Bike and Barge Germany: Koblenz – Bad Wimpfen | MS Patria

This tour is without doubt a journey along two very contrasting and beautiful German rivers – the Rhine and Neckar. The romantic Upper Middle Rhine region is famous worldwide as a river valley straight out of a picture book, with towering cliffs, steep vineyards, castles perched on virtually every hilltop and pretty villages lining the river banks. By contrast the Neckar valley, unlike the Rhine, is a well-kept secret known only by a very few tourists outside of Germany. The Neckar valley boasts picture postcard medieval towns and villages, breathtaking views of castles and beautiful scenery at every turn of the river … it is simply a romantic gem waiting to be discovered by you on the best form of transport possible – a bicycle.

On board the MS Patria, your floating hotel for the duration of this 8 day/7 night bike and barge tour, you are in for a very special treat as you explore the most beautiful sections of the Rhine and Neckar Rivers by bicycle. While the Upper Middle Rhine is famous for its history, castles and medieval towns and villages, it is the much lesser known Neckar valley that promises to be the surprise card on this particular tour. What you will discover along the Neckar are ornately decorated half-timbered houses, impressive churches, castles, palaces and many historic monuments. Every city and village along the river has a unique atmosphere of its own, while the natural beauty of the valley has to be seen to be believed. At the end of the tour it will be interesting to see what your favourite valley was. Will it be the Neckar and its towns of Marbach am Neckar – famous worldwide as the birthplace of the classical poet and dramatist Friedrich Schiller – the historic old town of Eberbach, Heidelberg, the city of romanticism or the idyllic and romantic spa village of Bad Wimpfen? Or maybe it will be the “Father Rhine”, which is associated with the famous Nibelungen saga, the Loreley rock, some of the best preserved medieval castles in Germany between Bingen and Koblenz or Mainz and its many museums… it will be an interesting choice. This tour is perfect for families with children or for anyone of any age for that matter as the cycle paths along the banks of both the Rhine and Neckar Rivers do not have any gradients of note and are asphalted or paved. For the duration of the tour you will live and travel on board the MS Patria, a firm favourite for cycle cruises in this area for many years.

The journey along the Rhine and Neckar Rivers takes you from Koblenz to Bad Wimpfen, with the return trip taking place the following week from Bad Wimpfen back to Koblenz. On various dates, the MS Patria also sails along the Moselle and Saar rivers from Koblenz to Saarburg and return a week later, with highlights including the ancient city of Trier, Cochem and Bernkastel. It is therefore possible to combine both tours to create a particularly diverse 14-day bike-boat holiday.

Reporter Valerie Cosgrave of the Munster Express joined us on our bike and barge tour Rhine and Neckar. Quote: “an unforgettable experience”. Click here to read this travel review>>

Dates/Prices
Ship information

MS Patria
On the Rhine and Neckar Rivers by Bike & Barge Tour the 68 meter-long MS Patria, which is capable of accommodating a maximum of 68 guests, is your sailing home away from home for the week. The MS Patria has been modernized to cater for boat and bike tours and in total has 34 twin cabins on upper and lower decks. All the cabins have two single beds standing in a right angle and are approx. 7 M², have a window (the windows on the upper deck can be opened, but for safety reasons those on the lower deck are fixed), a shower and a toilet. All the cabins on lower deck also have individually regulated air conditioning as does the restaurant and salon. In total there are 15 cabins on the lower deck and 19 cabins on the upper deck (supplement). The MS Patria is an authentic river barge and features a nice salon with a bar and large windows in front of the top deck and a separate restaurant on the lower deck. On the partially covered sun deck there are sitting places (tables and chairs) for all guests and a cycle shed. The ship sails under the Dutch Flag and management and sailed in The Netherlands for many years. Bordlanguage is German and English. Since 2011 the MS Patria has been sailing exclusively in Germany and is a very popular ship for boat & bike tours.
Program Koblenz-Bad Wimpfen

Tour Details Germany: Rhine & Neckar: From Koblenz to Bad Wimpfen | MS Patria

Day 1 (Sat): Embarkation: Koblenz
The MS Patria awaits you in Koblenz where the crew will welcome you on board from 4 PM. Your first night will be spent in this fascinating and historic city, an important defensive and economic centre for centuries. Highlights include the old castle of Ehrenbreitstein, which dominates the right bank of the Rhine, the 12th century Alte Burg Castle and old Koblenz town.

