Biking the Romantic Rhine and Neckar River Valleys

Day 1: Koblenz

Welcome to Koblenz! Your cabins are ready for check-in at 1:30 pm, and shortly after that, an introductory talk from the crew. You'll be fitted for your bike before a visit to Castle Ehrenbreitstein, complete with an exhilarating cable car ride over the Rhine. Maybe you can spot the Iris from afar! Your first night in Germany is not complete without a visit to the beer gardens at Deutsche Eck. A great week of cycling awaits.

Day 2: Koblenz - St. Goar
25 miles/40 km

After breakfast, the first ride of a week takes you to the ancient city of Boppard. Here you'll witness the Rhine take a nearly 180-degree turn, it is a sight to behold! Boppard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its famed wines with just under 200 acres devoted to vineyards. It is actually the biggest wine-growing center in the Middle Rhine region. The day's destination is St. Goar, located across from the famous Lorelei, a 433-foot-steep slate rock on the bank of the river. A ferry and a bus bring you most of the way, and a hiking path leads the rest of the way to a scenic overlook that is sure to impress.

Day 3: St. Goar - Oberwesel - Ruedesheim
15 miles/25 km

The Iris will sail upstream, giving you a different view of the Lorelei. You'll get on your bike again, riding on pristine bike paths past historic castles until reaching Ruedesheim. Once again, the Roman impact on this region is visible in the vines they once tended. The most popular place in this small town is the Drosselgasse, famous for the entertaining music and of course, the wine. Also worth a visit is the Asbach center which has been producing brandy locally since 1892. Not into brandy? They also produce some incredible chocolate. The old town of Ruedesheim is just as charming, with cozy, traditional taverns and half-timbered houses.

Day 4: Ruedesheim - Mainz
22 miles/35 km

From the lovely wine village you enjoyed last night, you will cycle in the direction of Mainz. This city is located where the Main River joins the Rhine. The Roman influence here is notable, especially in the impressive Mainz Cathedral which dominates the skyline. This cathedral remains one of the most important religious buildings in Germany. Mainz is also where Gutenberg invented the movable type printing press and manufactured the first books in the early 1450s, including the famed Gutenberg Bible.

Day 5: Mainz - Worms
34 miles/55 km

From Mainz, you will head to one of the oldest cities in Northern Europe, Worms, the capital of the Kingdom of the Burgundians in the early fifth century! The Worms Cathedral, much like the one in Mainz, is one of the finest examples of Romanesque Architecture. Not only Catholic, Worms is also known for its Jewish culture in Europe during the Middle Ages. A synagogue and a ritual bath still exist, as does the Heiliger Sand cemetery, the oldest Jewish graveyard in all of Europe.

Day 6: Worms - Heidelberg
28 miles/45 km

Pedaling through Mannheim it’s now time to enter the Neckar region! A dedicated bike path brings you to one of the most famous cities in Germany: Heidelberg. The Gothic castle, sitting high above the city, overlooks the oldest and most prestigious German university. Take the funicular up the mountain and explore this incredible building as well as the world's largest wine barrel, constructed from 130 trees! Fortunately, Heidelberg escaped WWII without damage to its original buildings. The castle, however, has been repeatedly struck by lightning and partially plundered by the French but remains a highlight of the trip. One last hidden sight lies within the forest. The Thingstätte is a Nazi amphitheater commissioned by Joseph Goebbels for large propaganda events. To find it, cross the Old Bridge and walk up the Schlangenweg (snake path) to the Philosophen Weg (philosopher’s way). Here you're in the perfect spot to view the sunset over Heidelberg. If you didn't get to see all of Heidelberg today, don't fret! Tomorrow you'll have a full day to explore this city.

Day 7: Heidelberg
25 miles/40 km

Those who can't do without riding for a day can do a bike tour on the outskirts of Heidelberg. There is also a guided excursion throughout the city to enjoy all that Heidelberg has to offer. Before leaving, you must visit the monkey at the Old Bridge. This bronze statue was created by Herr Rumpf and is the subject of popular lore; supposedly, polishing its mirror bestows good luck, and rubbing his fingers ensures you will return to Heidelberg.

Day 8: Heidelberg

Say goodbye to the Iris and your fellow passengers, your cycling tour ends after breakfast at 9 am.