Between Hamburg and Lübeck by Bike + Boat

along the old Salt Road

Itinerary

Route

You ride mostly on bike paths, farm roads and on dirt roads and have hardly any inclines to overcome.

Travel to Hamburg on your own and board the ship in the afternoon. Starting at 4:00 p.m., the crew will welcome you on board, and during a welcome meeting, you’ll receive important information about the schedule for the coming week. Around 5:00 p.m., the ship will weigh anchor and set course for Geesthacht. As the metropolis on the Elbe slowly fades into the distance behind you, enjoy your first glimpses of the varied river landscape. After dinner on board, there will be a safety briefing and information about the upcoming bike tours. The ship will spend the night in Geesthacht.

After breakfast, the ship continues its journey upriver along the Elbe and reaches the impressive Scharnebeck ship lift. This engineering marvel overcomes a 38-meter elevation difference and is one of the largest ship lifts in Europe. Afterward, you can choose from various bike tours. The direct route leads to the historic salt and Hanseatic city of Lüneburg. Discover the Am Sande square, City Hall, the winding alleys of the Old Town, and the German Salt Museum, which tells the story of the centuries-long significance of “white gold.” Those who’d like to spend a little more time in the saddle can explore Lüneburg’s charming surroundings. The route takes you over the Bardowick bascule bridge, through quiet wooded areas along the Landwehr, and back into the city on idyllic paths along the Ilmenau River. In the afternoon, you’ll return to the ship in Lüneburg.

Early in the morning, the ship continues its journey along the Elbe. After breakfast, your bike tour for the day begins through the charming landscape of the Elbe floodplain. The route takes you through small villages with traditional half-timbered houses, past meadows, fields, and unspoiled river landscapes. Along the way, it’s worth stopping in the charming little town of Bleckede, which looks back on a long history as a commercial and administrative center on the Elbe. In the afternoon, you’ll finally reach Lauenburg. The picturesque old town, with its half-timbered houses and historic location right on the river, is one of the most beautiful places along the Elbe. Here, your ship awaits you for the night.

While the ship navigates the Elbe-Lübeck Canal in the morning and passes through several locks, the cyclists begin their stage at the Witzeezer Lock. The route winds through the charming lake and forest landscape of the Duchy of Lauenburg, one of the most beautiful natural regions in northern Germany. Along the way, you’ll reach the historic town of Mölln, known as the “Town of Eulenspiegel.” The picturesque old town, St. Nicolai Church, and the numerous lakes give the town its special charm. After a stop in Mölln, you’ll cycle along the Elbe-Lübeck Canal before boarding the ship again in the afternoon. The ship continues its journey and arrives in the Hanseatic city of Lübeck. You’ll spend the night in the harbor of this historic city, whose old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This morning is all about Lübeck, the former “Queen of the Hanseatic League.” Take this opportunity to explore the historic Old Town. The famous Holstentor, St. Mary’s Church, and the winding alleys of the Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – tell the story of this Hanseatic city’s rich history. Of course, you won’t want to miss sampling Lübeck’s world-famous marzipan. Afterward, you’ll cycle from Lübeck to the Baltic Sea. Passing beautiful stretches of coastline and popular seaside resorts, you’ll reach Travemünde, Lübeck’s “Gateway to the Baltic Sea”, a historic district at the mouth of the Trave River. Here, you’ll board the ship again. In the evening, the ship will take you back to Lübeck, where you’ll spend another night.

While the ship departs Lübeck in the morning and sets course for Lauenburg, your bike tour today begins at the Donnerschleuse lock. You can either follow the historic Elbe-Lübeck Canal toward Mölln or choose a scenic route through the gently rolling hills of the Duchy of Lauenburg. On the latter route, you’ll also pass the picturesque Schloss Wotersen estate, one of the region’s most beautiful manor houses. The quiet paths and water-rich landscape make this leg of the journey a particularly relaxing day of cycling. In the afternoon, you’ll reach the Witzeezer lock, where you’ll board the ship again. The ship will stay overnight in Witzeeze.

On your final bike tour, you’ll once again follow the course of the Elbe through the vast floodplains and marshlands of northern Germany. The peaceful paths along the river offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and reflect on the past days of your journey. In Geesthacht, you’ll board the ship again. As the ship passes through the lock and sets course for Hamburg, the landscape gradually changes. The rural tranquility gradually gives way to the maritime flair of the Hanseatic city. From the sun deck, you’ll enjoy your final hours on the water before reaching the “Gateway to the World.” A varied journey along the historic salt and Hanseatic routes of northern Germany comes to an end with a farewell evening together.

Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.00 am. Individual departure.

Due to varying wind and weather conditions, as well as organizational necessities, we reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary.

Please keep in mind that the ship is both your hotel and a machine that needs to be maintained and operated - both during the day and at night. Noise due to operation is therefore unavoidable.

