River of Wine, Castles and Romance

Rhine Bikeway from Mainz to Cologne

Tour Description: Guided

The Rhine bike trail from Mainz to Cologne is the most beautiful part of the river. Here hot springs and spas attract already the ancient Romans to the Rhine. Today vineyards and picturesque towns add to the region's charm.

Admire this man-made landscape and look forward to Cologne, where you can see the cathedral spires tower over Germany's oldest city. Enjoy its innumerable cultural and historical treasures, world-famous museums and active art scene.

The world feels at home in Cologne, where people meet for a Kölsch, a chat or simply a laugh. Life in Cologne is uncomplicated and vivacious. A wonderful town for the end of a fabulous tour.

Tour Description: Self-guided

The Rhine bike trail from Mainz to Cologne is the most beautiful part of the river. Here hot springs and spas attract already the ancient Romans to the Rhine. Today vineyards and picturesque towns add to the region's charm.

Admire this man-made landscape and look forward to Cologne, where you can see the cathedral spires tower over Germany's oldest city. Enjoy its innumerable cultural and historical treasures, world-famous museums and active art scene.

The world feels at home in Cologne, where people meet for a Kölsch, a chat or simply a laugh. Life in Cologne is uncomplicated and vivacious. A wonderful town for the end of a fabulous tour.

Highlights: Guided

• Roman-Germanic Central Museum in Mainz
• Climb up to the Loreley
• Cable car to "Vierseenblick"
• Boat trip on Rhine
• Cologne

Highlights: Self-guided

• Roman-Germanic Central Museum in Mainz
• Climb up to the Loreley
• Cable car to "Vierseenblick"
• Boat trip on Rhine
• Cologne

Daily Program: Guided

Daily Program: Self-guided

Day 1: Mainz
Individual arrival to Mainz. In Mainz, you should visit the Roman-Germanic Central Museum, Gutenberg Museum, Emperor's Cathedral and Electors Castle. Arrival possible by German railway. You rental bikes will be at the hotel.
Overnight in Mainz. 

Day 2: Mainz - Rüdesheim (19-31 miles/35-49 km)
The beautiful first stage leads through rolling vineyards and well-known wine villages. The Rhine is flowing unhurriedly, forming little islands and broadening its bed up to a width of 2,600 feet (800 m)! Before you reach Rüdesheim you may visit (an additional 9 miles/14 km) the half-timbered town of Eltville and Monastery Eberbach, which are worth seeing.
Overnight in Rudesheim.  

Day 3: Rüdesheim - St. Goar (24 miles/38 km)
Pompous castles line today's route. And you definitely should climb up to the Loreley! A hiking path leads up to this lovely spot and offers a beautiful sight to the narrowest part in the romantic Rhine Valley.
Overnight in St. Goar.  

Day 4: St. Goar - Koblenz (22 miles/36 km)
Further on in the narrow Rhine Valley, the route first heads to Boppart. In this place it is quite turbulent, but if you wish you can go to 'Vierseenblick' (Four Lake View) by cable car. Or you may visit on your further way to the 'Deutschen Eck' in Koblenz the well-preserved Castle Marksburg and Castle Stolzenfels.
Overnight in Koblenz.  

Day 5: Koblenz - Bad Godesberg (36 miles/58 km)
Cozy health resorts and inviting wine villages are among your options along today's route! Thermal baths and beer gardens also want to draw you in. Or you may have a break from cycling and go to an enjoyable boat trip on the Rhine. Between Koblenz and Bad Godesberg anything is possible!
Overnight in Bad Godesberg. 

Day 6: Bad Godesberg - Cologne (27 miles/43 km)
Bonn is along today's route and invites for an ample visit until the Cologne Cathedral comes into field of vision. Today's stage is not as long so you will be quite early in your hotel which is located in Cologne's city center. You will still have enough time to admire the manifold sights of Cologne.
Overnight in Cologne.  

Day 7: Cologne
Departure. Nobody wants to leave, but after a week in the beautiful Rhine Valley the tour ends in Cologne.

This tour can be customized based on interests and think of combining it with the Mosel River tour.

Dates: Guided

Dates: Self-guided

Saturdays and Sundays, May 5-Oct 14, 2012

Route Map: Guided

Route Map: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Category A
3- and 4-star comfortable, middle-class hotels.
Per person, double occupancy €520 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) €174 Transfer back to Mainz, Saturday (per person) €60 Bike rentals Hybrid touring bike, 21-speed €60 Hybrid touring bike, 7-speed €60 Electrically assisted bike €120 Tandem bike €120 Equipment provided free with all rentals €0 Extra nights, Mainz Per person, double occupancy €53 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) €26 Extra nights, Cologne Per person, double occupancy €60 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) €28

Category B
Family-owned guesthouses and hotels.
Per person, double occupancy €472 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) €144 Transfer back to Mainz, Saturday (per person) €60 Bike rentals Hybrid touring bike, 21-speed €60 Hybrid touring bike, 7-speed €60 Electrically assisted bike €120 Tandem bike €120 Equipment provided free with all rentals €0 Extra nights, Mainz Per person, double occupancy €47 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) €23 Extra nights, Cologne Per person, double occupancy €60 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) €28

Included Services: Guided

Included Services: Self-guided

• Accommodation 
• Breakfast
• Luggage transfer
• Map of bike trails with marked route
• Detailed route description
• Tips on tour preparation
• Tourist information
• 24-hour Service Hotline in case of problems or questions

Hotels: Guided

Category A: 3- and 4-star comfortable, middle-class hotels

Day 1: Hotel Advena Europa Hotel, Mainz
http://europahotel.advenahotels.com
Hotel Advena Europa offers 98 comfortably furnished single and double rooms. 

