Cycle from Strasbourg to Mainz by Bike & Boat
Cycle from Strasbourg to Mainz through the Upper Rhine region, combining self-guided cycling with the comfort of travelling by boat. Follow riverside paths through France and Germany, discover historic cities such as Speyer and Worms, and cycle along the Neckar to Heidelberg, one of the highlights of the route.
A Self-Guided Cycling Holiday Along the Rhine and Neckar
The Bike & Boat format combines active days of cycling with time to enjoy the journey from the water. As a self-guided tour, it gives you the freedom to explore the Rhine and Neckar valleys at your own pace, following prepared routes with daily cycling briefings and digital route guidance. The easy stages follow mostly paved or asphalted paths with little to no significant climbing.
ROUTE
Choose your direction and cycle between Strasbourg and Mainz, following the Rhine through France and Germany. The journey combines riverside paths with historic towns, vineyards and cultural highlights, including Gambsheim, Germersheim, Speyer, Mannheim, Heidelberg, Worms and Nierstein. One of the route’s highlights is the ride along the Neckar to Heidelberg, with its historic old town and famous castle.
With an easy difficulty level, the route is suitable for relatively inexperienced cyclists. Most cycling takes place on paved or asphalted paths along the Rhine dikes, with no significant gradients.
Itinerary A
Strasbourg to Mainz
Day 1: Arrival in Strasbourg
Individual arrival in Strasbourg and embarkation from 4:00 pm. Settle into the ship and enjoy your first evening in the capital of Alsace.
Day 2: Strasbourg – Gambsheim – Germersheim
18 km / 11 miles
Cycle from Strasbourg through the Rhine plain towards the Gambsheim Lock. From here, the boat takes you further along the Rhine to Germersheim.
Day 3: Germersheim – Speyer
22 km / 14 miles
Today’s ride takes you through the Palatinate region and along the old Rhine oxbow lakes. Continue towards Speyer, home to its impressive cathedral and historic centre.
Day 4: Speyer – Mannheim
28 km / 17 miles
Cycle alongside the Old Rhine, passing lakes, protected natural areas and Rhine floodplains. The route leads you onwards to Mannheim, known as the City of Squares.
Day 5: Mannheim – Heidelberg – Mannheim
52 km / 32 miles
Follow the Neckar from Mannheim towards Heidelberg, with a stop in the historic town of Ladenburg along the way. Discover Heidelberg’s Old Town and famous castle before returning to Mannheim by bike.
Day 6: Mannheim – Worms
26 km / 16 miles
Leave Mannheim behind and cycle through fields and meadows towards Worms. The route follows the Rhine landscape before reaching this historic city, known for its impressive cathedral.
Day 7: Worms – Nierstein – Mainz
17–20 km / 11–12 miles
From Worms, travel by boat to Nierstein, surrounded by the vineyards of the Rhine wine-growing region. From here, cycle along the Rhine Cycle Route to Mainz, with a longer cycling option of approximately 60 km available.
Day 8: Departure from Mainz
After breakfast, disembarkation is until 9:00 am. Individual departure from Mainz.
Extend Your Stay
Additional nights can be organized on request.
Itinerary B
Mainz to Strasbourg
Day 1: Arrival in Mainz
Individual arrival in Mainz and embarkation from 4:00 pm. Settle into the ship and enjoy your first evening in the city.
Day 2: Mainz – Nierstein – Worms
17–26 km / 11–16 miles
Cycle from Mainz to Nierstein along the Rhine Cycle Route through the Rhine wine-growing region. From Nierstein, continue by boat to Worms, with a longer cycling option of approximately 60 km available.
Day 3: Worms – Mannheim
26 km / 16 miles
Cycle from Worms through fields and meadows towards Mannheim. The route follows the Rhine landscape to the city where the Rhine and Neckar meet.
Day 4: Mannheim – Heidelberg – Mannheim
52 km / 32 miles
Follow the Neckar from Mannheim to Heidelberg, with the opportunity to stop in Ladenburg. Explore Heidelberg’s historic Old Town and famous castle before cycling back to Mannheim.
Day 5: Mannheim – Speyer
27 km / 17 miles
Cycle alongside the Old Rhine, passing oxbow lakes, protected natural areas and floodplains. Continue through the Rhine landscape towards the historic cathedral city of Speyer.
Day 6: Speyer – Germersheim – Gambsheim
22 km / 14 miles
Cycle from Speyer through the Palatinate region towards Germersheim. After exploring the historic town, continue by boat towards the Gambsheim Lock.
Day 7: Gambsheim – Strasbourg
18 km / 11 miles
Cycle alongside the Rhine through the gentle Rhine plain towards Strasbourg. Your final ride brings you into the capital of Alsace, where you can explore its historic centre.
Day 8: Departure from Strasbourg
After breakfast, disembarkation is until 9:00 am. Individual departure from Strasbourg.
Extend Your Stay
Additional nights can be organized on request.
Getting to Strasbourg (Departure Point)
By Plane: Strasbourg Airport is the closest airport to the departure point.
By Train: Strasbourg railway station has direct national and international connections and is well connected to the city centre.
Getting to Mainz (Departure Point)
By Plane: Frankfurt Airport is the main international airport for reaching Mainz. From the airport, continue to Mainz by train.
By Train: Mainz Hauptbahnhof is the city’s main railway station, with direct long-distance and regional connections.
By Car: Public parking is available near the departure points.
Return journey
Transfers between the departure and arrival points are available on request.
How to book this tour
We require a deposit of 25% of the tour price per person upon reservation, final payment 6 weeks before tour departure.
Included
- 7 nights in an outside cabin with private facilities in the booked cabin category
- Full board: 7 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches for cycling days or snacks on board for non-cyclists, 6 afternoon coffee and tea services, and 7 three-course dinners
- Welcome drink
- Daily cabin cleaning and changing of towels and bed linen as required
- All harbour, bridge and lock charges
- Daily cycling meetings
- Digital travel documents, including cycling app and GPS tracks
- Tour guide on board
NOT Included
- Individual travel/flights
- Bicycle or E-bike rental
- Transfers and shuttles
- Personal expenses and tips
- Drinks other than those specified as included
- Entrance fees and excursions
- Ferry fees
- City maps
- Travel insurance
- Anything not listed as included is not included
Check available options
Departures & Prices
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and start planning your cycling journey.
Prices are per person for 2027. Departures from April to October.
Season 1
Eco Cabin
May, June & July
from
1349€
Options
✓
1959€ Main Deck – single use
✓
2169€ Upper Deck – single use
Cabin Upgrades – per person sharing a double cabin
Main Deck
+
50€
Main Deck Minisuite
+
100€
Upper Deck astern
+
150€
Upper Deck
+
200€
Upper Deck Minisuite
+
250€
Accomodation
Carefully selected to ensure comfort, quality, and a relaxing and unforgettable journey.
Ship MV Switzerland
Acomfortable river ship with 56 outside cabins and a capacity of approximately 113 passengers. During the tour, the ship serves as your floating accommodation, allowing you to combine relaxed cycling with the comfort of travelling along the Moselle and Saar rivers.
Technical info:
Length: 99.65 m. Width: 11.20 m. Capacity: 113 passengers. Cabins: 56.
BIKES
Below you’ll find the essential information for rent options.
Bike
99€
eBike
219€
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and represent the type of bicycles offered for the tour.
The exact bicycle provided is subject to availability.