Mainz to Ludwigsburg

Day 1: Arrival in Mainz
Day 2: Mainz - Nierstein, 16 mi. (25 km)
Day 3: Nierstein - Worms, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 4: Worms - Ladenburg, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 5: Ladenburg - Heidelberg, 9 mi. or extend to 28 mi. (15 km or extend to 45 km)
Day 6: Heidelberg - Eberbach, 20 mi. (32 km)
Day 7: Eberbach - Heilbronn, 11 mi or 34 mi. (18 km or 55 km)
Day 8: Heilbronn - Marbach - Ludwigsburg, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 9: Ludwigsburg

All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to inclimate 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, 16 mi. (25 km)
In the morning there will be more time to explore the beautiful city of Mainz.  Your first bike tour will start from here and leads you along the Rhine river, enjoy the beautiful and always changing views from the saddle of your bike! In Nierstein you will board the Merlijn to drop your bikes, change clothes and enjoy a wine tasting. Dinner on board and an overnight stay in Nierstein.

Day 3: Nierstein - Worms, 34 mi. (55 km)
After breakfast the bike tour to Worms starts and pretty soon takes you away from the Rhine, along the vineyards and sometimes along the rolling paths. Beautiful nature will be your reward! Worms is famous for its Cathedral and Martin Luther. In the afternoon you will have time to explore this interesting city. After dinner you may want to have a look at the famous Nibelungen tower, which is located directly at the Rhine river, close to the Merlijn.

Day 4: Worms - Ladenburg, 26 mi. (42 km)
After another delicious breakfast onboard your bike tour will start. You will will cycle partly on the Rhine River and partly on the Neckar River. Merlijn will await you in the town of Ladenburg. After dinner your guide will show you this lovely little town, it is an example of a German town that you will see many more along the Neckar

Day 5: Ladenburg - Heidelberg, 9 mi. or extend to 28 mi. (15 km or extend to 45 km)
This day we intended for everyone to really get their money's worth! The Merlin will sail to Heidelberg, a fantastically beautiful city where the culture lover can indulge, but also the shopping fanatic can get his fill. Of course there will also be a cycle tour offered, short or long.
In the afternoon, look around for your favourite restaurant, because tonight you can try the local gastronomy during dinner on your own, in one of the many restaurants in Heidelberg.

Day 6: Heidelberg - Eberbach, 20 mi. (32 km)
Today you will bike through the southern part of the Odenwald. From Heidelberg to Eberbach you will pass Hirschhorn, one of the pearls on the Neckar river. Hirschhorn has a charming castle, a Carmelite Monastery and an interesting Market Church.

Day 7: Eberbach - Heilbronn, 11 mi or 34 mi. (18 km or 55 km) 
While you enjoy breakfast, the Merlijn will take you to Besigheim. This is where your bike tour starts on the right bank of After cycling along the Neckar river for a while, you will make a short loop to the castle of Guttenberg. This castle is to be considered as one of the most beautiful castles in the Neckar valley. The tour ends in Bad Wimpfen where the Merlijn awaits you, enjoy an afternoon cruise onboard while the Captains navigates towards Heilbronn. Choosing the short tour, you cruise with Merlijn all morning and cycle the last section to Heilbronn..

Day 8: Heilbronn - Marbach - Ludwigsburg, 34 mi. (55 km)
Your last sailing breakfast onboard Merlijn. We make a short stop so you can start your bike tour along the Neckar river and you will bike along Benningen, where you can see Roman history in the Castle Vicus. Further you can see Marbach, a charming city on the Neckar river where the famous writer Schiller was born. Afternoon we will board the Merlijn and sail to our destination Ludwigsburg. After farewell dinner onboard you will have the chance to stroll through the city.

Day 9: Departure

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• Merlijn

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  4.9 out of 5 (10 Reviews)

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  Deluxe Class Barge

  Touring Bicycle

  The Merlijn prides itself on the top quality bikes offered and as of 2023, have brand new standard bikes available. Although only your own helmet provides the best fit, bicycle helmets are available… Read More

  Electric Bicycle

  The Merlijn has unisex e-bikes available to rent. These must be reserved in advance. • Gudereit or ISY Brand … • 7 gears … • Bosch engine … Accessories … • Pannier bag … • Helmet rental included and… Read More

  "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 the 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 on board and discover for yourself! Read More