Day 2: Hotel Zum Baren, Rudesheim
www.zumbaeren.de 
Hotel Zum Baren is a hotel specifically catered for bicyclists in Rugesheim. 

Day 3: Hotel Landsknecht, St. Goar
www.hotel-landsknecht.de 
Hotel Landsknecht is a 3-star hotel offering guests a wine shop, wine bar and terrace restaurant. 

Day 4: Hotel Brenner, Koblenz
www.hotel-brenner.de
Hotel Brenner is located in Koblenz with a hotel garden, conference and training rooms and breakfast buffet.   

Day 5: Hotel Zum Adler, Bad Godensburg
www.hotel-zum-adler.de
Since 1860, Hotel zum Adler combines tradition with modern comforts. It is in a quiet and idyllic location in the heart of Bonn-Bad Godesberg. 

Day 6: Hotel Coellner Hof, Koln
www.coellnerhof.de 
Located a few minutes walk from the city center, in an ideal location for anyone wanting to explore the city.  

Category B: family-owned guesthouses and hotels

Day 1: Hotel Konigshof, Mainz
www.hotel-koenigshof-mainz.de
Directly in view of the main railway station, Hotel Kongishof welcomes guests to Mainz, the capital of the Rhine. 

Day 2: Hotel Zum Grunen Kranz, Rudesheim
www.gruenerkranz.com
Hotel Zum Grunen Kranz offers an excellent tradition of hospitality amidst the natural beauty of the Middle Rhine Valley in Rudesheim. 

Day 3: Hotel Rheinperle, St. Goar
www.hotelrheinperle.de
Hotel Rheinperle offers comfortable and cozy accommodation in St. Goar.  

Day 4: Hotel Brenner, Koblenz
www.hotel-brenner.de
Hotel Brenner is located in Koblenz with a hotel garden, conference and training rooms and breakfast buffet.  

Day 5: Stadthotel Burgblick, Bad Godesberg
www.burgblick-hotel.de
Located at the foot of the Castle of Godesburg, the small Hotel Burgblick offers different opportunities of cultural and sportive activities in the surrounding area.  

Day 6: Hotel Mado, Cologne
www.hotelmado.de
Hotel Mado is a Mediterranean-style hotel situated in Cologne's lively University Quarter.  

Hotels: Self-guided

Category A: 3- and 4-star comfortable, middle-class hotels

Day 1: Hotel Advena Europa Hotel, Mainz
http://europahotel.advenahotels.com
Hotel Advena Europa offers 98 comfortably furnished single and double rooms. 

Day 2: Hotel Zum Baren, Rudesheim
www.zumbaeren.de 
Hotel Zum Baren is a hotel specifically catered for bicyclists in Rugesheim. 

Day 3: Hotel Landsknecht, St. Goar
www.hotel-landsknecht.de 
Hotel Landsknecht is a 3-star hotel offering guests a wine shop, wine bar and terrace restaurant. 

Day 4: Hotel Brenner, Koblenz
www.hotel-brenner.de
Hotel Brenner is located in Koblenz with a hotel garden, conference and training rooms and breakfast buffet.   

Day 5: Hotel Zum Adler, Bad Godensburg
www.hotel-zum-adler.de
Since 1860, Hotel zum Adler combines tradition with modern comforts. It is in a quiet and idyllic location in the heart of Bonn-Bad Godesberg. 

Day 6: Hotel Coellner Hof, Koln
www.coellnerhof.de 
Located a few minutes walk from the city center, in an ideal location for anyone wanting to explore the city.  

Category B: family-owned guesthouses and hotels

Day 1: Hotel Konigshof, Mainz
www.hotel-koenigshof-mainz.de
Directly in view of the main railway station, Hotel Kongishof welcomes guests to Mainz, the capital of the Rhine. 

Day 2: Hotel Zum Grunen Kranz, Rudesheim
www.gruenerkranz.com
Hotel Zum Grunen Kranz offers an excellent tradition of hospitality amidst the natural beauty of the Middle Rhine Valley in Rudesheim. 

Day 3: Hotel Rheinperle, St. Goar
www.hotelrheinperle.de
Hotel Rheinperle offers comfortable and cozy accommodation in St. Goar.  

Day 4: Hotel Brenner, Koblenz
www.hotel-brenner.de
Hotel Brenner is located in Koblenz with a hotel garden, conference and training rooms and breakfast buffet.  

Day 5: Stadthotel Burgblick, Bad Godesberg
www.burgblick-hotel.de
Located at the foot of the Castle of Godesburg, the small Hotel Burgblick offers different opportunities of cultural and sportive activities in the surrounding area.  

Day 6: Hotel Mado, Cologne
www.hotelmado.de
Hotel Mado is a Mediterranean-style hotel situated in Cologne's lively University Quarter.  

Bike Rentals: Guided

Available bikes include a 7-speed hybrid bike with wide and comfortable gel saddles. The gear shift is fully encapsulated Shimano hub shifter with integrated back pedalling brake. Gears are changed by means of a snapping rotary handle that is very easy to operate. 

Alternate option is a 21-speed hybrid bikes with a robust modern aluminum frame with moulded lower tube. The gear shift is Modern Shimano dérailleur (Nexave 300) without back pedal, with one speed grading deriving from the mountainbike.

All bikes come with lights, mudguards, reflectors, carriers, lateral kickstands and lock.

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

Available bikes include a 7-speed hybrid bike with wide and comfortable gel saddles. The gear shift is fully encapsulated Shimano hub shifter with integrated back pedalling brake. Gears are changed by means of a snapping rotary handle that is very easy to operate. 

