Premium Rhine & Main River Cycling Cruise
Explore the magnificent sceneries of the Rhine and Main rivers
Uncover the secrets of medieval castles perched above the winding river paths
Savor the regional flavors with culinary stops at local vineyards and taverns
Navigate the legendary landscapes that inspired tales of sirens and folklore
Enjoy the luxury of a floating hotel, waking up to new vistas each morning
Choose your adventure with flexible cycling routes or relaxing days on deck
Itinerary
Your journey begins in the enchanting town of Cochem, where the Moselle River meanders past steep vineyards and mythical castles. Upon arrival and embarkation in the afternoon, you’ll be greeted by the captain, crew, and tour leader. This is the perfect time for an introductory test ride through the town, acquainting yourself with the medieval squares, ancient ruins, and the towering Reichsburg Castle that watches over the river valley.
Awake to the gentle lapping of the river and set sail to Karden, where the formidable Burg Eltz awaits, perched atop its rocky perch. As you pedal through the Moselle’s quintessential towns, each with its unique charm and wine culture, you’ll be treated to sights of historical significance and natural beauty. Your day culminates in Koblenz, a city where the Rhine and Moselle converge, rich with ancient fortresses and a vibrant historical center.
38 km/23 mi.
From Koblenz, your route takes you to the majestic Stolzenfels Castle before reaching Boppard, the ‘pearl of the Rhine,’ with its stunning riverside promenades and Roman fortifications. The journey continues to St. Goar, home to the fabled Loreley rock. Here, you can immerse yourself in the tales of mariners lured by the Loreley’s enchantment and enjoy a panoramic view of the Rhine’s narrowest and deepest stretch.
37 km/23 mi.
Embark on a scenic breakfast cruise through the Rhine Gorge to Oberwesel, a town famed for its medieval walls and towers. The day’s ride takes you to Rüdesheim, a wine-growing town with a rich Roman past and the bustling Drosselgasse, lined with lively taverns and shops. Here, history and viticulture intertwine, offering a glimpse into the region’s soul.
23 km/14 mi. or 30 km/18 mi.
Navigate through the heart of the Rhine’s wine country, where picturesque villages dot the landscape. Your destination is Mainz, a city at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers. Spend the afternoon exploring its historical treasures, from the atmospheric Old Town to the resplendent Baroque churches, and experience the warmth of its local culture.
35 km/21 mi. or 43 km/26 mi.
The journey leads you along the serene Main River to Frankfurt, a city that juxtaposes its medieval history with a contemporary skyline. Known affectionately as ‘Mainhattan,’ Frankfurt’s skyscrapers tower above traditional markets and historic neighborhoods, offering a unique blend of old and new for you to discover.
40 km/24 mi.
Today’s route takes you past Hanau, the hometown of the Brothers Grimm, towards the charming town of Seligenstadt with its quaint alleys and basilica. Aschaffenburg greets you with its Renaissance architecture, notably the Johannisburg Palace, a symbol of the city’s storied past. Explore the palace and the town’s rich heritage before enjoying a leisurely evening walk.
50 km/31 mi. or 54 km/33 mi.
Your cycling adventure concludes in Aschaffenburg. After a final breakfast on board, it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers and crew, taking with you memories of the scenic landscapes, historical sights, and the tranquil beauty of the rivers Moselle and Rhine.
Pricing
Included in price
7x breakfast
Packed lunches
6x 3-course dinner
Coffee and tea on board
Welcome drink
Use of towels and bed linen
Daily cleaning of the cabin
Daily briefings
Fully-guided cycling tours (from 22 guests: 2 tour leaders, 2 groups)
Some short walking tours
Maps for cycling tours (1x per cabin)
GPS tracks
Use of a helmet
Use of a waterproof pannier bag
Biodegradable water bottle
Fees for ferries
Visit Burg Eltz
Local wine tasting in Rüdesheim
Visit Johannisburg Palace
Wi-Fi
Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit
1x Dinner
Drinks
Bicycle rental or E-bike rental
Personal insurance
Gratuities (at your discretion)
Entrance fees and excursions (not mentioned under included)
Transfers to/from the docking place
Parking fees
SGR Insolvency protection
Important for the tour
Description
Set sail on a cycling journey that weaves through Germany’s enchanting Rhine and Main river valleys. This premium tour is a showcase of the region’s most captivating features, from the idyllic countryside and fairy-tale castles to prestigious vineyards and time-honored medieval towns.
Riding from Koblenz, the Rhine River becomes your guide, leading you through a landscape dotted with strongholds and vineyards, up to the storied Lorelei cliff, a beacon of myths and tales from the past.
The experience is a cultural voyage as much as it is scenic. Artistic treasures await your discovery, and regional culinary specialties offer a taste of the local heritage. The journey from Mainz follows the Main River, revealing the quiet charm of the Bavarian countryside, interspersed with towns rich in historical intrigue.
Onboard your floating hotel, comfort and luxury accompany you to each new destination. Enjoy delicious meals, cozy accommodations, and wake up to new vistas each morning. With a packed lunch in hand, you can choose from a variety of cycling routes, each offering a different perspective of the stunning surroundings.
