Strasbourg to Mainz: MS Olympia

Cruise and cycle along the Rhine Cycle Path

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Rhine River on the remarkable Rhine Cycle Route, renowned for its scenic vistas that have inspired countless stories and songs. Immerse yourself in untouched riverside forests teeming with diverse flora and fauna. The cycleway leads you through picturesque towns, charming villages, and scenic wine-growing regions. Discover a region brimming with popular tourist destinations, cultural sites, and an array of culinary delights.

Don't miss the opportunity to take a short detour along the Neckar River to visit the enchanting city of Heidelberg, steeped in captivating history. Words alone cannot capture the beauty of the landscape, the richness of the cultural sites, and the delectable regional delicacies — you must experience them firsthand!

The Rhine Cycle Path, frequently running along both banks of the river, is celebrated as one of Europe's premier cycling routes. Covering approximately 1,230 kilometres, this path offers endless cycling pleasure with captivating river views as your constant companion. Known as the Rhine Radweg or EuroVelo 15, the route commences in Andermatt, Switzerland, and concludes in the picturesque Dutch Hook of Holland, nestled along the North Sea.

As one of Europe's longest long-distance cycle routes, the Rhine Cycle Path showcases a wealth of attractions. Explore the charm of Alsatian Strasbourg, and marvel at the Imperial Cathedrals in Speyer, Worms, and Mainz. Follow in the footsteps of the Romans, discover legendary tales, savour regional specialities, and experience the modern allure of this internationally renowned river.

Embark on this extraordinary journey along the Rhine Cycle Path, where scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and gastronomic delights intertwine to create an unforgettable cycling adventure.

Details about the Rhine bicycle cruise

The huge Imperial Cathedrals in Speyer, Worms and Mainz are impressive witnesses of a 1000-year history along the famous river and the pristine riverside forests 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 trip to the Neckar and Heidelberg should not be missed. 

The Rhenish cathedral cities are joined by famous castles and former noble residences. Enjoy bike rides on this interesting route along the romantic Alt-Rhine, past many cultural highlights in the largest German wine regions of Rhein-Hesse and the Palatinate.

The highlights of the Rhine 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, city 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: With 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. Choose the route that suits you best.

Approximate timings (subject to sailing conditions)

Day 1: Strasbourg (Embarkation at 1600)
Day 2: Strasbourg | Depart: 1200
Day 2: Gambsheim | Arrival: 1400 | Depart: 1600
Day 2: Germersheim | Arrival: 2300 
Day 3: Germersheim | Depart: 1200
Day 3: Speyer | Arrival: 1330
Day 4: Speyer | Depart: 1000
Day 4: Mannheim | Arrival: 1130
Day 5: Mannheim | No sailing
Day 6: Mannheim | Depart: 1000 
Day 6: Worms | Arrival: 1130
Day 7: Worms | Depart 0830
Day 7: Nierstein | Arrival: 1100 | Depart: 1200
Day 7: Mainz | Arrival: 1315 
Day 8: Mainz (Disembarkation) | Depart: 0900

Tour information
Easy
  • 8 Days / 7 Nights
  • Self-Guided
  • Meals included
  • Total cycling distance: approx. 175 km
Active on Holiday Team
+44 1706 618 155 Contact
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Itinerary

Embarkation in Strasbourg from 4 pm. Perhaps you have some time to explore the Alsatian capital with its many canals? 

After breakfast, take the opportunity to visit the Alsatian capital Strasbourg with its many canals, the Strasbourg Cathedral or the picturesque tanning district with its historic half-timbered houses. Enjoy a slice of French joie de vivre before embarking on your first cycling tour.

You cycle directly along the Rhine through the rolling Rhine plain to the Gambsheim lock, where your ship awaits you for the onward journey to Germersheim. Use the time on deck or in the saloon and see the first impressions while enjoying a glass of wine.

ca. 18 km
Gambsheim-Germersheim

Today's cycling tour takes you along the old Rhine through seemingly untouched nature. Look out for the old fortified town of Germersheim with its many beautiful streets, corners and squares. Continue through the Palatinate to reach the cathedral city of Speyer. Speyer Cathedral has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.

ca. 22 km

Today you can enjoy a short bike ride along the Altrhein, past beautiful lakes, through natural areas designated as nature reserves and natural floodplains. You will reach the square town of Mannheim, which has been nicknamed because of its street layout. In the squares, there are endless possibilities to spend your free time. The Baroque Palace - the largest Baroque castle complex in Germany and its water tower - is one of the city's landmarks.

ca. 28 km

Today you will cycle through the heart of the Electoral Palatinate. Schwetzingen Castle and its beautiful castle gardens are just two reasons to visit the attractive town. The route continues via Plankstadt and Eppelheim to Heidelberg. The castle ruins of Heidelberg Castle are visible from afar and tower over the old town. Stroll across Heidelberg's famous sandstone bridge or through the winding streets and dreamy squares of the Old Town. The road takes you on the other side of the Neckar via the Roman town of Ladenburg back to Mannheim.

ca. 52 km

Today you leave Mannheim and drive past meadows and fields along the Rhine to the Imperial city of Worms. During your walk through two millennia of city history, you will encounter emperors and kings, myths and legends of the Nibelungs, Judaism and Martin Luther.

ca. 26 km

Enjoy the boat trip from Worms to Nierstein in the morning. With almost 1,000 hectares of vineyards, Nierstein is the largest wine-growing community on the Rhine. You can also visit the historic city centre with its medieval market square and noble houses. A short stage and plenty of time to enjoy yourself: you cycle directly along the Rhine from Nierstein on well-developed cycle paths on the Rhine Cycle Route to Mainz. If you want to cycle more, you can cycle directly from Worms to Mainz (approx. 60 km).

Worms-Nierstein
ca. 17 - 20 km

Breakfast until 09.30 am and disembarkation for your 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 Rhine dikes without special slopes. 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: Strasbourg to Mainz: 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: Strasbourg
  Season 1
15.06.2024 | 13.07.2024 |
Saturday
Strasbourg to Mainz: MS Olympia, Main Deck, DE-RHSSM-08I-H
Base price
1,139.00
Fixed price for double cabin in single use 1,489.00
Strasbourg to Mainz: MS Olympia, Upper Deck, DE-RHSSM-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 15, 2024 | Jul 13, 2024 |
Saturday
Strasbourg to Mainz: MS Olympia, Main Deck, DE-RHSSM-08I-H
Base price
Fixed price for double cabin in single use
Strasbourg to Mainz: MS Olympia, Upper Deck, DE-RHSSM-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
Filter
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: Strasbourg, Frankfurt, Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden or Basel
  • Train: Strasbourg/Kehl station, near the pier
  • Parking: Gare Wodli parking garage approx. €28 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

Why book with Active on Holiday?

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