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2026 2027

Cochem – Aschaffenburg or v.v. Along the Mosel, Rhine & Main rivers

9 reviews

Difficulty
Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain

1 Difficulty level 1
Duration
The duration of the tour

8 days
Guidance
Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days

Guided

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 …

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Cochem – Aschaffenburg or v.v.

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.

The ship – Your floating hotel

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.

Fully Guided

Accompanied by a competent, professional and multilingual tour leader, you and the group will visit interesting sights and places on the daily cycling tours. During the bike tour, they will explain the local history and culture behind the things you encounter along the way. You can also choose to ride individually with the help of our Ride with GPS app and our BBT cycling map (available on board).

Itinerary

Program: Cochem – Aschaffenburg Program: Aschaffenburg – Cochem

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Day 1 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.

Day 2 Cochem – Karden | Karden – Koblenz

38km23 mi

Enjoy the scenic landscape during breakfast as we cruise along the Moselle River to Karden. The highlight of our first cycling tour is the magnificent medieval Eltz Castle. Since the fortress is situated high above the valley, part of the route will be covered on foot. Eltz Castle is one of the few castles that has never been damaged by warfare. It has been owned by the same family for more than 800 years, and they continue to maintain this historic landmark to this day. Its unparalleled architecture and numerous original furnishings will make you feel as though you have stepped back in time. A guide will lead you through the castle. Visit the armory and treasury to admire the exceptional craftsmanship in silver and gold. With its many towers and pointed roofs, Eltz Castle rises above a wooded valley and looks as though it has come straight out of a fairy tale.

After this special excursion, we continue cycling through the wine region, passing through towns such as Klotten, Pommern, and Alken. These are all typical Moselle villages, featuring charming half-timbered houses and, of course, their own local wines. Today’s destination is Koblenz. This fascinating and historic city has been an important defensive stronghold and economic center for centuries. Highlights include the historic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress overlooking the right bank of the Rhine, the 12th-century Alte Burg castle, and Koblenz’s charming Old Town.

Day 3 Koblenz – St. Goar

37km22 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.

Day 4 St. Goar – Oberwesel | Oberwesel – Rüdesheim (Bingen)

23km14 mi or 30km18 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.

Day 5 Rüdesheim (Bingen) – Mainz

35km21 mi or 43km26 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.

Day 6 Mainz – Frankfurt-am-Main

40km24 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.

Day 7 Frankfurt-am-Main – Aschaffenburg

50km31 mi or 54km33 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.

Day 8 Aschaffenburg

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before warm goodbyes and disembarking the ship at 9.30 am in Aschaffenburg.

Day 1 Embarkation: Aschaffenburg

Individual arrival and embarkation from 2 p.m. in Aschaffenburg, where you will stay for the night. After a welcome by the captain, crew and tour leader there is time for a walking tour town. The tranquil university-city is located at the foot of the Spessart and offers numerous magnificent buildings. Johannisburg Castle, build with red sandstone, is one of the most important and most beautiful Renaissance buildings in Germany. The lively center with narrow streets offers many half-timbered houses and numerous wine bars and cafes.

Day 2 Asschaffenburg – Frankfurt-am-Main

50km31 mi or 54km33 mi

Today’s bike tour leads through Kleinostheim and Dettingen. After crossing the River Main on a small ferry, the tour continues to the romantic city of Seligenstadt with its winding alleys, wood framed houses, and basilica. We bike further along the river to Hanau, the town where the famous Grimm Brothers were born. You will find the barge again in in Frankfurt-am-Main, 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.

Day 3 Frankfurt-am-Main – Mainz

40km24 mi

Today you bike from Frankfurt to Mainz, still following the lovely valley of the river Main.

Our destination is Mainz, where the Main river meets 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.

Day 4 Mainz – Rüdesheim (Bingen)

35km21 mi or 43km26 mi

This beautiful stage leads through rolling vineyards and well-known wine villages. The Rhine is flowing quite unhurriedly, forming little islands and broadening its bed up to 800 m width! Before you reach Rüdesheim you may visit the half-timbered town of Eltville and monastery Eberbach, which are worth seeing.

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 cosy 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.

Day 5 Rüdesheim (Bingen) – St. Goar

40km24 mi

Today we bike along the lovely banks of the middle Rhine to St. Goar. Pompous castles attract on the way. We pass the Loreley, the narrowest part in the romantic Rhine Valley. 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.

Day 6 St. Goar – Koblenz

45km27 mi

Todays bike tour first goes to 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 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. Later you continue to the beautiful city of Koblenz, where the Rhine & the Moselle rivers meet. Highlights of this city are the historic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress overlooking the right bank of the Rhine, the 12th-century Alte Burg castle, and Koblenz’s charming Old Town.

