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Germany & France: Mainz to Strasbourg & v.v. by Bike & Barge
Self Guided 8 Days / 7 Nights
Cross the French-German border several times to explore both the French region of the Alsace and the German Black Forest area. Indulge in fine wine and delicious cuisine of these gourmet regions. Along with beautiful churches and romantic castles, visit scenic towns with half-timbered medieval houses like Speyer, Kehl and Strasbourg, not to forget the magical “Student Prince” town of Heidelberg. Finish this exciting week in Strasbourg.
Highlights:
- 2 countries with their distinctive features
- Half timbered houses, Baroque, Gothic and Romanesque architecture
- Visit Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace region
- Taste the famous wines of the Alsace & Rhine regions
Your JourneyDay 1: Arrive Mainz Allow time to see the Old Town with its wonderful half-timbered houses and the Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Martin. Day 2: Mainz – Nierstein – Worms (20 or 60 km) Cycle along the Rhine Cycle Route to Nierstein, one of the largest wine-growing communities on the Rhine. Visit the historic Old Town with its medieval market square and noble houses. Cruise with the barge or cycle to the imperial city of Worms. Day 3: Worms to Mannheim (26 km) Start today’s bike ride from the imperial city of Worms. setting off through vast meadows and the beautiful cycle trail across Friesenheim Island to the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Neckar in Mannheim where your boat will be waiting for you. This afternoon take a stroll through Mannheim, the city of Squares, up to the Baroque Castle. The water tower in Mannheim is also well worth a visit. Day 4: Mannheim - Heidelberg - Mannheim Cycle Tour (52 km) Today follow the marvellous Neckar River up to Heidelberg, perhaps making a stop in the historic Roman Old Town of Ladenburg. You will soon be able to see the ruins of Heidelberg castle from afar – perched on the slopes of Mr Konigstuhl, it towers over the city and river. Admire the famous Heidelberg red sandstone bridge and take a stroll through the narrow lanes and soak up the atmosphere in the picturesque squares. Your way back leads through the heart of the Electoral Palatinate along the Kurpfalzruote cycle way to Schwetzingen Castle. Day 5: Mannheim – Speyer (27 km) Cycle past oxbow lakes of the Old Rhine till you reach the city of Speyer, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its’ 1,000 year old cathedral, city gate and Old Town. Afternoon free to wander the town. Day 6: Speyer – Germersheim (22 km)/ Boat tour Lock Gambsheim Cycle a tranquil natural landscape to the old fortified town of Germersheim. Continue to Karlsruhe, with its Baroque Palace in the heart of the city. Karlsruhe is a verdant city with gardens, an abundance of parks, lakes and woods. Later relax onboard and enjoy a boat tour of Gambsheim. Day 7: Lock Gambsheim – Strasbourg (18 km) Ride beside the river through the gentle Rhine plain to Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region, with its countless canals. Stroll to the Strasbourge Minster, through the picturesque Tanners' Quarter. Enjoy a wonderful piece of French joie de vivre while your journey slowly comes to an end. Day 8 Disembark in Strasbourg at 9 am. Terrain / GradeThe quality of the cycle ways along this route is excellent. Most of the way is paved or asphalted and does not have any gradients of note. This makes the trip suitable for all levels of cyclists. cycle between 20 to 50 km per day. |
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