Mainz to Strasbourg by Bike and Barge

On arrival in Mainz you can board the comfortable river barge MS Olympia at 4pm. If you have the time, perhaps see the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate with its lovingly restored half-timbered houses in the Old Town and the Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Martin. This evening there will be a welcome briefing and drink on board the barge.

Today you have the option of a shorter cycle, with plenty of time to rest and enjoy the scenery from the barge, or to extend the route on a longer ride. Cycle on the Rhine Cycle Route with its well-paved cycle ways directly alongside the Rhine to Nierstein. With almost 1,000 hectares of vines, Nierstein is home to the largest wine-growing community on the Rhine. Visit the historic Old Town with its medieval market square and the noble houses. In the afternoon, sail or cycle from Nierstein to Worms. Short cycle: Mainz-Nierstein. Long cycle: Mainz-Worms.

You start your cycle for the day in the imperial city of Worms. Enjoy riding through vast fields and meadows. The beautiful cycle trail across the Friesenheim Island offers a stark contrast to the opposite Rhine bank dominated by the BASF plant. A few kilometres further on, you will reach the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Neckar in Mannheim, where the barge will be waiting for you. Make the most of the afternoon and take a stroll through Mannheim, the City of Squares, up to the Baroque palace.

Today you will follow the course of the Neckar River up to Heidelberg. The ancient Roman city of Ladenburg enroute with its historic Old Town is worth a short visit. Carl Benz, inventor of the first automobile, lived here and the Bertha Benz Memorial Route, named after his wife, runs through the town. Continue and soon visible is the ruin of the Heidelberg Castle towering over the Old Town. Cross the famous Heidelberg Karl Theodor Bridge and walk through the winding lanes and charming squares or up to the castle - the gardens are a perfect spot for a picnic lunch and the Apothecary museum inside is interesting. Your way back leads along the other side of the Neckar back to Mannheim. It's possible to take the train today, in one or both directions, if you'd like to spend more time in Heidelberg.

Today you will cycle alongside numerous oxbow lakes of the Old Rhine as you head towards Speyer. The cycle for today is short and you can take your time enjoying these marvellous lakes and unspoilt nature of the Natural Reserves and flood plains that you will cycle through. When you arrive in Speyer you can visit the UNESCO listed Cathedral.

Continue exploring the untouched Palantinate region, cycling past more stunning oxbow lakes and natural landscapes. Today you can visit the old fortified town of Germersheim with its numerous picturesque alleyways and squares. From Germersheim you will join the boat again and can enjoy an aperitif en route to Gambsheim.

From the lock station of Gambsheim, with its significant fish ladder, the last day of cycling is an easy route along the Rhine plain all the way to the capital city of the Grand Est region, formerly Alsace, the city of Strasbourg. Its countless canals can be discovered on foot or by bike. Visit the Strasbourg Minster, stroll through the tanners' quarter with its small historic half-timbered houses and enjoy this fascinating French city.

Trip concludes after breakfast in Strasbourg at 9:00am. The itinerary operates in reverse every alternate departure - see below.