Mainz to Strasbourg: MS Olympia

Sailing on the Rhine and Neckar with MS Olympia

Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of the Rhine River, one of Europe's most remarkable waterways. Experience the impressive Rhine Cycle Path, which often runs alongside both banks, offering breathtaking views throughout your journey. Covering a total distance of approximately 1,230 kilometres, this cycling route promises unparalleled enjoyment, with the river as your constant companion. Known as the Rhine Radweg or EuroVelo 15, this remarkable path begins in Andermatt, Switzerland, and concludes in the Dutch Hook of Holland, nestled along the enchanting North Sea.

As one of Europe's longest long-distance cycling routes, the Rhine Cycle Path showcases an array of captivating attractions. Explore the charm of Alsatian Strasbourg, and marvel at the grandeur of the Imperial Cathedrals in Speyer, Worms, and Mainz. Follow in the footsteps of the Romans, immerse yourself in legendary tales, savour delightful regional specialities, and embrace the modern essence of this international river.

The Rhine Cycle Route provides splendid views of the renowned Rhine River, which has long been immortalized in literature and songs. Traverse untouched riverside forests teeming with diverse flora and fauna. The cycleway leads you through picturesque towns, quaint villages, and scenic wine-growing areas. This region boasts a wealth of popular tourist destinations, cultural sites, and culinary delights. Don't miss the opportunity to take a short detour along the Neckar River to visit the magnificent city of Heidelberg, steeped in captivating history. Words cannot do justice to the beauty of the landscape, the unique cultural sites, and the delightful regional delicacies — they must be experienced firsthand!

Embark on this extraordinary adventure along the Rhine Cycle Path, where panoramic river views, unspoiled forests, charming towns, and delectable culinary experiences combine to create an unforgettable journey.

Details about the Rhine bicycle cruise

The cycle route along the Rhine offers a view of the renowned river and the untouched forests along the river with rich flora and fauna. The cycle route leads through charming towns, villages and wine-growing areas, which offer a rich tourist, cultural and culinary offer. 

A short detour to the Neckar with the historic city of Heidelberg is not to be missed. The scenery, cultural legacies and gastronomic delights are not easy to describe, so experience it yourself!

The highlights of the boating and cycling holiday at a glance

  • University city Heidelberg: With its charming historic centre, Schloss Heidelberg towers high above the city because it is beautifully captured from the Alte Brücke

  • Strasbourg, town of art and separation: The 142m high Gothic Notre Dame cathedral is made of pink sandstone, the Grande le town centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the many half-timbered houses with windows full of flowers

  • The Imperial City of Speyer: Admire its impressive UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral

Worth knowing about the Rhine bicycle cruise

You can discover the Rhine in several stages: from Cologne to Mainz, Mainz to Strasbourg, etc. Choose the route that suits you best.

Approximate timings (subject to sailing conditions)

Day 1: Mainz (Embarkation at 1600)
Day 2: Mainz | Depart: 1000
Day 2: Nierstein | Arrival: 1400 | Depart: 1400
Day 2: Worms | Arrival: 1730 
Day 3: Worms | Depart: 1000
Day 3: Mannheim | Arrival: 1200
Day 4: Mannheim | No sailing
Day 5: Mannheim | Depart: 1000
Day 5: Speyer | Arrival: 1300
Day 6: Speyer | Depart: 1000 
Day 6: Germersheim | Arrival: 1130 | Depart: 1500
Day 6: Gambsheim | Arrival: 2200
Day 7: Gambsheim | Depart: 1200
Day 7: Strasbourg | Arrival: 1400 
Day 8: Strasbourg (Disembarkation) | Depart: 0900

Tour information
Easy
  • 8 Days / 7 Nights
  • Self-Guided
  • Meals included
  • Total cycling distance: approx. 168 km
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Itinerary

Individual arrival in Mainz. Embarkation from 4:00 PM. Maybe there's time to get to know the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate with its lovingly restored half-timbered houses and the Romanesque Cathedral of St. Martin?

