Biking the Romantic Rhine and Neckar River Valleys

Day 1: Koblenz – Boppard – St. Goar
short introductory ride

Board the Iris in Koblenz around 1 pm to begin your cycling adventure along the Rhine. If time permits, we recommend a cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for sweeping views of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. In Boppard, enjoy your first short and easy ride along the Rhine River cycle path to St. Goar, where you settle in for the night. Overnight in St. Goar.

Day 2: St. Goar – Rüdesheim – Mainz
25 miles/40 km

Begin the day in St. Goar opposite the legendary Loreley Rock, reached by ferry and bus, followed by a short hike with panoramic views of the Romantic Rhine Valley. This dramatic section of the Rhine has been famous—and feared—since medieval times. Cycling continues past castles and vineyards to Rüdesheim, where Romans once planted vines; stroll the lively Drosselgasse, enjoy local wines, and explore the preserved medieval old town. Rejoin the barge in Eltville am Rhein and relax onboard as you cruise to Mainz. Overnight in Mainz.

Day 3: Nierstein – Worms
29 miles/46 km

During breakfast, the barge sails to Nierstein, where today’s ride begins through vineyards and historic river towns to Worms, one of the oldest cities in Northern Europe. Highlights include the magnificent Worms Cathedral and the city’s rich Jewish heritage, recognized as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with Speyer and Mainz. Overnight in Worms.

Day 4: Worms – Ladenburg – Heidelberg
22 miles/35 km

Cycling past Mannheim, you enter the scenic Neckar Valley and ride through peaceful countryside to the charming town of Ladenburg before continuing to Heidelberg. Explore Heidelberg Castle, dramatically overlooking the old town from the Königstuhl, accessible by funicular, and see the world’s largest wine barrel. Heidelberg’s historic center survived World War II intact and is also known as the birthplace of the modern bicycle. Overnight in Heidelberg.

Day 5: Heidelberg – Gernsheim – Mainz
34 miles/55 km

Today’s ride offers several route options through rolling countryside with moderate hills, passing forests, meadows, and authentic German villages away from the main tourist routes. Cycle to Gernsheim, where the barge awaits, then enjoy a relaxing cruise back to Mainz.

Day 6: Mainz – Frankfurt
25 miles/40 km

Follow well-maintained cycle paths along the Main River to Frankfurt, a historic trade city and modern financial center. Despite heavy wartime damage, Frankfurt has reinvented itself with a striking skyline, a renowned riverside museum district, and international events such as the Frankfurt Book Fair.

Day 7: Frankfurt – Aschaffenburg
35 miles/55 km

Ride first to the picturesque town of Seligenstadt, known for its winding lanes, half-timbered houses, and impressive basilica, then cross the Main River by ferry and continue through Hanau, birthplace of the Brothers Grimm. Arrive in Aschaffenburg, where the impressive Johannisburg Palace dominates the riverbank as one of Germany’s finest Renaissance palace complexes. Overnight in Aschaffenburg.

Day 8: Departure from Aschaffenburg

After breakfast, your guided bike and barge tour concludes in Aschaffenburg. Luggage may remain onboard until lunchtime, allowing time for additional sightseeing.