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bike boat stuttgart frankfurt

Frankfurt-Stuttgart: Bike & Boat Tour on the Neckar Valley Cycle Route

8 days | Easy
From $2,082 ()
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Frankfurt’s skyline gives way fast to vineyard slopes and castle ruins once you’re on two wheels, and it barely lets up until Stuttgart, half a country later. Much of the ride follows the Neckar Valley Cycle Route, a nearly flat, 370 km (230 mi) route tracing the river end to end—you’ll ride its most scenic stretch, through vineyards, castles, and half-timbered towns in Baden-Württemberg. On this bike and boat tour, you set your own pace using route notes and GPS tracks, with a tour manager on call by phone if you need anything. Your ship carries you onward each evening, so the only real decision left is which castle to stop at next.

Adventure Highlights

  • Castle above the Neckar: Cycle right up to Heidelberg’s hilltop castle and its Old Bridge, one of the standout stops on the ride between Frankfurt and Stuttgart
  • From glass towers to royal gardens: Start among Frankfurt’s skyscrapers and finish near Stuttgart’s palaces and vineyards (or vice versa), with medieval river towns filling the week in between
  • No luggage, no hotel to find: Every evening, the MS Casanova carries you and your bags to the next town, so you start each day already where you need to be
Duration
8 days
Season
July through August
Group size
Up to 96 people
Accommodation
Comfort: MS Casanova river cruise ship
Difficulty
Easy: Basic fitness required, cycling up to 60 km (37 mi) per day on mostly flat terrain, with route-length options available on most days
What's included
Lodging, all meals, tour leader support, daily briefings & independent cycling tours, and more

The adventure, day by day

Everything about this tour—the ship, the meals, the inclusions—is the same in both directions; only the start and end points switch. Choose this version to begin among Frankfurt's skyscrapers and finish in Stuttgart.

This 8-day, 7-night bike and boat tour follows the Main, Rhine, and Neckar rivers between Frankfurt and Stuttgart. Independent cycling on mostly flat terrain connects vineyard villages and medieval river towns, with a tour manager on board—not on the road—reachable by phone for questions or route support. Highlights include Heidelberg Castle, the half-timbered lanes of Bad Wimpfen, and Rhine vineyards near Mannheim. Every night is spent aboard the MS Casanova, with breakfast, most lunches, and dinner included, while the ship carries you and your luggage on to the next stop.

Day 1: Welcome to Frankfurt
frankfurt square

You board the MS Casanova in Frankfurt during the afternoon, with embarkation from 3 pm. Once everyone’s settled in, the ship gets underway on an evening cruise to Nierstein, with dinner served on board as you go.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: MS Casanova ship

Day 2: Rhine vineyards to Mannheim
vineyards germany

Your first day of cycling follows the Rhine from Nierstein to Mannheim, riding through vineyard country and the historic city of Worms before views of Mannheim’s BASF chemical works signal you’re nearing the end of the day.

Cycling: 60 km (37 mi)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: MS Casanova ship

Day 3: Along the Neckar to Heidelberg
heidelberg bridge

From Mannheim, you follow the Neckar to Heidelberg, riding through Ladenburg’s old town before reaching Heidelberg’s historic bridge and hilltop castle, with the rest of the afternoon free to explore.

Cycling: 26 km (16 mi)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: MS Casanova ship

Day 4: Through the Odenwald hills
nackersteinach river

Today’s ride climbs gently into the wooded Odenwald hills, passing through Ziegelhausen and Neckarsteinach—known for its four hilltop castles—before reaching Hirschhorn and finishing the day in Eberbach.

Cycling: 34 km (21 mi)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: MS Casanova ship

Day 5: Into Bad Wimpfen
bad wimpfen neckar

You continue along the Neckar toward Bad Wimpfen, with an optional detour up to Hornberg Castle along the way. Bad Wimpfen’s medieval old town, with its half-timbered houses and imperial palace ruins, makes for a rewarding stop at the end of the ride.

Cycling: 45 km (27 mi)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: MS Casanova ship

Day 6: Wine villages to Lauffen
neckar river bike

Your last full day of cycling passes through gentle wine villages between Bad Wimpfen and Lauffen. In the evening, the ship carries you onward to Stuttgart while you relax on board.

Cycling: 30 km (18 mi)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: MS Casanova ship

Day 7: A day in Stuttgart
stuttgart square

With the cycling done, you spend a free day around Stuttgart and Bad Cannstatt—time to explore on foot, join an optional cycling or walking tour, or simply stay aboard.

Meals: Breakfast, farewell dinner
Accommodation: MS Casanova ship

Day 8: Farewell to Stuttgart
stuttgart town

You disembark in Bad Cannstatt after breakfast, by 9 am, closing out the week.