Day 2 (Sun): Koblenz – Boppard | Boppard – Rüdesheim (Approx. 46 km/28 mi.)
Your cycle tour starts with the MS Patria sailing downstream along the river Rhine from Koblenz to Boppard – where the Romans set up a fortress 2000 years ago to guard the river – along the beautiful UNESCO heritage-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley. From there you will cycle on the left bank of the river past towering castles and through the Lorely valley to Rüdesheim. Your night will be spent in either Rüdesheim or Bingen.

Day 3 (Mon): Rüdesheim – Mainz (Approx. 32-35 km/20-22 mi.)
Today you will have the choice of cycling on either the north bank of the Rhine from Rüdesheim through the beautiful Rheingau district to the historic village of Eltville and then onto Mainz or along the quiet left bank directly to the City of Mainz. In Mainz, a city with a rich history dating back to Roman times, you can enjoy many churches, museums and monuments. The most important are the Dom (cathedral), the Royal Palace, the State Theatre, the Citadel and the monument of Gutenberg.

Day 4 (Tue): Mainz – Nierstein (Approx. 17-26 km/10-16 mi.)
Today’s cycling will take you via Laubenheim to Nierstein, the biggest vine growing community on the river Rhine, where you will re-join the MS Patria to enjoy lunch on board. Later in the day you will have the chance to join a very special excursion. Explore the vineyards with a tractor wagon including a wine-tasting and diner at the local winegrowers (optional excursion, bookable on board). Guest who will not participate, will have dinner on board.

Day 5 (Wed): Nierstein – Mannheim | Mannheim – Heidelberg (Approx. 25 km/15.5 mi.)
Today the MS Patria will take you along the Rhine and into the Neckar River to Mannheim where you will start cycling to Heidelberg, your destination for the day. Along the way you will pass through the Celtic city of Ladenburg, one of the most colourful and best preserved villages on the Neckar River. In Heidelberg you can choose to walk to Heidelberg Castle on your own or you can join a guided tour through the city (optional excursion, bookable on board). Heidelberg is a city that attracts tourists from all over the world keen to visit Heidelberg Castle, the Old Neckar Bridge, Philosophers' Way, the narrow, winding alleys of the Old Town, the numerous market squares and the city’s magnificent churches.

Day 6 (Thu): Heidelberg – Eberbach (Approx. 34 km/21 mi.)
After breakfast you will cycle from Heidelberg via Ziegelhausen through the low mountain range of Odenwald to Neckarsteinach – famous for the four old castles that guard the village – to your destination for the day, the historic village of Eberbach. In the evening a night watchman in traditional clothing will guide you on a tour of the city (optional excursion, bookable on board).

Day 7 (Fri): Eberbach – Bad Wimpfen (Approx. 45 km/28 mi.)
The first stop on your final day of cycling is Burg Hornberg (Hornberg Castle) in Neckarzimmern. A partially ruined castle located on a steep outcrop overlooking the Neckar Valley, it is the largest and oldest castle in the valley. After visiting Burg Hornberg you will cycle to Bad Wimpfen, the destination of this tour. Make sure you explore Bad Wimpfen, a famous health resort on the river Neckar. The idyllic and romantic spa village is especially well-known for the warm, salty and revitalizing water that attract people from throughout Germany and beyond. The main sights are the Blue Tower, the ‘Steinhaus’ (Stone House) and the medieval old town.

Day 8 (Sat): Disembarkation: Bad Wimpfen
After breakfast you will disembark, till 9 am: End of tour.

Details: In italics printed parts will be covered by the ship.

Daily self-guided cycling tours.
All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
When guests do not want to cycle, they can stay on board, relax and enjoy sailing.
The tour details are barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons.
On the first day you are welcome to bring your luggage on board from 10 am.
Program Bad Wimpfen-Koblenz

Tour Details Germany: Rhine & Neckar: From Bad Wimpfen to Koblenz | MS Patria

Day 1 (Sat): Embarkation: Bad Wimpfen
The MS Patria awaits you in Bad Wimpfen where the crew will welcome you on board from 4 PM. Your first night will be spent in Bad Wimpfen, an idyllic and romantic spa village on the Neckar River well-known for the warm, salty and revitalising water that attracts people from throughout Germany and beyond. The main sights are the Blue Tower, the ‘Steinhaus’ (Stone House) and the medieval old town.

Day 2 (Sun): Bad Wimpfen – Eberbach (Approx. 45 km/28 mi.)
Following the distribution of bicycles you will pedal to Neckarzimmern, where you can elect to either cycle or walk to Burg Hornberg (Hornberg Castle) where Götz von Berlichingen once lived. After visiting the castle you will continue to cycle to the historic and picturesque town of Eberbach, your destination for the day. In the evening a night watchman in traditional clothing will guide you on a tour of the city (optional excursion, bookable on board).

