Exploring the Neckar and Rhine Rivers and Valleys
7 nights from €3415
5
Cruise, Cycle and Savor Your Way from Stuttgart to Mainz
Cruise the heart of Germany on this bike and boat tour designed to blend adventure, culture, and relaxation. On board the premium vessel, the Merlijn, you will experience much more than a passive vacation but will engage in active cruising.
This small ship experience navigates the Rhine River but also the lesser known but perhaps more delightful Neckar River, as you cycle your way along mountains, through vineyards, pass historic castles, and enjoy plenty of sailing on Germany's ancient waterways.
European landscapes steeped in heritage and history unfold from the charming city of Ludiwgsburg to the historic streets of Mainz. Each day is designed to showcase rich discoveries and regional culinary delights, delighting adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Daily Program
Day 1: Stuttgart
Welcome on board the Merlijn, your premium accommodation and home away from home for the next 8 days. You start your adventure in Stuttgart, enchanted by the sights and vibrant atmosphere of this charming city. Take some time to explore its historical landmarks, beautiful parks, and cultural attractions before boarding begins. After boarding, the Merlijn sets sail while you enjoy a welcome drink and safety briefing. As the boat continues along the Neckar you will be served dinner, your first of many culinary delights. The boat will dock for the night.
Day 2: Cycle to Heilbronn
22 - 25 mi/35 - 40 km
Your first sailing breakfast is enjoyed while the Merlijn navigates the river. Once you arrive at the dock, you disembark and set off on your bike, tracing the path of the Neckar River toward Heilbronn. Everybody knows about the Rhine River, but the Neckar holds secrets all its own. Scenic landscapes adorned with quaint towns and breathtaking vistas line the way.
Day 3: Heilbronn - Eberbach
28 - 31 mi/45 - 50 km or extend to 40 - 44 mi/65 - 70 km
You greet the day with another sailing breakfast and then begin cycling from the next dock taking the scenic route along the Neckar River. You will soon reach Bad-Wimpfen, a city filled with history and culture and known for its recently restored tower. In the afternoon you can re-board the boat or choose to continue riding to meet the boat in Eberbach. where the Merlijn awaits to welcome you back on board.
Day 4: Eberbach - Heidelberg
22 - 25 mi/35 - 40 km
Pedal through the southern part of the Odenwald, passing by captivating landmarks and picturesque landscapes on your way to Heidelberg. You will pass Hirschhorn, one of the pearls on the Neckar River. Hirschhorn has a charming castle, a Carmelite Monastery, and an interesting Market Church. Once you arrive in Heidelberg, you can enjoy a city tour through Heidelberg. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Day 5: Heidelberg
25 - 28 mi/40 - 45 km
Today is a day filled with indulging your senses in the city of Heidelberg. The boat will stay docked so you can explore the city on your own to go shopping or take in the cultural magnificence. There will also be an optional bike tour, or you can choose to stay on board and relax. In the evening you will have your choice of the many local restaurants from which to try the local cuisine on your own.
Day 6: Heidelberg - Worms - Nierstein
25 - 28 mi/40 - 45 km
Begin the morning with another breakfast while the boat glides down the river. Starting the bike tour where the Neckar and Rhine meet, enjoying the stunning scenery and charming towns along the route. You will continue cycling to Worms, located in southwestern Germany, is one of the oldest cities in the country, boasting over 2,000 years of history. Famous for events such as the Diet of Worms in 1521, it's a significant cultural and historical center, home to landmarks like the Worms Cathedral and the Luther Monument, which commemorates Martin Luther's presence in the city during the Diet of Worms. You will rejoin the boat in Worms before cruising to Nierstein. Take some time to change clothes before heading into town to enjoy a wine tour (included).
Day 7: Nierstein - Mainz
19 - 22 mi/30 - 35 km with option to extend to 30 - 34 mi/50 - 55 km
Enjoy a short relaxing bike ride from Nierstein to Mainz, soaking in the beauty of the Rhine River and its surroundings. Once in Mainz, take some time to explore the city's charming squares, historic landmarks, and bustling streets one last time. Enjoy a farewell dinner and overnight stay in Mainz, reminiscing about the wonderful experiences of your journey.
