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Hiker with backpack and trekking poles standing on hillside overlooking Rhine River valley with green vineyards and village below under blue sky.

Coblenz - Mainz, MS Switzerland

A Culinary Journey Through the Rhine Valley

8 Days / 7 Nights
Mountain Hiking
Hiker with backpack and trekking poles standing on hillside overlooking Rhine River valley with green vineyards and village below under blue sky.

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The essentials at a glance

Challenging mountain hiking tour along the Rhine from Coblenz to Mainz aboard MS Switzerland. Experience the demanding Rheinsteig trail with narrow, rocky paths requiring sure-footedness and good fitness. Highlights include Marksburg Castle, Loreley viewpoint, Niederwald Monument, and Rhine Valley panoramas. Daily stages range from 11-23 km with significant elevation changes up to 1,065m. Accommodation on board with full meals, guided tour briefings, and scenic combinations of vineyards, forests, and historic towns.

Vineyards, castle ruins, and picturesque half-timbered villages: This hiking vacation along the Rhine is ideal for beginners, but it also offers plenty of great highlights for seasoned travelers. Starting in Koblenz, you’ll embark on an eight-day escape from everyday life - accompanied by the MS Switzerland, which not only takes you to various stops along the way but also serves as your accommodation. Sample regional wines, let yourself be enchanted by the landscape of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, and explore the picturesque gems along the way.

Your journey through the most beautiful wine regions along the Rhine begins in Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Surrounded by steep vineyards, medieval castles, and historic towns, you’ll board your floating hotel, which will comfortably take you toward Mainz through one of Europe’s most beautiful river landscapes.

Day by day, on varied hikes, you’ll discover the fascinating cultural landscape of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along spectacular high-altitude trails, breathtaking views of the Rhine’s meanders, romantic wine villages, and the numerous castles and palaces that have towered over the river for centuries unfold time and again. Picturesque half-timbered towns like Bacharach, Oberwesel, and Boppard invite you to linger with their winding alleys, cozy wine taverns, and lively market squares.

  • The picturesque Upper Middle Rhine Valley: The UNESCO World Heritage Site captivates visitors with its steep vineyards, picturesque castles, and the mystical Loreley. According to legend, a beautiful mermaid named Loreley once sat on the rock, luring passing sailors with her enchanting song.
  • The historic old town of Mainz: The imposing cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum, and the electoral palace define the cityscape of this carnival stronghold. Explore the citadel for views of the River Main, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming alleyways of the old town, where you can pause for a bite to eat.
  • The wine region around Nierstein: The notable wine village in Rheinhessen is renowned for its premium-quality Riesling. The hills surrounding Nierstein not only provide breathtaking views but also boast a wide array of wineries. Be sure to visit the traditional taverns and indulge in wine tasting to fully experience the region's rich offerings!

This trip combines active hiking with cultural highlights, culinary delights, and the unique landscapes of the Rhine. It is ideal for experienced hikers who are looking for a physical challenge and want to experience Germany’s most famous wine regions from a unique perspective.

 

Explore our bike and boat tours in Germany, whether along the Oder, Main, or Rhine rivers. A vacation on and along the water offers a unique experience that combines relaxation and adventure.

itinerary at a glance

Individual arrival and embarkation 4p.m;On the ship, you will be welcomed by your captain and crew and the tour management.

The first stage along the Rheinsteig requires a good level of basic fitness, but it’s well worth it: After a leisurely start along the banks of the Rhine, the trail winds through the idyllic Bienhorn Valley and up to Liedches Berg. Narrow paths, sweeping views, and a constant series of ups and downs characterize the route. Passing through the Lahnhöhe and past Lahneck Castle, the route leads through the quiet Schlierbach Valley to the Kerkertser Platte - always with views of the Rhine and Marksburg Castle. The destination is the picturesque town of Braubach with its beautiful half-timbered architecture. You’ll travel the stretch from Braubach to Boppard by train and ferry.