Day 7 Koblenz – Alken | Alken – Moselkern – Cochem

40km24 mi

We start the day by cruising to Alken where you’ll set out by bike to Moselkern. The village of Moselkern is famous for its castle Burg Eltz. This stronghold is one of the most impressive medieval buildings of Western Europe. It’s not easy to reach though, you need to hike the last section to reach the castle. After visiting Burg Eltz, you continue the bike tour to Cochem, one of the Moselle region’s most frequently visited wine towns. Cochem is a cozy traditional town full of wine cellars and half-timbered houses.

Day 8 Cochem

Final morning of your tour: disembark the ship after breakfast and warm goodbyes until 9.30 am in Cochem.

Good to know

Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
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.
The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
On the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11.00 am.
A detailed cycling map and a GPS app are available for guests who wish to cycle individually and at their own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.

The bicycles of Boat Bike Tours

Always the best rental bikes

The rental bikes on our ships are unisex bicycles with a low bar and a comfortable upright sitting position. These are stable and dependable bikes, good for miles in the saddle. Decide which kind of bike you want to rent and simply fill in your preference with your reservation. We’ll make sure you get the right bike for you. On most of our tours, the bike rental cost is not included in the tour’s price.

Every Boat Bike Tour rental bike is well equipped. The bikes consist of a lightweight aluminum frame and have highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds, an adjustable gel seat, normal flat pedals (no clips), an easy-to-use lock attached to the frame, and special puncture-resistant tires. All told, this is a light, stable and reliable bike, very suitable for touring long distances pleasantly.

Our e-bikes also have at least seven speeds and handbrakes. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame, and sport anti-puncture tires. Note that some of the ships have their own bikes on board. They may look a bit different, but qualitatively they are equal to Boat Bike Tours’s e-bikes.

Bicycle helmets
The use of bicycle helmets is not required in the Netherlands, but for safety’s sake they are suggested. If you wish to rent one, you can do so during the booking process. If you book a premium tour and rent a bike or e-bike, then the helmet and a “limit of liability for damage or loss” for your bike or e-bike is included in the rental price.

Other rental items
Other items such as children’s bikes, tandems, family tandems (child & adult), tag-along, trailers to carry toddlers and child seats are available on request.

Taking your own bike or e-bike?
The fee for parking your own bicycle is €10 per week. For an e-bike the fee is €25 to cover parking and charging the battery. For safety reasons it is not always possible to charge your e-bike batteries in your cabin. The crew will tell you where you can charge the battery on board the ship. Neither the crew nor Boat Bike tours is responsible in any way for any damage, loss or theft of a guest’s own bike or e-bike or its accessories. Note: not all the ships are suitable or have enough room for extra bikes, so make sure you check with us well ahead of travel.

Touring bikes

Our bicycles have a lightweight aluminum frame and are furnished with highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds and a gel seat whose height can be adjusted. Attached to the frame is an easy-to-use lock and the wheels carry puncture-resistant tires.

E-bikes

Our e-bikes also have highly-responsive handbrakes and a minimum of seven speeds. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame and special anti-puncture tires.

If all e-bikes on the ship are booked, it is possible to rent a limited number of additional e-bikes through an external bike rental company. This is on request and at an additional cost (including transportation costs).

Taking your own bicycle

It is possible to take your own bike or e-bike with you, as long as it doesn’t have mirrors or other elements that stick out. There’s only limited space available on board for guests’ bikes. You can reserve a place for your bike for a small fee. Boat Bike tours is not responsible for damage to your bike or for theft.

Prices & availability

Practical information

Included in this tour

8 days/7 nights
7 x breakfast
Packed lunches
6 x 3-course dinner
Coffee and tea on board
Welcome drink
Use of towels and bed linen
Daily cleaning of the cabin
Daily briefings
Fully-guided cycling tours ( from 22 guests: 2 tour leaders, 2 groups)
Some short walking tours
BBT cycling map (1 per cabin)
GPS tracks
Use of a helmet
Use of a waterproof pannier bag
Biodegradable water bottle
Fees for ferries
Visit Burg Eltz
Local winetating in Rüdesheim
Visit Johannisburg Palace
Wi-Fi
The CO2 emissions from this trip will be offset through Trees for All and plastic recycler Orca.

