Included: 6-day self-guided Rhine river bike tour (5 days of cycling) Accommodation for 5 nights in handpicked 4 and 5-star hotels (double occupancy) 5 breakfasts, 1 dinner (at Burghotel Schönburg, Oberwesel, on Day 2) Daily luggage transfer between all hotels Detailed route materials: maps, route descriptions, and GPX files Service hotline throughout the tour CO₂ compensation for the travel region Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout): Single occupancy room Touring bike, e-bike, or gravel bike rental Helmet rental Personal welcome meeting and bike fitting in Frankfurt Additional nights in Frankfurt Private transfer from Cologne back to Frankfurt Not included: Flights or trains to Germany Bike & helmet Lunches and dinners other than those mentioned above Entrance and sightseeing fees (chairlift in Rüdesheim, Boppard chairlift, ferry fees) City tax (payable directly at each hotel) Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout

How fit do I need to be?

In order to join this self-guided Rhine river bike tour, good fitness is required. The total cycling distance is approximately 255 km (158 mi) spread across 5 riding days, with daily distances ranging from 42 to 64 km (26 to 40 mi). The route follows the Rhine Cycle Route on mostly flat, well-signed riverside paths and quiet country roads —there’s no significant elevation gain to speak of, and the surface is predominantly paved. The longest day (Mainz to Oberwesel, 64 km) is the only one that demands a full day in the saddle; the rest are very manageable. An e-bike upgrade is available at checkout if you’d like extra assistance. Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more bike tours in Europe here !

What are the daily stages and distances?

The tour follows the Rhine north from Frankfurt, finishing in Cologne — 255 km (158 mi) over five riding days. Day 1 — Frankfurt to Mainz: 42 km (26 mi) Day 2 — Mainz to Oberwesel: 64 km (40 mi) Day 3 — Oberwesel to Koblenz: 45 km (28 mi) Day 4 — Koblenz to Bad Godesberg: 61 km (38 mi) Day 5 — Bad Godesberg to Cologne: 43 km (27 mi) Day 6 — Departure from Cologne

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 20–30 L bag) Water bottle or hydration bladder (2 L capacity) Cycling shoes Comfortable cycling clothes Leisure clothes for evenings and sightseeing Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, tissues, etc.) Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. Layers are best—don’t wear jeans.

Yes, touring bikes, e-bikes, and gravel bikes are available to rent on this Rhine river bike tour and can be added to your booking at an additional cost during checkout. Touring bike — Velo de Ville L200 is for those who want a dependable, no-fuss ride across any distance. Available in both diamond and step-through frame, the lightweight aluminum build keeps things nimble without sacrificing durability. A 20-speed Shimano CUES drivetrain with smooth shifting covers everything from flat stretches to longer climbs, while double-wall aluminum rims and Schwalbe Plus puncture-protected tires mean fewer interruptions and more miles. E-bike — Velo de Ville AEB Classic is for those who prefer a little extra boost. These e-bikes are equipped with a Bosch mid-motor (Active Line, Active Line Plus, or Performance Line) and a 500 Wh battery for reliable range on daily rides. The step-through frame makes mounting effortless, while the Shimano drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, suspension fork, and Schwalbe Delta Cruiser Plus puncture-protected tires deliver a smooth, worry-free ride. Gravel bike — Velo de Ville GRV is for those who want to go further than paved roads allow. Built around a lightweight aluminum gravel frame, it pairs Shimano GRX gearing with drop handlebars for a sporty, efficient ride whether you’re on asphalt or dirt. Hydraulic disc brakes handle whatever weather you ride into, while wide gravel tires keep things comfortable and planted across mixed terrain. The stable wheelset is built for distance touring.

What is a self-guided tour?

Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. By joining this self-guided Rhine river bike tour, we take care of: Accommodation for 5 nights in handpicked 4 and 5-star hotels (double occupancy) 5 breakfasts, 1 dinner (at Burghotel Schönburg, Oberwesel, on Day 2) Daily luggage transfer between all hotels Detailed route materials: maps, route descriptions, and GPX files Service hotline throughout the tour Rather than joining a guided group, you’ll navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the tour operator. For a hassle-free journey with everything arranged for you in advance, there’s no better option! As a self-guided tour is built around your preferred travel dates, your guide will take care of arranging accommodations and details after you book. Note that exact accommodations and dates might shift slightly, so don’t make any travel arrangements until the details of your adventure are confirmed .

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing It takes a minimum of 2 participants for this tour to operate. The maximum group size for this Rhine river bike tour is set at 8 participants . Rhine river bike 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 Rhine river bike 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.

