Mainz – Cologne, MS Olympia

Embark between 3pm and 5pm. There may be time to see the old town of Mainz with its lovely alleys and public squares.

Today we will show you why the river Rhine and its surroundings are part of the UNESCO world cultural heritage. Beautiful islands, steep slate rocks and vineyards shape the region around Rüdesheim. By bike you will pass Eltville with its fortress "Kurfürstliche Burg“ and Oestrich-Winkel with its crane for loading wine as a famous landmark and arrive finally in Rüdesheim. Here, the world-famous wine alley "Drosselgasse” is well worth a visit.

Today you will cycle along the Rhine through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, passing romantic castles and ruins. These buildings include the Reichenstein and Rheinstein fortresses. You will also go past the famous rock of the Loreley on your way to St. Goar - today's destination. From the top of the rock you will have a beautiful view of St. Goar and St. Goarshausen.

Boppard and the Marksburg are possible destinations today on your way to Coblenz with its famous “Deutsche Eck” (German corner), where the rivers Moselle and Rhine merge. From the fortress Ehrenbreitstein, which you can reach comfortably by cableway, you will enjoy a fantastic view over the splendid landscape of the Rhine. Tickets for the cableway are available on board.

Your path will lead you past Neuwied with its castle Engers to Andernach, which is today's destination. Like Coblenz this is one of the oldest cities in Germany. Here you will find the famous cold water gush spring. This water fountain with a height of 50 to 60 meters is said to be the highest in the world. In Andernach you can enjoy sights like the Round Tower or you can visit the wine village Leutesdorf, which you can reach from Andernach by ferry.

On your way to Bonn it is worthwhile to visit castle Drachenburg in Königswinter on the Drachenfels (steep slope) or the Sea Life with its various marine inhabitants. Later in the day you will reach Bonn. Germany's former capital is cosy yet cosmopolitan. Numerous global organisations still have their headquarters here and provide the city of Beethoven with international flair.

Before you reach Cologne by bike, you can have a nice rest at the leisure island Groov amidst a vast landscape of the Rheinaue wetland in one of Cologne's suburbs, Porz-Zündorf.

Once you have reached the city centre of Cologne, take your time for a stroll through the old town. Museums like the Ludwig Museum or the Chocolat Museum by the river Rhine are worth a visit. The modern parts of Cologne are also good and can be found at the port of the Rheinaue wetland with its crane houses. The breweries with their famous “Kölsch” beer show a relaxed side to this big city.

After breakfast it is time to disembark. Please do so before 9am.