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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

Guidance
  • 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
guidance Individual
Difficulty
  • 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 Difficulty level 1
Duration of the tour.
tijd2 Created with Sketch. 8 days

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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”…

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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.

Good to know

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

Check availability 2021 Book 2021 Check availability 2020 Book 2020
Check availability 2021 Book 2021
Check availability 2020 Book 2020
Prices & availability

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.

  • Available
  • 2 or less available
  • On request
  • Not available
Departure date -

Choose preferred ship

Please select your cabin(s)

Pricing overview - 2020
Cabin type For all departure dates
Twin cabin on lower deck 2 pers. € 849 Twin cabin on upper deck 2 pers. € 949 Twin cabin lower deck for single use 1 pers. € 1254 Twin cabin upper deck for single use 1 pers. € 1419

Prices incl. VAT

Tour dates 2020 – Patria:

  • Koblenz – Bad Wimpfen: departures on May 9; July 4 and August 29
  • Bad Wimpfen – Koblenz: departures on May 16; July 11 and Sept. 5
Check availability Book
Included in this tour

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)

Excluded in this tour

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)

Additional options & information 2020
  • 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

Previous Next
Bad Wimpfen castle Camera Bad Wimpfen castle Bad Wimpfen church Camera Bad Wimpfen church Bad Wimpfen city center Camera Bad Wimpfen city center Bad Wimpfen city center Camera Bad Wimpfen city center Bad Wimpfen city center Camera Bad Wimpfen city center Bad Wimpfen city center Camera Bad Wimpfen city center Besigheim Camera Besigheim Boppard city view Camera Boppard city view Boppard city view Camera Boppard city view Cyclists along the Rhine Camera Cyclists along the Rhine Eltville along the Rhine Camera Eltville along the Rhine Eltville along the Rhine castle Camera Eltville along the Rhine castle En route road sign Camera En route road sign Food on board Camera Food on board Guest aboard the ship Camera Guest aboard the ship Guests wine tour Camera Guests wine tour Heidelberg night Camera Heidelberg night Hirschhorn Neckar Camera Hirschhorn Neckar Koblenz St. Castor basilica Camera Koblenz St. Castor basilica Koblenz view from Ehrenbreitstein fortress Camera Koblenz view from Ehrenbreitstein fortress Koblenz view German corner Camera Koblenz view German corner Ladenburg market Camera Ladenburg market Ladenburg Neckar Camera Ladenburg Neckar Loreley Camera Loreley Mainz cathedral Camera Mainz cathedral Mainz cathedral Camera Mainz cathedral Mainz city center Camera Mainz city center Mainz city center Camera Mainz city center Mainz city center Camera Mainz city center Neckar BadWimpfen Eberbach Camera Neckar BadWimpfen Eberbach Nierstein Weinberge Camera Nierstein Weinberge Patria Loreley Camera Patria Loreley Rhein I Camera Rhein I Trier statues Camera Trier statues Trier statues Camera Trier statues Weinberg I Camera Weinberg I Weinberg Camera Weinberg Wine Camera Wine Zwischen Wimpfen und Eberbach I Camera Zwischen Wimpfen und Eberbach I Zwischen Wimpfen und Eberbach II Camera Zwischen Wimpfen und Eberbach II

Reviews

Germany: Koblenz – Bad Wimpfen or vice versa Rated 8.8 out of 10 based on 5 reviews
5 stars

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.

4 stars

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.…

4 stars

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…

5 stars

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

Read all reviews on Trustpilot

Available ships for this tour
Ship Patria Germany
max. 68 passengers
34 cabins
2 tours available with this ship

Patria

Welcome aboard of your sailing home, Patria. The cabins may not be that large, but the beds are fine and your bathroom is clean and private. In the spacious salon with comfortable seats and well-filled bar you can order your drinks from the friendly and hospitable crew. On the lower deck there is a restaurant area where you can help yourself to a healthy breakfast each morning and every evening there will be served a tasty three course dinner. Outside, on the sun deck, it is great to take a seat and watch the beautiful scenery.

Bicycles/E-Bikes:
High-quality 28 inch unisex bike from Velo de Ville wit 7-gear. The bikes have a hand- and back pedal brakes  or free-wheel hub (please indicate upon booking) and pannier bags.
The E-Bikes with a deep entry and a full integrated battery pack from Bosch are also from Velo de Ville. The 8 speed Nexus hub circuit, a Bosch medium Motor and a big 500 Wh battery pack will bring you up to 100 km per loading cycle.
Bringing own bicycles: due to limited space on the sundeck are own bicycles only possible on request and after confirmation.

More info

Patria

Welcome aboard of your sailing home, Patria. The cabins may not be that large, but the beds are fine and your bathroom is clean and private. In the spacious salon with comfortable seats and well-filled bar you can order your drinks from the friendly and hospitable crew. On the lower deck there is a restaurant area where you can help yourself to a healthy breakfast each morning and every evening there will be served a tasty three course dinner. Outside, on the sun deck, it is great to take a seat and watch the beautiful scenery.

Bicycles/E-Bikes:
High-quality 28 inch unisex bike from Velo de Ville wit 7-gear. The bikes have a hand- and back pedal brakes  or free-wheel hub (please indicate upon booking) and pannier bags.
The E-Bikes with a deep entry and a full integrated battery pack from Bosch are also from Velo de Ville. The 8 speed Nexus hub circuit, a Bosch medium Motor and a big 500 Wh battery pack will bring you up to 100 km per loading cycle.
Bringing own bicycles: due to limited space on the sundeck are own bicycles only possible on request and after confirmation.

Visit this ships page

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Check availability Book Description Program Pricing overview Photos & video Reviews Ships