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Highlights of this tour
Romantic Upper Middle Rhine cycling
Cliffs, vineyards, castles,
Stunning fortress views and scenery
Ship with max. 68 passengers
- Fully-guided: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
- Semi-guided: Daily briefing by the tour leader, independent cycling but tour leader available ICE.
- Independent: No tour leader, the ships’ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling
Individual - Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain
- Level 2: quite easy tours, mostly flat terrain
- Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain
- Level 4: for experienced cyclists, hilly terrain with climbs
Difficulty level 1 
Bike and Barge Germany: Rhine & Neckar rivers, Koblenz – Bad Wimpfen or vice versa | 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.
During this 8 day/7 night boat and bike tour, you are in for a very special treat as you explore the most beautiful sections of the Rhine and Neckar Rivers by bicycle. 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. 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 favorite 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, beautiful 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.
Tip for a two-week journey:
It is possible to combine two beautiful tours to create a particularly diverse 15-day boat and bike holiday on the Patria. The journey along the Rhine and Neckar Rivers takes you from Koblenz to Bad Wimpfen; the return trip taking place the following week from Bad Wimpfen back to Koblenz. On various dates, the Patria also sails along the Moselle and Saar rivers from Koblenz to Saarburg and returns a week later, with highlights including the Roman city of Trier and picturesque towns like Cochem and Bernkastel.
Reporter Valerie Cosgrave of the Munster Express joined us on this tour along Rhine and Neckar. One of her quotes: “an unforgettable experience”…
Day to day program Koblenz to Bad Wimpfen
Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.
All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The planned itinerary is subject to change due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons and other unforeseen circumstances. 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).
Day 1 (Sat): Koblenz
The Patria awaits you in Koblenz where the crew will welcome you on board from 4 p.m. Your first night will be spent in this fascinating and historic city, an important defensive and economic center 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 (46 km/28 mi.)
Your cycle tour starts with the 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 (32 km/20 mi. or 35 km/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 (17 km/10 mi. or 26 km/16 mi.)
Today’s cycling will take you via Laubenheim to Nierstein, the biggest vine growing community on the river Rhine and at the same time, a popular destination for exploring the vineyards with a tractor wagon. Here you will re-join the Patria to enjoy lunch on board.
Day 5 (Wed): Nierstein – Mannheim | Mannheim – Heidelberg (25 km/16 mi.)
Today the 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 colorful and best preserved villages on the Neckar River. In Heidelberg you can walk through town and/or to Heidelberg Castle on your own. 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 (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. While strolling through the winding streets and small squares, you can enjoy the serene life of the old city of the Hohenstaufen.
Day 7 (Fri): Eberbach – Bad Wimpfen (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 this “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 attracts 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
End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.00 a.m.
Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.
All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The planned itinerary is subject to change due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons and other unforeseen circumstances. 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 daily cycling tours are non-guided, independent tours. You will ride individually with the help of a detailed cycling map and printed route notes (available on board). The on-board tour manager will provide you with all necessary tour information during her/his daily briefings. The on-board tour manager doesn’t cycle her-/himself but can always be reached on her/his cell phone.
During days when two bicycle options are possible, not all mentioned highlights can be visited during the short cycling option.
In case you prefer a day of rest, you can skip the cycling tour and relax on board while cruising to the next town.
Bike routes / degree of difficulty: You drive mostly on traffic-free paths, low-traffic routes of agriculture and paved bike paths along the flood dam without any significant climbs, so this trip is also suitable for untrained cyclists.
On the arrival day is it possible to bring your luggage on board from 10 PM.
Travel documents: EU-citizens (without special situations like dual citizenship, main residence abroad or a limited-validity passport) are required to have a valid passport or ID-card, not expiring within six (6) months of the return of your cruise. We kindly ask non-EU citizens, EU-nationals with multiple citizenship or anybody who has to respect special legal entry requirements for the country to visit, to inform about visa and entry documents at the competent embassy.
This tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Day to day program Bad Wimpfen - Koblenz
Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.
All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The planned itinerary is subject to change due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons and other unforeseen circumstances. 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).
Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.
All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The planned itinerary is subject to change due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons and other unforeseen circumstances. 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).
Day 1 (Sat): Bad Wimpfen
The Patria awaits you in Bad Wimpfen where the crew will welcome you on board from 4 p.m. 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 revitalizing 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 (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. While strolling through the winding streets and small squares, you can enjoy the serene life of the old city of the Hohenstaufen.
Day 3 (Mon): Eberbach – Heidelberg (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 Patria will be waiting for you. In Heidelberg you can go for a walk through town and/or to Heidelberg Castle on your own. 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 (25 km/16 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 Patria for lunch and the journey to Nierstein, the largest wine growing community along the Rhine and a popular destination for exploring the vineyards with a tractor wagon.
