Rhine & Neckar, Germany’s best kept secrets

Afternoon check in and Merlijn starts cruising the Rhine river. We will offer a welcome drink and introduce the crew. We also inform you about the tour, the ship and give you a safety briefing. At night, Merlijn will dock at a cosy small village along the river, you can stroll through town and admire cosy streets and half-timbered houses.

*Note: Mainz is not visited on our tour. Schedule an extra night to visit Mainz, which is known for its spacious squares, lovingly restored half-timbered houses and magnificent Baroque churches that lend the old town a “gemütliches” (charming) character.

After breakfast the bike tour to Worms starts and takes you away from the Rhine, along the vineyards and sometimes a little rolling paths. Beautiful nature will be your reward! Worms is famous for its Cathedral and Marten Luther. In the afternoon you will have time to explore this interesting city. After dinner you may want to have a look at the famous Nibelungen tower, which is located directly at the Rhine river, close to the Merlijn.

After another delicious breakfast onboard your bike tour will start. Partly Rhine, partly Neckar river today, the difference is noticeable. Merlijn will await you in a small ancient town along the Neckar, where it seems that time has stood still. After boarding the ship, we’ll cruise towards Heidelberg and have dinner.

This day we intended for everyone to really get their money's worth! The ship will stay docked in Heidelberg, a fantastically beautiful city where the culture lover can indulge, but also the shopping fanatic can get his fill. Of course there will also be a cycle tour offered, or just relax onboard.

In the afternoon, look around for your favourite restaurant, because tonight you can try the local gastronomy during dinner on your own, in one of the many restaurants in Heidelberg.

During the morning cruise we’ll pass Hirschhorn, one of the pearls on the Neckar river, best to be seen from the ship’s terrace. Today you will bike through the southern part of the Odenwald. Afternoon Merlijn will pick you up at a small dock and cruise to Bad Wimpfen where we stay overnight.

Todays cycling tour goes mostly along the Neckar river, your guide will look for a castle to visit or to have your picknick lunch, Castles are usually on a hill that takes some effort to climb. On the way you also pass by Heilbronn, which is a charming city known for its rich wine-making tradition in the Württemberg region. The city also offers a mix of history, culture, and modern industry, with attractions like the Kilianskirche and the annual Heilbronner Weindorf wine festival. We’ll end the day in Ludwigsburg, the city centre is located at a fair distance from the dock. Spend your evening onboard and we’ll visit town tomorrow.

Your last sailing breakfast onboard Merlijn. First you’ll cycle towards Ludwigsburg centre, located on a hill. After your visit, cycle along the Neckar river. We are getting closer to the industry of Stuttgart, your guide will look for the most beautiful route. Expect a beautiful ride where meadow landscapes alternate with small towns. We’ll serve a farewell dinner onboard, enjoy the evening and the cozy atmosphere with your new cycling friends.

Later that morning, it is time to say goodbye and continue your European trip or leave for the airport.