Day 3 (Mon): Eberbach – Heidelberg (Approx. 34 km/21 mi.)
Your first destination today is Hirschhorn – the “Pearl of the Neckar valley” – situated on a horseshoe bend on the Neckar River. From there you will cycle through the low mountain range of Odenwald to Neckarsteinach, then via Ziegelhausen to Heidelberg where the MS Patria will be waiting for you. In Heidelberg you can choose to go for a walk to Heidelberg Castle on your own or join a guided tour through the city (optional excursion, bookable on board). Heidelberg is a city that attracts tourists from all over the world keen to visit Heidelberg Castle, the Old Neckar Bridge, Philosophers' Way, the narrow, winding alleys of the Old Town, the numerous market squares and the city’s magnificent churches.

Day 4 (Tue): Heidelberg – Mannheim (Approx. 25 km/15.5 mi.) | Mannheim – Nierstein
Make sure you cross the Neckar before leaving this morning for a perfect view of Heidelberg and its famous castle. Today you will cycle via Ladenburg, which was founded by the Romans, to Mannheim where you will re-board the MS Patria for lunch and the journey to Nierstein, the largest wine growing community along the Rhine. In the evening you have the chance to join a very special excursion. Explore the vineyards with a tractor wagon including a wine-tasting and diner at the local winegrowers (bookable on board). Guest, who will not participate, will have dinner on board.

Day 5 (Wed): Nierstein – Mainz (Approx. 17-26 km/10-16 mi.)
Today you will cycle along picturesque cycle paths next to the Rhine to Mainz, a city with a rich history dating back to Roman times. While you are there take the time to discover the city’s many churches, museums and monuments. The most important are the Dom (cathedral), the Royal Palace, the State Theatre, the Citadel and the monument of Gutenberg.

Day 6 (Thu): Mainz – Rüdesheim (Approx. 32-35 km/20-22 mi.)
Following breakfast on the MS Patria you will pedal from Mainz through the beautiful Rheingau, one of 13 designated German wine regions, via the historic rose town of Eltville to the picturesque village of Rüdesheim. Make sure you take a stroll through the Drosselgasse, a lane in the heart of Rudesheim's old town full of beautifully restored buildings. The MS Patria will berth for the night in either Rüdesheim or Bingen.

Day 7 (Fri): Rüdesheim – Boppard (Approx. 46 km/28.5 mi.) | Boppard – Koblenz
Cycle on the left river bank to Boppard and enjoy the panoramic view of the unforgettable Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO Word Heritage site. On your way you will pass castles and burgs alongside the celebrated Rock of Lorely. In the afternoon, the MS PATRIA takes you to Koblenz where the rivers Rhine an Moselle meet.

Day 8 (Sat): Disembarkation: Koblenz
After breakfast you will disembark till 9 am: End of tour.

Details: In italics printed parts will be covered by the ship.

Daily self-guided cycling tours.
All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
When guests do not want to cycle, they can stay on board, relax and enjoy sailing.
The tour details are barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons.
On the first day you are welcome to bring your luggage on board from 10 am.
Included

INCLUDED:
– Tour and accommodation on board 8 days/7 nights (Saturday-Saturday) from/to Koblenz/Bad Wimpfen, cabin in the booked category;
– Full board (7x breakfast buffet, 6x picnic lunch during bike tours or noontime snack, 7x three- or four course dinner);
– Daily coffee and tea till 4 PM;
– Use of bed linen and towels (change of towels daily possible), daily short cleaning of the cabin;
– Welcome drink;
– Board tour guide (German and English) with daily briefings of the bike tours;
– The board tour guide doesn’t cycle but can always be reached on his cell phone;
– Printed instructions and detailed maps for the daily bike tours, 1 set per cabin.

NOT INCLUDED:
– Transfers to/from the docking place in Koblenz and/or Bad Wimpfen;
– Reservation fee;
– Rental bicycle nor e-bike (optional);
– Other transfers;
– Parking fee, entrance fees & excursions;
– City maps;
– Fees for ferries;
– Drinks on board;
– Personal insurances;
– Gratuities (at your discretion);
– Dietary requirements on request/surcharges may be charged.

