Cruise, Cycle and Savor Your Way from Ludwigsburg 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.

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Highlights

• The romantic cities of Mainz, Worms, Heidelberg, Heilbronn
• Cycling along the picturesque Neckar and Rhine rivers
• Exploring charming towns and historical landmarks
• Indulging in wine-tasting sessions in renowned vineyard regions
• The vibrant atmosphere of cities like Heidelberg and Mainz
• Evening strolls and delightful dinners
• The rich history of Guttenberg Castle and Worms Cathedral
• Premium accommodations onboard the Merlijn

Daily program

Day 1: Ludwigsburg - Marbach am Neckar
Welcome on board the Merlijn, your premium accommodation and home away from home for the next 8 days. You start your adventure in Ludwigsburg, 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 at 3:30. At 5 pm, the Merlijn sets sail for Marbach while you enjoy dinner, your first of many culinary delights. Enjoy a relaxing evening stroll after dinner before settling in.

Day 2: Marbach - Besigheim - Heilbronn (26 mi/42 km)
Your first sailing breakfast is enjoyed while the Merlijn navigates to Besigheim where you disembark and set off on your bike, tracing the path of the Neckar River towards 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 - Neckarzimmern - Eberbach (34 mi/55 km)
You greet the day with another sailing breakfast and then begin cycling in Neckarzimmern following the scenic route along the Neckar River. You will make a short loop to the castle of Hornberg, considered as one of the most beautiful castles in the Neckar Valley. After 1259 the bishop of Speyer had his quarters here and in the 16th century, it became the house of Berlichingen. The tour ends in Eberbach where the Merlijn awaits to welcome you back on board.

Day 4: Eberbach - Heidelberg (20 mi/32 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 - Ladenburg - Worms (26 mi/42 km)
Cycling today starts in Ladenburg where you start along the Neckar River but finish on the Rhine, enjoying the stunning scenery and charming towns along the route. 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. After dinner you may want to have a look at the famous Nibelungen tower, which is located directly on the Rhine River, close to the Merlijn.

Day 6: Worms - Nierstein (34 mi/55 km)
Your route from Worms to Nierstein veers from the Rhine winding through vineyards and rolling countryside. Once in Nierstein you will board the Merlijn to drop your bikes, changes clothes and enjoy a wine tour (included).

Day 7: Nierstein - Mainz (16 mi/25 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

Surface and terrain

For the majority of your route, you will enjoy wonderful and well maintained riverside cycle paths which are mainly flat.

Boats

• Merlijn

Merlijn

How to get there

Tour start/end
Nearest airport Frankfurt, Germany

Train travel time from the airport to Ludwigsburg is approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes 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 0 transfers.

Tips on getting to and from your tour.

Dates

Prices

Included services

• 7 nights aboard the Merlijn
• Welcome drink
• 7 x breakfast breakfast, 6 x packed lunches, and 6 x three-course dinner
• Unlimited coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water
• Supply of bedding, towels, facial tissues, hand soap, soap, shampoo, sewing kit, vanity kit, bathrobe, and slippers
• Daily cabin cleaning
• Tour guide and daily tour briefing
• 27-speed city touring bike
• GPS tracks on the majority of routes
• Canal, bridge & harbor fees
• Excursion to the vineyards of Nierstein and wine tasting

Bike rentals

Bikes available and included in the tour package (must be reserved at time of booking) include:

• Standard city touring bike: Jan Janssen C02 or similar
  • Unisex model
  • Lightweight frame (available in 4 different sizes)
  • 8- or 11-speed
  • Hydraulic disc brakes
  • Shimano Alfine gear hub
  • Max S5 Superflow saddle

Bikes available to rent (must be reserved at time of booking):

• Electrically assisted bike*: Gudereit, ISY, or similar
  • Unisex model
  • 7 gears
  • Bosch engine

*More about electrically-assisted bikes >

Included with the bike rental:

• Pannier bag
• Helmet
• Fixed lock
• Water bottle
• Towel

Bike Protection
Can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.

Tour Company