Alternate option is a 21-speed hybrid bikes with a robust modern aluminum frame with moulded lower tube. The gear shift is Modern Shimano dérailleur (Nexave 300) without back pedal, with one speed grading deriving from the mountainbike.

All bikes come with lights, mudguards, reflectors, carriers, lateral kickstands and lock.

Surface and Terrain: Guided

This tour is very relaxed cycling in mostly flat terrain. It is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition. 

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

This tour is very relaxed cycling in mostly flat terrain. It is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition. 

How To Get There: Guided

Tour Start 
Nearest airport: Frankfurt, Germany
Nearest train station: Mainz, Germany

Tour End
Nearest airport:Cologne/Bonn or Frankfurt, Germany
Nearest train station: Cologne, Germany

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour Start 
Nearest airport: Frankfurt, Germany
Nearest train station: Mainz, Germany

Tour End
Nearest airport:Cologne/Bonn or Frankfurt, Germany
Nearest train station: Cologne, Germany

More About Germany : Guided

Germany's fairytale castles, romantic villages and bustling cities are surrounded by a wealth of pristine natural landscapes. Only a unified nation since 1990, Germany now boasts Europe's largest economy and second most populous nation. Within its unified boundaries, Germany remains a nation of diversity. Northern Germany’s coastal terrain along the Baltic Sea includes Hamburg, a harbor city of canals and waterways. Southern Germany's Bavaria region, known as "the green roof of Germany," features snow-tipped Alps, the Black Forest, Neuschwanstein Castle and the historic, picturesque city of Munich. Cruise the Rhine River through the western regions and visit Cologne's famous Gothic Cathedral built in 1248. Experience the arts, fashion and music in the capital, Berlin, and see the revitalized city of Dresden destroyed during World War II.

More on bicycling in Germany > 

View all Germany bike tours >

More About Germany : Self-guided

Germany's fairytale castles, romantic villages and bustling cities are surrounded by a wealth of pristine natural landscapes. Only a unified nation since 1990, Germany now boasts Europe's largest economy and second most populous nation. Within its unified boundaries, Germany remains a nation of diversity. Northern Germany’s coastal terrain along the Baltic Sea includes Hamburg, a harbor city of canals and waterways. Southern Germany's Bavaria region, known as "the green roof of Germany," features snow-tipped Alps, the Black Forest, Neuschwanstein Castle and the historic, picturesque city of Munich. Cruise the Rhine River through the western regions and visit Cologne's famous Gothic Cathedral built in 1248. Experience the arts, fashion and music in the capital, Berlin, and see the revitalized city of Dresden destroyed during World War II.

More on bicycling in Germany > 

View all Germany bike tours >

Tour Company Background: Velociped: Guided

Velociped has been organizing bicycle trips since 1988. Full of passion and pioneering spirit, Velociped finds the nicest places all over Germany and worldwide for their bicycle tours. Velociped wants every client to relax during their holiday, and be free from organizing. Your luggage is transported separately on each cycling stage. Their services will guarantee a smooth and perfectly organized cycling holiday. 

Tour Company Background: Velociped: Self-guided

Velociped has been organizing bicycle trips since 1988. Full of passion and pioneering spirit, Velociped finds the nicest places all over Germany and worldwide for their bicycle tours. Velociped wants every client to relax during their holiday, and be free from organizing. Your luggage is transported separately on each cycling stage. Their services will guarantee a smooth and perfectly organized cycling holiday. 

Terms and Conditions: Velociped: Guided

Dear Traveler, 

Clear contractual provisions, which are agreed with you as set out below, contribute to an optimal performance of a travel too. The following travel conditions shall amend the stipulations of §§ 651 lit. a) through m) BGB (German Civil Code) on package tours (Pauschalreisen) and on the tour operator's information obligations and shall implement the aforementioned stipulations. They form, as far as they are bindingly agreed, an integral part of the travel agreement concluded between you (the "Traveler") and Velociped Fahrradreisen ("Velociped"). 

1. Conclusion of the travel agreement 

1.1 Velociped is tour operator of all tours signed with the "green velociped pennant" in this catalogue and in case of booking such tour your partner of contract. In all other cases Velociped merely acts as a travel agent as far as the principle of § 651 lit. a) section 2 BGB does not require something different. 

1.2 By reservation of a travel (the "Reservation"), which can be made verbally, in written form, by fax or e-mail, the Traveler makes a binding offer to Velociped to conclude a travel agreement (the "Travel Agreement") which is based on the travel offer as set out in the Velociped catalogue valid at the time of travel (the "Catalogue") and on these General Terms and Conditions. 

1.3 The Travel Agreement takes effect upon confirmation of the Reservation by Velociped to the Traveler or travel agent. The travel confirmation is not required to have a special form. Upon or immediately after taking effect of the Travel Agreement, Velociped will issue a written travel confirmation form to the Traveler. 

1.4 If the Reservation includes booking for further Travelers, the Traveler making the Reservation is - to the extent, the Traveler explicitly accepts such obligations by separate written declaration - liable for all contractual obligations of these further Travelers resulting from the Travel Agreement. 

1.5 If the contents of Velociped's confirmation of Reservation differ from the contents of the Reservation, the Travel Agreement does not become effective. The confirmation of Reservation is considered to represent a new offer by Velociped to the Traveler. A Travel Agreement based on the content of the new offer is established, if the Traveler accepts the new offer by explicit declaration or pre-payment or final payment or commencement of travel. 

2. Velociped's obligation to perform 

2.1 The obligations to perform of Velociped are exclusively determined by the content of the confirmation of Reservation in conjunction with the terms and conditions set out in the Catalogue, including but not limited to all instructions, advices and comments provided therein. 

