Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Flights
available
Navigation App
Dreaming of a holiday where cycling seamlessly blends with nature, culture, culinary delights, and riverside tranquillity? Look no further. We've curated a gentle adventure along the Rhine Cycle Path, where the mighty river winds through France and Germany, guiding you from Strasbourg to Mainz with a mix of scenic paths, historic towns, and regional charm.
Your journey begins in Strasbourg, a city of Franco-German heritage, where timber-framed houses lean over winding canals. As you cross the border into Germany, the cycling path flows effortlessly past vineyards and sleepy villages, offering peaceful riverside stretches and timeless scenery. In Rastatt, stroll through the beautifully preserved baroque old town, before continuing to the ancient Roman town of Ladenburg, where cobbled lanes and colourful facades tell stories of the past.
Further along the route lies Speyer, home to one of Germany's most awe-inspiring landmarks - the Speyer Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest preserved Romanesque church in Europe. As you cycle onward, discover castles nestled in vineyards, elegant river promenades, and lively town squares where time seems to slow. Finally, your adventure ends in Mainz, a city full of character, known for its historic old town, Gothic spires, and the famous Gutenberg Museum.
Culinary delights are never far. Sip crisp Riesling in Rhineland wine country, snack on fresh bretzels at local markets, and try the Alsatian classic tarte flambee straight from a wood-fired oven. Local specialities like sauerbraten, sausages, and river fish are perfect companions to your journey, best enjoyed on a sunny terrace with the Rhine flowing beside you.
This is more than a cycling holiday - it's a relaxing escape through two cultures, perfect for those who enjoy scenic rides, rich history, and unforgettable flavours. You can even extend your adventure with a few extra days in Strasbourg, Baden-Baden, or Munich.
Arrive in Strasbourg, a charming city where French and German influences meet. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, cruise the canals of Petite France, and admire the stunning Gothic cathedral and its astronomical clock. Don't miss the Alsatian Museum for local heritage, or the impressive Palais Rohan with its fine art and decorative collections. Strasbourg offers the perfect mix of culture, comfort, and gentle sightseeing before your Rhine Cycle Path adventure begins.
You stay at Selected Hotels.
Hotels, Strasbourg
You will stay in a mixture of HHH and 3 or 4 star hotels. The hotels are chosen for their excellent facilities and proximity to the relevant local sites. All rooms have en suite facilities. You will mainly be staying in villages and towns with most offering some shops and restaurants and an ATM machine nearby.
Your first cycling stage begins with a peaceful ride through Strasbourg, following a well-maintained path that leads to the banks of the Rhine. The route then continues through the tranquil Rhine Valley, with its flat terrain and scenic countryside. At Drusenheim, a short ferry crossing takes you across the river, where you'll pedal through open meadows before arriving in Rastatt, known for its elegant baroque old town and relaxed atmosphere.
You stay at Selected Hotels.
Hotels, Rastatt
You will stay in a mixture of HHH and 3 or 4 star hotels. The hotels are chosen for their excellent facilities and proximity to the relevant local sites. All rooms have en suite facilities. You will mainly be staying in villages and towns with most offering some shops and restaurants and an ATM machine nearby.
Today’s route leads you along peaceful paths beside the old Rhine channels, where the surrounding landscape feels wonderfully unspoilt. You’ll cycle through the heart of the Hördter Rheinauen, the largest nature reserve in the Palatinate region, home to rich wildlife and gentle forest trails. Your day ends in the former fortress town of Germersheim, where riverside promenades and a calm, characterful town centre offer a pleasant place to pause and explore.
You stay at Selected Hotels.
Hotels, Gemersheim
You will stay in a mixture of HHH and 3 or 4 star hotels. The hotels are chosen for their excellent facilities and proximity to the relevant local sites. All rooms have en suite facilities. You will mainly be staying in villages and towns with most offering some shops and restaurants and an ATM machine nearby.
Follow the gentle flow of the Rhine as it guides you to the historic Imperial city of Speyer, home to the magnificent UNESCO-listed cathedral, one of the finest Romanesque buildings in Europe. Continue on to the elegant palace and gardens of Schwetzingen, a true Baroque gem. Your day concludes in charming Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town, where cobbled streets and riverside views await.
You stay at Selected Hotels.
Hotels, Heidelberg
You will stay in a mixture of HHH and 3 or 4 star hotels. The hotels are chosen for their excellent facilities and proximity to the relevant local sites. All rooms have en suite facilities. You will mainly be staying in villages and towns with most offering some shops and restaurants and an ATM machine nearby.
Departing Heidelberg, enjoy a gentle ride along the scenic Neckar River to the historic town of Ladenburg, once a Roman settlement, now known for its charming medieval old town and half-timbered architecture. The route then leads you through the lush landscapes of the Rhine Valley to the imperial city of Worms, where you can admire the grand 12th-century cathedral and visit the impressive Martin Luther Monument, a key landmark in Reformation history.
You stay at Selected Hotels.
Hotels, Worms
You will stay in a mixture of HHH and 3 or 4 star hotels. The hotels are chosen for their excellent facilities and proximity to the relevant local sites. All rooms have en suite facilities. You will mainly be staying in villages and towns with most offering some shops and restaurants and an ATM machine nearby.
Today's ride takes you through fertile Rhine Valley farmland, where the landscape is shaped by fields, orchards, and vineyards. Follow peaceful riverside paths, occasionally winding through the old arms of the Rhine, offering glimpses of nature at its most serene. As you cross to the opposite bank, the first vine-covered slopes come into view - a sign you've reached wine country. Your day ends in the delightful village of Nierstein, famed for its crisp Riesling. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a glass in the evening - it's the perfect reward after a relaxing day in the saddle.
You stay at Selected Hotels.
Hotels, Nierstein
You will stay in a mixture of HHH and 3 or 4 star hotels. The hotels are chosen for their excellent facilities and proximity to the relevant local sites. All rooms have en suite facilities. You will mainly be staying in villages and towns with most offering some shops and restaurants and an ATM machine nearby.
On your last day of cycling, enjoy a relaxed ride with plenty of time to take in the surroundings. Leaving Nierstein, the route leads through picturesque vineyards, offering stunning views across the Rhine Valley. The steep, vine-covered hills and the wide, flowing river are the lifeblood of this region. You'll follow the tranquil riverbank before arriving in Mainz, a city rich in culture and charm. Explore the impressive Mainz Cathedral, stroll through historic streets, or visit the renowned Gutenberg Museum - a fitting end to a memorable journey along the Rhine.
You stay at Selected Hotels.
Hotels, Mainz
You will stay in a mixture of HHH and 3 or 4 star hotels. The hotels are chosen for their excellent facilities and proximity to the relevant local sites. All rooms have en suite facilities. You will mainly be staying in villages and towns with most offering some shops and restaurants and an ATM machine nearby.
If you're departing Mainz in the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely morning with some final sightseeing. Visit the Museum of Ancient Seafaring, home to fascinating Roman ship reconstructions, or explore the St. Stephan’s Church, famous for its beautiful Chagall stained glass windows. A gentle stroll through the Rhineland-Palatinate State Museum offers a deeper look into the region’s history. For something lighter, browse the boutiques along Augustinerstraße before a relaxed lunch by the river.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £371.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Strasbourg airport.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Flights
available
Navigation App
