Rhine cycle path III

Introduction

This cycle tour goes through three magnificent European regions – Alsace, Baden and the Palatinate and there is a very pleasantly mild climate throughout. Due to both the history and the climate, these three regions have one thing in common – winegrowing. In terms of food, you will enjoy a large variety here. During this tour, charming landscapes alter and you can expect lots of cultural highlights too. How did the Romans bring winegrowing to this region? What did the German emperors leave behind in Strasbourg, Speyer and Worms? Look forward to the great atmosphere and a lovely route along the river Rhine.

Day 1:Arrival in Strasbourg In and around Strasbourg Tour information and bike fitting. You will spend a wonderful evening in the Alsatian capital with its many canals and a unique atmosphere.

Day 2: Strasbourg–Rastatt approx. 65km In and around Rastatt A wonderfully made cycle path takes you through the town to the Rhine’s river bank. You will cycle comfortably along the Rhine through the gentle Rhine valley. In Drusenheim, you will take a ferry to the other side of the Rhine river bank and then you will continue through the charming meadow landscape until you get to Rastatt with its baroque old town.

Day 3: Rastatt –Germersheim approx. 60 km In and around Germersheim Today you cycle idyllically along the old Rhine arms through what seems like untouched nature. Then you head through the biggest nature protection area in the Palatinate, the Hördter Rheinauen until you get to the former fortress city of Germersheim. The newly formed Rhine river bank and the unhurried centre of Germersheim provide some amusement.

Day 4: Germersheim –Heidelberg approx. 50 km In and around Heidelberg The Old Father Rhine brings you to the Imperial city of Speyer and its impressive and UNESCO world heritage cathedral. The famous ensemble of the palace and palace gardens in Schwetzingen are further highlights of the tour before your day comes to an end in the oldest German university town in Heidelberg.

Day 5: Heidelberg –Worms approx. 45 km In and around Worms You will cycle along the river Neckar to the old Roman town of Ladenburg with its beautiful medieval inner city. Then you will continue your tour through the Rhine valley to the imperial city of Worms with its cathedral built in the 12th century, the Martin Luther monument and the oldest Jewish cemetery in Europe.

Day 6: Worms –Nierstein approx. 55 km In and around Nierstein You will comfortably cycle along the river Rhine. Lots of agriculture will accompany you on this stage. Everything that tastes good gets grown here!At times you will cycle along the old Rhine arms today and then soon afterwards you will end up on the other side of the river bank where you will see the first vines. Afterwards there are only a few more kilometres and then one more crossing overthe river Rhine until you get to the charming wine-making village, Nierstein. You should definitely try a glass of Riesling in the evening!

Day 7:Nierstein –Mainz approx. 20km Today’s stage is short giving you lots of free time to enjoy. Shortly after Nierstein the cycle path goes through the vineyards. Take a view across the Rhine valley –the impressive steep wine-growing slopes and the large river are the lifelines for this region. The cycle path runs along the Rhine’s river bank and then into the centre of Mainz. The imperial cathedral as well asmany other attractions are the magnets attractingmany visitors here from both close and far away.

Day 8:Departure or extension