2.2 Third party service providers (e.g. hotels, airlines) and travel agencies have not been authorized by Velociped, to enter into any commitments or agreements which would exeed or contradict to Velociped's travel description or confirmation of Reservation or would modify the confirmed content of the Travel Agreement.  

3. Pre-Payment and Final Payment 

3.1 A pre-payment (the "Pre-Payment") which will be deducted from the total travel fee (the "Travel Fee") is to be made upon taking effect of the Travel Agreement and after handing over of the "Sicherungsschein" (a guarantee certificate, required by law, ensuring protection for Travelers in the event of a travel organizer's insolvency) in accordance with § 651 lit. k) paragraph 3 BGB. The Pre-Payment amounts to 10% of the Travel Fee, max. € 250,- per person, unless otherwise agreed.  

3.2 The remainder of the Travel Fee is due and payable no later than three weeks before the travel begins, if the "Sicherungsschein" has been handed over and if it is certain, the travel cannot be cancelled any more for any reason stipulated in section 7.2 hereto. 

3.3 Travel materials will be sent or handed out to the Traveler either directly or via the arranging travel agency after full payment of the Travel Fee is received. 

3.4 If the travel is booked less than four weeks before the travel begins, the Travel Fee becomes due in full immediately after hand out of the "Sicherungsschein". 

3.5 If Velociped is willing and capable of fulfilling its obligations to perform and if the "Sicherungsschein" has been handed out, the Traveler is not entitled to demand any performance of Velociped's contractual obligations, unless the full Travel Fee is received by Velociped. 

4. Modification of Obligations 

4.1 Modifications of Velociped's individual contractual obligations to perform, becoming necessary after taking effect of the Travel Agreement and being not induced by Velociped in breach of good faith, are only permitted to the extent, such modifications are not substantial and do not impair the total set up of the travel. Potential warranty claims remain unaffected as far as any performance of a modified obligation is defective. 

4.2 Velociped is obliged to immediately inform the Traveler about any modifications of the performance of obligations. As the case may be Velociped will offer a free of charge rebooking or rescission.  

4.3 In case of a substantial modification of a material obligation to perform, the Traveler is entitled to cancel the Travel Agreement at no fees to him. 

4.4 In case of any changes regarding travel date, destination, accommodation, carriage, departure- or destination airport, made upon the Traveler's request (rebooking) until 30 days before begin of travel, a rebooking fee of € 50,- per each modification becomes due. Rebookings to be made upon Traveler's requests made after expiry of this period are, if at all feasible, possible only after rescission by the Traveler and in accordance with the aforementioned conditions and simultaneous new reservation. This does not apply if the rebooking causes only minor costs.  

4.5 In case of a change in the person of the Traveler, to which Velociped may disagree if the Traveler does not meet the requirements of the travel or if the Travelers participation in the travel contradicts any legal or administrative requirements, Velociped is entitled to charge a flat rate/ lump-sum of € 50,- for the effort. 

5. Modification of Fee 

In case of an increase of transportation costs or an increase of charges for certain services such as port or airport duties or in case of variation of exchange rates, applicable to the respective travel, Velociped reserves the right to modify the Travel Fee agreed in the Travel Agreement as set out below: 

5.1 If costs of transportation, and in particular costs of fuel, valid at the time of conclusion of the travel Agreement, increase, Velociped is entitled to increase the Travel fee in accordance with the following stipulations:  

- In case of an increase attributable to a single seat Velociped can charge the amount of increase. 

- In any other case the additional costs charged by the transport provider for the respective means of transportation are divided by the amount of seats of the agreed means of transportation. Velociped can charge to the Traveler the resulting amount of increase per seat. 

5.2 In case of an increase of charges, such as port or airport duties, valid at the time of conclusion of the Travel Agreement, Velociped can increase the Travel Fee on a pro-rata basis. 

5.3 In case of variation of exchange rates after conclusion of the Travel Agreement the Travel Fee can be increased in proportion to the resulting increase of costs of the respective travel for Velociped. 

5.4 An increase is only permissible if the period between conclusion of the Travel Agreement and the agreed time of travel exceeds four weeks and if, at the time of conclusion of the Travel Agreement, the circumstances resulting in the increase neither have been existing nor could have been foreseen by Velociped. 

5.5 In case of an increase of the Travel Fee after the time of conclusion of the Travel Agreement Velociped has to inform the Traveler without undue delay. Increases after the 20th day before travel are null and void. In case of increases of the Travel Fee exceeding 5 % the Traveler is entitled to withdraw from Travel Agreement at no cost to him or to demand the participation in a travel of the equivalent value, if Velociped is able to offer such travel from its travel portfolio without any additional fees to the Traveler. 

6. Services not made use of 

If the Traveler does not make use of certain travel services for reasons of premature return the travel, illness or for other reasons, not in the responsibility of Velociped, no claim for proportionate refund [of the Travel Fee] can be made. 

7. Rescission and Cancellation by Velociped 

7.1 Velociped may terminate the Travel Agreement after commencement of travel if the Traveler materially disturbs the carrying-out of the Travel Agreement irrespective of an admonition or if the Traveler acts in contradiction to the Travel Agreement to an extent, justifying the immediate cancellation of the Travel Agreement. In case of termination Velociped remains entitled to the entire Travel Fee; however, Velociped has to accept a set off of any cost saved as well as any advantages obtained from making other use of travel services, including amounts credited to Velociped by service providers. In this case the local representatives of Velociped (travel agency, travel guide) are authorized to execute Velociped's rights. 