Is a single occupancy room available?

The price for this Rhine river bike tour is based on twin-share rooms , but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee . You can add it to your booking at checkout.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of the tour is Frankfurt , Germany. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is one of Europe’s best-connected hubs, with direct flights from across the world. The city center is reachable from the airport in about 15 minutes by S-Bahn train. An additional night in Frankfurt before the tour can be arranged at checkout if you’d like to arrive a day early. The tour ends in Cologne on Day 6. From Cologne, you can fly home from Cologne/Bonn Airport (CGN) or take the train onward. A private transfer from Cologne back to Frankfurt can be arranged as an add-on at checkout. There is no fixed meeting time or group welcome—your route materials and bikes will be ready at the first hotel in Frankfurt on Day 1.

Safety measures and insurance

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.

Check out Early bird options for best sellers here

FRANKFURT | GERMANY

Self-Guided Rhine River Bike Tour: Frankfurt to Cologne in Deluxe Hotels

6 days | Easy

From $1,543 ()

Reserve now

Book a call

Few rides in Europe match this stretch of the Rhine, it’s historic, scenic, and deeply satisfying in the way only a great river route can be. This self-guided 6-day tour follows the Rhine Cycle Route through the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, past medieval castles, half-timbered wine towns, and vineyards that have been producing some of Germany’s finest wines since Roman times! What sets it apart is where you sleep: exceptional hotels all the way, including a real medieval castle above the river. Your luggage travels ahead each day, your route materials are ready to go, and the pace is fully yours. Five remarkable cities, one river, and 255 km (158 mi) of some of the most scenic cycling in Europe.

Adventure Highlights

The UNESCO Middle Rhine Valley: The dramatic stretch between Rüdesheim and Koblenz is the heart of the route—terraced vineyards, medieval castles, and some of the most iconic river scenery in Europe
Sleep in a castle, wake up to the Rhine: Nights are spent in places worth the trip alone, including a real medieval castle hotel above the river in Oberwesel and a 5-star Steigenberger in Cologne
Your pace, your way: Luggage transfers arranged daily, premium hotels waiting at each stop, and a support hotline throughout—self-guided freedom without any of the faff

Duration

6 days

Season

April through October

Group size

Up to 8 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

This self-guided bike tour follows the Rhine Cycle Route from Frankfurt to Cologne across 5 riding days, covering approximately 255 km (158 mi) through the heart of the UNESCO Middle Rhine Valley. Route materials, maps, and daily luggage transfers are all included—just show up and ride. You stay in handpicked 4 and 5-star hotels in historic city centers throughout, and departures run daily from late April through October, so you choose the dates that work for you.

Day 1: Frankfurt to Mainz

You set off from Frankfurt along the picturesque Main River, passing through Höchst—a medieval district of Frankfurt with a well-preserved old town and a history tied to the Archbishopric of Mainz. The route meanders through vineyards and historic towns toward the confluence of the Main and the Rhine, one of the most scenic moments of the day. You arrive in Mainz, a city with over 2,000 years of history, where the magnificent Romanesque cathedral and the Gutenberg Museum—dedicated to the man who invented the printing press right here—are both worth exploring before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 42 km (26 mi)
Accommodation: Hilton Hotel (4-star), Mainz

Day 2: Mainz to Oberwesel

Today’s stage is the longest of the tour and one of the most rewarding. You ride through Eltville, known for its rose gardens and half-timbered houses, before reaching the wine town of Rüdesheim am Rhein. A detour up to the Niederwald monument by chairlift offers a sweeping panorama over the Rhine Valley that’s not to be missed. Crossing the river, you enter the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley—terraced vineyards, romantic castles, and the beautifully preserved medieval town of Bacharach line the route before the day ends in Oberwesel, where the imposing Schönburg Castle rises above the town on a wooded hill.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner at Burghotel Schönburg
Cycling: 64 km (40 mi)
Accommodation: Burghotel Schönburg (4-star), Oberwesel

Day 3: Oberwesel to Koblenz

The legendary Loreley Rock dominates the first part of today’s ride—a towering slate cliff above the Rhine’s narrowest and most treacherous stretch, steeped in German folklore. You continue through Boppard, where an optional chairlift ride up to the Vierseenblick viewpoint offers one of the valley’s most spectacular panoramas. Arriving in Koblenz, a cable car takes you up to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress above the city. Down below, the Deutsches Eck—the point where the Rhine and Moselle converge—is one of Germany’s most recognizable landmarks.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 45 km (28 mi)
Accommodation: Hotel Mercure (4-star), Koblenz