Guided by knowledgeable, multilingual tour leaders, your cycling days are filled with fascinating visits to local sites of interest.
Cycle through the heart of Germany, from the vineyard-covered hills to the serene riverbanks of the Main, all while enjoying the ease and comfort of your river-going accommodation. This tour is an exquisite blend of active discovery and leisure, offering a unique way to experience the storied landscapes of Germany.
Ships
Princesse Royal
Experience luxury aboard the Princesse Royal, accommodating up to 30 guests in comfort and style. The 16 lower deck cabins boast comfortable beds and private bathrooms. Socialize at the main deck bar, enjoy meals at surrounding tables, or relax in the sitting area. Unwind in the outdoor seats or the soothing aft deck Jacuzzi.
Start planning today!
Things to know
Helmets are mandatory for all cyclists in Turkey, and Croatia, and for minors in several other European countries. While not obligatory elsewhere, we recommend bringing your own for safety. Helmets are available for rent on our tours.
You’re welcome to bring your own bicycle on most tours. Please confirm space availability on your chosen vessel in advance. Note that we are not liable for any loss or damage to personal bicycles. If you don’t have your bicycle, you can rent it on our tours.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended to enjoy the tours, which typically involve 40-60 kilometers of cycling daily, averaging around 5 hours of riding.
Our tours are designed to immerse you in the experience, hence a support vehicle is not part of the journey. Participants are encouraged to complete the daily cycling stages with their fellow cyclists.
To ensure the integrity of our rental bikes and your safety, we do not allow personal pedals to be attached to them.
While our routes are planned for full-day adventures, certain tours may offer the flexibility to return to the ship earlier, subject to the ship’s docking capabilities.
The adventure each day can span from 30 to 60 kilometers, with the time spent cycling influenced by your pace and the number of stops to soak in the scenery.
Our guides converse fluently in Dutch, English, and German, with some also proficient in French or Italian. Briefings are conducted in English and sometimes in German.
The number of companions on your journey will vary, with smaller ships often at full capacity and larger vessels typically filled to 80-90%.
Accommodations range from cozy standard cabins to luxurious superior suites, with each ship offering its unique array of options.
Stay connected with Wi-Fi available across all our vessels, with specifics outlined in our Travel Preparation guide.
To maintain the serene ambiance of our ships, laundry services are not offered on board.
Some ships equip cabins with hairdryers, while others can provide them upon request.
Our ships maintain a smoke-free environment in cabins and indoor public areas, with designated smoking zones available on deck on most vessels.
To ensure the comfort of all our guests, pets are not permitted on board, with the exception of crew members’ dogs that are familiar with life at sea.
Seasickness is uncommon due to the stability of our vessels and the typically calm waters on our routes.
Parking solutions are tailored to each departure point, with options like P+R facilities and valet services detailed in your pre-travel boarding information.
You will receive comprehensive travel details to your ship’s location upon booking, including information on parking and available transfer services.
Our guests are generally between the ages of 45 and 65, bringing a wealth of life experiences to share.
Our tours attract a global audience, from the far reaches of Scandinavia to the southern tips of Africa, and from the Americas to Asia.
Packing light is key, as cabin space is optimized for comfort and not for large luggage.
Our tour leaders are equipped to assist with minor issues, and in case of emergencies, the local emergency number 112 should be contacted.
For your safety, helmets are available for rent on most tours, and are included with our Premium tour packages.
You are welcome to enjoy the amenities on board instead of cycling. Please inform the tour leader or crew of your plans.
Our tours proceed rain or shine, with your safety as our top priority. You have the freedom to cycle or remain on board, based on your comfort with the weather conditions.
Weather conditions can vary from country to country and from season to season, so we suggest preparing for everything from rain to bright sunshine. For a detailed forecast, AccuWeather is a reliable source.
Not always. We suggest you bring your own equipment if you plan to snorkel.
Life-saving boats and life jackets are available on all ships and can be found in marked wardrobes on the deck, in the salon, or under the beds in cabins. In case you cannot swim, it is important to inform the crew and the captain. While on the ship, it is essential to pay attention to the following safety measures:
The stairs on the vessels can be steep and narrow, so it’s important to be careful while going up or down. The decks can also be very slippery, especially in wet conditions, so passengers should use caution and hold onto the railings when walking around the vessel.
Climbing the foremast, jumping off the deck during the cruise, or going too far from the vessel during swim pauses are strictly prohibited.
In the busy high season, harbors can become congested, and vessels may have to dock beside each other, so it is essential to exercise caution when moving between them. Crew members are available to assist passengers who require help. However, the cruise is not recommended for those with limited mobility or in wheelchairs.
The length of the cycling routes planned for each day is an estimate and takes into account local conditions and possible detours or shortcuts. The sailing and cycling routes may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and the abilities of the cyclists on board. Typically, departures are in the morning, usually after breakfast.
Bringing and consuming your own beverages on the vessel is prohibited. Instead, you can order drinks from the vessel’s salon, which serves as a restaurant, living room, and bar. The bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. If you would like a drink that is unavailable at the time, please inform the crew, and they will do their best to arrange it for you at the next port of call.