Reservation fee: €15 per booking/group (obligatory)
Rental bicycle: with 7-gears, with hand- and backpedal brakes or freewheel hubs (must be reserved in advance, limited number): €70 per week. All bikes have pannier bags included.
Rental E-Bike: with pannier bags: €165 per week (limited number available, only on request and after confirmation)

Cabin types and prices 2017

PRICES „RHINE & NECKAR“ SEASON 2017 (per person):

Cabins:	for	May – September
Twin cabin lower deck	2 pers.	€ 819
Twin cabin upper deck	2 pers.	€ 929
Twin cabin lower deck for single use	1 pers.	€ 1,049
Twin cabin upper deck for single use	1 pers.	€ 1,159

DATES SEASON 2017 RHINE & NECKAR:
Koblenz – Bad Wimpfen: departures May 13, June 24 and September 2
Bad Wimpfen – Koblenz: departures May 20, July 1 and September 9
Minimum number of passengers: 40 persons
On other dates the ship is sailing the tour “Mosel & Saar” between Koblenz and Saarburg (info on request).

Cabin types and prices 2018

PRICES „RHINE & NECKAR“ SEASON 2018 (per person):

Cabins:	for	June – September
Twin cabin lower deck	2 pers.	€ 829
Twin cabin upper deck	2 pers.	€ 939
Twin cabin lower deck for single use	1 pers.	€ 1,244
Twin cabin upper deck for single use	1 pers.	€ 1,409

DATES SEASON 2018 RHINE & NECKAR:
Koblenz – Bad Wimpfen: departures June 2, July 14 and September 8
Bad Wimpfen – Koblenz: departures June 9, July 21 and September 15
Minimum number of passengers: 40 persons
On other dates the ship is sailing the tour “Mosel & Saar” between Koblenz and Saarburg (info on request).

Good to know

BICYCLES:
The bicycles on board are mostly unisex touring bikes with normal mount (ladies model), with 7 gears, handbrake and pedal brake and a pannier bag. Limited number of freewheel hub bikes (only on request available). E-Bikes are only available after prior request (by booking) and confirmation and at limited number. A rental bicycle is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles (at no extra cost). However, the crew or tour operators are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of such bicycles.
In Germany bikers are not obligated by law to wear a bike helmet. We advise you wear a bike helmet. Please bring your own helmet . You can also buy a helmet (UVEX I-VO) for €40 p.p. on board (limited stock).

TRANSFERS between Koblenz and Bad Wimpfen by train (in 3,5 hrs. for ca. €45 p.p. (group tickets can be bought by the tour leader) or minivan (approx. €85 p.p. min. 4 pers., bike €13 / € 15 in 2018). Limited available, pre-application for transfer per minivan is required. To be paid on site.

Important information:
• Basically, we reserve the right to make changes of routing and program. If there is low or high water and a route cannot be shipped, the captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety (this cannot be accepted as a reason for free withdrawal) • The interior of the ship is a non-smoking zone: smoking is only allowed on the sun deck • Bicycles on board: Unisex bicycles with normal mount (ladies model), 7 gears, hand brake and pedal brake and pannier bag, limited number of freewheel hub bikes. E-Bikes are only available after prior request (by booking) and confirmation and at limited number. Please indicate your body height by booking. Own bikes can be brought at your own risk (limited number of own bikes, no responsibility for lost and damages) • Cycle tours: All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours. When a guest does not want to cycle one day, she/he can skip the bike tour and relax on board while cruising to the next harbour • The bike tours: are individual, at your own pace, without a tour guide, but with daily briefings on board and detailed bicycle maps and directions. Nearly all cycle tours can be classified as being easy • Excursions: The excursions mentioned in the programme are all optional (surcharge – not included in the tour price) and can be booked directly on board at the tour guide • Luggage: we recommend: rainwear, bicycle helmet, sunhat and sneakers • Diet: (i.e.: lactosefree, glutenfree) possible on request and for an extra charge of €50. Must be booked at least 14 days prior to departure. (to be paid directly on board) • Travel documents: EU-nationals need a valid passport.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The General Conditions (travel conditions) of Boat Bike Tours B.V. apply to cycling cruises, as well as to confirmation and cancellation of such tours. In principle, children are very welcome on board. However, before booking, we advise that you satisfy yourself that your child is able to manage daily cycle trips. Guests are allowed to bring their own children’s bikes or child seats. Of course you may stay one or more days on board (children under the age of 18 years must be under supervision). Children’s discount on request. The interior of the ship is a no-smoking zone: smoking is only allowed on the sun deck. As a safety measure, a statutory smoking ban applies in all cabins; this means that all cabins and rooms on board are no-smoking zones.

CONTACT:
Boat Bike Tours BV
’t Prooyen 3-B
1141 VD Monnickendam
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 299 313071
Fax: +31 299 313065
info@boatbiketours.com
www.boatbiketours.com

Minimum number of passengers: 40 persons

Updated: May 16th, 2017
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