How long is the The Rhine Valley by Train and Boat: Cologne to Mainz route?

This route takes 9 days taking in 6 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Cologne to Mainz in Rhine Valley, Germany.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is May to October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Easy-going. Easy-going and accessible for most fitness levels.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with no car (this is a drive-free route).

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Hotels accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Relaxed — plenty of time to linger at each stop.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Culture, Food & drink, City hop, Drive-free.

The Rhine Valley by Train and Boat: Cologne to Mainz

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The route · 6 stops

Cologne

2 nights

The easiest drive-free arrival, a major rail hub right on the Rhine. Two nights cover the twin-spired Kölner Dom, the riverside Old Town and the cluster of museums beside the cathedral. It eases you in gently before the gorge and the river boats begin further south.The easiest drive-free arrival, a major rail hub right on the Rhine. Two nights cover the twin-spired Kölner Dom, the riverside Old Town and the cluster of museums beside the cathedral. It eases you in gently before the gorge and the river boats begin further south.

Recommendations

1h 25m · 102 km drive to Koblenz

Koblenz

2 nights

The northern gateway to the UNESCO valley, set where the Mosel meets the Rhine at the Deutsches Eck. Ride the Seilbahn cable car across the river to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for the wide view, then start the scenic boat leg south from the quay below.The northern gateway to the UNESCO valley, set where the Mosel meets the Rhine at the Deutsches Eck. Ride the Seilbahn cable car across the river to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for the wide view, then start the scenic boat leg south from the quay below.

Recommendations

15m · 18 km drive to Boppard

Boppard

1 night

A relaxed wine town on one of the river's sharpest bends, and one of the few places where the railway does not run between the town and the water. Ride the Sesselbahn chairlift up to the Vierseenblick and Gedeonseck for the famous loop-of-the-Rhine panorama.A relaxed wine town on one of the river's sharpest bends, and one of the few places where the railway does not run between the town and the water. Ride the Sesselbahn chairlift up to the Vierseenblick and Gedeonseck for the famous loop-of-the-Rhine panorama.

Recommendations

25m · 30 km drive to Bacharach

Bacharach

1 night

A walled medieval wine village deep in the gorge, watched over by Stahleck castle on the slope above. Wander the half-timbered lanes and old towers, then look out for Pfalzgrafenstein, the boat-shaped toll castle moored on an island just upstream.A walled medieval wine village deep in the gorge, watched over by Stahleck castle on the slope above. Wander the half-timbered lanes and old towers, then look out for Pfalzgrafenstein, the boat-shaped toll castle moored on an island just upstream.

Recommendations

15m · 18 km drive to Rüdesheim am Rhein

Rüdesheim am Rhein

2 nights

The southern gateway, known for the lively Drosselgasse lane and the cable car that lifts over Riesling vineyards to the Niederwald monument. Use two nights to ride the gorge boat to the Loreley rock and Rheinfels, and to cross the river to Bingen.The southern gateway, known for the lively Drosselgasse lane and the cable car that lifts over Riesling vineyards to the Niederwald monument. Use two nights to ride the gorge boat to the Loreley rock and Rheinfels, and to cross the river to Bingen.

Recommendations

25m · 30 km drive to Mainz

Mainz

1 night

The journey ends in Mainz, a busy Rhineland city built around its red Romanesque cathedral. See the Gutenberg Museum and the old-town wine taverns, then connect onward by frequent train to Frankfurt Airport, a short ride to the east.The journey ends in Mainz, a busy Rhineland city built around its red Romanesque cathedral. See the Gutenberg Museum and the old-town wine taverns, then connect onward by frequent train to Frankfurt Airport, a short ride to the east.

Recommendations

The Rhine Valley by Train and Boat: Cologne to Mainz