Day 4: Koblenz to Bad Godesberg

A gentler day through spa towns, wine villages, and thermal bath resorts along a tranquil stretch of the Rhine cycle path. The route passes through Sayn, Neuwied, Andernach, and Bad Breisig, with castles and riverside palaces appearing around every bend. A stop at the Remagen Bridge—now a peace museum housed in the surviving towers—offers a powerful historical detour. Further along, an optional ferry to Königswinter connects to Germany’s oldest cogwheel railway, which climbs to the Drachenfels peak with views over the valley.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 61 km (38 mi)
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Dreesen (4-star), Bad Godesberg

Day 5: Bad Godesberg to Cologne

The flat Rhine cycle path leads you to Bonn—birthplace of Beethoven and former capital of West Germany, with a compact old town and excellent museums worth a stop. The final stretch toward Cologne is unhurried, and Cologne’s twin-spired Gothic cathedral gradually comes into view on the horizon, one of the most satisfying arrivals in European cycling. With the rest of the afternoon free, the city’s old town, riverside promenade, and famous Kölsch beer culture are all yours to explore.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling: 43 km (27 mi)
Accommodation: Steigenberger Hotel (5-star), Cologne

Day 6: Departure from Cologne

After breakfast, your Rhine river cycling adventure comes to a close. Head home from Cologne, or stay on to explore more of the city at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast

Adventure Architect

Let’s build something unique. Design your own adventure from the ground up and let us handle the rest.

Start Designing

Photo gallery

Lodging

Handpicked 4 and 5-star hotels along the Rhine

Throughout the tour, you stay in handpicked premium hotels chosen for atmosphere, location, and character—each one placed in or near the historic center of its city. In Mainz, the Hilton overlooks the Rhine on the edge of the historic old town. In Oberwesel, the Burghotel Schönburg is a genuine medieval castle hotel set on a wooded hill above the river—one of the most atmospheric stops on the route. In Koblenz, the Mercure sits on the Rhine in an ideal central location. In Bad Godesberg, the Boutique Hotel Dreesen occupies a charming Art Nouveau villa in a leafy villa district. The tour ends in Cologne at the Steigenberger Hotel, a 5-star property with a summer terrace garden and an elegant bar.

Pricing is based on twin-share rooms; a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. Please note that named or equivalent accommodations will be booked depending on availability.

Adventure, packed to go

Self-Guided Rhine River Bike Tour: Frankfurt to Cologne in Deluxe Hotels

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.

Download now

Things to know

Included:
- - 6-day self-guided Rhine river bike tour (5 days of cycling)
  - Accommodation for 5 nights in handpicked 4 and 5-star hotels (double occupancy)
  - 5 breakfasts, 1 dinner (at Burghotel Schönburg, Oberwesel, on Day 2)
  - Daily luggage transfer between all hotels
  - Detailed route materials: maps, route descriptions, and GPX files
  - Service hotline throughout the tour
  - CO₂ compensation for the travel region
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
- - Single occupancy room
  - Touring bike, e-bike, or gravel bike rental
  - Helmet rental
  - Personal welcome meeting and bike fitting in Frankfurt
  - Additional nights in Frankfurt
  - Private transfer from Cologne back to Frankfurt
Not included:
- - Flights or trains to Germany
  - Bike & helmet
  - Lunches and dinners other than those mentioned above
  - Entrance and sightseeing fees (chairlift in Rüdesheim, Boppard chairlift, ferry fees)
  - City tax (payable directly at each hotel)
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
In order to join this self-guided Rhine river bike tour, good fitness is required.

The total cycling distance is approximately 255 km (158 mi) spread across 5 riding days, with daily distances ranging from 42 to 64 km (26 to 40 mi).

The route follows the Rhine Cycle Route on mostly flat, well-signed riverside paths and quiet country roads—there’s no significant elevation gain to speak of, and the surface is predominantly paved. The longest day (Mainz to Oberwesel, 64 km) is the only one that demands a full day in the saddle; the rest are very manageable. An e-bike upgrade is available at checkout if you’d like extra assistance.

