Mosel Bike Tour
Germany, France Bike Tours
Bike in France and Germany in the footsteps of the Romans!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€873 Rates
Overview
This Mosel bike route leads along the border triangle of France, Luxembourg, and Germany. Beginning your cycling adventure in Metz, you follow the course of the river along excellent bike paths discovering famous German towns such as Traben-Trarbach, Bernkastel-Kues, and Cochem,
Your route through the Mosel River Valley will feature medieval castles, historic cities, vineyards, and romantic wineries. Wine has long been a part of the Mosel’s history due to the favorable wine-growing climate here.
Highlights
- Metz with its Gothic Cathedral adorned with massive stained glass windows
- Vineyards of the Mosel Valley
- Trier, the "second Rome", the oldest city in Germany.
- Porta Nigra
- Wine tasting
- Mosel Bike Path cycling
- Cochem and its fairytale 12th Century castle perched atop a vineyard lined hill
- Altstadt (old town) of Cochem
- Koblenz
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Metz
Day 2: Metz - Perl, 17 to 39 mi. (27 to 63 km)
Day 3: Perl - Trier, 32 mi. (52 km)
Day 4: Trier - Piesport, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 5: Piesport - Traben-Trarbach, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Traben-Trarbach - Cochem, 35 mi. (55 km)
Day 7: Cochem - Koblenz, 31 mi. (49 km)
Day 8: Departure*All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions, or provisions issued by local authorities, therefore the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork, In this case, please follow the directions posted on site.
Day 1: Arrival
Today you arrive in Metz, the capital of the Lorraine region. Strategically located between the Mosel river and the plateau of Lorraine, Metz is a lively university city. It also has a medieval center and a beautiful Gothic cathedral, Saint-Etienne Cathedral. The poet Verlaine wrote that the cathedral was “the lantern of God”. In fact, the building contains the largest surface area of stained glass of all French cathedrals (almost 6,500 square meters). The 14th-century stained-glass windows by Hermann de Münster rival the contemporary products of Marc Chagall and Jacques Villon. It is a living monument to the history of stained glass.Day 2: Metz - Perl, 17 to 39 mi. (27 to 63 km)
Almost the entire day will be spent in France. It is recommended to take a train (direct connection) to Thionville. From here, the path is very good as you cycle along the water to the Franco-German border. Just over the border, lies Perl. You might like to take the ferry to Schengen or cycle to the Roman Villa Borg (5 km east of Perl.) You will marvel at the excavations designed to present an authentic representation of the buildings as they originally stood. The current buildings are made up of the baths which are fully functional consisting of a frigidarium (cold bath), caldarium (hot bath) and tepidarium (tempered bath) latrines, a dressing room, and a relaxation area. The manor or main building has a large reception hall and a number of adjacent rooms in which the most important finds from the site are displayed. There is also a Roman kitchen (recently completed), a residential building, and a tavern, which was not part of the original villa but which serves meals based on ancient Roman recipes.*Overall, the bike paths along the Mosel are perfectly developed with high-quality routes. However, the Mosel bicycle route on the French side of Metz and Thionville (35 km) is mostly on streets with heavy traffic. Therefore, it is recommended to bridge the journey (Metz to Thionville) by train. Then from Thionville onward, the path is well signposted. In the detailed travel documents, recommendations on the most beautiful stretches are given.
