Bike and boat: from Cologne to Mainz with the MS Switzerland

Before your bike tour, take some time for a stroll through the old town. Afterwards, cycle to Bonn, which, as the former capital and federal city, still retains an international flair. On the way, if the weather is nice, a visit to the Groov "leisure island" in the expansive Rhine meadows of the Cologne district of Porz-Zündorf is worthwhile. In Bonn, museums such as the House of History and the Bundeskunsthalle (Federal Art Gallery) vie for your attention, but the Beethoven House, the Rheinaue leisure park, and the Federal Quarter with its Path of Democracy are also worth a visit.

The journey continues by bicycle towards Andernach. Königswinter is known for Drachenburg Castle on the Drachenfels (a steep climb). Today's destination, Andernach, is famous for the world's largest cold-water geyser, whose water shoots up to 60 meters high in an impressive display.

Neuwied, with its impressive Engers Castle, lies on your way to Koblenz. At the famous Deutsches Eck (German Corner) with the equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I, the river flows. Mosel into the Rhine. Another attraction is Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which you can also reach via the Koblenz Rhine cable car. 

The cycling tour continues down the Rhine through the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley. You'll pass the romantic Marksburg, the only hilltop castle on the Middle Rhine that has never been destroyed, and the town of Boppard with its Electoral Castle, before reaching St. Goar. Here, the ruins of Rheinfels Castle, the largest castle ruins on the Rhine, await you. Also worth seeing are Katz and Maus Castles on the opposite bank of the Rhine in St. Goarshausen.

You'll pass beautiful Rhine castles again, such as Reichenstein Castle and Rheinstein Castle. Cycling past the famous Lorelei Rock, you'll finally reach Rüdesheim. Explore Rüdesheim's historically significant sights. Or treat yourself to a ride on the cable car to the Niederwald Monument. From there, you'll have a magnificent view of Rüdesheim's old town and the river.

On the final cycling stage, the Rhine reveals itself once again in all its beauty. Eltville am Rhein lies along your route. The Electoral Castle, the city's landmark, is well worth a visit. MainZ, today's destination, boasts numerous impressive buildings. Perhaps you'll visit the High Cathedral of St. Martin. MainFor example, one of Germany's proud imperial cathedrals or the Electoral Palace. In the old town, you'll find charming alleyways and squares like Augustinerstraße and Kirschgarten, with beautiful half-timbered houses and wine restaurants.

Disembarkation after breakfast at 09:00 AM. Departure on your own.