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more bike tours in Europe here!
The tour follows the Rhine north from Frankfurt, finishing in Cologne — 255 km (158 mi) over five riding days.
- - Day 1 — Frankfurt to Mainz: 42 km (26 mi)
  - Day 2 — Mainz to Oberwesel: 64 km (40 mi)
  - Day 3 — Oberwesel to Koblenz: 45 km (28 mi)
  - Day 4 — Koblenz to Bad Godesberg: 61 km (38 mi)
  - Day 5 — Bad Godesberg to Cologne: 43 km (27 mi)
  - Day 6 — Departure from Cologne
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 20–30 L bag)
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2 L capacity)
  - Cycling shoes
  - Comfortable cycling clothes
  - Leisure clothes for evenings and sightseeing
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, tissues, etc.)
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. Layers are best—don’t wear jeans.

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, e-bikes, and gravel bikes are available to rent on this Rhine river bike tour and can be added to your booking at an additional cost during checkout.

Touring bike — Velo de Ville L200 is for those who want a dependable, no-fuss ride across any distance. Available in both diamond and step-through frame, the lightweight aluminum build keeps things nimble without sacrificing durability. A 20-speed Shimano CUES drivetrain with smooth shifting covers everything from flat stretches to longer climbs, while double-wall aluminum rims and Schwalbe Plus puncture-protected tires mean fewer interruptions and more miles.

E-bike — Velo de Ville AEB Classic is for those who prefer a little extra boost. These e-bikes are equipped with a Bosch mid-motor (Active Line, Active Line Plus, or Performance Line) and a 500 Wh battery for reliable range on daily rides. The step-through frame makes mounting effortless, while the Shimano drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, suspension fork, and Schwalbe Delta Cruiser Plus puncture-protected tires deliver a smooth, worry-free ride.

Gravel bike — Velo de Ville GRV is for those who want to go further than paved roads allow. Built around a lightweight aluminum gravel frame, it pairs Shimano GRX gearing with drop handlebars for a sporty, efficient ride whether you’re on asphalt or dirt. Hydraulic disc brakes handle whatever weather you ride into, while wide gravel tires keep things comfortable and planted across mixed terrain. The stable wheelset is built for distance touring.
Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. By joining this self-guided Rhine river bike tour, we take care of:
- - Accommodation for 5 nights in handpicked 4 and 5-star hotels (double occupancy)
  - 5 breakfasts, 1 dinner (at Burghotel Schönburg, Oberwesel, on Day 2)
  - Daily luggage transfer between all hotels
  - Detailed route materials: maps, route descriptions, and GPX files
  - Service hotline throughout the tour
Rather than joining a guided group, you’ll navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the tour operator. For a hassle-free journey with everything arranged for you in advance, there’s no better option!

As a self-guided tour is built around your preferred travel dates, your guide will take care of arranging accommodations and details after you book. Note that exact accommodations and dates might shift slightly, so don’t make any travel arrangements until the details of your adventure are confirmed.
Group sizes and pricing
- - It takes a minimum of 2 participants for this tour to operate.
  - The maximum group size for this Rhine river bike tour is set at 8 participants.
Rhine river bike 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 Rhine river bike 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.
The price for this Rhine river bike tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
The starting point of the tour is Frankfurt, Germany. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is one of Europe’s best-connected hubs, with direct flights from across the world. The city center is reachable from the airport in about 15 minutes by S-Bahn train. An additional night in Frankfurt before the tour can be arranged at checkout if you’d like to arrive a day early.

The tour ends in Cologne on Day 6. From Cologne, you can fly home from Cologne/Bonn Airport (CGN) or take the train onward. A private transfer from Cologne back to Frankfurt can be arranged as an add-on at checkout.

There is no fixed meeting time or group welcome—your route materials and bikes will be ready at the first hotel in Frankfurt on Day 1.
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.
To secure your spot, a deposit in the amount of 40% is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid no later than 90 calendar days prior to the trip departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If you cancel the booking…
- - More than 120 days before the departure date, you are entitled to a refund in the amount of 80% of the full trip price (less the booking fees).
  - 119 to 60 days before the departure date, you are entitled to a refund in the amount of 60% of the full trip price (less the booking fees).
  - 59 to 31 days before the departure date, you are entitled to a refund in the amount of 40% of the full trip price (less the booking fees).
  - 30 to 15 days before the departure date, you are entitled to a refund in the amount of 20% of the full trip price (less the booking fees).
  - 14 to 5 days before the departure date, you are entitled to a refund in the amount of 5% of the full trip price (less the booking fees).
  - Within 4 days of the departure date, no refund will be issued.
Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.

Have more questions?

Our team is here to answer your questions and plan with you.

Book a call

Book This Adventure for a Private Group

Book a fully private 57hours adventure for your group. We customize dates, group sizes, terrain, guides and accommodations — so your adventure fits your people and your goals.

Talk to an Adventure Planner