On foot and by boat through the Rhine and Neckar valleys
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationGrand Est / Alsace
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AgeFrom 8 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions12.38 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
In a few words
Embark on a unique cruise combining hiking and cultural discovery along the romantic Rhine. This singular journey blends leisurely sailing with active walks through landscapes designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Each day reveals a new vista: terraced vineyards , perched medieval castles , picturesque villages, and spectacular panoramas of the Rhine and Neckar valleys. From ridge trails near Rüdesheim to pristine forests overlooking the river, the chosen routes immerse you in nature's bounty and steeped in history. In the evening, return to the comfort of the boat and savor well-deserved moments of relaxation. Led by passionate guides, this trip is designed for those who wish to be active, amazed, and rejuvenated in a friendly atmosphere, free from logistical constraints.
The highlights
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Hiking cruise on the Rhine between UNESCO nature reserves and charming villages
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Guided walks among castles, forests and terraced vineyards
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The comfort of a fully equipped boat for relaxing each evening
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 350 m
- Average daily descent: 350 m
Management
Program
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Strasbourg
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Boarding at 6pm at the river station. Introduction of the crew and welcome cocktail.
Day 1 -
Koblenz
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day sailing to Koblenz along the most beautiful stretch of the romantic Rhine. Arrival in the afternoon at
Koblenz. Discover the old town with the entertainment team. Koblenz is a city located
in the "German corner" and at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers. You will see the city center
the city's history as well as the statue "Die Deutsche Eck" representing Emperor William I located
at the point of confluence between the two rivers.
Return on board for dinner. Evening at leisure.
Day 2 -
Koblenz - The Romantic Rhine Valley
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning sailing to Rüdesheim in the beautiful, romantic Rhine Valley. With its castles,
its historic towns, its vineyards and the famous Lorelei rock, the sublime landscape, deeply
Linked to history and legend, it has inspired many writers, painters, and composers. Arriving at the beginning
afternoon in Rüdesheim.
Included excursions:
- HIKERS: Hike through the Rüdesheim vineyards. You will reach the center of Rüdesheim,
The starting point for the cable cars that will take you to the Niederwald monument. From there you can enjoy
with a breathtaking view of the city, the vineyards and the Rhine. Continue with a hike through the
Vineyards leading to St. Hildegard's Abbey, built between 1900 and 1904. Self-guided tour of the abbey, then return.
on foot to the boat through the vineyards.
- ACCOMPANYING PERSONS: Miniature train, wine tasting and mechanical music museum
Rüdesheim.
Departure by tourist train for a guided tour of the Rüdesheim vineyards.
Wine tasting in the historic cellars of the Bassenheimer Hof, a 16th-century manor house. Then
route to the Siegfrieds Mechanisches Musikkabinett museum, located in a historic 15th-century building.
It houses an impressive collection of mechanical musical instruments and is one of the most
large and finest collections from the 18th to the 20th centuries.
In the evening, the famous Drosselgasse awaits you with its many guinguettes (open-air cafes).
Day 3 -
Rudesheim - Mannheim
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning spent sailing towards Mannheim.
Included excursions:
- HIKERS: Heidelberg hike along the Neckar River. We will begin the tour at the castle.
(exteriors), a symbol of German Romanticism. After visiting the castle, a hike along the Neckar River. We
We will overlook the river and its meanders during our journey along balcony paths: forests,
Viewpoints, after Neckargemünd and the Neckarsteinbach castles. From the foot of the fortified city of
From Dilsberg we will reach the ship in Mannheim via a short bus transfer. Packed lunch.
- ACCOMPANYING PERSONS: Heidelberg. Departure by coach towards Heidelberg, the symbolic city of
German Romanticism. Meet the guides at Heidelberg Castle, where you will discover their
company outside this magnificent, partially ruined pink sandstone castle. Since the late 18th century
In the 19th century, the castle ruins inspired painters and poets who saw in them a symbol of grandeur
and the decadence of human works. Goethe, Hölderlin, Uhland, and Eichendorff celebrated the landscape
of the castle, while many painters chose it as a subject. Also discover the terraces.
geometric patterns of the Palatinate Garden, the "Hortus Palatinus", formerly considered the "eighth
"Wonder of the world." You will continue with your guides with a tour of the old town. You
will admire the Church of the Holy Spirit (exterior) built between 1398
Day 4 -
Strasbourg
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Buffet breakfast on board. Disembarkation at 9am.
Day 5
Note
For navigational safety reasons, the company and the ship's captain are the sole judges of modifying the itinerary of the
cruise. Depending on the availability of the piers, the stopover in Rüdesheim may be preceded by a stopover in Bingen; the itinerary of excursions may be modified.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- the cruise with full board from dinner on Day 1 to buffet breakfast on Day 2
- Accommodation in an air-conditioned double cabin with shower and toilet
- Drinks included on board (excluding special menus)
- assistance from the onboard entertainment team -
- the welcome cocktail
- the gala evening
- hiking
- excursions as per program
- the accompaniment of a certified hiking guide
- assistance/repatriation insurance
- port taxes.
The price does not include
- drinks listed on special menus
- drinks consumed during excursions or transfers
- Cancellation/luggage insurance
- personal expenses
- all services not specifically mentioned in the program
- the shipments
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- sunglasses
- sunscreen
- small personal pharmacy
- gourd
- toilet paper
- folding knife
- Telescopic walking poles for those who are used to using them
- a backpack (30L maximum)
- basketball shoes (non-slip for varied and wet terrain)
Clothing to bring
- underwear, more or less warm
- lightweight, quick-drying trousers
- warm sweater or fleece
- rain cape or K-way
- hat or cap
- Thin gloves and a hat will be appreciated at the beginning or end of the season.