7.2 Velociped may, if the publicized minimum number of participants is not attained, withdraw from the Travel Agreement in accordance with the following stipulations: 

a) Velociped must notify the Traveler without undue delay once the condition requiring cancellation of the travel has arisen. 

b) A withdrawal of Velociped may not be declared later than three weeks before begin of the travel. 

c) In case of withdrawal the Traveler can demand the participation in another travel of at least equivalent value, if Velociped is able to offer such travel from its travel portfolio without any additional fees to the Traveler. The Traveler has to make such claim to Velociped immediately after notification of the withdrawal. 

d) Accomplished payments shall be refunded without undue delay. Further claims, including but not limited to refund of withdrawal costs for already booked flights, train tickets, temporary accommodation, do not exist. Velociped therefore recommends refraining from such bookings until it is certain the travel will be executed. 

8. Rescission by Traveler, Rebooking 

8.1 The Traveler may withdraw from the Travel Agreement at any time before the travel begins by written notification of withdrawal to Velociped. The time of receipt of the notification by Velociped is decisive. 

8.2 In any case of withdrawal by the Traveler, Velociped, after taking into account expenses saved usually and usually feasible other use of travel services, is entitled to charge lump-sum rescission fees per person which amount to the following: 

a) Up to the 29th day before the beginning of the journey: 10%, at least € 50,- 

b) From the 28th to the 8th day before the beginning of the journey: 50% of the Travel Fee 

c) From the 7th to the 1st day before beginning of the journey: 80% of the Travel Fee 

d) On the arrival day and non-participation: 90% of the Travel Fee 

8.3 The Traveler may prove to Velociped that no or significantly less costs than the lump-sums have occurred. In such case the Traveler is only obliged to pay the actual costs. 

8.4 Velociped reserves the right to charge a higher rescission fee in individual cases, in which higher costs, to be specified and proved to the Traveler, have occurred. 

9. Obligations of and Termination by the Traveler 

9.1 The obligation to notify defaults as stipulated in § 651 lit. d) paragraph 2 BGB is specified in case of Velociped travels to the effect that the Traveler is obliged to immediately notify any default of the travel to the local travel guide or agency and to demand cure of the default. 

9.2 If no local travel guide has been assigned and additionally Velociped is not obliged to do so (check travel description in this respect!), the Traveler shall, under the address, telephone number and facsimile number mentioned below, directly notify Velociped about the default and demand cure.  

9.3 Travel guides of Velociped are not entitled or authorized to acknowledge in the name or on behalf of Velociped any complaints or claims for payment of the Traveler prior to, during or after the travel. 

9.4 Claims of the Traveler only remain valid, if the failure to notify a default does not result from any responsibility of the Traveler. 

9.5 The Traveler has to notify loss and damage of luggage, in particular but not limited to the loss of airline luggage, to the transport provider immediately. The transport provider is obliged to issue a written acknowledgement. Without notification the risk of loss of claim is given. 

9.6 If the travel is considerably affected by a defective performance, the Traveler may terminate the Travel Agreement. The same is applicable, if the travel is unacceptable to the Traveler for reasons recognizable to Velociped. In any case the Travel Agreement becomes only terminable, if an adequate period of time, to be determined by the Traveler, has elapsed without Velociped or its representatives curing the defect. Determination of a time limit is not necessary, if the curing is impossible or if Velociped or its representatives refuse to cure the defect or if the immediate termination of the Travel Agreement is justified by a particular interest of the Traveler. 

9.7 With respect to the Travel Agreement the Traveler's obligation, as stipulated in § 651 lit. g) section 1 BGB, to enforce claims against the travel agent within one month after the contractually agreed end of the travel, is specified as follows: 

a) Irrespective of its legal basis any claim in connection with the Travel Agreement or with the performance of Velociped respectively has to be enforced by the Traveler exclusively against Velociped within one month after the contractually agreed date of return from the travel. 

b) The timely enforcement can be made against Velociped only to the address mentioned below. An enforcement in writing is highly recommended. 

c) The aforementioned clauses leave any legal stipulations regarding delays arising from no responsibility of the Traveler or regarding the suspension of the statutes of limitation unaffected. 

10. Passport-, Visa- and Health regulations 

10.1 The Traveler is informed by Velociped about passport-, visa- and health regulations applicable to the respective country of destination in the travel description and travel material. This information relates to German citizens, irrespective on any special circumstances given. Such personal circumstances (e.g. having two citizenships, being stateless, certain registrations in the passport or refugee's admission) can not be taken into consideration if not explicitly notified to Velociped by the Traveler. 

10.2 Velociped shall inform the Traveler about any material amendments to these common regulations prior to begin of the travel. 

10.3 To the extent Velociped complies with its obligation to inform the Traveler in accordance with the stipulations above, the Traveler is obliged himself to observe these regulations. 

11. Liability 

11.1 Velociped's liability to the Traveler for any damages (including liability for the infringement of secondary obligations arising prior, after or during the Travel Agreement) which are not body damage is limited to the triple Travel Fee, as far as: 

a) a damage of the Traveler is caused neither by willful misconduct or gross negligence of Velociped or 

b) Velociped's responsibility for a Clint's damage solely results from the default of a third party service provider. 

11.2 Velociped is not liable for default of performance or damages in relation to performance of third parties only arranged by Velociped as intermediary at the travel destination (e.g. sport events, theatre, trips, exhibitions etc.) or expressly marked in the travel description as third party services. 

11.3 If Velociped acts as contractual airfreight carrier, liability is regulated by the Act on Air Traffic in connection with the international treaties of Warsaw, The Hague, Guadalajara and Montreal. The Warsaw treaty as a rule limits the liability of an airfreight carrier for loss of life or body damages as well as for loss of or damage of luggage. 