Day 5 (Wed): Nierstein – Mainz (17 km/ 10 mi. or 26 km/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 (32 km/20 mi. or 35 km/22 mi.)
Following breakfast 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 famous Drosselgasse, a lane in the heart of Rudesheim’s old town full of beautifully restored buildings. The Patria will berth for the night in either Rüdesheim or Bingen.
Day 7 (Fri): Rüdesheim – Boppard (46 km/28 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 Patria takes you to Koblenz where the rivers Rhine an Moselle meet. You will spend your last night on board in this fascinating and historic city, an important defensive and economic center 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 8 (Sat): Koblenz
End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.00 a.m.
Prices & information
Below you see an overview of the available (blue) dates; the yellow dot means that this date has 2 or less cabins available, orange is ‘on request’ and red means that on this date there aren’t any cabins available. Then click on the preferred date. After this, choose your ship (some tours have only one ship, and therefore there is no choice), the number of cabins in the required (and available) category, any desired additional products, and ‘local costs’ (such as special dietary needs, which you usually pay for onboard). On the right side, you’ll find the ‘Booking Summary.’ After completing your preferences and necessary information click ‘Book now’ to finalize your booking.
8 days/7 nights
7 x breakfast
Packed lunches or noontime snacks
7 x 3- or 4-course dinner
Coffee and tea on board till 4 PM
Welcome drink
Use of bed linen and towels
Daily cleaning of the cabin
Climate-controlled cabin (lower deck)
Daily briefings by multilingual (German/English) on board tour manager
Independent cycling tours (on board tour manager can be reached on his cell phone)
2020: GPS tracks
Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
Drinks
Coffee and tea on board after 4 PM
Bicycle rental or E-bike rental incl. pannier bag
Helmet (not available on board)
Personal insurances
Gratuities (at your discretion)
Entrance fees and excursions
City maps
Fees for ferries
Transfers to/from the docking place
Parking fees
Wi-Fi (unlimited data package to be purchased on board: € 10 per device)
- Rental bicycle: €75 per week
- Rental E-Bike: €165 per week (only on request, limited number available)
- You can find a description of the bicycles when you click on ship.
- Transfers:
Between Koblenz and Bad Wimpfen by train (in 3,5 hrs. for ca. € 45 p.p. – group tickets can be bought through the on board tour manager) or minivan (approx. € 85 p.p., min. 4 pers., bike € 15). Limited availability, this will be arranged by the on board tour manager. To be paid on board.
Excursion program: when the cycle stages and docking times make it possible an excursion program is compiled, which is bookable and payable only on board. Depending on the nationalities of the participants the excursions are available if necessary bilingual German-English.
Photos
Bad Wimpfen castle 
Bad Wimpfen church 
Bad Wimpfen city center 
Bad Wimpfen city center 
Bad Wimpfen city center 
Bad Wimpfen city center 
Besigheim 
Boppard city view 
Boppard city view 
Cyclists along the Rhine 
Eltville along the Rhine 
Eltville along the Rhine castle 
En route road sign 
Food on board 
Guest aboard the ship 
Guests wine tour 
Heidelberg night 
Hirschhorn Neckar 
Koblenz St. Castor basilica 
Koblenz view from Ehrenbreitstein fortress 
Koblenz view German corner 
Ladenburg market 
Ladenburg Neckar 
Loreley 
Mainz cathedral 
Mainz cathedral 
Mainz city center 
Mainz city center 
Mainz city center 
Neckar BadWimpfen Eberbach 
Nierstein Weinberge 
Patria Loreley 
Rhein I 
Trier statues 
Trier statues 
Weinberg I 
Weinberg 
Wine 
Zwischen Wimpfen und Eberbach I 
Zwischen Wimpfen und Eberbach II Reviews
Harry
The week of biking and still having a ship to eat and sleep in is quite unique. The ship was great, staff was friendly and the food was superb.
Janet Jones canada
This was my 5th Boatbike tour and again wonderful. The staff, were so helpful when needed. We had to arrange a shuttle at the end of the tour and I apologize for forgetting his name, but he called and spoke in German to explain where the boat was docked . We were picked up right on time at the boat.…
No display
Very very good. Food was excellent- kudos to the chef ! Our guide did not answer his emergency phone number when my ebike died half way – 30 km from destination. Was not available to help. He was a little too laid back I think. Ship was lovely and passengers interesting and great to socialize with. Crew excellent and most…
Dennis and Linda Blow
Great rides. Many thanks to all the staff. All were courteous names I can remember because if the interactions are Matti, Mugna, Reinhardt. The food was awesome
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