Mainz to Strasbourg
Germany, France Bike + Boat Tours
Bike & boat the Rhine & Neckar Rivers
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length8 days
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Prices from€1313 Rates
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Overview
To bike along a river is sheer bliss, but to actually be on the river is more! This bike and boat tour in Germany and France combines cycling perfection on riverside cycle paths and unique accommodations on a "floating hotel". You unpack once and call the vessel your home!
This tour begins in either Mainz, with its 1000-year-old Romanesque cathedral towering over the medieval and early modern quarters, or Strasbourg, the ultimate European city, with flavors of both France and Germany.
This is a tour that is more focused on urban Germany, interesting cities, architecture, and German industry.
Highlights
- Mainz
- Strasbourg
- Heidelberg Castle
- Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of Europe's most beautiful example of gothic architecture
- The terrain of the oxbow lakes of the old Rhine
- The bike and boat experience!
For a list of all of our cycling tours in Germany click here.
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Itinerary
All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change sometimes without prior notice. Some waterways may be subject to occasional closures due to drought, storms, floods, canal or lock repairs, or other unforeseen circumstances that make navigation unsafe or impossible. The captain reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary.
Day 1: Mainz | Embarkation at 4 pm
Day 2: Mainz - Nierstein by bike | Nierstein - Worms by boat, 11 to 16 mi. (17 to 26 km)
Day 3: Worms - Mannheim, 16 mi. (26 km)
Day 4: Mannheim - Heidelberg by boat | Heidelberg - Mannheim by bike, 32 mi. (52 km)
Day 5: Mannheim - Speyer, 17 mi. (27 km)
Day 6: Speyer - Germersheim by bike | Germersheim-Gambsheim by boat, 14 mi. (22 km)
Day 7: Gambsheim/Freistett - Strasbourg, 11 mi. (18 km)
Day 8: Strasbourg | Disembarkation following breakfast, by 9 amAll distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change. If a route cannot be shipped as a result of low or high water or bad weather, the captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety (this will not be accepted as a reason for free cancellation ).
Day 1: Mainz
Embarkation begins at 4 pm. Before boarding, take the time to explore the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate with its lovingly restored half-timbered houses and the Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Martin.Day 2: Mainz - Nierstein by bike | Nierstein - Worms by boat, 11 to 16 mi. (17 to 26 km)
A short cycling itinerary is on the agenda today and thus plenty of time for one to indulge oneself! You will cycle on the Rhine Cycle Route with its well-paved cycle path directly alongside the Rhine to Nierstein. With almost 1,000 hectares of viticulture area, Nierstein is home to the largest wine-growing community on the Rhine. You will have the opportunity to visit the historic Old Town with its medieval market square and the noble houses. In the afternoon, back on board, you will navigate from Nierstein to Worms. If you would like to cycle a longer stretch, you can cycle the entire way from Mainz to Worms (cycle tour Mainz-Worms approx. 60 km).Day 3: Worms - Mannheim, 16 mi. (26 km)
From the Imperial city of Worms, you will enjoy riding through vast fields and meadows. The beautiful cycle trail across Friesenheim Island offers a contrast to the opposite Rhine bank dominated by the BASFplant. A few kilometers further on, you will reach the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Neckar in Mannheim, where your ship will already be waiting for you. Make the most of the afternoon, and take a stroll through Mannheim, the City of Squares, up to the Baroque castle.Day 4: Mannheim - Heidelberg by boat | Heidelberg - Mannheim by bike, 32 mi. (52 km)
The route follows the course of the marvelous Neckar River up to Heidelberg. The ancient Roman city of Ladenburg with its historic Old Town is worth a short stop-over. Visible already from afar, the ruin of the Heidelberg Castle towers over the Old Town. Stroll across the famous Heidelberg Sandstone Bridge, or through the winding lanes and charming squares of the Old Town. Your way back leads through the heart of the Electoral Palatinatealong the Kurpfalzruote cycleway to Schwetzingen Castle. The castle garden is a perfect place for a short break before continuing along the Rhine Cycle Route to Mannheim.