Day 3: Perl - Trier, 32 mi. (52 km)
The day begins cycling through the vast vineyards of the Mosel valley and you will want to take some time in Remich, a place the Romans called, Remacum. You will feel the Mediterranean flair in many cafes and bistros along the 3 km long Mosel promenade. On the right bank of the Mosel, you continue your journey to Konz where you cross the mouth of the Saar and Mosel. From here it is not far to Trier. Trier, which stands on the Mosel River, was a Roman colony from the 1st century AD and then a great trading center beginning in the next century. At one time this city was known as the 'second Rome' and is said to be the oldest city in Germany. The number and quality of the surviving monuments, such as the magnificent Porta Nigra, Constatine's Basilica, the amphitheater, as well as the Roman Spa, Kaisertherme, all give testimony to Roman civilization.Day 4: Trier - Piesport, 30 mi. (48 km)
Today, Roman past and contemporary viniculture will meet. The Mosel bike trail leads to Mehring, where the Villa Rustica awaits. 'Villa Rustica’ is the designation for a manor in the Roman Empire. Today, the reconstructed walls and foundations can be visited again. Afterward, you will cycle to Trittenheim, where a nature trail educates on the local variety of grapes and the process of vine-growing. Just before reaching today’s destination, you will pass Neumagen-Dhron, Germany’s oldest wine-growing place! You should stop here to taste some of that wine!Day 5: Piesport - Traben-Trarbach, 25 mi. (40 km)
The two famous towns Bernkastel-Kues and Traben-Trarbach and the well-known wine-growing resort "Kröver Nacktarsch" are today’s highlights. Marvel at the colorful and manifold half-timbered constructions seaming the market place of Bernkastel-Kues. In Traben-Trarbach, there is an opportunity to take a boat trip.Day 6: Traben-Trarbach - Cochem, 35 mi. (56 km)
You will discover Enkirch today, a jewel of the Moselle region’s traditional half-timbered architecture. Then it is on to Zell, the wine-growing resort know for its "Zeller Schwarzen Katz" (The Black cat of Zell’). Take a relaxing break in the small town of Beilstein, proud of its nickname "Rothenburg an der Mosel". Your final destination is Cochem with its picturesque center and the ancient realm dating from the 11th century.Day 7: Cochem - Koblenz, 31 mi. (49 km)
The Mosel bike trail leads to the quaint wine-growing villages like Koben Gondorf or Winningen and then to the Deutsche Eck, but first, there is the opportunity to visit the medieval castle of Burg Eltz. Enjoy the wide view over the magnificent valley of the Rhine and be looking forward to a wonderful evening in Koblenz.Day 8: Individual departure
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Map
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
Category A: Centrally located 3-star and 4-star hotels
Category B: Centrally located small family inns and hotels. Please note, in Trier, the hotel is located 5 km outside of city.Bicycles
27-speed Tourer
Men or Women's Frames
Frame: Aluminium
Speed: 27-speed
Gear Shift: Shimano 27-speed derailler
Brakes: V-brakes
Handlebar: Riser
Wheels: 28-inch Marathon Plus by Schwalbe
Saddle: Sportive gel
Pedals: Aluminium with large rubber surface
Other: Lights, mudguards, reflectors, lock, rackEbike
Motor: Bosch
Battery: Lithium-ion polymer battery (100 km)
Display unit: Show current battery charge, total mileage, speed, trip etc)
Gear shift: Shimano 8-speed hub gears
Typres: Schwalbe
Brakes: Hydraulic
Other: Lights, mudguards, reflectors, lock, rackInclusions
