Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey from Cologne to Mainz with the "Cologne to Mainz by Bike and Barge" tour. This unique adventure combines cycling and cruising along the enchanting Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience the charm of Germany's picturesque towns, including Koblenz, Rudesheim, and Mainz, while indulging in regional delicacies and wines. Cycle past romantic castles like Burg Reichenstein and Burg Rheinstein, and explore historical sites such as Drachenburg Castle and the Sea Life aquarium in Konigswinter. The MS Olympia serves as your floating hotel, offering comfortable twin-share cabins with ensuite facilities. Enjoy daily cycling excursions with a provided 7-speed unisex bike, complete with a waterproof pannier and bicycle insurance. This self-guided tour offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, with opportunities to visit iconic landmarks and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Rhine region. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Cologne
Location: Cologne
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Dinner
On arrival in Cologne, you are welcome on board the MS Olympia, a river barge with a comfortable atmosphere, at 4pm. Enjoy the evening on board and afterwards perhaps sample a Kölsch beer in one of the pubs overlooking the Rhine river.
Day 2 : Cycle to the city of Beethoven, Bonn (37km/23mi)
Location: Cologne, Groov, Bonn
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Before heading out on the cycle today, you have the option to join a walking tour of Cologne's old town and cathedral (additional cost - payable locally). Today you will cycle to Bonn, the city of Beethoven. This federal city and former capital of Germany still has international flair. On your way it is worthwhile to visit the leisure island Groov amidst a vast landscape of the Rheinaue wetland in the Cologne suburb Porz-Zundorf. In Bonn there are museums of interest such as the House of History, the Bundeskunsthalle and House of Beethoven. You can also visit the Rheinaue Leisure Park, and the Bundesviertel on the 'Path of Democracy' in the former Government Quarter of Bonn.
Day 3 : Continue to Andernach via Drachenburg Castle (45km/28mi)
Location: Konigswinter, Drachenburg Castle, Andernach
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The cycle today will lead you to Andernach. Along the way you will pass through Konigswinter with its Drachenburg Castle on the Drachenfels (steep ascent), and the Sea Life aquarium with more than 6,000 sea inhabitants. Your destination for today, Andernach, is famous for the world's largest cold water spring with an impressive 60m / 196ft fountain.
Day 4 : Cycle to Koblenz (25km/15.5mi)
Location: Neuwied, Engers Castle, Deutsche Eck, Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Koblenz
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On today's cycle to Koblenz you will find Engers Castle in Neuwied, built around the 17th century. Continue to the famous "Deutsche Eck" (German corner) where the Moselle river merges with the Rhine river. Further along you will find the Ehrenbreitstein fortress, which you can reach by cable car across the Rhine in Koblenz (tickets available for purchase on board).
Day 5 : Through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley to St Goar/St Goarhausen (38km/24mi)
Location: Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Marksburg, Boppard, St Goar, Rheinfels Castle, St Goarshausen, Katz Castle, Maus Castle
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you cycle up the Rhine river through the UNESCO World Heritage site the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Pass the romantic fortress Marksburg, the only hilltop castle of Middle Rhine, which has never been destroyed. Continue to Boppard with its fortress Kurfürstliche Burg, before reaching St Goar. Here you will find the ruins of the fortress Rheinfels, the largest of its kind along the Rhine. Also worth visiting are the fortresses of Katz and Maus (cat and mouse) in St Goarshausen on the opposite side of the Rhine.
Day 6 : Pass beautiful castles en route to Rudesheim (32km/20mi)
Location: Burg Reichenstein, Burg Rheinstein, Loreley, Rudesheim
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You will cycle past more beautiful castles today including Burg Reichenstein and Burg Rheinstein, and the famous rock Loreley, before reaching Rudesheim. Here you can take an optional guided tour around the historic town with its beautiful half-timbered houses (additional cost payable on board). Alternatively, treat yourself with a ride on the cable car up to the Niederwald monument, for beautiful views over the old town of Rudesheim and the river (not included).
Day 7 : Cycle to Mainz and explore its charming old town (32km/20mi)
Location: Eltville am Rhein, Mainz
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On the final cycling stage you will find the Rhine at its best (if you weren't already impressed!). Along the way is Eltville am Rhein with its castle Kurfurstliche Burg. Your destination, Mainz, presents itself with numerous remarkable buildings. You may want to visit the cathedral Hoher Dom St Martin, one of the proud emperors' cathedrals of Germany, or the castle Kurfurstliches Scloss. In the old town you will find attractive alleys and squares including Augustinerstraße, the Kirschgarten with its lovely timber framed houses and wine restaurants.