12. Period of Limitation, Exclusion of Assignement 

12.1 Any claims of the Traveler against Velociped, irrespective of their legal basis - with the exemption of claims of the Traveler based on tort ? come under the statute of limitations one year after the contractually envisaged time of return travel. Are negotiations on claims or their factual basis pending between the Traveler and Velociped the statutes of limitation are suspended until the Traveler or Velociped refuse to continue the negotiations? The aforementioned statutes of limitation of one year come into force three months after the end of the suspension at the earliest. 

13. Jurisdiction, Miscellaneous  

13.1 The Traveler can sue Velociped only at its principal place of business. 

13.2 The entire legal- and contractual relationship between the Traveler and Velociped shall exclusively be governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany if the Traveler's place of residence or business is not Germany.  

13.3 For Claims of Velociped against the Traveler the Traveler's place of residence is decisive, unless the claim is directed against a Merchant (as defined by HGB, German Commercial Code), legal entities of public or private law or persons having their place of residence or common whereabouts abroad or having an unknown place of residence or unknown common whereabouts at the time of bringing up the claim. 

© These General Terms and Conditions are protected by copyright laws. 

Attorney at Law Noll, Stuttgart, 2003, 2004. 

Tour Operator: 

Company: Velociped GmbH & Co. KG 

Commercial Register: Amtsgericht Marburg HRA 3943 

General Partner (Komplementärin): Velociped Verwaltungs-GmbH 

Commercial Register: Amtsgericht Marburg HRB 4593 

Executive Board: Claudia Möllers, Christian Rhode 

Address: Alte Kasseler Straße 43, D-35039 Marburg 

Telephone: +49 (0) 6421 / 88689-0 

Facsimile: +49 (0) 6421 / 88689-11 

E-Mail: info@velociped.de 

Unofficial and non binding partial translation of Velociped's General Terms and Conditions 

Terms and Conditions: Velociped: Self-guided

Dear Traveler, 

Clear contractual provisions, which are agreed with you as set out below, contribute to an optimal performance of a travel too. The following travel conditions shall amend the stipulations of §§ 651 lit. a) through m) BGB (German Civil Code) on package tours (Pauschalreisen) and on the tour operator's information obligations and shall implement the aforementioned stipulations. They form, as far as they are bindingly agreed, an integral part of the travel agreement concluded between you (the "Traveler") and Velociped Fahrradreisen ("Velociped"). 

1. Conclusion of the travel agreement 

1.1 Velociped is tour operator of all tours signed with the "green velociped pennant" in this catalogue and in case of booking such tour your partner of contract. In all other cases Velociped merely acts as a travel agent as far as the principle of § 651 lit. a) section 2 BGB does not require something different. 

1.2 By reservation of a travel (the "Reservation"), which can be made verbally, in written form, by fax or e-mail, the Traveler makes a binding offer to Velociped to conclude a travel agreement (the "Travel Agreement") which is based on the travel offer as set out in the Velociped catalogue valid at the time of travel (the "Catalogue") and on these General Terms and Conditions. 

1.3 The Travel Agreement takes effect upon confirmation of the Reservation by Velociped to the Traveler or travel agent. The travel confirmation is not required to have a special form. Upon or immediately after taking effect of the Travel Agreement, Velociped will issue a written travel confirmation form to the Traveler. 

1.4 If the Reservation includes booking for further Travelers, the Traveler making the Reservation is - to the extent, the Traveler explicitly accepts such obligations by separate written declaration - liable for all contractual obligations of these further Travelers resulting from the Travel Agreement. 

1.5 If the contents of Velociped's confirmation of Reservation differ from the contents of the Reservation, the Travel Agreement does not become effective. The confirmation of Reservation is considered to represent a new offer by Velociped to the Traveler. A Travel Agreement based on the content of the new offer is established, if the Traveler accepts the new offer by explicit declaration or pre-payment or final payment or commencement of travel. 

2. Velociped's obligation to perform 

2.1 The obligations to perform of Velociped are exclusively determined by the content of the confirmation of Reservation in conjunction with the terms and conditions set out in the Catalogue, including but not limited to all instructions, advices and comments provided therein. 

2.2 Third party service providers (e.g. hotels, airlines) and travel agencies have not been authorized by Velociped, to enter into any commitments or agreements which would exeed or contradict to Velociped's travel description or confirmation of Reservation or would modify the confirmed content of the Travel Agreement.  

3. Pre-Payment and Final Payment 

3.1 A pre-payment (the "Pre-Payment") which will be deducted from the total travel fee (the "Travel Fee") is to be made upon taking effect of the Travel Agreement and after handing over of the "Sicherungsschein" (a guarantee certificate, required by law, ensuring protection for Travelers in the event of a travel organizer's insolvency) in accordance with § 651 lit. k) paragraph 3 BGB. The Pre-Payment amounts to 10% of the Travel Fee, max. € 250,- per person, unless otherwise agreed.  

3.2 The remainder of the Travel Fee is due and payable no later than three weeks before the travel begins, if the "Sicherungsschein" has been handed over and if it is certain, the travel cannot be cancelled any more for any reason stipulated in section 7.2 hereto. 

3.3 Travel materials will be sent or handed out to the Traveler either directly or via the arranging travel agency after full payment of the Travel Fee is received. 

3.4 If the travel is booked less than four weeks before the travel begins, the Travel Fee becomes due in full immediately after hand out of the "Sicherungsschein". 

3.5 If Velociped is willing and capable of fulfilling its obligations to perform and if the "Sicherungsschein" has been handed out, the Traveler is not entitled to demand any performance of Velociped's contractual obligations, unless the full Travel Fee is received by Velociped. 

4. Modification of Obligations 

4.1 Modifications of Velociped's individual contractual obligations to perform, becoming necessary after taking effect of the Travel Agreement and being not induced by Velociped in breach of good faith, are only permitted to the extent, such modifications are not substantial and do not impair the total set up of the travel. Potential warranty claims remain unaffected as far as any performance of a modified obligation is defective. 

