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Mainz to Cologne: MS Olympia

Set sail on the mighty Rhine to Cologne and its wonderful cathedral

Bike and Boat
8 Days / 7 Nights
Self-Guided
Easy
from
1,139.00 GBP
Book now Book
from
1,139.00 GBP

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a haven for romantics seeking enchanting experiences. Follow the majestic Rhine River as it meanders through a breathtaking hilly landscape adorned with castles and fortresses built by aristocratic developers in the past. Stroll through historical old towns where elaborate timber-framed houses line the lanes, immersing you in a world of charm. Alongside, indulge in the wild and romantic scenery that harbors legendary tales, including that of the famous Loreley. As you journey from Mainz to the Cathedral City of Cologne, prepare for a delightful gastronomic adventure. The Rhine region nurtures vineyards that produce excellent wines, while the local culinary prowess rivals the skills of the esteemed winegrowers.

Spanning as one of Europe's longest long-distance cycling routes, this journey holds a wealth of attractions. Discover the allure of Mainz, revel in the trendy vibe of Cologne, and lose yourself in the romantic ambience of Rüdesheim. Pedal in the footsteps of the Romans, uncover captivating legends, savor regional delicacies, and witness the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity along this internationally renowned river.

The Rhine River stands as one of Europe's most awe-inspiring waterways, and the Rhine Cycle Path, which often runs along both banks, is equally remarkable. This path promises approximately 1,230 kilometres of pure cycling pleasure, with captivating river views almost always within sight. Known as the Rhine Radweg or EuroVelo 15, this cycling route commences in Andermatt, Switzerland, and concludes in the picturesque Dutch Hook of Holland, nestled by the North Sea.

Details about the Rhine bike and boat cruise from Mainz to Cologne

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site is a paradise for romantics. Follow the Rhine through a charming hilly landscape, where aristocratic builders built many palaces and castles and the lovingly designed half-timbered houses characterize the old city streets. 

At the same time, you will experience a landscape that is romantic and has remained home to many legends such as the Loreley. Your journey from Mainz to the cathedral city of Cologne is not least a journey with many culinary delights.

You enjoy an extensive breakfast buffet in the morning, then get on your bike and cycle along the Rhine during the day to the next port where the ship sails to and awaits you. 

In the evening you will board your own cruise ship where you will be spoiled with a delicious dinner, in the evening you can enjoy live music in the lounge and sleep at night in your own comfortable outside cabin. You only need to unpack your suitcase once and every night the ship sails you a little further on the route.

Mainz to Cologne Bike and Boat cycling holiday highlights

  • Mainz: The lovingly restored half-timbered houses and beautiful baroque churches in the charming old town invite you for a stroll. Visit the Cathedral of St. Martin, the Gutenberg Museum the Palatial Castle and the Roman Amphitheater.

  • Koblenz: With its beautiful old town, the Altstadt and the headland Deutsches Eck where the Moselle flows into the Rhine with the 19th-century fortress Ehrenbreitstein located on a high rock.

  • The romantic wine town of Rüdesheim: With its medieval centre and centuries-old half-timbered houses and the Drosselgasse with wine taverns, cafes, terraces and many souvenir shops. 

Mainz to Cologne: MS Olympia
Easy
Bike and Boat
8 Days / 7 Nights
Self-Guided
from
1,139.00 GBP
Book now Book

Itinerary

Individual arrival in Mainz and embarkation between 4 pm. Use the evening for a relaxing stroll through the beautiful streets and squares of Mainz's Old Town.

The Rhine and its surroundings show why the Upper Middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beautiful Rhine islands, steep slate rocks and many vineyards characterize the region near Rüdesheim. By bike, you pass Eltville, with the princely castle and Oestrich-Winkel, which features a historic wine barrel tap, on your route to Rüdesheim. Here a visit to the famous Drosselgasse is recommended.

Today you will cycle along the Rhine through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, past romantic castles and castle ruins. You will see, among others, the castles Reichenstein and Rheinstein. And the famous Loreley Rock is on the way to St. Goar, today's stage destination. From the rock, you have a beautiful view of St. Goar and St. Goarshausen.

