Bike&Boat on the Rhine with Alsace

Welcome to Mainz, where your cycling adventure along the Rhine begins! From 4:00 PM you can board the MS Switzerland and settle into your cabin. If you arrive early, there's time to discover Mainz's charming old town with its half-timbered houses and the mighty Romanesque cathedral. Perhaps you'll also have time for a glass of local Riesling before it's time for the trip's first dinner on board.

The first day of cycling offers an easy ride along the Rhine's fine cycle paths. The destination is Nierstein, one of the river's most important wine towns with nearly 1,000 hectares of vineyards. Here you can stroll around among historic houses and medieval alleys, or take the chance to sample the local wines. In the afternoon, the journey continues by ship to Worms. Worms is known, among other things, for the Nibelung saga, its Jewish cultural heritage, and Martin Luther's appearance at the Imperial Diet in 1521. If you want to cycle further, there's the option to take the entire stretch from Mainz to Worms, about 60 km.

From the old imperial city of Worms, you cycle through open fields and green meadows along the Rhine. A particularly beautiful stretch passes over the Friesenheim Island, where the lush landscape contrasts with the industries on the other side of the river. Soon you'll reach Mannheim, where the Neckar meets the Rhine. The ship awaits here, but you'll also have time to explore the city with its unusual grid-shaped center and impressive baroque palace.

Today awaits the trip's longest cycling stage and a true highlight! You follow the Neckar river to Heidelberg, with the opportunity to stop in the old Roman town of Ladenburg along the way. Once there, Heidelberg's famous castle ruin, the beautiful sandstone bridge, and an old town center full of winding alleys and cozy squares await. Take the time to explore the city before cycling back along the river to Mannheim.

Today's bike ride follows the Rhine's old river branches through a peaceful landscape with wetlands, riverside meadows, and lush nature reserves. Here it's easy to find vacation tranquility! The destination is Speyer, one of Germany's oldest cities. Don't miss the enormous Romanesque cathedral, which is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. There's also a pleasant town center to explore before you return to the ship for a shower, dinner, and why not a sundowner on the sun deck.

You continue south through the Palatinate's green river landscape, along old river branches and calm waters. After a pleasant bike ride, you reach Germersheim, a historic fortress town with small alleys, cozy squares, and old fortifications. From here, the journey continues by ship towards Gambsheim. Settle down on the sun deck with something nice in your glass and enjoy the landscape slowly drifting by.

The last cycling stage goes along the Rhine through the flat, green landscape to Strasbourg in France. Here, French and German culture meet among canals, half-timbered houses, and lively squares. Don't miss the impressive Notre-Dame cathedral and the charming quarters of Petite France, where the houses reflect in the water. Finish off with a glass of Alsace wine or something nice at one of the city's cafés before the trip's final dinner on board.

After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to the MS Switzerland. Check-out is by 9:00 AM at the latest, after which you continue your journey home on your own. If you have the opportunity, Strasbourg is well worth an extra night or two, with its charming quarters, fine restaurants, and Alsatian wines.