Name: Rhine: Cologne - Mainz, MS Switzerland
Brand: Velociped
Price: 1349.00 EUR
Availability: InStock

MS Switzerland

Twin cabin on MS Switzerland with two single beds, window, vanity with mirror, wall lamps, and beige-brown decor.

Twin-bedded cabin on MS Switzerland with green patterned carpet, glass table, wooden desk, wall sconces, and large window with beige curtains.

On board the MS Switzerland, you can enjoy a stylish yet welcoming atmosphere. Elegantly designed cabins and tastefully furnished public areas create a cosy ambience. The spacious panoramic lounge with bar and the restaurant in particular define the ship’s charming character. On the spacious sun deck, which features plenty of seating and also serves as a storage area for bicycles, you can relax wonderfully and enjoy the passing river scenery. In total, the MS Switzerland offers 56 comfortable outside cabins for up to 113 guests. On the main deck there are 28 twin cabins measuring approx. 11 m², 2 single cabins (approx. 11 m²) and 2 mini-suites (approx. 11 m²). The panoramic windows in the main deck cabins cannot be opened.

On the upper deck there are 23 twin cabins, which are also approx. 11 m² in size, as well as 2 mini-suites (approx. 11 m²). All cabins on the upper deck have floor-to-ceiling windows that open.
All cabins have a shower/WC, hairdryer, TV, individually adjustable air conditioning/heating, and a safe.
In some cabins located at the front of the ship (Eco cabins), engine and generator noise may be audible. All cabins have a shower/WC, hairdryer, telephone, TV, individually adjustable air conditioning/heating, fridge, safe and a panoramic window.

Deck plan of MS Switzerland showing three levels: Sun Deck, Upper Deck with cabins and bar, and Main Deck with restaurant and cabins.

Tour

Individual arrival in Cologne. Embarkation from 4 pm.

Cycle to Bonn, a city that still has an international flair as the former capital. On the way there, if the weather is fine, you can take a detour to the "leisure island" of Groov, which is located in the extensive Rhine floodplains of the Cologne district of Porz-Zündorf.there is plenty to explore in Bonn. Museums such as the Haus der Geschichte and the Bundeskunsthalle vie for your attention, as do the Beethovenhaus, the Rheinaue leisure park and the Federal Quarter with the Path of Democracy.

You set off by bike in the direction of Andernach. On the way there, you can make a stop in Königswinter, where Drachenburg Castle is enthroned on the Drachenfels. Andernach is famous for the world's largest cold-water geyser. This offers an impressive spectacle, with water spraying up to 60 meters into the air. A spectacular natural phenomenon that is sure to remain in your memory.

During your cycle tour towards Koblenz, you will pass Neuwied, where the impressive Engers Castle is located. Here you will reach the famous Deutsches Eck, where the equestrian monument of Kaiser Wilhelm I watches over the point where the Moselle flows into the Rhine. Another remarkable sight is the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This fortress not only offers a fascinating history, but also a magnificent view of the surrounding area.

Your cycle tour takes you further downstream along the Rhine through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. You will pass the picturesque Marksburg Castle, the only hilltop castle on the Middle Rhine that has never been destroyed. You will also pass the town of Boppard, where you can see the Electoral Castle. The imposing ruins of Rheinfels Castle, the largest castle ruin on the Rhine, await you in St. Goar. The Katz and Maus castles on the opposite side of the Rhine in St. Goarshausen are also worth a visit. The entire area is characterized by historic buildings that tell a rich history.

As you continue your cycle tour, you will once again pass beautiful Rhine castles. You cycle past the famous Loreley rock and finally reach Rüdesheim. Here you have the opportunity to get to know the historically significant sights of Rüdesheim. Alternatively, you can treat yourself to a ride on the cable car to the Niederwald monument. From there, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Rüdesheim's old town and the river.

On your last cycling stage, you pass Eltville am Rhein, where the Electoral Castle is located. Continuing on your route, you reach Mainz, your destination for today. Mainz impresses with numerous impressive buildings. Perhaps you would like to visit the High Cathedral of St. Martin in Mainz or explore the Electoral Palace. Charming alleyways and squares such as Augustinerstraße and the Kirschgarten await you in the old town. The city offers a rich variety of cultural and historical sights.

Disembarkation at 9.00 am after breakfast.