Meals: Breakfast

Everything about this tour—the ship, the meals, the inclusions—is the same in both directions; only the start and end points switch. Choose this version to begin in Stuttgart and finish among Frankfurt's skyscrapers.

This 8-day, 7-night bike and boat tour follows the Main, Rhine, and Neckar rivers between Frankfurt and Stuttgart. Independent cycling on mostly flat terrain connects vineyard villages and medieval river towns, with a tour manager on board—not on the road—reachable by phone for questions or route support. Highlights include Heidelberg Castle, the half-timbered lanes of Bad Wimpfen, and Rhine vineyards near Mannheim. Every night is spent aboard the MS Casanova, with breakfast, most lunches, and dinner included, while the ship carries you and your luggage on to the next stop.

Day 1: Welcome to Stuttgart
stuttgart town

You board the MS Casanova in Bad Cannstatt during the afternoon, with embarkation from 3 pm. Once everyone’s settled in, the ship gets underway on an evening cruise to Lauffen, with dinner served on board as you go.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: MS Casanova ship

Day 2: Wine villages to Bad Wimpfen
bad wimpfen neckar

Your first day of cycling is a leisurely one, riding through gentle wine villages from Lauffen to Bad Wimpfen, with time to explore the town’s half-timbered old town on arrival.

Cycling: 30 km (18 mi)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: MS Casanova ship

Day 3: Into the Odenwald
neckar river bike

From Bad Wimpfen, you ride toward Eberbach, with an optional detour up the Katzenbuckel, the highest peak in the Odenwald hills, along the way.

Cycling: 45 km (27 mi)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: MS Casanova ship

Day 4: Along the Neckar to Heidelberg
heidelberg bridge

Today’s ride follows the Neckar through the Odenwald, past Hirschhorn and its castle-topped hillside, before reaching Heidelberg and its own hilltop castle overlooking the city.

Cycling: 34 km (21 mi)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: MS Casanova ship

Day 5: To the Rhine at Worms
mannheim aerial

From Heidelberg, you ride through Ladenburg and Mannheim to where the Neckar meets the Rhine, finishing the day in Worms, one of Germany’s oldest cities.

Cycling: 50 km (31 mi)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: MS Casanova ship

Day 6: Rhine vineyards to Nierstein
nierstein rhine boat

You continue along the Rhine through vineyard country to Nierstein, with a chance to stop for a wine tasting along the way. In the evening, the ship carries you onward to Mainz while you relax on board.

Cycling: 37 km (22 mi)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: MS Casanova ship

Day 7: Along the Main to Frankfurt
vineyards germany

Your last day of cycling follows the Main Cycle Route from Mainz to Frankfurt, passing the Schwanheimer Düne, an unusual stretch of inland sand dunes, before Frankfurt’s skyline comes into view.

Cycling: 45 km (27 mi)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, farewell dinner
Accommodation: MS Casanova ship

Day 8: Farewell to Frankfurt
frankfurt square

You disembark in Frankfurt after breakfast, by 9 am, closing out the week.

Meals: Breakfast

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Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced tour leader riding the same routes as you, reachable by phone for emergencies, mechanical issues, or questions
      • 8-day Frankfurt–Stuttgart bike and boat tour (5–6 days of independent cycling depending on direction)
      • Accommodation for 7 nights aboard the MS Casanova ship (twin-share cabins)
      • All meals — 7 breakfasts, packed lunches on most cycling days, and 7 three-course dinners on board, including a welcome drink and a farewell dinner
      • 6 coffee or tea in the afternoon
      • Daily multilingual (German/English) tour briefings
      • Digital travel documents and GPS tracks via the GUIBO app
      • Bed linen, towels, and daily cleaning of your climate-controlled cabin
      • SGR insolvency protection

    Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):

      • Touring bike rental
      • E-bike rental
      • Upgrade to an upper-deck cabin
      • Single occupancy cabin
      • Special dietary requests (lactose-free, gluten-free) — 70 EUR, paid in person

    Not included:

      • Flights or travel to Frankfurt or Stuttgart
      • Coffee and tea after 4 pm
      • Alcoholic and other drinks
      • Additional entrance fees and optional excursions
      • Ferry fees
      • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
      • Tour manager gratuities — optional
      • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
      • Tour leader/crew gratuities — optional
  • In order to join this Frankfurt–Stuttgart bike and boat tour, basic fitness is required. The most you’ll cycle within a day is up to 60 km (37 mi), on mostly flat terrain with some gentle hills, and route-length options are available on most days.

