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

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.

Day 1: Koblenz - St. Goar
Day 2: St. Goar - Rüdesheim, 18 mi. (30 km)
Day 3: Rüdesheim - Mainz, 21 or 26 mi. (35 or 43 km)
Day 4: Mainz - St. Goar | St. Goar - Oberlahnstein, 18 or 27 mi. (30 or 45 km)
Day 5: Oberlahnstein - Lehmen | Lehmen - Cochem, 24 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Cochem - Zell, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Zell - Lehmen | Lehmen - Koblenz, 12 mi. (20 km)
Day 8: Koblenz

Day 1: Koblenz - St. Goar 
Embarkation at 2 pm in Koblenz, before the ship departs at around 3 pm for a scenic cruise through the UNESCO-listed Middle Rhine Valley to St. Goar. This charming riverside town, founded by the French priest Saint Goar, is steeped in legend and overlooked by the impressive Rheinfels Castle, where you'll spend the night.

Day 2: St. Goar - Rüdesheim, 18 mi. (30 km)
Today's ride follows the scenic Rhine Cycle Route through the dramatic UNESCO-listed Middle Rhine Valley. Visit the legendary Loreley Rock before crossing the river by ferry and continuing through the historic towns of Oberwesel, Bacharach, and Trechtingshausen to Bingen. A final ferry crossing brings you to Rüdesheim. Along the way, enjoy one of the Rhine's most spectacular stretches, with hilltop castles, historic churches, charming town squares, riverside beaches, and beautiful picnic spots.

Day 3: Rüdesheim - Mainz, 21 or 26 mi. (35 or 43 km)
Spend a little more time exploring Rüdesheim this morning before cycling to Mainz. Choose between a flat route along the Rhine or a more challenging ride through the vineyards, passing protected nature areas, charming wine villages, and historic landmarks such as Johannisberg Abbey, Schloss Vollrads, and Biebrich Castle. The two routes meet in Eltville before continuing along the Rhine to lively Mainz, where the ship awaits near the historic center. After dinner, you can join an optional guided walk through the city.

Day 4: Mainz - St. Goar | St. Goar - Oberlahnstein, 18 or 27 mi. (30 or 45 km)
Enjoy breakfast on board as the ship sails downstream to St. Goar, where today's ride begins. Cycle through the scenic Middle Rhine Valley with the option to visit the legendary Loreley Rock or Rheinfels Castle. Continue to Boppard, where you can take a cable car for panoramic views over the Rhine and the Bopparder Hamm vineyards or ride Germany's steepest railway before descending through beautiful countryside. Along the way, pass the Roman fort of Bodobrica and the impressive Marksburg Castle before arriving in Oberlahnstein. After dinner, enjoy live music and dancing on board.

Day 5: Oberlahnstein - Lehmen | Lehmen - Cochem, 24 mi. (40 km)
This morning, the ship leaves the Rhine behind and cruises into the scenic Moselle Valley, passing the famous Deutsche Eck in Koblenz, where the Moselle meets the Rhine. Disembark in Lehmen to begin your ride, choosing between a visit to romantic Eltz Castle or rugged Thurant Castle. Continue through picturesque Moselle villages to Cochem, where you can explore the impressive Reichsburg Castle or relax in the lively old town. This evening, you can join an optional wine tasting at the renowned Hieronimi Winery.

Day 6: Cochem - Zell, 31 mi. (50 km)
Today's ride follows the scenic Moselle River from Cochem to Zell, the furthest point of the tour. Before departing, take time to explore Cochem's charming old town or visit the impressive Reichsburg Castle. Continue through the picturesque Moselle Valley to Bremm, where you can climb to a viewpoint overlooking the Calmont, Europe's steepest vineyard, and the river's dramatic bend below. Ride on through the idyllic village of Beilstein before arriving in Zell, famous for its Schwarze Katz wine. For a more challenging option, cycle up to Marienburg Monastery near Alf for panoramic views over the Moselle Valley, then return to the ship for an overnight stay in Zell.

Day 7: Zell - Lehmen | Lehmen - Koblenz, 12 mi. (20 km)
Very early this morning, the ship sails from Zell to Lehmen, where you begin your final cycling day back to Koblenz. Ride through the historic wine villages of Kobern-Gondorf and Winningen, passing steep vineyard slopes and scenic Moselle landscapes along the way. Back in Koblenz, you'll have time to explore the charming old town or take the panoramic cable car—with your bike—to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for sweeping views over the Rhine and Moselle. In the late afternoon, rejoin the ship in Koblenz for your final evening on board.

Day 8: Koblenz
Disembarkation after breakfast at 9 am.