Bike and boat on the Rhine

You are expected on board the MS Olympia at 4.00 pm. Use the remaining time after embarkation to see the numerous sights of the Rhineland-Palatinate state capital. Learn more about the cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum, St. Stephen's Church with its glowing blue windows by the artist Chagall and much more on a tour. In the evening, round off the day on board with a view of Mainz.

After leaving Mainz behind you, you cycle leisurely through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Past vineyards and through well-known wine-growing villages, you soon reach Eltville. Treat yourself to a break here. Take a look at the Electoral Castle with its beautiful rose garden. If you are not afraid of a short detour, cycle to Eberbach Abbey, which is situated in an elevated position near Eltville. In your stage destination of Rüdesheim, listen to the familiar melodies of the famous carillon over a glass of Rhenish wine in the famous Drosselgasse.

On today's stage of your journey by bike and boat on the Rhine, you will pass numerous romantic castles and castle ruins. A stop at each one is worthwhile. Roll on at a relaxed pace along the well-developed Rhine cycle path to St. Goar. Don't miss the opportunity to climb the hiking trail to the legendary Loreley. The climb will be rewarded: enjoy the wonderful view of the narrowest part of the Rhine Valley and the passing ships.

Follow the narrow Rhine valley today until you reach Boppard. In the town center and directly on the banks of the Rhine, you will come across the sights of this lively town: the Roman fort and the electoral castle. The highlight of today's stage is Koblenz, one of the oldest cities in Germany. Do you want to get up high? Then take the cable car across the Rhine up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. The panoramic cabins offer you a spectacular view of the Deutsches Eck, where the Moselle flows into the Rhine, and the entire city with over 2000 years of history.

Castles and fortresses, the Rhine and vineyards accompany you on your way again today. The short cycle stage gives you plenty of time for a leisurely stop in one of the many wine villages. You pass the dyke town of Neuwied at the foot of the Westerwald with its Engers Castle before reaching Andernach. In the historic old town, you will encounter many contemporary witnesses, such as St. Mary's Cathedral, the Round Tower and the well-preserved town wall. Don't miss out on a trip to the Andernach geyser. In a nature reserve, you can experience the eruption of the cold-water geyser, which is up to 60 m high.

After breakfast on board, you cycle past numerous thermal baths. Relax there for a few hours before continuing on your way. Passing Koenigswinter with Drachenburg Castle, which towers over the city, you soon reach Bonn. The former federal capital has a cozy Rhineland feel. Take a tour of the former government district. You will find the most important buildings directly along the banks of the Rhine. Enjoy the rest of the day in a café in Bonn's medieval old town.

Today, the last few kilometers are covered on the bike. Continuing along the Rhine, you will soon be able to catch your first glimpse of the city's landmark from afar: Cologne Cathedral with its two 157-metre-high towers. After a visit to the Chocolate Museum or the Ludwig Museum, don't miss out on Cologne's old town. Enjoy the unique atmosphere with its many restaurants, breweries and squares, where you can experience Rhineland conviviality until late in the evening.

After breakfast, your journey by bike and boat on the Rhine comes to an end. Disembarkation takes place at 09.00 a.m., after which you start your individual journey home.