Day 8: Departure
Day 1: Mainz - Rüdesheim
Afternoon check-in and departure toward Rüdesheim, where the ship will stay overnight. A welcome drink, crew introduction, and safety briefing will be provided during the cruise. In the evening, there is an opportunity to explore Rüdesheim’s historic half-timbered houses and picturesque streets.
Day 2: Rüdesheim – Nierstein
19 - 25 mi / 30 - 40 km
Breakfast is served while cruising, followed by an introduction to the bike. The cycling route follows the Rhine River, offering stunning and ever-changing landscapes. The ship will be waiting in Nierstein, where dinner will be served. In the evening, a wine tasting at a local winery is included.
Day 3: Nierstein – Worms
28 - 31 mi / 45 - 50 km
Depart Nierstein and cycle through vineyards and rolling terrain, moving away from the Rhine. The destination is Worms, a city known for its Cathedral and its connection to Martin Luther. The afternoon allows time for exploration before dinner. In the evening, a visit to the Nibelungen Tower, located along the Rhine, is recommended.
Day 4: Worms – Heidelberg
25 - 28 mi / 40 - 45 km
Today's route follows both the Rhine and Neckar Rivers, offering a noticeable change in scenery. The ride concludes in Ladenburg, a well-preserved ancient town. After boarding, the ship will cruise toward Heidelberg, where it will remain overnight.
Day 5: Heidelberg,
25 - 28 mi / 40 - 45 km
A full day to explore Heidelberg, a city rich in culture and history. Options include cycling through the area, visiting famous landmarks, or enjoying leisure time. Dinner is at individual preference, allowing time to experience local gastronomy.
Day 6: Heidelberg – Bad Wimpfen,
19 - 22 mi / 30 -35 km or extend to 31 - 34 mi / 50 - 55 km
The morning cruise passes through Hirschhorn, one of the most scenic towns on the Neckar River. The cycling route leads through the southern Odenwald region, known for its rolling landscapes. The ship will be waiting at a small dock in the afternoon before continuing toward Bad Wimpfen for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Bad Wimpfen - Ludwigsburg,
25 - 28 mi / 40 - 45 km
The cycling route follows the Neckar River, passing through the vineyards of Württemberg. Along the way, a visit to a castle or historic site is included. The route also passes through Heilbronn, a city known for its wine-making tradition. The day concludes in Ludwigsburg, with an opportunity to explore the town the following day.
Day 8: Ludwigsburg - Stuttgart,
19 - 22 mi / 30 - 35 km
The day begins with a visit to Ludwigsburg’s historic center, followed by a scenic ride along the Neckar River, alternating between meadows and small villages. The journey approaches Stuttgart’s industrial outskirts, offering a mix of natural and urban landscapes. The final evening includes a farewell dinner onboard.
Day 9: Stuttgart
After breakfast, disembarkation and departure. Travelers may choose to continue their journey in Stuttgart or transfer to the airport.
Boats
Merlijn
12 cabins, 2 decks, 11 tours Originally constructed in 1930 and then lovingly converted to a passenger vessel with many renovations throughout the years, this beautiful boat boasts 12 luxurious cabins with two…
Merlijn
Bikes
Standard Touring Bike - Jan Jansen Zero CO2
- Step-through frame
- 11-speeds
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Super light available in different sizes
- Shimano Alfine gear hub
- Max S5 Superflow saddle
Included with the bike rental:
- Pannier bag
- Helmet
- Lock
- Water bottle
- Towel
Standard touring bikes are included in the cost of all Merlijn tours.
Electrically Assisted Bike - ISY or Gudereit (limited number, upon request)
- Bosch engine
- 7-gears
- Continuously variable ENVIOLO 3.8 hub gear
- Disk breaks
Included with the bike rental:
- Pannier bag
- Helmet
- Lock
- Water bottle
- Towel
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Bike Protection
Can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Surface and terrain
For the majority of your route, you will enjoy wonderful and well maintained riverside cycle paths which are mainly flat.
How to get there
Tour start/end
Nearest airport Frankfurt, Germany
Train travel time from the airport to Stuttgart is approx. 1 hour to 1.5 hours with one or two transfers depending on the type of train and departure time. To return to the airport from Mainz, it is only about a 30-minute train ride with no transfers.