Day 8 : Trip concludes in Mainz
Location: Mainz
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip concludes after breakfast with disembarkation by 9 am.
Note: Itinerary operates in reverse every alternate departure, i.e. Mainz to Cologne. See below.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights barge -
Bicycle and Equipment
The tour includes a 7-speed unisex bike with hand and back pedal brakes, a waterproof pannier, and bicycle insurance.
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Digital Information Pack
A digital information pack including a smartphone app with maps, roadbook, and GPS tracks is provided.
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Cruise Director
A cruise director is on board to provide daily briefings.
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Welcome Drink
A welcome drink and briefing are provided on the first evening.
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Linen and Towels
Linen and change of towels are provided as required.
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Daily Cabin Cleaning
Daily cabin cleaning is included.
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Harbour, Bridge, and Lock Charges
All charges for harbours, bridges, and locks are included.
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Emergency Hotline
An emergency hotline is available.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Mainz / Cologne
Travel to and from Mainz / Cologne is not included.
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Drinks
Drinks other than afternoon tea and coffee on board are not included.
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Meals Not Detailed
Meals not detailed in the itinerary are not included.
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Cabin Upgrades
Upgrade to a cabin on the upper deck or single cabin - supplement applies.
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Helmet
Helmet is mandatory on all bike tours. You are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. In 2025, helmets are available to purchase on board for EUR40 per helmet.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
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Tour Guide
This is a self-guided tour; a tour guide is not included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees and sightseeing fees are not included.
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Tips
Tips are not obligatory but customary if the guide and crew have done a good job. Recommended tip is around EUR30-60 per person.
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Special Diets
Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian) is not included. A supplement is payable for lactose or gluten-free diets - EUR25 per person (subject to change) paid locally on board.
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Personal Items
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc., are not included.
Grading
Grade 1 - This trip involves 6 days cycling of between 30 and 45km/19 and 28mi per day usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain. In and out of the cities there will be some light traffic. You need only carry your camera
ain gear and water bottle. Your luggage remains on the boat. For this reason the trip is graded introductory and is considered suitable for beginners.*For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
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What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the panniers provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, water and camera. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel between Cologne and Mainz by bike and barge. The tour includes a 7-speed unisex bike with hand and back pedal brakes, a waterproof pannier, and bicycle insurance. The MS Olympia serves as your floating hotel, providing a relaxing atmosphere.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights aboard the comfortable MS Olympia, a premium barge with twin share cabins featuring ensuite facilities. The compact cabins are configured with two lower beds, and daily cabin cleaning and linen changes are provided as needed.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of bike is provided for the tour?
The tour provides a 7-speed unisex bike with hand and back pedal brakes, or freewheel hubs with hand brakes only. The bike comes with a waterproof pannier and bicycle insurance. An electric bike is available on request for a supplement.
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Is there a guide accompanying the cycling tour?
No, this is a self-guided cycling holiday. A cruise director is on board to provide daily briefings but does not cycle with the group.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided aboard the MS Olympia, a premium barge with twin share cabins featuring ensuite facilities. Daily cabin cleaning and linen changes are provided as needed.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners. Breakfasts are buffet style, picnic lunches are assembled at breakfast, and dinners are 3 courses served in the dining room. Special diets may be catered for on request for an extra fee.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycling days, you should carry your daily requirements in the panniers provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, water, and camera. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Is a helmet provided for the cycling tour?
Helmets are mandatory on all bike tours. You are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. In 2025, helmets are available to purchase on board for EUR 40 per helmet.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling tour?
The tour is graded as introductory and is considered suitable for beginners. It involves 6 days of cycling between 30 and 45 km per day, usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, a small excursion program is available. Details and bookings can be made on board with the cruise director.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025Saturday - Saturday
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Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Cologne to Mainz by Bike and Barge
8 Days Starting in Cologne, Germany and ending in Mainz, Germany
Visiting: Cologne, Groov, Bonn, Konigswinter, Drachenburg Castle, Andernach, Neuwied, Engers Castle, Deutsche Eck, Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Koblenz, Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Marksburg, Boppard, St Goar, Rheinfels Castle, St Goarshausen, Katz Castle, Maus Castle, Burg Reichenstein, Burg Rheinstein, Loreley, Rudesheim, Eltville am Rhein, Mainz ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MRB
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