Boppard and the Marksburg are today possible stops on the way to Koblenz with the famous "German corner", where the Moselle and Rhine meet. From the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which is easily accessible by cable car, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the beautiful Rhine landscape. Cable car tickets are available on board.

The route leads you past Neuwied with its castle Engers to Andernach, today's final destination. Like Koblenz, the city is considered to be one of the oldest in Germany. Famous is the Kaltwassergeysir, with its 50 to 60 metre high fountain which is considered the highest in the world. Experience historic Andernach with sights such as the Round Tower or visit the wine village of Leutesdorf, which can be reached by ferry from Andernach.

On the way to Bonn in Königswinter, a visit to Drachenburg Castle on the Drachenfels (steep climb) or a visit to Sea Life with its many marine life is certainly worthwhile. Finally, you reach Bonn. The former capital presents itself as "Rheinisch" cosy but also urban. Numerous international organizations are still based here and still bring an international flair to Beethoven's city.

Before reaching Cologne by bike, enjoy a nice stop in good weather on the "recreation island" Groov in the vast Rheinauen landscape of the Porz-Zündorf district of Cologne. After arriving in Cologne, you should definitely take the time for a tour of the old town, one of the many museums and modern Cologne, which can be seen, for example, in the Rheinauhafen with its Kranhäusern. Or visit the Cologne breweries with their famous beer, the Kölsch.

Departure from Cologne or spend extra nights in the city or surrounding region.

Route map and overview

Medium

The quality of the bike paths is perfect. The cycle path usually runs on paved bicycle and service roads or quiet country roads with no significant inclines. That is why this trip is also suitable for inexperienced cyclists.

Route map and overview - NEW 2025

Medium

The quality of the bike paths is perfect. The cycle path usually runs on paved bicycle and service roads or quiet country roads with no significant inclines. That is why this trip is also suitable for inexperienced cyclists.

Map Bike and Boat Cologne - Mainz

Prices and dates

Prices per person in GBP

Services & Information

Further information about this cycling holiday

Included

  • 7 nights in outside cabins on board MS Olympia in the booked cabin category
  • Full board: 7x breakfast buffet, 6x packed lunch for cycling or lunch snack, 6x coffee and tea in the afternoon, 7x 3-course evening menu
  • Welcome cocktail
  • Travel folder 1 x per room (German, English with route and overview maps, detailed route description, places of interest, important telephone numbers, luggage labels)
  • GPS data available on request
  • SE-Tours tour guide

Not included

  • Bike rental
  • Excursions
  • Gratuities
  • Drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Airport: Frankfurt
  • Train: Mainz station, approx. 3 km from the pier
  • Parking: Parking garage at Mainz Station (unguarded, not bookable) approx. €10 per day
  • A minimum number of 75 people applies for this trip (at least 21 days before departure)
  • Embarkation takes place between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, disembarkation after breakfast at the latest at 09:30 AM
  • Bicycles on board are equipped with a hand brake, freewheel or coaster brake (limited availability, please specify when booking as a non-binding preference) and bicycle bag
  • It is possible to bring your own bicycles, due to the limited space on the sundeck you can only bring your own bicycle on request and only to a limited extent. Any damage to your bike is at your own risk
  • Daily cycling tours are individual and unaccompanied, the tour guide remains on board. It is not mandatory to cycle the route, you can also stay on board and sail to the next port
  • This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility
  • If the cycling stages and rest times allow, an excursion program is offered, this can only be booked on board and paid in cash. Depending on the composition of the participants, the excursions can be offered bilingually German-English
  • Sailing times, schedule and program changes are in principle reserved. For example, if a route cannot be completed due to low tide, high tide or bad weather, the captain reserves the right to change the route for your safety (this is not a valid reason to cancel your trip free of charge)
  • Engine and generator noises can be heard in the cabins at the front and rear of the ship
  • Please bring your own bike helmet (no onboard selling).
from
1,139.00 GBP
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