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Cochem to Aschaffenburg 8 Day Bike and Barge Tour (Level 1)
As far as European bike tour destinations go, there are few better than the Rhine and Main river valleys in Germany. During this cycling cruise, you can experience it for yourself. In a word, it’s a stunning region, highlighted by enchanting countryside, fairytale castles, award-winning vineyards and historic medieval towns and villages.
We start on the Moselle river, visiting Burg Eltz, one of the most impressive medieval fortresses of Western Europe. We then follow the Rhine upstream from Koblenz past numerous fortresses, beautiful vineyards and the legendary and perilous Lorelei rocky cliff. With a little bit of imagination, you can almost hear a siren singing. In addition to the beautiful landscape, you’ll see cultural highlights, art treasures, and you can enjoy regional culinary specialties. From Mainz we follow the river Main as it loops and winds its way through Bavarian countryside, passing old towns and cities full of historical sights. Cycling through charming vineyards, orchards and lovely meadows along the banks of the river Main makes a great finish for this tour.
Explore three beautiful rivers by bike
Taste fine regional wines
Visit medieval castle Burg Eltz
Easy tours, very flat terrain. Accompanied by a competent, professional and multilingual tour leader, you and the group will visit interesting sights and places on the daily cycling tours. If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own if you mention it when booking.
The premium barge accommodates up to 30 guests and breathes an atmosphere of luxury and comfort. The 16 lower deck cabins are provided with box spring beds and a bathroom with shower, sink and toilet. On the main deck you’ll see that the bar is the center of attention, especially during the evening. Around are tables and comfortable chairs where you will be seated during breakfast and when the deliciously cooked dinners are served. In front there is a sitting area and outside are some seats. Last but not least: the Jacuzzi on the aft deck.
If you would like to rent a bike (105 EUR) or E-Bike (270 EUR), please contact [email protected] when booking
Slow Tours offers a range of Bike and Barge Tours Europe
Embarkation: Cochem
Individual arrival and embarkation from 2 p.m. in Cochem, where you will stay for the night. After a welcome by the captain, crew and tour leader there is time for a test ride.
Cochem – Karden | Karden – Koblenz (38 km/23 mi.)
Today you travel to Karden by barge, from where you will visit the queen of German fortresses, the impressive Burg Eltz. You are still in the midst of wine territory and will cruise past Klotten, Pommern, Karden and Alken, amongst others. These are all typical Mosel towns, with nice timber-framed houses and, of course, their own wines. The “Pommerner Sonnenuhr” comes highly recommended. Today’s destination is Koblenz. This fascinating and historic city has been 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.
Koblenz – St. Goar (37 km/23 mi.)
Today’s cycling tour first goes to the castle Stolzenfels. Next is the ancient city of Boppard. Here the Rhine takes an amazing turn, nearly 180 degrees. Boppard, also called the ‘pearl on the River Rhine’, is home to the most famous observation spot on the river which can be reached via a chairlift. Boppard has always been a visitors magnet with her precipitous vineyards and one of the nicest bank promenades on the Middle Rhine and the oldest preserved Roman fort walls to the north of the Alps.
Your destination is St. Goar, opposite famous Loreley rock. A ferry and a bus bring you up to the Loreley. A hiking path leads up to this lovely spot and offers a beautiful sight to the narrowest part in the romantic Rhine Valley. The Loreley is a 433 feet high slate cliff in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley World Heritage. The view on St.Goarshausen, from the Loreley outlook point, leaves a wonderful impression.
First traces of human settlement have been apparent from the time the Loreley Plateau was level with the Rhine (600.000 years ago). During the Middle Ages the Loreley was well known, along with the Binger Loch, as the most dangerous section of the Rhine. Many mariners in their wooden dinghies came to tragedy here. In St. Goar, directly opposite the Loreley the Saint Goar settled to save shipwrecked mariners and nurse them back to health. After dinner you can join the city walk.
St. Goar – Oberwesel | Oberwesel – Rüdesheim (Bingen) (23 km/14 mi. or 30 km/18 mi.)
During breakfast we will join the ship through this famous passage. From Oberwesel we continue cycling along the lovely banks of the middle Rhine to Rüdesheim. Pompous castles attract on your way. We stay overnight in Rüdesheim, a historic city of winegrowers. Already the Romans grew wine here. The old town, dating from the Middle Ages, and parts of the city’s fortifications like the Adlerturm (eagle tower) are maintained. Here you will find cozy traditional wine taverns in historic half- timbered houses. No tourist leaves this international well-known city without visiting the world-famous Drosselgasse. The Drosselgasse is the heart of Rüdesheim’s old town, a “magnet” for guests from all continents. After dinner you can join the city walk through Rüdesheim.
Rüdesheim (Bingen) – Mainz (35 km/21 mi. or 43 km/26 mi.)
This beautiful stage leads us through rolling vineyards and well-known wine villages. The Rhine flows leisurely, sometimes around little islands, and in places broadens its bed up to 800 meters in width! Our destination today is Mainz, where the Main river flows into the Rhine. In the afternoon there will be time to explore this interesting city. Mainz’s inner city is its pride and joy, filled with spacious plazas, lovingly restored -timbered houses and magnificent Baroque style churches. The ‘Old Town’ has a very charming and warm atmosphere. Dinner in town at your own account.
Mainz – Frankfurt-am-Main (40 km/24 mi.)
Today we follow the river Main, passing some small villages to arrive in Frankfurt, the financial heart of Germany. A unique feature of Frankfurt is its significant number of skyscrapers in the city center which form the Frankfurt skyline. Frankfurt is one of only a few cities in the European Union that have such a skyline, the others being London, Warsaw, Madrid, Rotterdam and La Défense in the outer Paris region. Because of the city’s skyline, Germans sometimes humorously refer to Frankfurt am Main as “Mainhattan”. After dinner you can join the city walk through Frankfurt.
Frankfurt-am-Main – Aschaffenburg (50 km/31 mi. or 54 km/33 mi.)
Today’s cycling tour passes by Philippsruhe Castle and leads first to Hanau, birthplace of the Brothers Grimm, famous for their fairy tales. We cross the river and go on to the small, romantic town of Seligenstadt with its winding alleys, wood-framed houses, and basilica. You will find the barge again in Aschaffenburg, with the Johannisburg Palace, located on the banks of the Main River. This castle will be the first thing you see as you enter Aschaffenburg as it is the grandest of all Renaissance palace complexes. We will visit the castle in the afternoon. And after dinner you can join the city walk.
Aschaffenburg
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before warm goodbyes and disembarking the ship at 9.30 am in Aschaffenburg.
Tours marked with are special prices.
| Start | End | Max. No. Guests | Accommodation | Price p.p. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 18 2025 | May 25 2025 | 35 | Single rooms | 2,729€ | ||
| Double rooms | 2,099€ |
If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe.
Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote
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