Mainz to Ludwigsburg

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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You will be staying on the beautiful Merlijn, a comfort plus class ship

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  The Merlijn prides itself on the top quality bikes offered. See photo below. Although only your own helmet provides the best fit, bicycle helmets are available to borrow on board for the week. These… Read More

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  "The Divine Miss M" as we lovingly call the Merlijn is a diva, for sure. What can we say? Is it the luxurious cabins with most comfortable beds you have ever slept in? Is it the lovely dining area with the large windows and skylight that let the air, light, and sun pour in? Or perhaps it is the sun deck, where you can relax with newfound friends, sharing good wine and good conversation. We think you will find it is the entire divine package! Step onboard and discover for yourself! Read More