Individual arrival in Mainz. Embarkation from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Maybe there's time to get to know the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate with its lovingly restored half-timbered houses and the Romanesque Cathedral of St. Martin?

ca. 17 - 26 km
Nierstein-Worms

In the imperial city of Worms, your cycling stage starts today. In Mannheim, you follow the course of the beautiful Neckar to Heidelberg. The Roman city of Ladenburg with its historic old town is worth a short stopover. The ruins of Heidelberg Castle are already visible in the distance above the old town. Stroll across Heidelberg's famous sandstone bridge or through the winding alleys and dreamy squares of the old town.

ca. 25 km

Today you drive through the heart of the province via Eppelheim and Plankstadt. Schwetzingen Castle and its beautiful castle garden are just two reasons to visit the charming town. The continuation route takes you to your destination in Mannheim. Almost all of the city's sights, such as the water tower and the baroque castle, are within walking distance of the centre and are definitely worth a visit.

ca. 52 km

Today's path leads you to the cathedral city of Speyer. Enjoy the short cycling leg through areas designated as nature reserves and natural floodplains. Speyer Cathedral has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.

ca. 27 km

You cycle through the Palatinate along the arms of the old Rhine through seemingly untouched nature. Look forward to the old fortified town of Germersheim with its many beautiful alleys, corners and squares. Enjoy the boat trip to Gambsheim and review the day's experiences with a glass of wine on the deck or in the salon.

ca. 22 km
Gemersheim-Gambsheim

In the last stage you will cycle comfortably along the river through the rolling Rhine plain to the Alsatian capital Strasbourg with its many canals. Visit Strasbourg Cathedral, the city's landmark, or the picturesque tanning district with its historic half-timbered houses and enjoy a slice of French zest for life at the end of your trip.

ca. 18 km

Disembark after breakfast until 09:00. Individual journey home.

Route information

The quality of the bike paths is perfect. The cycle path usually runs on paved roads, as well as along the Rijndijk and without climbs. That is why this trip is also suitable for inexperienced cyclists.

Prices and dates

Prices are per person in GBP and exclude flights

Price calculation and check availability: Mainz to Strasbourg: MS Olympia


Price promise: If you receive a quote for the same tour elsewhere, please let us know and we will match it!

Place of arrival: Mainz
  Season 1
08.06.2024 | 06.07.2024 |
Saturday
Mainz to Strasbourg: MS Olympia, Main Deck, DE-RHSMS-08I-H
Base price
1,139.00
Fixed price for double cabin in single use 1,489.00
Mainz to Strasbourg: MS Olympia, Upper Deck, DE-RHSMS-08I-O
Base price
1,309.00
Single cabin (fixed price) 1,359.00
Fixed price for double cabin in single use 1,679.00
Season 1
Jun 8, 2024 | Jul 6, 2024 |
Saturday
Mainz to Strasbourg: MS Olympia, Main Deck, DE-RHSMS-08I-H
Base price
Fixed price for double cabin in single use
Mainz to Strasbourg: MS Olympia, Upper Deck, DE-RHSMS-08I-O
Base price
Single cabin (fixed price)
Fixed price for double cabin in single use
1,139.00
1,489.00
1,309.00
1,359.00
1,679.00
Price
Unisex E-Bike
7-Speed Unisex Bike
Own Bike
199.00
89.00
29.00
Prices per person in GBP

Included services and travel information

Services

Including

  • 7 nights in outside cabins on board the MS Olympia in the booked cabin category
  • Full board: 7x breakfast buffet, 6x packed lunch for cycling or lunch snack, 6x coffee and tea in the afternoon, 7x 3-course evening menu
  • Welcome cocktail
  • Travel folder 1 x per room (German, English with route and overview maps, detailed route description, places of interest, important telephone numbers, luggage labels)
  • GPS data available on request
  • SE-Tours tour guide

Not included

  • Bike rental
  • Excursions
  • Gratuities
  • Drinks
  • Personal expenses
Arrival information
  • Airport: Frankfurt airport
  • Train: Mainz station, approx. 3 km from the pier
  • Parking: Parking garage at Mainz Station (unguarded, not bookable) approx. €10 per day
 
General information
  • A minimum number of 75 people applies for this trip (at least 21 days before departure)
  • Embarkation takes place between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, disembarkation after breakfast no later than 09:30 AM
  • Bicycles on board are equipped with a hand brake, freewheel or coaster brake (limited availability, please specify when booking as a non-binding preference) and bicycle bag
  • It is possible to bring your own bicycles, but due to the limited space on the sundeck you can only bring your own bicycle on request and only to a limited extent. Any damage to your bike is at your own risk
  • Daily cycling tours are individual and unaccompanied, the tour guide remains on board. It is not mandatory to cycle the route, you can also stay on board and sail to the next port
  • This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility
  • If the cycling stages and rest times allow, an excursion program is offered, this can only be booked on board and paid in cash. Depending on the composition of the participants, the excursions can be offered bilingually German-English
  • Sailing times, schedule and program changes are in principle reserved. For example, if a route cannot be completed due to low tide, high tide or bad weather, the captain reserves the right to change the route for your safety (this is not a valid reason to cancel your trip free of charge)
  • Engine and generator noises can be heard in the cabins at the front and rear of the ship.
  • Please bring your own bike helmet (no onboard selling).
     

Accommodation

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