What’s Included
- Hotel accommodations for 7 nights
- Breakfasts
- 27 speed touring bicycle (high handlebars and more upright riding position) equipped with waterproof pannier, optional map holder (please request), repair kit with tools and spare tube)
- Luggage transfer
- Tour information packet
- Route descriptions & maps
- GPS tracks available upon request
- Service hotline
What’s Not Included
- All meals other than breakfast
- Helmets (bring your own or purchase at a bike shop on arrival +- €60)
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
- City tax (payable locally at each hotel)
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily from April 6 to October 19, 2024
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2024
Season 1: April 6 to April 19 | October 12 to October 19, 2024
Season 2: April 20 to May 3 | October 5 to October 11, 2024
Season 3: June 8 to August 16 | September 21 to October 4, 2024
Season 4: May 4 to June 7 | August 17 to September 20, 2024Category A Category B Season 1 Twin/double $ 1694 £ 894 $ 1,546 € 1023 kr 156993 ₪ 4206 ¥ 176729 Mex$ 18855 NZ$ 1851 NOK 12193 zł 4448 S$ 1528 kr 12166 $ 1,135 $ 1446 £ 763 $ 1,319 € 873 kr 133973 ₪ 3589 ¥ 150816 Mex$ 16090 NZ$ 1579 NOK 10405 zł 3796 S$ 1304 kr 10382 $ 969 Single room $ 2191 £ 1156 $ 1,999 € 1323 kr 203032 ₪ 5439 ¥ 228556 Mex$ 24384 NZ$ 2393 NOK 15769 zł 5752 S$ 1976 kr 15734 $ 1,468 $ 1843 £ 972 $ 1,682 € 1113 kr 170805 ₪ 4576 ¥ 192277 Mex$ 20514 NZ$ 2013 NOK 13266 zł 4839 S$ 1662 kr 13237 $ 1,235 Season 2 Twin/double $ 1860 £ 981 $ 1,697 € 1123 kr 172339 ₪ 4617 ¥ 194005 Mex$ 20698 NZ$ 2031 NOK 13385 zł 4883 S$ 1677 kr 13356 $ 1,246 $ 1578 £ 832 $ 1,440 € 953 kr 146251 ₪ 3918 ¥ 164636 Mex$ 17565 NZ$ 1724 NOK 11359 zł 4144 S$ 1423 kr 11334 $ 1,058 Single room $ 2357 £ 1243 $ 2,150 € 1423 kr 218378 ₪ 5850 ¥ 245832 Mex$ 26227 NZ$ 2574 NOK 16961 zł 6187 S$ 2126 kr 16924 $ 1,579 $ 1976 £ 1042 $ 1,803 € 1193 kr 183082 ₪ 4904 ¥ 206098 Mex$ 21988 NZ$ 2158 NOK 14220 zł 5187 S$ 1782 kr 14188 $ 1,324 Season 3 Twin/double $ 1943 £ 1025 $ 1,773 € 1173 kr 180012 ₪ 4822 ¥ 202643 Mex$ 21619 NZ$ 2122 NOK 13981 zł 5100 S$ 1752 kr 13950 $ 1,302 $ 1661 £ 876 $ 1,516 € 1003 kr 153924 ₪ 4123 ¥ 173274 Mex$ 18486 NZ$ 1814 NOK 11955 zł 4361 S$ 1498 kr 11929 $ 1,113 Single room $ 2439 £ 1287 $ 2,226 € 1473 kr 226051 ₪ 6056 ¥ 254469 Mex$ 27149 NZ$ 2665 NOK 17557 zł 6405 S$ 2200 kr 17518 $ 1,635 $ 2058 £ 1086 $ 1,878 € 1243 kr 190755 ₪ 5110 ¥ 214735 Mex$ 22910 NZ$ 2249 NOK 14815 zł 5405 S$ 1857 kr 14783 $ 1,379 Season 4 Twin/double $ 2025 £ 1068 $ 1,848 € 1223 kr 187686 ₪ 5028 ¥ 211280 Mex$ 22541 NZ$ 2212 NOK 14577 zł 5318 S$ 1827 kr 14545 $ 1,357 $ 1744 £ 920 $ 1,591 € 1053 kr 161597 ₪ 4329 ¥ 181912 Mex$ 19408 NZ$ 1905 NOK 12551 zł 4578 S$ 1573 kr 12523 $ 1,169 Single room $ 2522 £ 1330 $ 2,302 € 1523 kr 233725 ₪ 6261 ¥ 263107 Mex$ 28070 NZ$ 2755 NOK 18153 zł 6622 S$ 2275 kr 18113 $ 1,690 $ 2141 £ 1129 $ 1,954 € 1293 kr 198428 ₪ 5316 ¥ 223373 Mex$ 23831 NZ$ 2339 NOK 15411 zł 5622 S$ 1931 kr 15377 $ 1,435 Extra Options
Electric bike rental $ 265 £ 140 $ 242 € 160 kr 24554 ₪ 658 ¥ 27641 Mex$ 2949 NZ$ 289 NOK 1907 zł 696 S$ 239 kr 1903 $ 178 Transfer back to Metz (departure at 9 am) $ 190 £ 100 $ 174 € 115 kr 17648 ₪ 473 ¥ 19867 Mex$ 2120 NZ$ 208 NOK 1371 zł 500 S$ 172 kr 1368 $ 128 Transfer back to Metz incl. bike, if bringing your own (departure daily at 9 am) $ 257 £ 135 $ 234 € 155 kr 23787 ₪ 637 ¥ 26777 Mex$ 2857 NZ$ 280 NOK 1847 zł 674 S$ 232 kr 1843 $ 172 Extra nights
