The historic spa town of Bad Wimpfen looks like it’s stepped straight out of the Middle Ages and is the perfect starting point for this scenic bike and boat holiday. Embarkation is from 4pm and after dinner the crew deliver a short welcome meeting. The Patria remains at her mooring in Bad Wimpfen overnight.

Your first ride leads you along a series of bike paths and minor roads beside the river to the town of Neckarzimmern. Here you can ascend, on foot or by bike, to Castle Burg Hornberg, where Götz von Berlichingen, the iron-fisted knight, once lived. The route continues along the meandering, scenic valley past the pleasant towns of Binau and Neckargerach to the beautiful,medieval town of Eberbach where the Patria is waiting for you and remains moored for the night.

Today’s very scenic ride leads you first to Hirschhorn, a charming medieval village of narrow streets and closely packed half-timbered buildings overlooked by a towering castle. You then ride through the woods of the Odenwald to Neckarsteinach, another old and charming riverside town. Shortly after the town of Ziegelhausen you arrive in the beautiful old town of Heidelberg. The town enjoys a tranquil location on the banks of the Neckar in a steep, wooded valley. An after-dinner stroll through the attractive winding streets of the old town is highly recommended. The Patria remains moored in Heidelberg overnight.

Today’s relatively short ride starts with the perfect view of Heidelberg and its castle from the opposite river bank. A few kilometers further along the river you reach the beautiful old town of Ladenburg where you must stop to admire the lovely half-timbered houses and perhaps enjoy a coffee in the picturesque square. At Mannheim you leave the Neckar River behind and board the Patria for a lunchtime cruise up the Rhine River to the pretty village of Nierstein which is surrounded by vineyards and produces some wonderful crisp white wines. This is a popular spot to experience the vineyards on board a tractor trailer. The Patria moors for the night in this pleasant spot.

Today’s ride is quite short and leads you from the largest wine producing community on the Rhine to the historic city of Mainz. Explore the beautiful medieval market square with its Renaissance fountain and the Romanesque Cathedral with its distinctive Octagonal tower. Johannes Gutenberg introduced movable type printing to Europe and is perhaps the city’s most famous son. The Gutenberg Museum, located opposite the cathedral, is well worth a visit and includes a replica of an early press as well as examples of some of the first prints ever made. The Patria moors for the night in Mainz.

A beautiful landscape and picturesque medieval villages characterise today’s route as you cycle further along the Rhine River from Mainz to the beautiful town of Rüdesheim. Take a stroll through the centre of this famous old wine town, perhaps ducking into a tavern to sample the excellent local product. The Wine Museum in medieval Brömserburg Castle exhibits wine making equipment of various vintages and we also recommend a trip up the hillside in the cable-car to admire the beauful view over the town and valley. The Patria will moor for the night in Rüdesheim or nearby Bingen.

The last day in the saddle is once again packed full of amazing scenery and picturesque, riverside towns and villages. Cycle along the left river bank to Boppard from where you can enjoy a sensational view of the Rhine Valley. On your way, you will pass the the charming villages of Bacharach and Sankt Goar. You can also stop at the celebrated Lorelei Rock, scene of many a boating accident, either due to the fast flowing waters or perhaps the legendary water nymph – you decide. In the afternoon the Patria carries you to Koblenz where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. The famous city marks the end of your cycling odyssey and the Patria remains moored here for your last night aboard.

After breakfast it’s time to disembark, by 9am, and head for home or your next adventure.