This was our first ever Bike and Boat trip and only our 2nd ever trip to Germany. We stayed overnight at Kehl and had a very easy route to meet the boat at its mooring.
The boat was very clean and comfortable with very good accommodation and we were immediately made to feel very welcome by the Captain and members of the crew.
Due to COVID19, there was a much lower number of guests on the tour. We were the only people from outside of Germany on the trip but were welcomed by everyone.
The tour set off the next morning and we collected our bikes from the quayside and visited the Salmon Ladder understanding the work done to help the future of Salmon and Trout in the river. The forst day was along the dykes overlooking the Rhine and through Forest trails. The unmade paths does make the journey longer and more effort required but is great for scenery.
Shorter cycling days were to follow. The second day was along to Speyer. Speyer is a beautiful city and we arrived in plenty of time to visit the Cathedral and also the Technical Museum. Both are highly recommended.
The journey to Mannheim was interesting though Mannheim is quite a large town and not as pretty in compared to Speyer. Pleasant cycling and very easy to follow maps. Our next day was off to Heidelberg. There had been a last minute change in the itinerary so we elected to catch the train to Heidelberg, rather than cycle, to allow more time to visit the town. It was a great choice and a stunning town. A really pleasant and enjoyable cycle along the Rhine to finish he day.
Our next trip was to Worms. A short ride and enjoyable following the trail of Martin Luther. The final trip took us along the Vineyards of Nierstein and a diversion to Oppenheim to see the wonder old town. Unfortunately we could not get to visit the tunnels due to limited visitors per day.
Overall this was a highly successful trip for novice boat and bike cyclists. The support of the Nautical Crew was excellent throughout and the efficiency of loading and unloading cycles was very impressive. They were all very friendly and helpful all day and every day. The food was of a very high quality. Very tasty and well presented. A real success from all of the Chefs and their team. It can?t be easy given the problems of 2020. Our cabin was very clean and tidy. More spacious and comfortable than I was expecting. Often the cleaning teams are not noticed but in this heighted time of COVID19, their thoroughness and professionalism made the trip very safe.
Finally, the Bar and Restaurant staff. Not only did they make us feel immediately welcome, they helped us with our German and really made the trip a special memory.
Thank you so much Darko and Tijana. Along with the other guests you made us feel very special and provided some great memories.