Day 5: Mannheim - Speyer, 17 mi. (27 km)
The cathedral city of Speyer is the day's destination. You cycle the numerous oxbow lakes of the Old Rhine. It is a short but very enjoyable bike ride past marvelous lakes, through unspoiled nature; areas that are designated Nature Reserves, and natural flood plains. The Speyer Cathedral was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981.Day 6: Speyer - Germersheim by bike | Germersheim-Gambsheim by boat, 14 mi. (22 km)
The unspoiled nature of the Palatinate region will be your backdrop with a highlight of visiting the old fortified city of Germersheim with its numerous quaint lanes, corners, and squares. As you navigate to Gambsheim by boat, enjoy a fine glass of wine on the deck.Day 7: Gambsheim/Freistett - Strasbourg, 11 mi. (18 km)
You can cycle an easy pace today directly alongside the river through the gentle Rhine plain until you reach the capital of the Alsace, the city of Strasbourg with its countless channels. Minster, the landmark of the city, through the picturesque Tanners’ Quarter with its small historic half-timbered houses and enjoy a piece of French joie de vivre.Day 8: Departure from Strasbourg
After breakfast, disembarkation by 9 am.Day 1: Strasbourg | Embarkation at 4 pm
Day 2: By boat, Strasbourg - Gambsheim lock - Gambsheim, 11 mi. (18 km)
Day 3: Germersheim - Speyer, 14 mi. (22 km)
Day 4: Speyer - Mannheim, 17 mi. (28 km)
Day 5: Mannheim - Heidelberg - Mannheim, 32 mi. (52 km)
Day 6: Mannheim - Worms, 16 mi. (26 km)
Day 7: Worms - Nierstein by boat, Nierstein - Mainz by bike, 11 to 13 mi. (17 to 20 km)
Day 8: Mainz | Disembarkation following breakfast, by 9 amDay 1: Strasbourg
Embarkation in Strasbourg beginning at 4 pm.Day 2: By boat, Strasbourg - Gambsheim | boat tour Gambsheim lock - Germersheim, 11 mi. (18 km)
After breakfast is the opportunity to visit Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace, with its numerous channels, the Strasbourg Minster, and the Tanners` Quarter with its small historic half-timbered houses. Enjoy a piece of Frenchjoie de vivre before you begin your first cycle tour. Cycle directly alongside the Rhine River through the gentle Rhine plain until you reach the Gambsheim lock where your ship already awaits you to set sail for Germersheim. While sailing, enjoy a glass of wine on the deck or in the saloon.Day 3: Germersheim - Speyer, 14 mi. (22 km)
Today`s cycle tour leads through unspoiled nature along the old Rhine ox-bow lakes. First, however, look forward to exploring the ancient fortified city of Germersheim with its numerous quaint lanes, corners, and squares. Continue cycling through the Palatinate Region to reach the cathedral city of Speyer. In 1981, Speyer Cathedral was added to the UNESCO-World Heritage List.Day 4: Speyer - Mannheim, 17 mi. (28 km)
Enjoy a short cycle ride alongside the Old Rhine, past marvelous lakes, through untouched protected areas designated as National Nature Reserves and natural flood plains. You reach Mannheim, also called the “City of Squares” due to its layout in a grid pattern. In these squares, countless places are well worth visiting as for example the famous Mannheim Baroque Palace, Germany's largest Baroque palace complex and the water tower, the city’s landmark.Day 5: Mannheim - Heidelberg - Mannhiem, 32 mi. (52 km)
Leaving Mannheim, you follow the Neckar River making a stop at the ancient Roman city of Ladenburg and visit the Old Town before continuing on to Heidelberg. You'll see it's famous castle set on the hill from afar, towering over the Old Town. Crossing the famous Sandstone Bridge, you'll have the opportunity to explore the Old Town, winding lanes and charming squares. Cycle back to Mannheim where the boat spends another night.Day 6: Mannheim - Worms, 16 mi. (26 km)
You leave the history-charged Heidelberg and follow the course of the Neckar River. The Roman city of Ladenburg with its historic Old Town is well worth a stop-off. After Mannheim, you will be back on the Rhine and follow its course until you reach the imperial city of Worms. On your journey through two millenniums of the city’s history, learn about emperors and kings, myths and legends of the Nibelung, Judaism and Martin Luther.Day 7: Worms - Nierstein by boat, Nierstein - Mainz by bike, 11 to 13 mi. (17 to 20 km)
With almost 1,000 Hectares of viticultural area, Nierstein is home to the largest wine-growing community on the Rhine. The historic Old Town with its medieval market square and noble houses is also well worth visiting. A short stretch that leaves plenty of time for one to indulge oneself, cycle on the Rhine Cycle Route, a well-paved cycle path directly alongside the Rhine from Nierstein to Mainz. Guests, who would like to cycle a longer stretch, can also choose to start the cycle tour already in Worms. (cycle tour Worms-Mainz approx. 60 km).Day 8: Mainz
After breakfast disembarkation by 9 am. Individual journey home.If you're looking for a different flavor, check out our full list of bike and boat tours or view all our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
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Map
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Boats & Bikes
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights onboard the Premium class vessel, the Olympia
- Complimentary beverage on arrival
- Breakfast, packed lunch for cycle tours (or lunch snack), coffee & tea in the afternoon, three-course dinner
- Daily cabin cleaning
- Passenger & port fees
- Daily tour briefing
- Tour guide on board (does not cycle with group)
- 7-gear unisex city touring bicycle (Velo de Ville) with hand & backpedal brake or hand brakes only (please specify which you prefer).
