Mainz to Metz

Germany Bike + Boat Tour

This cycling tour is aboard the luxurious and popular Comfort Plus class ship, the Merlijn.  Along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers from Maniz to Metz, you will visit three countries. Imagine yourself relaxing on the sundeck of this modern river barge and watching the beautiful countryside pass, able to just soak in sun and scenery. Imagine climbing atop a bicycle and becoming part of the terrain that most tourists only see fly pass in an impressionistic blur from the window of their bus or train. Imagine being rocked to sleep at night by the gentle motion of the water and awakening on your floating hotel, to the smell of coffee, knowing that another day stretches before you, a day filled with biking, boating, local history and the camaraderie of your fellow passengers.

There is absolutely no better way to explore this region than on a bike and boat tour.

Smooth and perfectly flat bike lanes are apart from any distracting traffic, allowing you to ride in peace, while from the boat, you will be able to  admire the gorgeous riverside scenery.

Where You’ll Stay

You will be staying on the beautiful Merlijn, a comfort plus class ship

What’s Included

• Full board; breakfast, packed lunches and 6 three course dinners
• Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and ice water free of charge
• 7 nights accommodations on board
• Daily cleaning of room
• Welcome drink
• Harbor , ferry and lock fees
• Tour guide
• 7 speed hybrid bike (Giant) with water bottle, bike bag and use of universal helmet
• Brochures
• Bike maps available for sale

What’s Not Included

• Gratuities
• Inbound and outbound transfers
• 1 x Dinner
• All beverages other than those mentioned
• Excursions, other than those mentioned
• Transfers

Tour Dates

• September 21, 2013
• Please note, this tour runs from Metz to Mainz

Skill Level

Tour Boats

• Merlijn

Day-To-Day Itinerary

1. Mainz
2. Mainz - Koblenz
3. Koblenz - Cochem
4. Cochem - Traben Trarbach
5. Traben Trarbach - Bernkastel Kues - Trier
6. Trier - Remich
7. Remich - Thionville - Metz
8. Departure 

*Daily distances range from 19 to 25 miles (30 to 40 km) approximately. The above planned itinerary is subject to change due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, etc.

SATURDAY: Mainz
The Merlijn will be moored in the city of Mainz where embarkation of the vessel can begin at 4 pm. You will be welcomed on board by the crew and can enjoy a complimentary cocktail and learn about the ship, the daily tours and the bicycles. After dinner, there is enough time for a stroll through the city of Mainz. Mainz's Old Town, its inner city, is its pride and joy. Big, broad plazas, lovingly restored half-timbered houses and magnificent Baroque churches give the Old Town its charming character.

SUNDAY: Mainz - Koblenz
The day begins with a morning sail during breakfast so that the view from the Merlijn of the Lorelei rock can be enjoyed. According to German legend, there was once a beautiful young maiden, named Lorelei, who threw herself headlong into the river in despair over a faithless lover. Upon her death she was transformed into a siren and could from that time on be heard singing on a rock along the Rhine River, near St. Goar. Her hypnotic music lured sailors to their death. The legend is based on the echoing rock with that name near Sankt Goarshausen. In St. Goar, the cycling tour begins along the Rhine River, passing charming cities such as Boppard. There will be time to visit this ancient city, also called the "pearl on the Rhine River." If you would like, you can take the chair lift up to the magnificent viewpoint on the Rhine loop. Day's end finds you in Koblenz where the Moselle meets the Rhine River at the "German Corner."

MONDAY: Koblenz - Cochem
Once again, during breakfast, the Merlijn will set off up the Moselle River to Alken where you will disembark and set off cycling to Moselkern. At Eltztal, a visit to the Eltz Castle is on the itinerary. Sitting atop a cliff, this castle is one of the very few that has never been destroyed during its long history. The Merlijn will be moored and waiting in Cochem. A visit to the famous Reichsburg Castle is recommended. The castle towers on a mighty rock, 100 meters above the town of Cochem. The castle was built around the year 1000. You can meander the medieval streets in this romantic city tucked between steep vineyards and the river.  Dinner this evening is out on the town, perfect for exploring the local cuisine.

 TUESDAY: Cochem - Traben Trarbach
The Merlijn will cruise to Beilstein in the morning for a visit to this medieval village. Afterwards, the cycling begins along the meandering Mosell River via Zell, famous for its vineyard Zeller Schwarze Katz, towards Traben - Trarbach, the city of the art nouveau. The day concludes with a wine tasting event at a local vineyard.

WEDNESDAY: Traben Trarbach - Bernkastel Kues - Trier
The boat sets forth first thing, cruising to Bernkastel-Kues where magnificaent framework houses line the marketplace. Cycling though the interesting city of Neumagen-Drohn, you will head toward Mehring, where the Merlijn will be moored, awaiting. The Romans fell in love with this landscape more than 2000 years ago, building splendid country villas here and the Roman poet Ausonius sang of its beauty. Embarking once again in Mehring, you will cruise to Trier. After dinner, a stroll through the interesting streets can be enjoyed.

THURSDAY: Trier - Remich
After breakfast, you will enjoy a guided city tour through Trier and then begin to bike along the meandering Mosel River up to Wasserbillig where you follow the German Luxembourg border, encountering remainders of the Roman Times. Be sure to enjoy a glass of local wine and discover the difference between the German and Luxembourg wines. You will spend the night aboard the Merlijn in Remich.

FRIDAY: Remich - Thionville - Metz
Cycling out of Luxembourg, you head in the direction of the French Lorraine. In Sierck-les-Bains,  there is an interesting old citadel. Thionville is the steel industry center for the Lorraine-district, but there is 17th century history as well in the form of ancient fortifications. The boat awaits in Thionville for embarkation and sailing on to Metz, the final destination. It is a beautiful cruise along the Moselle River.

SATURDAY: Departure from Metz
Disembarkation will occur after breakfast at 9 AM. Be sure to allow for time to explore the city of Metz. The town's origins go back to the Roman times and today, it  is a lively university city, complete with a medieval center. Recommended is a visit to the Gothic cathedral with its stain glass windows by Marc Chagall.  
Metz is not at all the drab  place you might expect from an industrial locale, indeed it is known as the "Ville jardin" or Garden City, with impeccable flower-beds.The warm hues of mustard-yellow stone buildings and the waters of the Moselle combine to form a lovely cityscape.

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