Rhine & Mosel By Bike & Boat

Day 1: Arrival in Koblenz and cruise to St. Goar
Day 2: St. Goar – Bacharach – Bingen – Rüdesheim, 18 mi (30 km)
Day 3: Rüdesheim – Mainz, 21–28 mi (35–43 km)
Day 4: Mainz – Winningen – Treis-Karden, 25 mi (40 km)
Day 5: Treis-Karden – Zell – Bernkastel-Kues, 28 mi (45 km)
Day 6: Bernkastel-Kues – Zell – Cochem, 25 mi. (41 km)
Day 7: Cochem – Lehman – Koblenz, 12 mi. (20 km)
Day 8: Departure from Koblenz

The tour itinerary and route may be subject to changes due to nautical, technical, weather-related, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Day 1: Koblenz – St. Goar
Embarkation begins at 2:00 p.m. in Koblenz. At 3:00 p.m., the ship sets sail south along the Rhine, passing Boppard and entering the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley en route to St. Goar. Along the way, you’ll see the impressive ruins of Rheinfels Castle towering above the town. Across the river stand the castles Katz and Maus (“Cat” and “Mouse”), and a little further upstream lies the legendary Loreley rock. Your first overnight stay is on board in St. Goar.

Day 2: St. Goar – Bacharach – Bingen – Rüdesheim, 18 mi (30 km)
Your first cycling tour begins in St. Goar, following the scenic Rhine cycle path. Today’s route takes you through the narrowest, steepest, and perhaps most striking section of the Rhine Valley. Along the way, enjoy views of the legendary Loreley rock rising high above the river as you ride toward Oberwesel. Continue on through the charming town of Bacharach and on to Bingen. At the “Binger Loch,” a narrow stretch of the Rhine, you’ll spot the medieval Mäuseturm (Mouse Tower) on a small island. Together with the nearby Ehrenfels Castle, this approximately 25-meter-high tower once served as a watchtower and customs station for collecting tolls along the river. In Bingen, you’ll cross the Rhine by ferry to the wine town of Rüdesheim, your destination for the day.

Day 3: Rüdesheim – Mainz, 21–28 mi (35–43 km)
If you wish, you can explore Rüdesheim early in the morning before the crowds arrive. From here, your cycle tour to Mainz begins, with a choice between two routes. The shorter option follows a flat, easy path along the right bank of the Rhine directly to Mainz. The longer route offers more of a challenge, climbing from Oestrich with gradients of up to 5% to the beautiful Eberbach Monastery, a former Cistercian abbey known for its Romanesque and early Gothic architecture, as well as its long tradition of winemaking. Upon reaching Mainz, you’ll cross the Rhine via a bridge into the historic old town, where the ship is moored. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening exploring Mainz, with its many cultural and architectural highlights.

Day 4: Mainz – Winningen – Treis-Karden, 25 mi (40 km)
The ship departs Mainz at 6:00 a.m., gliding downstream through the Rhine Valley. Early risers can take in the peaceful scenery of the landscapes explored by bike the day before. At Koblenz, the route shifts into the Moselle River, passing the Deutsches Eck, before a short stop in Winningen, where today’s cycling begins. You’ll have two route options. One heads toward the renowned Eltz Castle, following a picturesque path through Moselkern into the Eltz Valley, and ending with a 2 km forest trail through enchanting, storybook-like woods. If you’d prefer to avoid the steep final climb, you can take a bus from Hatzenport. The alternative route leads to Thurant Castle in Alken, visible from across the river. This option includes either a challenging uphill ride or a route with stairs leading up to the castle. The final leg of the journey continues through Moselkern and Müden, finishing in the wine village of Treis-Karden, where the ship will be waiting.

Day 5: Treis-Karden – Zell – Bernkastel-Kues, 28 mi (45 km)
The ship departs early from Treis-Karden and arrives in Zell around midday, where today’s bike tour begins. From here, you’ll cycle roughly 45 km along the Moselle, passing scenic landscapes and charming wine villages. One of the highlights is Traben-Trarbach, once a hub of the Moselle wine trade and still admired for its striking Art Nouveau architecture. The route then continues through peaceful, unspoiled countryside to Bernkastel-Kues, known for its picturesque market square lined with half-timbered houses and the historic St. Nikolaus Hospital, which houses an impressive library. As throughout the Moselle region, wine and warm hospitality are ever-present, and you’ll enjoy both here. The ship stays overnight in Bernkastel-Kues.

Day 6: Bernkastel-Kues – Zell – Cochem, 25 mi. (41 km)
The ship sets off early once again, arriving in Zell where your ride begins, this time heading downstream toward Cochem. Another rewarding day on the bike awaits, with plenty of highlights along the way. You’ll pass through the charming village of Beilstein, famous for its Black Madonna and timeless atmosphere. Along the route, you’ll also encounter the Bremmer Calmont, Europe’s steepest vineyard – a dramatic and unforgettable sight for both cyclists and wine enthusiasts. Upon reaching Cochem, there’s plenty of time to explore. Visit the impressive Imperial Castle (Reichsburg), wander through lively streets filled with shops, or unwind at a café terrace and soak in the surroundings. After dinner on board, you may choose to join a wine tasting at the well-known Weingut Hieronimi, conveniently located near the ship’s mooring.

Day 7: Cochem – Lehman – Koblenz, 12 mi. (20 km)
At around 6:00 a.m., the ship departs for Lehmen, where you’ll disembark for your final cycling stage. Today’s route leads to Koblenz, passing through historic wine villages such as Kobern-Gondorf and Winningen—home to Germany’s first wine festival. Along the way, take in the steep vineyard slopes and observe the meticulous work of the winegrowers, especially during the harvest season in August and September. Upon arrival in Koblenz, you’ll have time to explore the charming old town or take the panoramic gondola (bike included) up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for sweeping views. The ship reaches Koblenz in the afternoon, where you’ll enjoy your final evening on board.

Day 8: Koblenz
Disembarkation after breakfast, by 9:30 am.

• Arkona

  Deluxe

  ?

  4.6 out of 5 (10 Reviews)

  View Boat

  Deluxe Class Boat

  Touring Bike

  • Unisex, aluminum frame … • Handbrakes … • Shimano 7-speed nexus drive … • Selle-Royal gel saddle … • Fixed lock … • Schwalbe Marathon tires … Accessories: • Pannier bag … • Helmet rental available… Read More

  Electric Bike

  Azor Steps (or similar) • Nexus 7-gears … • Handbrakes … • Selle-Royal gel saddle … • Shimano motor (400 WH) with 4 levels of support … • Gel saddle … • Fixed lock … Accessories: • Pannier bag … •… Read More

  The Arkona is new to our program and was refurbished in the winter of 2017/2018. Both the upper and the main deck hold comfortable cabins of 11 m² which are modernly and tastefully furnished. All cabins feature hotel-style beds, en-suite facilities with shower and hair dryer, TV, safe and individually controlled air conditioning. Read More