    Since this is an independent cycling tour, you set your own pace using the provided map, route descriptions, and GPS tracks—there’s no group to keep up with. A tour leader rides the same route each day and is reachable by phone if you need anything. This is ideal for people who like their freedom, but also love having the support if necessary.

    If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place. E-bike rentals are available as well if you’d like to take it even easier.

    Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Germany bike tours here!

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

      • A helmet (not included in the tour price; bring your own or leave a note at checkout for rental/purchase)
      • Comfortable cycling clothes and spare layers
      • Sturdy, closed-toe shoes for riding and for exploring cobbled old towns
      • A light day pack for your pannier
      • Sunhat and sunglasses
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, tissues, etc.)
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!

  • Yes, touring bikes and e-bikes are both available to rent for this Frankfurt-Stuttgart bike and boat tour and can be added to your booking at checkout—you can choose between a freewheel or backpedal break. Bike insurance can also be added.

    A helmet isn’t included by default, but can be rented, but please indicate your interest for rental/purchase at checkout.

    Bringing your own bike — you’re welcome to bring your own bike or e-bike, as long as it doesn’t have mirrors or other parts that stick out. Space on board is limited, so reserve a spot in advance—you can tell us you’re bringing your own bike at checkout (charging included if bringing an e-bike). Damage to or theft of your own bike isn’t covered.

  • This Frankfurt-Stuttgart bike and boat tour sits between a fully guided trip and a self-guided one. There’s no group riding together at a set pace—you cycle independently each day, following a detailed cycling map, printed route notes, and GPS tracks provided for your cabin.

    An experienced tour leader rides the same route as you every day, though not directly alongside you. They’re reachable by phone the whole time, so help is close by if you have a mechanical issue, take a wrong turn, or just have a question.

    The tour leader will travel with you on board, and daily briefings before each ride cover the day’s route options and anything worth knowing before you set off.

    In short: you get the freedom of cycling at your own pace, minus the worry of doing it entirely on your own.

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • The Casanova ship accommodates up to 96 guests.
      • There will be one tour leader onboard doing daily briefings and explaining the next day’s route. The tour leader cycles the same route as the guests, so they can always be reached by phone in case of emergencies, mechanical issues, or questions.
      • Solo travelers are welcome to join, but securing a single occupancy cabin for themselves is mandatory—you’ll be able to add it to your booking at checkout. It’s not possible to join as a solo traveller and share a cabin with another guest.

    Frankfurt-Stuttgart bike & boat tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Frankfurt-Stuttgart bike & boat tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • Yes, of course! Non-cycling guests are more than welcome to join. The price stays the same, as all inclusions are identical apart from the guided cycling tours themselves. Our tour guides can give you tips on how to enjoy your holiday without taking part in the daily rides—and while the boat travels between harbours, you can simply relax and enjoy the peace and quiet on board. It’s a lovely option for mixed groups!

  • The price for this Frankfurt-Stuttgart bike & boat tour is based on twin-share cabins, but a single occupancy cabin can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

    Solo travelers are welcome to join, but securing a single occupancy cabin for themselves is mandatory—you’ll be able to add it to your booking at checkout. It’s not possible to join as a solo traveller and share a cabin with another guest.

  • The starting point of this tour is either Frankfurt or Stuttgart/Bad Cannstatt, depending on your direction. To get to Frankfurt, most people fly into Frankfurt Airport (FRA), one of Europe’s best-connected hubs. To get to Stuttgart, most people fly into Stuttgart Airport (STR). From either airport, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach the ship’s dock.

    You will board the MS Casanova from 3 pm on Day 1, in Frankfurt or in Stuttgart/Bad Cannstatt depending on your direction.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

    The price of the tour includes the 5 euro SGR Insolvency Protection. This is mandatory consumer contribution called the SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme.

  • Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
    • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period.

    Early Bird booking

    Want to be the first one to know when we publish new dates or secure your spot well in advance? Select a future month that suits you best and lock in your Early Bird spot in time with just a 10% deposit.

    As soon as our guides publish new tour dates, you’ll be the first one to know. We’ll hold your spot for 2 weeks until you choose the date that suits you best.

    More about how Early Bird bookings work below:

    • Only a 10% non-refundable deposit must be paid upon booking, but this deposit can be transferred to any other 57hours adventure in case the dates don’t end up working for you.
    • Once our guides publish new tour dates, we’ll reach out to you so you’ll be the first one to choose from newly released dates.
    • When you pick your date, you’ll confirm your booking by paying another 20% of the total trip amount (amounting to the standard 30% deposit).
    • Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy (found above) applies.
    • The remaining balance is due 90 days before the trip.
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