Services

  • 7 nights in a cabin with shower/toilet, air-conditioned

  • Full board (7 breakfasts, packed lunches, 7 three-course dinners)

  • Coffee and tea on board until 4:00 p.m.

  • Welcome drink

  • Use of bed linens and towels, daily cabin cleaning

  • Admission to the German Salt Museum in Lüneburg

  • Guided city tour of Lübeck with a local tour guide

  • Tour guide on board (for individual bike tours)

  • Daily bike tour briefings

  • Detailed maps and information materials (1 set per cabin)

  • GPS data

  • Rental bike bag

  • Wi-Fi (available in the restaurant)

  • For the environments benefit: The CO2 emissions from this trip are offset by Trees for All and the plastics recycler Orca.

Our tip: Get your eSIM for a low-priced holiday-data package here

Dates & Prices

Dates

Merkmale

Season / Period
Type
S1   17.04. - 24.04.27
S2   24.04. - 01.05.27
S3   01.05. - 08.05.27
S4   08.05. - 15.05.27
S4   15.05. - 22.05.27
S4   22.05. - 29.05.27
S4   29.05. - 05.06.27
S4   05.06. - 12.06.27
S4   12.06. - 19.06.27
S4   19.06. - 26.06.27

Extras

Bicycles & Equipment
7-speed 98
E-Bike 273
own bike/own E-bike 14/35
Rental helmet 10
   
Extras
diet (lactosefree, glutenfree), payable on spot 70
Limitation of liability 7-speed bike 14
Limitation of liability e-bike 28

Best - Price - Guarantee

If you would verifiably receive better conditions and/or prices from another tour operator at the time of booking we guarantee at least the same conditions PLUS 1 handlebar bag for FREE!

All prices per person in EUR

Ship

Welcome aboard MS FLORENTINA!

Welcome aboard the Florentina, a charming and comfortable mid-range vessel offering a relaxed and inviting atmosphere – perfect for your bike and boat trip!


Facilities

The inviting bar and lounge area on the upper deck is bright and spacious, offering a perfect place to unwind with a drink or connect with fellow travelers. The restaurant, also located on the upper deck, serves delicious meals prepared by the onboard chef. Large panoramic windows throughout these areas ensure you never miss the beautiful landscapes passing by. For outdoor relaxation, the sun deck is equipped with tables, chairs, and comfortable loungers – ideal for enjoying a refreshing drink while reflecting on the day’s ride. Wi-Fi is available in the lounge area (please note that signal strength may vary).


Technical data

Renovation: 2014
Passengers: max. 86
Lenght: 80m
Width: 9,60m
Draft: 1,50m
Height: 5m
Crew: 20
Flag: Czech


Cabins

The Florentina features a total of 48 well-appointed outside cabins, designed with comfort and functionality in mind. On the lower deck, you’ll find 28 twin cabins (approx. 108 sq. ft. / 10 m²) with two low single beds and fixed windows.

The upper deck offers 16 twin cabins with two low single beds (approx. 108 sq. ft. / 10 m²) and 4 single cabins (approx. 86 sq. ft. / 8 m²), all equipped with French balconies (opening windows), allowing you to enjoy fresh air and scenic views. Each cabin includes a private en-suite bathroom with shower, individually adjustable air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, and a safe – everything you need to relax after an active day of cycling.


Catering

The included full-board meal plan consists of a hearty breakfast buffet, a packed lunch for cyclists or a light lunch for those staying on board, and a multi-course dinner. In the afternoon, the crew serves coffee and cake.

Bicycle

Rental-Bicycles & equipment

The following bikes are available for rental:

  • UNISEX-touring/trekking bicycles with a comfortable, deep entrance and 7-or 8-speed-hub circuit with hand pedal brake, as well as paniers.
  • E-Bikes
  • Other bikes: children’s bike, tandem, children’s seat, bikes with back pedal... on request

Electric bikes | E-Bikes | Pedelecs

We provide you with modern quality e-bikes with 7- or 8-speed hub gears and step-by-step selectable assistance for pedalling power. The range of the battery depends on the support level, riding style, body weight and terrain.

IMPORTANT: book early, because of limited capacity!


Bicycle breakdowns

Breakdowns can happen, also when bikes are well serviced and maintained. Flats can be fixed by yourself. If there’s a difficult repair you may call the local representative. Please don’t get any repairs done on the bike without informing the tour operator/local representative and their approval.

Useful

Arrival - Parking - Departure

Arrival by plane

Airport: Hamburg (HAM)
Further Information on landing stage you will receive with your travel documents.


Arrival by train

Train station: Hamburg HBF
Further Information on landing stage you will receive with your travel documents.


Arrival by car

Information will follow with your trvael documents


Additional information

  • Dietary food on board possible: Please inform us when booking, cost € 70,- payable on spot.
  • On embarkation day you can leave your luggage at the ship from 11 am. However, embarkation starts at 4 pm the earliest.

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