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8 day Escorted tour
The itinerary of this bike & barge tour on Germany’s oldest trade route – the River Rhine – reads like an excursion into history: the Dome of Worms, Nibelungen Gate, the historic old town and castle ruin of Heidelberg, the intimidating fortification of Koblenz. Between all these places you cycle through lovely little historic villages with half-timbered houses, small alleys and then again past vineyards and idyllic river meadows. Enjoy a varied and hugely interesting cycle break with warm and welcoming climate.
On alternate weeks this tour is offered in the opposite direction, ie. from Bad Wimpfen to Koblenz.
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DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
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Day 1: Individual arrival in Koblenz
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Individual arrival at the ship in Koblenz Harbour. The crew welcomes you on board. Experiencing the Old-town on your own is recommended. Embarkment starts at 4 p.m.
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Day 2: Mainz (35 km)
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During the morning, the ship will take you up the Rhine in order to reach the world-famous town of Rüdesheim around noon. After a lunch break you will finally get on the bikes. The ferry will take you to the other side of the river to allow you a tour around Bingen. Then, after a short break, you will continue on your bikes into the centre of Mainz on the right side of the Rhine. Look forward to a tour around the town in the late afternoon. There, you might take the chance to visit one of the many interesting museums.
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Day 3: Nierstein (20 km)
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Heading southwards! From Mainz to Oppenheim. For a while you will stay right by the side of the Rhine, then you will observe the mighty river from a distance. By tractor you discover the vineyards and afterwards a wine tasting and dinner at a local vintners restaurant awaits.
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| Day 4: Nierstein - Worms (40 km) |
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You will rejoin the ship in Worms with its cathedral and Nibelungen gate. Along with the cathedrals of Mainz and Speyer, the cathedral of Worms is one of the greatest creations of Romanic church architecture. Not only tourists come to Worms for a visit, but also the inhabitants of the town love to stroll along the remodeled and restructured Rhine promenade. It is a pleisure to walk from "Strandbar 443" and the "Rheincafe Fürst" past the park to the boathouse "Hagenbräu" and "Kolb`s Biergarten". Marvel at the great variety of exotic plants, almost bringing a Mediterranean flair to the Rhine promenade of Worms.
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Day 5: Heidelber (55 km)
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Leaving Worms we cycle via Lampertheim and Hemsbach to Weinheim and continue to Ladenburg and its wonderful half-timbered houses. Here you will say goodbye to the Rhine and get acquainted with the Neckar. Just a short distance along the Neckar to cycle and you will find yourself in the heart of beautiful Heidelberg, where the ship is already waiting for you. In the late afternoon, a walk around Heidelberg is scheduled; we highly recommend a visit to the castle.
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Day 6: Eberbach (35 km)
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Leaving Heidelberg, your nect destination will be Neckargemünd. On your way you will also pass Ziegelhausen. The route we have chosen leads through the southern Odenwald to Neckarsteinach. You can now look forward to the next stage, the small town Hirschhorn and its castle. This town is considered the treasure of the Neckar valley. The most worthwhile sights are Hirschhorn castle, the ancient Carmelite monastery and the market church. Finally, you will bike to Eberbach, today’s final destination. Enjoy a walk around the narrow streets and the small places supplying a lively atmonsphere.
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Day 7: Eberbach - Bad Wimpfen (40 km)
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After breakfast you will have the energy to bike to Neckarzimmern. A short trip to Hornberg Castle will be very interesting. This castle is one of the most beautiful in the Neckar valley, formerly the home of the bishops of Speyer. Our destination today is Bad Wimpfen – the city where emperor “Friedrich 1 Barbarossa” lived.
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Day 8: Bad Wimpfen
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After breakfast it will be time to say goodbye. Public transport is available to take you back to Koblenz in about 4 hours, or in about 30 minutes to Stuttgart central station, where you have access to ICE trains in all directions.
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PRICE & DETAILS
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| Price & Schedule |
DEPARTURE DATES:
Koblenz to Bad Wimpfen TBA
Bad Wimpfen to Koblenz TBA
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Price per person
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CAD
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$1450
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| Single Supplement |
$750 |
| Upgrade to above deck cabin with picture window |
$300 |
| Low season discount (May 8th, 15th & October 2nd departures) |
-$150 |
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| Included: |
- 7 nights accommodation in a below deck cabin with porthole, air-con, and shower/toilet
- 7 days x full board meal plan (3 meals per day)
- coffee and cake until 4.30pm daily
- daily cleaning service / towels are changed upon request
- welcome drink and orientation on your first evening
- maps and documentation
- daily tour information, bi-lingual (German/English)
- modern 7-speed-tour bicycles with paniers and back-pedal brakes
- all harbour, lock, and bridge fees
- tour guide well acquainted with the local surroundings (bi-lingual German/English)
- option to cycle independently, using maps and information supplied
- vineyard excursion including wine tasting and dinner in Nierstein
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Logding:
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This ship has been placed into service in 2004 and offers space for just 38 uests in 20 roomy and airconditioned cabins, each with 2 single bads, a bathroom and TV. A homey atmosphere and a friendly crew are waiting for you. Due to 2 sundecks, and exclusive panorama saloon and the lovely cabins equipped with TV, the ship is exceoptionally comfortable.
  
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| Rate: |
EASY: Mostly paved cycle paths along the rivers, with a few small hills; Some public roads in the cities; suitable for novice cyclists, families, and experienced cyclists alike.
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| Airport / Transfers |
The nearest international airport is Frankfurt, with regular rail transfers available directly from the terminal (75 minutes). These are available at approx. $45.00 one way.
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Tours 
