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Panoramic view of Rhine River winding through green valley with cruise ship, forested hills, and town along riverbank, seen from Loreley Rock.

Mainz - Coblenz, MS Switzerland

A Culinary Journey Through the Rhine Valley

8 Days / 7 Nights
Mountain Hiking
Panoramic view of Rhine River winding through green valley with cruise ship, forested hills, and town along riverbank, seen from Loreley Rock.

The essentials at a glance

Hiking tour from Mainz to Coblenz along the Rhine, exploring the Rheinsteig, RheinTerrassenWeg, and RheinBurgenWeg. Experience challenging mountain trails through UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley with vineyards, castles, and panoramic views. Daily distances average 15-20 km with steep ascents and rocky passages requiring sure-footedness and good fitness. Highlights include Niederwald Monument, Loreley Plateau, Ruppertsklamm gorge, and historic wine villages.

Do you have questions about this tour?

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 Mainz, 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 Mainz. Surrounded by steep vineyards, medieval castles, and historic towns, you’ll board your floating hotel, which will comfortably take you toward Coblenz 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.

Today, you'll explore a section of the RheinTerrassenWeg, with impressive views of the Rhine, the Taunus hills, and even the Frankfurt skyline. The hike begins in Mainz and initially follows the river. The landscape gradually changes as you pass through the former limestone quarry in Weisenau – a fascinating place with geological insights into millions of years of Earth’s history. A highlight of this stage is the panoramic view from Laubenheimer Höhe. In Bodenheim, you’ll enjoy beautiful views and a charming riverside promenade.

From Bodenheim, take the train to Nierstein or Worms. If you're early enough in Nierstein, you can board the ship for the final leg to Worms.

Today’s route starts at the Rhine shore in Worms and follows the varied RheinTerrassenWeg. Walking along the small Pfrimm River, which winds through the city like a green ribbon, you'll follow a former railway track to the magnificent Herrnsheim Palace. Its expansive English-style park forms a charming contrast to the surrounding vineyards. A special highlight is the Abenheim Sculpture Trail, where art and nature blend beautifully. As you head toward Osthofen, you’ll pass the distinctive Bergkirche and several lovingly preserved vineyard huts that reflect the region’s long-standing wine tradition.

From Osthofen, take the S-Bahn to Nierstein or Mainz. If you return early to Nierstein, you can join the ship for the final segment..

Today, you’ll hike the first section of the Rheinsteig. Starting in Oestrich-Winkel, you’ll cross the scenic Rheingau region. Early on, you’ll pass the imposing Schloss Vollrads winery – surrounded by a beautiful park perfect for a break. Continue through vineyards and quiet woodland trails, with frequent breathtaking views of the Rhine Valley. The stage concludes with a “Logenblick” – a panoramic viewpoint of Rüdesheim that will leave you wanting more. Your ship awaits you at the riverside to take you peacefully into the evening.

The route from Mainz to Oestrich-Winkel is covered by S-Bahn.

The Rheinsteig leads you high above Rüdesheim with stunning vistas. From the Niederwald Monument, the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley unfolds beneath you. Pass through sunlit vineyards and shady woods to the magical Zauberhöhle – a hidden gem on your way to charming Assmannshausen. After descending into the red wine town, a challenging but rewarding ascent follows. At the top, narrow trails run along the slopes with sweeping views of the Rhine and the region’s castles. The stage ends in Lorch – a picturesque wine village with a rich history and unique charm.

Tip: To shorten the route, take the Rüdesheim cable car or the Assmannshausen chairlift – or combine both to still enjoy many scenic highlights.

From Lorch, travel to Oberwesel via ferry and S-Bahn.

Today, you can choose between two spectacular hiking routes depending on your mood and fitness level:
The stage along the RheinBurgenWeg from Oberwesel to St. Goar offers sweeping views, a peaceful forest segment, and a rest stop with premium views of the Loreley. Travel by train from St. Goar to Boppard.

The “royal stage” of the Rheinsteig from Kaub to St. Goarshausen is for experienced hikers only – with many steep ascents and descents, rocky passages, and around 20 demanding kilometers. Those who persevere will be rewarded with breathtaking views, romantic valleys, and the legendary Loreley Plateau.
Some segments can be shortened by bus. Take the ferry from Engelsburg to Kaub. From St. Goarshausen to Boppard, continue by train and ferry.

For your grand finale, enjoy another varied section of the Rheinsteig – with exciting trails, peaceful valleys, and fantastic views. From Braubach, the path climbs to Kerkertser Platte, then through the tranquil Schlierbach Valley up to Lahnhöhe. With a view of Lahneck Castle, you descend into the idyllic Lahn Valley – before adventure calls: the Ruppertsklamm awaits with rope-secured sections and a short scrambling challenge. At the top, you'll be rewarded with a magnificent panorama. Through the quiet Bienhorn Valley, the trail descends to the Rhine – and into Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle meet, bringing your journey to a scenic close.
From Boppard to Braubach, travel by train and ferry.

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 Mainz to Coblenz
  • 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

  • Car Park at the central station (unguarded, cannot be booked in advance) in Mainz. Parking fee approx. EUR 55 per week
  • Parking at the train station in Mainz-Kastel (unattended, not reservable) approx. EUR 24 per week.

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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