day 7: Bonn - Cologne, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 8: Departure

Day 1: Mainz
Embarkation on board the Andante in Mainz between 3 and 5 pm. Be sure to explore the old town of Mainz with its lovely alleys and public squares!

Day 2:  Mainz – Rüdesheim, Cycle, 25 mi. (40 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 vinyards 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 wine making 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, 19 mi. (30 km)​
Following the  Rhine through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, you cycle pass 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.

Day 4: St. Goar – Koblenz, 22 mi. (35 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.  

Day 5: Koblenz - Andernach, 19 mi. (30 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 birth place, top-rated museums, and stroll the lovely riverside setting and the old government quarter.

Day 7: Bonn - Cologne, 22 mi. (35 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

Very slight changes in 2017 with daily distances:

2017:

Day 1: Mainz
Day 2: Mainz - Rüdesheim, 21 mi. (33 km)
Option excursion: guided city walk around Rüdesheim. Can be reserved on board.
Day 3: Rüdesheim - St. Goar, 19 mi. (31 km)
Day 4: St. Goar - Koblenz, 24 mi. (38 km)
Cableway tickets available on board.
Day 5: Koblenz - Andernach, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 6: Andernach - Bonn, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 7: Bonn - Cologne, 23 mi. (37 km)
Optional excursion: guided city walk of Cologne's old town and the cathedral. Can be reserved on board.
Day 8: Departure

 

In case of flood or low tide, the shipping company reserves the right to bridge parts of passages with buses. In extreme situations, the shipping company reserves the right to cancel the journey on short notice. No legal right shall be constituted of both situations. (Water level is force majeure). The same applies for officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges or in case of undeserved breakdown of engine or power unit and unexpected changes in itinerary or mooring locations.

If you're looking for a different flavor, check out our full list of bike and boat tours or view all our featured bike trips, specials, and news.

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Mainz to Cologne Boats + Barges

MS Andante Photo

MS Andante France, Germany, Switzerland Comfort Plus Class Boat Last refurbished in 2008/2009, the spacious river barge, the MS Andante, will provide comfortable accommodations for your active vacation. There is a lounge/bar and dining room with panoramic windows on the promenade deck. Cabins are equipped with two low beds, dressing table with mirror, flat screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, and windows that open. There is also a partially covered sundeck with seating.

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