4.2 Velociped is obliged to immediately inform the Traveler about any modifications of the performance of obligations. As the case may be Velociped will offer a free of charge rebooking or rescission.  

4.3 In case of a substantial modification of a material obligation to perform, the Traveler is entitled to cancel the Travel Agreement at no fees to him. 

4.4 In case of any changes regarding travel date, destination, accommodation, carriage, departure- or destination airport, made upon the Traveler's request (rebooking) until 30 days before begin of travel, a rebooking fee of € 50,- per each modification becomes due. Rebookings to be made upon Traveler's requests made after expiry of this period are, if at all feasible, possible only after rescission by the Traveler and in accordance with the aforementioned conditions and simultaneous new reservation. This does not apply if the rebooking causes only minor costs.  

4.5 In case of a change in the person of the Traveler, to which Velociped may disagree if the Traveler does not meet the requirements of the travel or if the Travelers participation in the travel contradicts any legal or administrative requirements, Velociped is entitled to charge a flat rate/ lump-sum of € 50,- for the effort. 

5. Modification of Fee 

In case of an increase of transportation costs or an increase of charges for certain services such as port or airport duties or in case of variation of exchange rates, applicable to the respective travel, Velociped reserves the right to modify the Travel Fee agreed in the Travel Agreement as set out below: 

5.1 If costs of transportation, and in particular costs of fuel, valid at the time of conclusion of the travel Agreement, increase, Velociped is entitled to increase the Travel fee in accordance with the following stipulations:  

- In case of an increase attributable to a single seat Velociped can charge the amount of increase. 

- In any other case the additional costs charged by the transport provider for the respective means of transportation are divided by the amount of seats of the agreed means of transportation. Velociped can charge to the Traveler the resulting amount of increase per seat. 

5.2 In case of an increase of charges, such as port or airport duties, valid at the time of conclusion of the Travel Agreement, Velociped can increase the Travel Fee on a pro-rata basis. 

5.3 In case of variation of exchange rates after conclusion of the Travel Agreement the Travel Fee can be increased in proportion to the resulting increase of costs of the respective travel for Velociped. 

5.4 An increase is only permissible if the period between conclusion of the Travel Agreement and the agreed time of travel exceeds four weeks and if, at the time of conclusion of the Travel Agreement, the circumstances resulting in the increase neither have been existing nor could have been foreseen by Velociped. 

5.5 In case of an increase of the Travel Fee after the time of conclusion of the Travel Agreement Velociped has to inform the Traveler without undue delay. Increases after the 20th day before travel are null and void. In case of increases of the Travel Fee exceeding 5 % the Traveler is entitled to withdraw from Travel Agreement at no cost to him or to demand the participation in a travel of the equivalent value, if Velociped is able to offer such travel from its travel portfolio without any additional fees to the Traveler. 

6. Services not made use of 

If the Traveler does not make use of certain travel services for reasons of premature return the travel, illness or for other reasons, not in the responsibility of Velociped, no claim for proportionate refund [of the Travel Fee] can be made. 

7. Rescission and Cancellation by Velociped 

7.1 Velociped may terminate the Travel Agreement after commencement of travel if the Traveler materially disturbs the carrying-out of the Travel Agreement irrespective of an admonition or if the Traveler acts in contradiction to the Travel Agreement to an extent, justifying the immediate cancellation of the Travel Agreement. In case of termination Velociped remains entitled to the entire Travel Fee; however, Velociped has to accept a set off of any cost saved as well as any advantages obtained from making other use of travel services, including amounts credited to Velociped by service providers. In this case the local representatives of Velociped (travel agency, travel guide) are authorized to execute Velociped's rights. 

7.2 Velociped may, if the publicized minimum number of participants is not attained, withdraw from the Travel Agreement in accordance with the following stipulations: 

a) Velociped must notify the Traveler without undue delay once the condition requiring cancellation of the travel has arisen. 

b) A withdrawal of Velociped may not be declared later than three weeks before begin of the travel. 

c) In case of withdrawal the Traveler can demand the participation in another travel of at least equivalent value, if Velociped is able to offer such travel from its travel portfolio without any additional fees to the Traveler. The Traveler has to make such claim to Velociped immediately after notification of the withdrawal. 

d) Accomplished payments shall be refunded without undue delay. Further claims, including but not limited to refund of withdrawal costs for already booked flights, train tickets, temporary accommodation, do not exist. Velociped therefore recommends refraining from such bookings until it is certain the travel will be executed. 

8. Rescission by Traveler, Rebooking 

8.1 The Traveler may withdraw from the Travel Agreement at any time before the travel begins by written notification of withdrawal to Velociped. The time of receipt of the notification by Velociped is decisive. 

8.2 In any case of withdrawal by the Traveler, Velociped, after taking into account expenses saved usually and usually feasible other use of travel services, is entitled to charge lump-sum rescission fees per person which amount to the following: 

a) Up to the 29th day before the beginning of the journey: 10%, at least € 50,- 

b) From the 28th to the 8th day before the beginning of the journey: 50% of the Travel Fee 

c) From the 7th to the 1st day before beginning of the journey: 80% of the Travel Fee 

d) On the arrival day and non-participation: 90% of the Travel Fee 

8.3 The Traveler may prove to Velociped that no or significantly less costs than the lump-sums have occurred. In such case the Traveler is only obliged to pay the actual costs. 

8.4 Velociped reserves the right to charge a higher rescission fee in individual cases, in which higher costs, to be specified and proved to the Traveler, have occurred. 