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Excluded from this tour

1x Dinner
Drinks
Bicycle rental or e-bike rental
Personal insurance
Gratuities (at your discretion)
Entrance fees and excursions (not mentioned under included)
Transfers to/from the docking place
Parking fees
SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person – will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)

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Additional options & information

2026:

Rental Premium Hybrid bicycle: €140 per week (optional)
Rental E-Bike Premium: €273 (only a limited number of electrical bikes available: pref. reservation by booking)
Parking own bicycle: €14 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
Parking + charge station own E-Bike: €28 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
Please click on this link for more information about the rental and own bicycles/E-bikes

Loyalty Discount

Explore our Loyalty Discount!

After your tour, you’ll receive an exclusive discount code:

You get 3% on your second tour with us.
From the third tour onwards, you will receive a 5% discount.
Enjoy savings on any of our upcoming trips in 2026.

Check your post-tour email for details. You can combine this discount with other promotions for additional savings. Join us again for another adventure by boat and bike!

Discover more

From the Rhine and Moselle to the Main and Saar, you’ll cycle through fairytale towns, medieval fortresses and rolling hills while enjoying authentic German hospitality. Savor world-class wines and hearty beer gardens along the way, and discover more tours in Germany.

Media (21)

Aschaffenburg Johannisburg castle

Frankfurt

Guests wine tour

Koblenz and castle

Koblenz statue Kaiser Wilhelm

Koblenz view on the river

Koblenz view German corner

Loreley

Mainz cathedral

Germany Strasbourg Mainz Mainz marketplace

Moselkern Eltz castle

Moselkern villa

Rüdesheim vineyards

Rhein I

Wine grapes growing

Wine empty bottles

Winehouse

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Reviews

4/5

based on 9 reviews on

5 star		4 (44%)
4 star		4 (44%)
3 star		1 (11%)
2 star		0 (0%)
1 star		0 (0%)

3 / 5

Cool small boat & crew, but Dining Area Too Hot

We hit a hot week in Germany, with temps in the mid to high 80’s daily.. the dining area (primary floor) is area is not air conditioned and minimal air circulation.. rough, recall wiping sweat from my forehead throughout dinner for two nights. No option to eat outside. They close all doors each night for security, so without nigh time cooling it was often still hot for breakfast. Note the bedroom are air conditioned nicely.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours
Thank you for your feedback. We’re happy you enjoyed the Princesse Royal and crew, but we’re sorry to hear the dining area was uncomfortably warm during your trip. Unfortunately, not all ships have air conditioning in shared spaces, and the heatwave made this especially noticeable. We re looking into ways to improve ventilation and guest comfort during hot weather. Your input is very helpful, and we appreciate you bringing it to our attention.

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G Grant

Jul 7th, 2025
4 / 5

First ant not the last

First ant not the last

Reply from Boat Bike Tours
Thank you for your great review! We re thrilled to hear that your trip was so enjoyable, and we can t wait to welcome you back for many more adventures in the future. Kind regards, Boat Bike Tours

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Carlos Gonzalez

Jul 6th, 2025
4 / 5

Very well organised trip with excellent&

Very well organised trip with excellent guides and equipment. The boat was well laid out and the cabin comfortable. Food was good. Only quibble was the dining area got really stuffy and warm on hot days- a couple of standing electric fans would have helped. Aircon in cabins so not an issue there

Reply from Boat Bike Tours
Thank you for your thoughtful review! We re so glad to hear that you found the trip well-organized and enjoyed the guides, equipment, and cabins. It s great that the food met your expectations as well. We really appreciate your feedback about the dining area and will consider adding some fans to improve comfort on hotter days. We re happy to know the air conditioning in the cabins kept you comfortable! We d love to welcome you back for another fantastic trip soon! Kind regards, Boat Bike Tours

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Mary R

Jul 6th, 2025
5 / 5

Wonderful Biking Experience

I love combining biking with boating in such a relaxing way. This was my second tour and I was pleased once again by the friendly staff, comfortable accommodations and a well thought out ride with a pace that is comfortable.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours
Thank you for your wonderful review! We re so happy to hear that you enjoyed your second tour with us and that the combination of biking and boating continued to offer a relaxing and enjoyable experience. It s fantastic that the staff, accommodations, and rides helped make your trip so memorable. We d love to welcome you back for a third adventure soon! Kind regards, Boat Bike Tours

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Sylvia E

Jul 5th, 2025

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Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00

USA: +1 203 814 1249

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We will respond within 48 hours

1 Ship available for this tour

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Princesse Royal

Classic elegance

Jacuzzi

Piano

Individually controlled air conditioning

max. 35 passengers 16 cabins
More info

Questions or advice

Our Tour Advisors are here to assist you: Monday to Friday
Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00
New York: 6:00AM to 7:00PM

NL: +31 (0) 20 72 35 400
USA: +1 203 814 1249

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Cochem – Aschaffenburg or v.v.

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Cochem – Aschaffenburg or v.v.