Itinerary and programme changes:

The planned route is always subject to possible changes due to nautical, meteorological or organisational reasons. If, for example, a route cannot be travelled due to low water, high water, bad weather or construction work, the captain reserves the right to change the route for your safety. This is not a legally valid reason for cancelling the trip free of charge. The same applies in the event of officially ordered lock or bridge repairs or in the event of engine or propulsion damage to the ship through no fault of the captain.
As your ship usually sails to the next harbour on the same day, your time frame for your own activities and sightseeing is limited. On some bridges, the clearance height is so low that the sun deck is closed for your safety.

Fuel surcharge:

A fuel surcharge, which may apply due to the sharp rise in fuel prices, is not included in the cruise price and must be paid in cash on arrival on board the ship. We will inform you of the amount of the surcharge, if any, approx. 4 weeks before arrival.

Map

Map showing Rhine cycling route from Cologne to Mainz with cities like Bonn, Koblenz, and Bingen marked along orange path through Germany.

Prices / Dates

Prices per person in EUR

You can also start the tour in Mainz.

Pfalzgrafenstein Castle on a small island in the Rhine River with Kaub town and terraced vineyards on hillsides in the background.

Rhine: Mainz - Cologne, MS Switzerland

8 Days

Services / Info

Services

7 nights in outside cabins in the booked category
Full board: 7 x breakfast, 6 x packed lunch for bike tours or small lunch, 6 x coffee and cake in the afternoon, 7 x 3-course dinner
Program according to itinerary
All passenger and port fees
Welcome drink
Daily cabin cleaning, change of bed linen and towels as required
Daily bike route briefing
Digital travel documents in the GUIBO app incl. GPS data for the cycle tours
On-board tour guide

Info

Worth knowing about the bike and boat tour on the Rhine from Cologne to Mainz

Below you will find specific information about the bike and boat tour on the Rhine from Cologne to Mainz. If you have further questions about this trip, you simply call us: Phone: +49 6421 – 886890.

Arrival by train
Cologne is easily accessible by train from all major cities in Germany. You will receive the exact location of the MS Switzerland with your travel documents approximately two weeks before arrival.

Train schedule information

Parking facilities in Cologne
Parking lot or parking garage Globus Parkgarage, guarded, only with advance reservation, approx. 6 km from the jetty in Cologne, costs approx. € 115.00 - 148.00 per week (as of May 2026).

Lactose-free and gluten-free food
If you require a lactose-free or gluten-free diet, this is possible on board, but there is a surcharge for this, which must be paid on site. Please let us know at the time of booking or at least 14 days before arrival if you require a lactose-free or gluten-free diet.

Luggage
We recommend good rain gear, a bicycle helmet, sun hat and sports shoes. For reasons of space, we would like to ask you to refrain from carrying luggage with hard shells, the storage space in the cabin is very limited!

Condition of cycle paths
The route along the Rhine runs almost exclusively on asphalted and paved cycle paths and embankments or on quiet country roads without any significant gradients.

Available rental bikes
Smooth-running 7-speed unisex touring bikes and 8-speed e-bikes, each with handbrake, freewheel or coaster brake (limited availability, please specify as a non-binding customer request when booking) and pannier bag.

Own bikes
Due to the limited space available on the sun deck, it is only possible to bring your own bike on request and only to a limited extent.

Return journey to Cologne
You can travel by train from Cologne to Mainz in approx. 2 hours for approx. € 25.00 - 45.00.

Subject to change
Subject to change. If a route cannot be travelled due to low or high water or bad weather, the skipper reserves the right to change the route for your safety. This is not a reason for cancellation free of charge.

Extra costs that are not included in the tour price
Arrival and departure, transfers, bike hire, optional excursions, entrance and sightseeing fees, city maps, insurance, tips and personal expenses.
A fuel surcharge, which may apply due to the sharp rise in fuel prices, is not included in the cruise price and must be paid in cash on arrival on board the ship. We will inform you of the amount of the surcharge, if any, approx. 4 weeks before arrival.

7 day hotline service
Just in case the bike chain breaks, flooding makes it impossible to continue your tour or any other nasty surprise: You can reach us seven days a week and we will do anything to help you as fast as possible.

Passport and visa requirements
For EU citizens, there are no special passport or visa requirements and no health formalities to be considered for this trip.

Travel insurance
The tour price already includes the statutory insolvency insurance. In addition, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance upon receipt of your travel confirmation in order to protect yourself against financial disadvantages in the event of travel cancellation, interruption of travel, illness or accident.

Minimum number of participants: 80 persons

Velociped can withdraw from the tour twenty-one days before the starting date of the tour, at the latest, in case the minimum number of participants stated under the tour description is not attained. You will duly be informed without any delay in case of a withdrawal. Velociped will of course refund the paid tour price immediately. Please note our General Terms and Conditions.

Your travel expert for this tour