Mainz to Strasbourg Boat & Bike Tour
Boat & Bike • 7 nights
VISITING: Germany, France
Overview
Why we love this tour
Romantic castles, palaces and half-timbered houses
Oxbow lakes and protected wetlands
Fairytale fortresses on the Castle Road
Gentle cycling on paved riverside cycle paths
Guiding
Distance
Level
Standard
Departs
Runs
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Cycle and cruise to the historic cities and stunning landscapes between Mainz and Strasbourg. Medieval market squares, grand cathedrals and half-timbered houses are just some of the highlights. The region’s palaces are magnificent, and Heidelberg’s Renaissance castle is simply breathtaking. Staying on the MS Olympia, you’ll dine on board and pedal to a different destination each day. During afternoons, you can explore on foot or relax on the ship’s sun deck.
Gentle cycle paths guide you beside the Rhine and Neckar rivers, past pristine wetlands and oxbow lakes. Paved and signposted, the cycling is suitable for all. Halfway through the tour, you’ll pedal along part of the romantic Castle Road – steeped in tradition, this scenic route is imbued with legends and lined with fortresses that include Europe’s second-biggest Baroque palace. When you arrive in Strasbourg, prepare to be spellbound by its Gothic cathedral, pretty canals and twisting alleys.
This one week tour can be combined with Cologne to Mainz to create a unique two week trip along the Rhine on the same boat.
The Trip
Route
Itinerary
or click on individual days
Accommodation
Mainz to Strasbourg
View full details of MS Olympia.
The superior class MS Olympia was refurbished in 2016 and has 49 cabins with a maximum of 96 passengers. There are 21 main deck twin cabins (approx. 11m²) and 22 upper deck twin cabins (approx. 11m²) plus two single cabins (approx. 9m²). Four larger upper deck twin cabins located at the stern where engine noise is possible are sold with a reduction. All cabins are en-suite with shower and toilet, individually regulated air conditioning, fridge, hair dryer, small safe, TV and large panoramic windows (that open on the upper deck cabins only).
On the upper deck there is a panoramic saloon with a bar, the restaurant is on the main deck. The partly shaded large sun deck has deck chairs from which you can enjoy the beautiful scenery.
MS Olympia
Strasbourg to Mainz
This is the reverse route from Strasbourg to Mainz on the MS Olympia.
What's included
Price includes
7 nights accommodation on the MS Olympia
Board basis: Full board including breakfast, packed lunch for cyclists or light lunch on board (non-cyclists) and dinner
English speaking on-board guide with daily briefings of the bike tours
Maps and route information (GPS tracks available on request) - 2024 departures
Navigation app with maps, route notes & GPS tracks, electronic travel guide with points of interest - 2025 departures
Welcome meeting with drink
Local contact number for assistance
Daily cabin cleaning
Mooring fees
Coffee in the afternoon
Price excludes
Flights and transfers
Cycle helmets
Bike hire
Entrance fees and excursions
Drinks on board
Transfers to/from the docking place
Ferry fees & tips
Onboard - Purchase Helmets €40 (2025)
Bike hire and extras
Bike hire
Bikes come with a pannier and a handlebar bag, small repair kit with spare inner tube, pump and lock are given per cabin and are included at no extra cost when you hire a bike.
Hybrid bike
Hybrid bike with 7 gears
E-bike
Bringing own bike/E-Bike - (E-bikes need to have detachable batteries)
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Friendly service with expert knowledge
Easy to book and pay online
Full financial protection
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about this tour. Simply click on a question to reveal the answer.
Take the train (DB) from Strasbourg and fly from Stuttgart.
Your days will involve gentle riding, mainly on flat terrain and with minimal effort required. Easy cycling holidays are suitable for most people whether you are a regular cyclist or not, however we recommend at least a few practice rides before your holiday!
We are always on hand to offer advice, so please give us a call if you wish to chat about the tour’s grading.
For Boat & Bike tours the boat will generally keep to the advertised itinerary, however the captain may have to adapt the itinerary due to the river or sea conditions.
There is limited space in the cabins, so pack light and take a soft suitcase.
Please advise us of any special requirements at time of booking and we will notify the boat operator in advance. Understandably, kitchen galley space is limited and it may not be possible to provide specialist products (eg. Gluten free). We suggest you bring a few items with you and, in some cases, these can be provided at a supplement.
Yes, you can relax on the boat or explore when you arrive at each destination instead of cycling.
Although there is no organised group, self-guided guests regularly find they come across their fellow passengers along the route during the day and may even get together to form their own cycling groups.
Absolutely! Boat & Bike tours are very sociable and a good choice for single travellers wishing to mix with other guests and share your common interest of cycling.
Your on-board Tour Leader provides daily briefings ahead of the next day's ride. These are always beneficial, including information on the local area, main sights, and tips on good places to stop en route.