9. Obligations of and Termination by the Traveler 

9.1 The obligation to notify defaults as stipulated in § 651 lit. d) paragraph 2 BGB is specified in case of Velociped travels to the effect that the Traveler is obliged to immediately notify any default of the travel to the local travel guide or agency and to demand cure of the default. 

9.2 If no local travel guide has been assigned and additionally Velociped is not obliged to do so (check travel description in this respect!), the Traveler shall, under the address, telephone number and facsimile number mentioned below, directly notify Velociped about the default and demand cure.  

9.3 Travel guides of Velociped are not entitled or authorized to acknowledge in the name or on behalf of Velociped any complaints or claims for payment of the Traveler prior to, during or after the travel. 

9.4 Claims of the Traveler only remain valid, if the failure to notify a default does not result from any responsibility of the Traveler. 

9.5 The Traveler has to notify loss and damage of luggage, in particular but not limited to the loss of airline luggage, to the transport provider immediately. The transport provider is obliged to issue a written acknowledgement. Without notification the risk of loss of claim is given. 

9.6 If the travel is considerably affected by a defective performance, the Traveler may terminate the Travel Agreement. The same is applicable, if the travel is unacceptable to the Traveler for reasons recognizable to Velociped. In any case the Travel Agreement becomes only terminable, if an adequate period of time, to be determined by the Traveler, has elapsed without Velociped or its representatives curing the defect. Determination of a time limit is not necessary, if the curing is impossible or if Velociped or its representatives refuse to cure the defect or if the immediate termination of the Travel Agreement is justified by a particular interest of the Traveler. 

9.7 With respect to the Travel Agreement the Traveler's obligation, as stipulated in § 651 lit. g) section 1 BGB, to enforce claims against the travel agent within one month after the contractually agreed end of the travel, is specified as follows: 

a) Irrespective of its legal basis any claim in connection with the Travel Agreement or with the performance of Velociped respectively has to be enforced by the Traveler exclusively against Velociped within one month after the contractually agreed date of return from the travel. 

b) The timely enforcement can be made against Velociped only to the address mentioned below. An enforcement in writing is highly recommended. 

c) The aforementioned clauses leave any legal stipulations regarding delays arising from no responsibility of the Traveler or regarding the suspension of the statutes of limitation unaffected. 

10. Passport-, Visa- and Health regulations 

10.1 The Traveler is informed by Velociped about passport-, visa- and health regulations applicable to the respective country of destination in the travel description and travel material. This information relates to German citizens, irrespective on any special circumstances given. Such personal circumstances (e.g. having two citizenships, being stateless, certain registrations in the passport or refugee's admission) can not be taken into consideration if not explicitly notified to Velociped by the Traveler. 

10.2 Velociped shall inform the Traveler about any material amendments to these common regulations prior to begin of the travel. 

10.3 To the extent Velociped complies with its obligation to inform the Traveler in accordance with the stipulations above, the Traveler is obliged himself to observe these regulations. 

11. Liability 

11.1 Velociped's liability to the Traveler for any damages (including liability for the infringement of secondary obligations arising prior, after or during the Travel Agreement) which are not body damage is limited to the triple Travel Fee, as far as: 

a) a damage of the Traveler is caused neither by willful misconduct or gross negligence of Velociped or 

b) Velociped's responsibility for a Clint's damage solely results from the default of a third party service provider. 

11.2 Velociped is not liable for default of performance or damages in relation to performance of third parties only arranged by Velociped as intermediary at the travel destination (e.g. sport events, theatre, trips, exhibitions etc.) or expressly marked in the travel description as third party services. 

11.3 If Velociped acts as contractual airfreight carrier, liability is regulated by the Act on Air Traffic in connection with the international treaties of Warsaw, The Hague, Guadalajara and Montreal. The Warsaw treaty as a rule limits the liability of an airfreight carrier for loss of life or body damages as well as for loss of or damage of luggage. 

12. Period of Limitation, Exclusion of Assignement 

12.1 Any claims of the Traveler against Velociped, irrespective of their legal basis - with the exemption of claims of the Traveler based on tort ? come under the statute of limitations one year after the contractually envisaged time of return travel. Are negotiations on claims or their factual basis pending between the Traveler and Velociped the statutes of limitation are suspended until the Traveler or Velociped refuse to continue the negotiations? The aforementioned statutes of limitation of one year come into force three months after the end of the suspension at the earliest. 

13. Jurisdiction, Miscellaneous  

13.1 The Traveler can sue Velociped only at its principal place of business. 

13.2 The entire legal- and contractual relationship between the Traveler and Velociped shall exclusively be governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany if the Traveler's place of residence or business is not Germany.  

13.3 For Claims of Velociped against the Traveler the Traveler's place of residence is decisive, unless the claim is directed against a Merchant (as defined by HGB, German Commercial Code), legal entities of public or private law or persons having their place of residence or common whereabouts abroad or having an unknown place of residence or unknown common whereabouts at the time of bringing up the claim. 

© These General Terms and Conditions are protected by copyright laws. 

Attorney at Law Noll, Stuttgart, 2003, 2004. 

Tour Operator: 

Company: Velociped GmbH & Co. KG 

Commercial Register: Amtsgericht Marburg HRA 3943 

General Partner (Komplementärin): Velociped Verwaltungs-GmbH 

Commercial Register: Amtsgericht Marburg HRB 4593 

Executive Board: Claudia Möllers, Christian Rhode 

Address: Alte Kasseler Straße 43, D-35039 Marburg 

Telephone: +49 (0) 6421 / 88689-0 

Facsimile: +49 (0) 6421 / 88689-11 

E-Mail: info@velociped.de 

Unofficial and non binding partial translation of Velociped's General Terms and Conditions