The RheinBurgenWeg, a scenic trail with moderate ascents: The route takes you through the forest and along the Sculpture Trail to the Maria Ruh observation deck, which offers a view of the Loreley. As the crowning finale, the route leads along the historic city wall—with a magnificent view of the Rhine—into the beautiful town of Oberwesel. You’ll take the train for the stretch from Boppard to St. Goar.

The Rheinsteig trail begins in Lorch, offering sweeping views of the Rhine Valley and the surrounding castles. Narrow paths wind along the edge of the hillside, through vineyards and shady stretches of forest. After descending into picturesque Assmannshausen, a steep climb leads to the Zauberhöhle. The highlight at the end is the Niederwald Monument with a view of Rüdesheim, which can be reached either on foot or by cable car.
You’ll travel the route from Oberwesel to Lorch by train and ferry.

This stage begins with magnificent views of Rüdesheim and offers a striking blend of nature and culture. Eibingen Abbey and Marienthal Monastery invite you to take a moment of quiet reflection. The route continues through forests and vineyards to Oestrich-Winkel—passing the magnificent Vollrads Castle, whose grounds invite you to take a break. You’ll travel the route from Oestrich-Winkel to Mainz by train.

Today you’ll explore a section of the RheinTerrassenWeg—with impressive views of the Rhine, the Taunus mountain range, and all the way to the Frankfurt skyline. The hike begins in Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, and initially follows the Rhine. Gradually, the landscape changes: You’ll cross the grounds of the former Weisenau limestone quarry—a fascinating place offering geological insights into millions of years of Earth’s history. A special highlight along the way is the panoramic view from the Laubenheimer Höhe. Once you arrive in Bodenheim, you’ll be greeted by magnificent distant views and an idyllic riverside promenade along the Rhine. From Bodenheim, you can take the train to either Nierstein or Worms. If you arrive in Nierstein in time, you can also take the final leg of the journey to Worms aboard your floating hotel.

Today’s stage begins right on the banks of the Rhine in Worms and takes you once again along the scenic RheinTerrassenWeg. Following the small Pfrimm River, which winds through the city like a green ribbon, you’ll hike along a former railroad right-of-way to the magnificent Herrnsheim Castle. The sprawling English-style castle park provides a charming contrast to the vast vineyards that now dominate the landscape. A special section awaits you around the Abenheim Sculpture Trail, where art and nature come together beautifully. On the way to Osthofen, you’ll pass the striking Bergkirche and several lovingly preserved vineyard cottages that tell of the region’s long winemaking tradition. From Osthofen, you can take the S-Bahn to either Nierstein or Mainz. If you’re back in Nierstein early enough, you can also ride the last leg of the journey on board.

After breakfast, disembarkation until 09:00 am.

Other variations of this tour

Difficulty level

Some of the trails are challenging, narrow, and rocky, with frequent ascents and descents—especially on the Rheinsteig, where sure-footedness, a head for heights, and good physical conditioning are required. This tour is intended for experienced hikers familiar with varied terrain.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

services & information

Further details about this tour

Inlcuded

  • Program according to itinerary from Coblenz to Mainz
  • 7 nights in outside cabins in the booked cabin category
  • 1 welcome drink
  • Full meals (7x breakfast, 6x packed lunch for cyclists or lunch snack on board, 6x afternoon coffee break, 7x 3-course-dinner)
  • On board tour guide incl. daily tour briefing
  • Daily cabin cleaning, change of bed linen and towels as needed
  • Detailed travel documents (navigation app and GPS-data)
  • All harbour, lock and bridge fees

Optional

  • On hiking tours, additional costs of approximately EUR 4  - EUR 12 per day may apply for ferry and train travel. In some cases, it may be advisable to purchase a Deutschlandticket directly.

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Koblenz train station approx. 3 km from the pier
  • Public parking garage near the pier in Koblenz. From there you can take the public bus to the city. No reservation possible.

Things to note

  • Minimum number of participants: 80 persons
  • Further important information according to the package travel law and additional information about your bike and boat trip can be found here! 
  • This tour is a partner tour.

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Julia Winklhofer

"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"

Julia Winklhofer
Travel Specialist
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