Tips on getting to and from your tour.
Reviews
- ★★★★★ Roxanne
Best ever bike and barge tour!
We have been on five bike and barge excursions in Europe and this trip was by far the best ever experience in so many ways. Fantastic !
Our trip route had to be rerouted shortly before we started because a lock on the Neckar River was not working properly so no boat traffic was allowed. Instead we biked from Wurzburg to Mainz. The crew must have worked overtime to make modifications for our journey and should be commended for this effort.
The Merlijn barge is without a doubt a classy vessel. The barge was remodeled recently and it was truly a pleasure to travel on it. The beds were comfortable and the room spacious. The bathroom as well had nice shower and other upgrades like the lighted and fog free mirror. Plugs for devices were numerous and handy. Storage plentiful.
The crew of five were all very accommodating and hard working. They were a real team and this helped to create a very positive atmosphere. I can’t say enough about how each crew member helped to make the trip so memorable
The food was gourmet. Each day we started with a healthy breakfast ; we received a packed lunch. When returned from biking we had snacks and were WOWED with outstanding dinners. Truly incredible service and hospitality.
The biking paths were mostly paved and our stops in the small towns and villages for breaks and lunches were so much fun because you get the opportunity to see Germany. Thomas our leader was experienced and always concerned about safety. The riders had helmets outfitted with technology so he could communicate as we rode giving directions, cautions and interesting
points of interest. A review of the next days ride was explained after dinner each night. Almost every evening after dinner Thomas took us for an excursion around the town where we were docked. Because our riding route was changed Thom had to scramble to re familiarize himself with the path so he should get extra credit for this effort. There were 24 on this tour and it was well organized with safety a priority. ( I personally prefer smaller groups).
The route itself was fine especially given the last minute modifications. The paths well marked and very few challenges. Cobblestones in the towns we visited do require riders to be mindful.
We loved the trip. Our fellow passengers were very friendly and upbeat.
Thank you to the Merlijn crew for a truly wonderful trip.- What was the date of your tour?
- October 8-15
- How many tours have you completed?
- Five
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ Roxanne
Best ever bike and barge tour!
We have been on five bike and barge excursions in Europe and this trip was by far the best ever experience in so many ways. Fantastic !
Our trip route had to be rerouted shortly before we started because a lock on the Neckar River was not working properly so no boat traffic was allowed. Instead we biked from Wurzburg to Mainz. The crew must have worked overtime to make modifications for our journey and should be commended for this effort.
The Merlijn barge is without a doubt a classy vessel. The barge was remodeled recently and it was truly a pleasure to travel on it. The beds were comfortable and the room spacious. The bathroom as well had nice shower and other upgrades like the lighted and fog free mirror. Plugs for devices were numerous and handy. Storage plentiful.
The crew of five were all very accommodating and hard working. They were a real team and this helped to create a very positive atmosphere. I can’t say enough about how each crew member helped to make the trip so memorable
The food was gourmet. Each day we started with a healthy breakfast ; we received a packed lunch. When returned from biking we had snacks and were WOWED with outstanding dinners. Truly incredible service and hospitality.
The biking paths were mostly paved and our stops in the small towns and villages for breaks and lunches were so much fun because you get the opportunity to see Germany. Thomas our leader was experienced and always concerned about safety. The riders had helmets outfitted with technology so he could communicate as we rode giving directions, cautions and interesting
points of interest. A review of the next days ride was explained after dinner each night. Almost every evening after dinner Thomas took us for an excursion around the town where we were docked. Because our riding route was changed Thom had to scramble to re familiarize himself with the path so he should get extra credit for this effort. There were 24 on this tour and it was well organized with safety a priority. ( I personally prefer smaller groups).
The route itself was fine especially given the last minute modifications. The paths well marked and very few challenges. Cobblestones in the towns we visited do require riders to be mindful.
We loved the trip. Our fellow passengers were very friendly and upbeat.
Thank you to the Merlijn crew for a truly wonderful trip.- What was the date of your tour?
- October 8-15
- How many tours have you completed?
- Five
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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