Overview
The Rhine Cycle Path – also called Euro Velo 15 – is one of the most modern cycle paths globally and combines Europe’s diversity of landscapes. It is one of the iconic cycling routes in Europe, and this tour covers one of its most exciting sections: Strasbourg to Mainz, taking in approximately 300km of great cycling. The itinerary will take you through three magnificent European regions – Alsace, Baden, and the Palatinate characterised by a mild climate, charming landscapes, authentic cuisine and wine growing traditions.
Pedalling along the bike lanes along the river, you will have the chance to explore the many charming places along the route, as well as some pristine tributaries of the Rhine. The routes are easy to navigate and go mostly on dedicated bike lanes without any major climbs, so the holiday is suitable for both families and beginners. Along the path, numerous restaurants, beer gardens and cafés will ensure your culinary well-being.
- Strasbourg Cathedral
- Beautiful nature along the Old Rhine and it tributaries
- World-famous city of Heidelberg
- Fruity Riesling in Nierstein
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Strasbourg
Once you arrive, you will meet our representative for a tour briefing and bike fitting (if you have rented a bike from us). You will also have the chance to spend a wonderful evening in the Alsatian capital with its many canals and a unique atmosphere.
- Accommodation: Ibis Styles/Le Grandor similar (optional upgrade: Best Western Monopole/BOMA)
Day 2: Strasbourg – Rastatt | 65km
A wonderfully made cycle path takes you through the town to the Rhine’s riverbank. You will cycle comfortably along the Rhine through the gentle valley. In Drusenheim, you will take a ferry to the other side of the Rhine, and then you will continue through the charming meadow landscape until you get to Rastatt with its baroque old town.
- Accommodation: Ibis Styles or similar (optional upgrade: Schwert)
- Cycling for the day: approx. 65km
Day 3: Rastatt – Germersheim | 55km
Today you cycle along the idyllic old Rhine arms, surrounded by untouched nature. Then you head through the biggest protected natural area in the Palatinate, the Hördter Rheinauen until you get to the former fortress city of Germersheim. The newly formed Rhine river bank and the charming centre of Germersheim provide great relaxation opportunities.
- Accommodation: Kurfürst or similar (optional upgrade: Germersheimer Hof)
- Cycling for the day: approx. 55km
Day 4: Germersheim – Heidelberg | 50km
The Old Father Rhine brings you to the Imperial city of Speyer and its impressive cathedral (listed as UNESCO world heritage). The famous ensemble of the palace and the gardens in Schwetzingen are a highlight of the tour before your day comes to an end in the oldest German university town in Heidelberg.
- Accommodation: Ibis/Premier Inn City or similar (optional upgrade: Bayrischer Hof/Qube Bergheim)
- Cycling for the day: approx. 50km
Day 5: Heidelberg – Worms | 45km
You will cycle along the river Neckar to Ladenburg’s old Roman town with its beautiful medieval inner city. Then you will continue through the Rhine valley to the imperial city of Worms with its cathedral built in the 12th century, the Martin Luther monument and the oldest Jewish cemetery in Europe.
Day 6: Worms – Nierstein | 55km
You will comfortably cycle along the river Rhine. At times you will follow some Rhine tributaries, and soon afterwards you will end up on the other side of the river where you will see the first vineyards. Afterwards, there are only a few more kilometres and then one more crossing over the river Rhine until you get to the charming wine-making village, Nierstein. You should definitely try a glass of Riesling in the evening.
- Accommodation: Schwibinger or similar (optional upgrade: Best Western Wein- und Parkhotel)
- Cycling for the day: approx. 55km
Day 7: Nierstein – Mainz | 20km
Today’s stage is short giving you lots of free time to enjoy. Shortly after Nierstein, the cycle path goes through the vineyards. Enjoy the view across the Rhine valley – the impressive steep vine-growing slopes and the large river are the lifelines of this region. The cycle path runs along the Rhine’s riverbank and then into the centre of Mainz. The imperial cathedral as well as many other attractions provide great sightseeing opportunities.
- Accommodation: InterCity or similar
- Cycling for the day: approx. 20km
Day 8: Departure
Our services end after breakfast. Departure on your own or extension upon request.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation is in en-suite double rooms in 3* hotels. We can optionally upgrade them to the best in town 3 or 4-star hotels. All places have been carefully hand-picked by us, and their quality is regularly monitored. We have tried to choose accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
Click to view standard hotels
Note that hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel from the ones listed above is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal or higher value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Click to view upgraded hotels
Note that hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel from the ones listed above is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal or higher value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Accommodation is on a bed & breakfast basis. When no restaurant location is available on route lunches and snacks should either be bought from local shops or you can pre-order a packed lunch at your hotel. Dinner is available either from the restaurant in your accommodation or the ones in the town.
Difficulty and terrain
You ride on dedicated lanes along the Rhine bike path, which is mostly flat and easy to cycle for everybody. Through the Rhine flood plains, there are some long sections on gravel paths. Average cycling distance per day is approximately 50-60km (read more about difficulty grades). If you are having doubts about the difficulty, it is possible to rent an e-bike as well. The cycle path is easy to navigate. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available from March until late September, departing each Thursday and Saturday.
Germany enjoys frequent weather changes, although it tends to be most stable in the summer. Early spring till late autumn is the best season for a cycling tour. The country has four distinct seasons with rainfall in most months, especially in the autumn. Summers are rarely hot (usually about 25C).
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airports for this holiday are the ones in Strasbourg, Baden-Baden or Stuttgart
By train or bus
- There are good train connections in both Strasbourg and Meinz
- Up-to-date train schedules are available here: www.bahn.de (or use the Omio planner above)
- Public car park in Strasbourg costs approx. 15 EUR per day, payable on the spot
Inclusions
Included
- 7 overnights with breakfast as detailed in the itinerary
- Luggage transfer on all cycling days (no limit on the number of pieces per person, max 20kg)
- Welcome briefing and bike fitting (if renting a bike from us)
- Detailed travel documents (1 set per room) with route maps, route description, local attractions, important telephone numbers
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Ferry tickets in Neuburg and Nierstein (cost approx. EUR 2,50 per person incl. bike)
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses such as phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not specifically mentioned as included in the programme
Options, extras and supplements
- A supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Bike rental (standard hybrid bike or e-bike)
- Accommodation upgrade
- Extra nights
- Half-board supplement (add dinner on each day)
Bike rental
For this tour we offer rental of standard 27-gear trekking bikes, as well as e-bikes.
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