Rhine Valley Wine and Castles 

Germany

Heidelberg to Koblenz (6 days)

This cycle route takes one through the most scenic parts of the Rhine Valley. We visit castles, see the sights of the many medieval towns and get an exclusive view of this wine and fruit growing region, whilst following the route of this most famous river. Cross the Rhine by ferry, enjoy the locally grown produce, sample the wines of the region, be lured by the Lorrelei, ride the cable car for picturesque views or take a boat trip on the Rhine.

This Rhine Valley cycle covers a distance of 235 km's on cycle paths and quiet roads. The route is relatively easy with some slight hills and is fully supported, so family friendly.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1	Arrival in Heidelberg
	Arrive in the old University town of Heidelberg and use the day to take a cable car to the 'Konigstuhl' and castle or explore the well preserved old town. We meet over dinner for our tour briefing.
Day 2	Heidelberg to Bensheim (±50km)
	Todays cycle takes us from Heidelberg along the famous Bergstrasse. We cycle through a landscape dotted with ancient monuments, castles and farm lands. Soak in the smells as we pass through the orchards that cover this area.
Day 3	Bensheim to Mainz (±50km)
	Welcome to wine country. Our cycle takes us through the vineyards along the Rhine until our ferry crossing at Gernsheim. After a brief respite we enter the wine region of Pfalz, where we cycle through the many wine growing villages that inhabit this region.
Day 4	Mainz to Rüdesheim (±45km)
	Our destination today is Rüdesheim, one of the best known wine resorts on the Rhine. Along the way we pass through the quaint, but beautiful villages of Eltville and Adelshöfen. In the afternoon we do a wine tasting before taking the cable car to the top of the mountain for an unsurpassed view of the Rhine Valley.
Day 5	Rüdesheim to Boppard (±40km)
	The cycle today takes us through some of the Rhine Valleys most scenic areas. The area known as the middle Rhine contains an interesting mix of old castles, vineyards and myths. We have the oppurtunity to again taste the regions wines at the wine resort of Bacharach.
Day 6	Boppard to Koblenz (±26km)
	Following the river we pass through orchards and small towns to the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. We are also presented with a further chance to view the Rhine Valley from one of the mountain tops. We enjoy a festive last dinner in Koblenz

Price (Euro)

• International and domestic flights.
• Bicycle hire. Bring your own bike or we can assist with bike hire.
• Travel insurance. Make sure your insurance covers cycling.
• Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks.
• Prices are per person sharing and a single supplement is applicable.

• Accommodation for 6 nights in hotels and pensions with private facilities on some nights.
• All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 6.
• Fully supported transport during the trip for you and, more importantly, your luggage.
• A qualified cycling guide (German speaking if available) 
• All activities as described, unless otherwise indicated.

Departures

11 - 16 July 2009

9 - 14 August 2009