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.

• 7 nights accommodation on board the Merlijn
• Cabin with climate control and private bathroom
• Bedding, towels, toiletries, sewing kit, vanity kit, and bathrobe & slippers
• Full-service staff, daily cabin cleaning, manned bar (no self-service)
• Welcome drink
• 7 x breakfast buffet, 6 x packed lunches, & 6 x three-course gourmet dinners
• Unlimited specialty coffee, tea, hot chocolate, sodas, and ice water (self‑service)
• Assorted sodas, wines (including non‑alcoholic), and beer on tap & bottled (including non‑alcoholic)
• Porterage of luggage upon arrival and departure
• English‑speaking tour guide
• Standard touring bike with waterproof pannier, city backpack, towel, & water bottle
• Helmet with communication system
• Daily bike loading & unloading
• Support vehicle on select days (2026 tours)
• Harbor, lock, canal, and ferry fees
• Excursion to the vineyards of Nierstein and wine tasting

• 8 nights accommodation on board the Merlijn
• Cabin with climate control and private bathroom
• Bedding, towels, toiletries, sewing kit, vanity kit, and bathrobe & slippers
• Full-service staff, daily cabin cleaning, manned bar (no self-service)
• Welcome drink
• 8 x breakfast buffet, 7 x packed lunches, & 7 x three-course gourmet dinners
• Unlimited specialty coffee, tea, hot chocolate, sodas, and ice water (self‑service)
• Assorted sodas, wines (including non‑alcoholic), and beer on tap & bottled (including non‑alcoholic)
• Porterage of luggage upon arrival and departure
• English‑speaking tour guide
• Standard touring bike with waterproof pannier, city backpack, towel, & water bottle
• Helmet with communication system
• Daily bike loading & unloading
• Support vehicle on select days (2026 tours)
• Harbor, lock, canal, and ferry fees
• Excursion to the vineyards of Nierstein and wine tasting