- Limited wifi (signal speed & strength may not be what you are accustomed to and may not meet your expectations. If you are dependent on a constant, strong, fast, &reliable signal at all times, please consider a personal hot spot such as mywebspot.
- Digital tour information via GUIBO app
- GPS tracks
- Bike Protection
What’s Not Included
- Entrance fees & excursions
- Drinks
- Ferry fares
- City maps
- Helmet (bring your own)
- Gratuities
- Helmets
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2025
Premium Class Boat
Olympia
Saturday Departures
Mainz to Strasbourg: May 24 & June 21, 2025
Strasbourg to Mainz: May 31 & June 28, 2025
Main deck 2-bed cabin $ 2320 £ 1154 $ 2,085 € 1363 Ft 575648 kr 201773 ₪ 5300 ¥ 226899 Mex$ 29118 NZ$ 2564 kr 16417 zł 5927 S$ 1966 kr 16000 CHF 1296 $ 1,450 2-bed cabin | single use $ 2958 £ 1471 $ 2,658 € 1738 Ft 734025 kr 257287 ₪ 6758 ¥ 289325 Mex$ 37129 NZ$ 3269 kr 20934 zł 7558 S$ 2507 kr 20402 CHF 1653 $ 1,849 Upper deck 2-bed cabin astern* $ 2575 £ 1281 $ 2,314 € 1513 Ft 638998 kr 223979 ₪ 5883 ¥ 251869 Mex$ 32322 NZ$ 2846 kr 18224 zł 6580 S$ 2182 kr 17761 CHF 1439 $ 1,610 2-bed cabin $ 2660 £ 1323 $ 2,390 € 1563 Ft 660115 kr 231380 ₪ 6077 ¥ 260193 Mex$ 33391 NZ$ 2940 kr 18826 zł 6797 S$ 2254 kr 18348 CHF 1486 $ 1,663 Single cabin $ 2745 £ 1365 $ 2,467 € 1613 Ft 681232 kr 238782 ₪ 6272 ¥ 268516 Mex$ 34459 NZ$ 3034 kr 19428 zł 7014 S$ 2327 kr 18935 CHF 1534 $ 1,716 2-bed cabin | single use $ 3400 £ 1691 $ 3,056 € 1998 Ft 843833 kr 295776 ₪ 7769 ¥ 332607 Mex$ 42684 NZ$ 3758 kr 24065 zł 8689 S$ 2882 kr 23454 CHF 1900 $ 2,126 *Astern cabins are located at the stern of the boat and have increased noise level due to proximity to the engine
Extra Options
Electric bike rental $ 187 £ 93 $ 168 € 110 Ft 46457 kr 16284 ₪ 428 ¥ 18312 Mex$ 2350 NZ$ 207 kr 1325 zł 478 S$ 159 kr 1291 CHF 105 $ 117 Helmets (limited number, cash only onboard): $ 68 £ 34 $ 61 € 40 Ft 16894 kr 5921 ₪ 156 ¥ 6659 Mex$ 855 NZ$ 75 kr 482 zł 174 S$ 58 kr 470 CHF 38 $ 43 Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This self-guided bike and boat tour is rated easy. The quality of the cycleways along the route is excellent. Most of the stretches are paved or asphalted, and lead along the Rhine dikes without any gradients to note. This makes the trip suitable even for beginners!
Airport Info
The closest major international airport to Mainz and to Strasbourg is the Frankfurt International Airport (FRA).
Local Travel
The Frankfurt Airport Regional Station is located below Terminal 1. If your tour begins in Mainz, you can access a direct train here with travel time of approximately 1/2 hour. If your tour begins in Strasbourg, you will have approximately a 2 1/2 train ride with one or two transfers depending on departure time and type of train.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your departure. This region in Germany has a cool continental climate, moderated in places by the Rhine River and protected by a series of low mountain ranges.
Recommended
Soft luggage recommended as storage space is limited.
Remarks
River cruising cannot be compared to ocean cruises. Due to the smaller size of the ships, cabin and living space is limited. On some docks, several ships may be tied up alongside each other and hence the view may be restricted or noise pollution may occur. Please consider that though your ship is your “floating” hotel, it is a vessel powered by an engine. Some noise is inevitable.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Optional Excursions
Depending on the ship‘s time in port permitting, an optional excursion program will be organized. Excursions can only be booked and paid (in cash) on board.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by SE Tours.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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