Mainz to Cologne

Mainz to Cologne

Day 1: Mainz
Day 2: Mainz - Rüdesheim, 21 mi. (33 km)
Day 3: Rüdesheim - St. Goar, 19 mi. (31 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. 

Day 1: Mainz
Embarkation takes place 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, 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 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 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, 19 mi. (31 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. From the top of the rock, you will have a beautiful view of St. Goar and St. Goarshausen.

Day 4: St. Goar - 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

Cologne to Mainz

Day 1: Cologne, embarkation at 3 pm -  5 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, 24 mi. (38 km)
Day 6: St. Goar - Rudesheim, 19 mi. (32 km)
Day 7: Rudesheim - Mainz, 21 mi. (32 km)
Day 8: Mainz

Optional excursions are possible and will be presented and bookable on board, payable in cash only.

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.

In 2020 on the Premium class ship, the Olympia

• Olympia

  Premium

  ?

  View Boat

  Premium Class Boat

  On this premium vessel, you will enjoy wonderful amenities while biking in Holland, a cycling paradise!