Stuttgart to Mainz

Day 1: Arrival in Stuttgart - overnight dock
Day 2: Overnight dock - Heilbronn, 22-25 mi. (35-40 km)
Day 3: Heilbronn - Eberbach, 28-31 mi. (45-50 km) or extend to 40-44 mi. (65-70 km)
Day 4: Eberbach - Heidelberg, 22-25 mi. (35-40 km)
Day 5: Heidelberg, 25-28 mi. (40-45 km)
Day 6: Heidelberg - Worms - Nierstein, 25-28 mi. (40-45 km)
Day 7: Nierstein - Mainz, 19-22 mi. (30-35 km) or extend to 31-34 mi. (50-55 km)
Day 8: Departure from Mainz

All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to weather, last-minute mooring changes, and restructuring of locks or bridges. The owner/captain of the Merlijn reserves the right to change the schedule and/or program. If part of the route is not navigable, the captain is entitled to change the schedule for safety reasons.

Day 1: Arrival in Stuttgart - Overnight dock
After official embarkation, as you enjoy a complimentary beverage, you will enjoy meeting the crew, learning about the Merlijn and the tour, and being informed regarding the safety during your tour.  After that, the boat will cruise the Neckar downstream, passing through locks and dock overnight nearby.

Day 2: Overnight dock - Heilbronn, 22 - 25 mi. (35 - 40 km)
After breakfast, Merlijn continues its journey down the Neckar River. Upon docking in Heilbronn, embark on your first bike tour along the river, passing picturesque towns like Besigheim and Lauffen. Enjoy stunning views and stop at a local bakery for a taste of delicious German pastries. After the ride, enjoy a gourmet dinner onboard. Later, take time to explore Heilbronn’s rich history and modern cultural vibe.

Day 3: Heilbronn - Eberbach, 28 - 31 mi. (45 - 50 km) or extend to 40 - 44 mi. (65 - 70 km)
Wave goodbye to Heilbronn as Merlijn heads downstream. After docking, your next bike tour begins, taking you to Bad Wimpfen, a charming hilltop town with a beautifully restored tower (open for visits). Choose to ride further towards Eberbach or return to the ship for a relaxing evening. Eberbach is a quiet, picturesque town perfect for an overnight stop.

Day 4: Eberbach - Heidelberg, 22 - 25 mi. (35 - 40 km)
Today’s bike route offers scenic views along the Neckar River, with a possible stop to visit a nearby castle. Castles are often perched on hills, offering a rewarding climb and a glimpse into Germany’s medieval history. After cycling, relax on board as we cruise toward Heidelberg.

Day 5: Heidelberg, 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 km)
Explore the enchanting city of Heidelberg, a perfect blend of history, culture, and modern charm. Spend the day discovering its attractions or join a guided bike tour through the surrounding countryside. In the evening, venture into the city to enjoy dinner at one of Heidelberg’s many renowned restaurants, offering local specialties and international cuisine.

Day 6: Heidelberg - Worms - Nierstein, 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 km)
The day begins with a cruising breakfast. Today you'll cycle through the Lampertheim nature reserve, exploring scenic trails and forests. Once in Worms, take time to explore the town before returning to Merlijn. After dinner, relax as we cruise along the Rhine River, arriving in Nierstein. In the evening, enjoy a wine-tasting experience at a local vineyard.

Day 7: Nierstein - Mainz, 19 - 22 mi. (30 - 35 km) or extend to 31 - 34 mi. (50 - 55 km)
On your final cycling day, ride from Nierstein to Mainz, crossing the river by ferry. Once in Mainz, enjoy a walking tour or take the extended cycling route to explore even more of this beautiful region. Afterward, return to Merlijn for a farewell dinner, sharing memories with your fellow cyclists as you soak in the cozy atmosphere onboard.

Day 8: Departure from Mainz 
All good things must come to an end. Check-out after breakfast and either extend your stay in Mainz or onward travel home.

Day 1: Arrival in Mainz and cruise to Rüdesheim
Day 2: Rüdesheim - Nierstein, 19-25 mi. (30-40 km)
Day 3: Nierstein - Worms, 28-31 mi. (45-50 km)
Day 4: Worms - Heidelberg, 25-28 mi. (40-45 km)
Day 5: Heidelberg, 25-28 mi. (40-45 km)
Day 6: Heidelberg - Bad Wimpfen, 19-22 mi. (30-35 km) or extend to 31-34 mi. (50-55 km)
Day 7: Bad Wimpfen - Ludwigsburg, 25-28 mi. (40-45 km)
Day 8: Ludwigsburg - Stuttgart, 19-22 mi. (30-35 km)
Day 9: Departure from Stuttgart

Day 1: Mainz - Rüdesheim
Afternoon check-in as Merlijn begins cruising to Rüdesheim, where we will stay overnight. Enjoy a welcome drink, crew introduction, and safety briefing while sailing. In the evening, take a stroll through Rüdesheim, a popular Rhine River destination known for its half-timbered houses and cozy streets.

Day 2: Rüdesheim – Nierstein, 19-25 mi. (30-40 km)
Enjoy breakfast while cruising before receiving a bike introduction. Begin cycling along the Rhine River, taking in the ever-changing landscapes from the saddle of your bike. Reboard Merlijn in Nierstein, where dinner will be served. In the evening, enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery.

Day 3: Nierstein – Worms, 28-31 mi. (45-50 km)
Depart Nierstein and cycle through vineyards and rolling terrain, leaving the Rhine behind. Arrive in Worms, a city rich in history, famous for its Cathedral and Martin Luther's legacy. The afternoon is free to explore before dinner. In the evening, visit the Nibelungen Tower, located directly along the Rhine.

Day 4: Worms – Heidelberg, 25-28 mi. (40-45 km)
Today's ride follows both the Rhine and Neckar Rivers, offering a noticeable shift in scenery. Arrive in Ladenburg, a charming ancient town that feels frozen in time. After boarding Merlijn, cruise to Heidelberg, where we will stay overnight.

Day 5: Heidelberg, 25-28 mi. (40-45 km)
Spend the day in Heidelberg, a stunning city that appeals to history lovers and shopping enthusiasts alike. Choose to cycle through the area, explore the city's famous landmarks, or simply relax on board. Enjoy dinner at your leisure in one of Heidelberg’s many restaurants.

Day 6: Heidelberg – Bad Wimpfen, 19-22 mi. (30-35 km) or extend to 31-34 mi. (50-55 km)
During breakfast, cruise past Hirschhorn, one of the Neckar River’s most scenic towns. Cycle through the southern Odenwald region, known for its rolling landscapes. Reboard Merlijn in the afternoon and cruise to Bad Wimpfen, where we will stay overnight.

Day 7: Bad Wimpfen - Ludwigsburg, 25-28 mi. (40-45 km)
Cycle along the Neckar River, passing through the vineyards of Württemberg. Along the way, visit a castle or historic site chosen by your guide. Pass through Heilbronn, a city known for its wine-making tradition, before ending the day in Ludwigsburg, where we will dock overnight.

Day 8: Ludwigsburg - Stuttgart, 19-22 mi. (30-35 km)
Begin the day with a ride to Ludwigsburg’s historic center, situated on a hill. Cycle along the Neckar River, passing meadows and small villages, while approaching Stuttgart’s industrial outskirts. Celebrate the journey with a farewell dinner onboard.

Day 9: Stuttgart
After breakfast, disembark Merlijn and continue your European adventure or transfer to the airport.

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