Category A Category B Metz, twin/double $ 147 £ 78 $ 134 € 89 kr 13658 ₪ 366 ¥ 15375 Mex$ 1640 NZ$ 161 NOK 1061 zł 387 S$ 133 kr 1058 $ 99 $ 124 £ 66 $ 113 € 75 kr 11510 ₪ 308 ¥ 12957 Mex$ 1382 NZ$ 136 NOK 894 zł 326 S$ 112 kr 892 $ 83 Single $ 230 £ 121 $ 210 € 139 kr 21331 ₪ 571 ¥ 24013 Mex$ 2562 NZ$ 251 NOK 1657 zł 604 S$ 208 kr 1653 $ 154 $ 190 £ 100 $ 174 € 115 kr 17648 ₪ 473 ¥ 19867 Mex$ 2120 NZ$ 208 NOK 1371 zł 500 S$ 172 kr 1368 $ 128 Koblenz, twin/double $ 131 £ 69 $ 119 € 79 kr 12124 ₪ 325 ¥ 13648 Mex$ 1456 NZ$ 143 NOK 942 zł 343 S$ 118 kr 940 $ 88 $ 114 £ 60 $ 104 € 69 kr 10589 ₪ 284 ¥ 11920 Mex$ 1272 NZ$ 125 NOK 822 zł 300 S$ 103 kr 821 $ 77 Single $ 197 £ 104 $ 180 € 119 kr 18262 ₪ 489 ¥ 20558 Mex$ 2193 NZ$ 215 NOK 1418 zł 517 S$ 178 kr 1415 $ 132 $ 164 £ 86 $ 150 € 99 kr 15193 ₪ 407 ¥ 17103 Mex$ 1825 NZ$ 179 NOK 1180 zł 430 S$ 148 kr 1177 $ 110 Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This self-guided bike tour in France and Germany that meanders the Mosel river valley is considered easy and traverses mainly flat terrain. The average daily distance is about 25 miles. Overall the bike paths along the Mosel are perfectly developed and the quality of the bike trail is superb. You can expect a perfectly signposted route on both sides of the Mosel. Do note that the Moselle bicycle route on the French side of Metz and Thionville (35 km) does lead onto roads with occasional heavy traffic. Therefore, it is recommended to bridge this section by the train. Then from Thionville onward, the path is once again well signposted. From Germany, you can expect a perfectly signposted cycle path often on the right-hand side of the Moselle. In the detailed travel documents, recommendations on the most beautiful stretches are given.
Airport Info
For this tour, the closest large international airport to Metz is Luxembourg (LUX). From the LUX airport you can take a bus to city center and continue by train to Metz. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hrs. From Koblenz back to LUX is approximately 4 hours.
Alternatively, you can also look at flying into one airport and out for another. You can opt to fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). From Paris CDG to Metz is approximately 3 to 3.5 hrs via train. The closest airport to the end of your tour in Koblenz is Frankfurt International Airport (FRA). From Koblenz to FRA is approximately 1 to 1.5 hrs via train.
Local Travel
Paris de Gaulle:
From the airport Paris CDG you can take a train to Metz Ville. The (fast) TGV train is recommended. The train ride takes approximately 2½ hours. Advanced reservations for the TGV are required and can be made here: www.raileurope.com. Upon your arrival at the train station in Metz, it is recommended to take a taxi to the first hotel.
At the end of your tour in Koblenz, your train travel time to the Frankfurt Airport will be about 2 hours.Climate
Please check local conditions before arrival. The Mosel wine region has a northernly continental climate.
Remarks
Boat trips on the river Moselle
You can add to your biking experience by booking an extra night on any night and taking a day trip on one of the many passenger ships along the Moselle. From April to October there are many options as docks are located in almost all places in both directions. Often additional tours are offered off the boat. You can find more information here.Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Extra Stay
Extra nights available in any of the overnight towns on your tour.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Velociped.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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