| Tour | Bike+Boat |
|---|---|
| Type | Guided |
| Skill | Easy–Moderate |
| Length | 8 days |
| From | €1525 Rates |
| Client Reviews |
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Skill Level
This is an easy to moderate guided bike and boat tour with daily distances ranging from 12 to 28 miles (20 to 45 km). Cycling is on mostly flat country roads and bike paths, with some rolling hills or gentle climbs to accomplish.
Tour Boats
Day-To-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Mainz
Day 2: Mainz - Nierstein, 12 mi. (20 km)
Day 3: Nierstein - Worms, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Worms - Heidelberg, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Heidelberg - Eberbach, 20 mi. (32 km)
Day 6: Eberbach - Bad Wimpfen - Heilbronn, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 7: Heilbronn - Ludwigsburg, 16 mi. (26 km)
Day 8: Departure from Ludwigsburg
*All distances are approximate. Itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstance, including but not limited to weather, last minute mooring changes, and restructuring of locks or bridges.
Day 1: Arrival in Mainz
You will be welcomed on board with a cocktail. The afternoon is free, allowing you to explore Mainz. Mainz has beautiful squares, half-timbered houses and impressive baroque churches. Behind Rococo Façades and in Baroque houses hide inviting elegant boutiques, café’s, and ‘Weinstuben’. And of course there’s the famous Cathedral of Mainz you shouldn’t miss. Dinner and overnight in Mainz.
Day 2: Mainz - Nierstein, 12 mi. (20 km)
In the morning there will be more time to explore the beautiful city of Mainz, afterwards your bike tour starts to Nierstein. In the afternoon you will enjoy a tour through the vineyards including a wine tasting. You will have marvelous views on the Rhine river and surroundings. Dinner on board an overnight stay in Nierstein.
Day 3: Nierstein - Worms, 28 mi. (45 km)
After breakfast you will bike from Nierstein along the Rhine river to Worms. Here you may want to have a look at the famous Nibelungen tower, which is located directly at the Rhine river, close to the Merlijn. In the evening, you can further explore Worms.
Day 4: Worms - Heidelberg, 25 mi. (40 km)
Today the bike tour starts from Worms along the Rhine river and later on you will follow the Neckar river to Heidelberg. You will enjoy your dinner tonight at your own expense in one of the many local restaurants in Heidelberg.
Day 5: Heidelberg - Eberbach, 20 mi. (32 km)
In the morning, there will be a guided city walk through the historic center including the castle. Afterwards you will bike from Heidelberg via Ziegelhausen to Neckargemünd. The tour continues through the southern part of the Odenwald to Neckarsteinach. Our next stop is Hirschhorn, one of the pearls on the Neckar river. Hirschhorn has a charming castle, a Carmelite Monastery, and an interesting Market Church, that are all worth a visit. Your tour today ends in Eberbach, a charming village with narrow streets and a quiet life style.
Day 6: Eberbach - Bad Wimpfen - Heilbronn, 25 mi. (40 km)
After breakfast, you cycle to Neckarzimmern and make a short tour towards the castle of Hornberg. This castle is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the Neckar valley. In 1259 the bishop of Speyer had his quarters here and in the 16th century it became the house of Berlichingen. The bike tour follows the Neckar River to Bad Wimpfen, where you will board the Merlijn. Relax on board as it cruises to Heilbronn. Dinner this evening will be at your own expense in the city of Heilbronn.
Day 7: Heilbronn - Ludwigsburg, 16 mi. (26 km)
While you enjoy breakfast, the Merlijn will take you to Besigheim. This is where your bike tour starts on the right bank of the Neckar river to Benningen. Here you can see Roman history in the Castle Vicus.
When you come to Marbach you will change to the left bank and pay a visit to Marbach, the city where the famous German poet Friedrich Schiller was born. Furthermore it is a very picturesque village, which you definitely will enjoy. We change again to the right bank of the Neckar river and arrive at Hoheneck. You may want to bike to Ludwigsburg, the road is perhaps a little tough but your reward will be the view of Ludwigsburg with its beautiful castles and baroque gardens.
Day 8: Departure from Ludwigsburg
Departure after breakfast.
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Email or Call 800-951-4384 +1 570-965-2064
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Pricing Information
Travel Details
This tour is run by Jantien Wondergem and Henk Karelse.
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?
Mainz to Ludwigsburg Boats + Barges
Merlijn Germany, Netherlands Comfort Plus Class Boat The Merlijn has 12 luxurious cabins with two comfortable airbeds that can be pushed together or separated, a desk, a wardrobe closet, a hairdryer, and a safe. The lounge is comfortably furnished in a modern style with a restaurant area and lounge near the bar. You can enjoy fresh air, water, and nature in all weather on the sun deck. The entire ship is climate controlled and you can adjust the temperature in your own cabin.
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Customer Feedback
Joan S. 3 weeks ago
We had a wonderful time riding through the vineyards along the Rhine and Neckar Rivers and explore that small, picturesque towns along the way. Our tour leader made every effort to enhance our experience with interesting information and spontaneous adventures. Very much enjoyed the evening walks as extra value. Fine trip. Be aware that road surfaces vary.
Boat: Merlijn
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Deborah G. 3 weeks ago
The rides along the Rhine and Neckar rivers were beautiful. My two favorite memories are very different. The first one was riding through the vineyards during harvest. The other special memory was traveling over the bridge into Heidelberg with the castle on the hill to the left and the archway into the old city framing the the entrance to the city beyond. It was something I hope I always remember.
Boat: Merlijn
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Vikki Z. 3 weeks ago
Every day our biking adventure was a delight. We especially loved riding along lovely pathways through the vineyards, stopping to watch both mechanical and manual harvesting, with the fabulous aroma of ripened grapes filling our senses. Coupled with beautiful early morning sunrises while on the Neckar River....mists rising off the water, castles nestled into the forested hillsides, this entire trip was a delight.
Boat: Merlijn
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Karen W. 1 year ago
We cycled on the Merlijn from Mainz to Ludwigsburg. The staff, scenery, guide and accommodations were some of the best that we have experienced on our 10 bike and barge trips. Friendly, warm and caring describe Jantien and her husband.
Hard working and most professional.
Boat: Merlijn
Reply
George S. 1 year ago
One of our best vacations ever! Met some great people. The owners and staff of the boat provided exceptional service. We're making plans to travel with them again.
Boat: Merlijn
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