Overview
This bike and barge tour in Germany loops along the Moselle and Saar Rivers, through quaint German towns with picturesque half-timbered houses and baroque churches. You will pedal your way through local culture with remnants of the Roman Empire as your backdrop.
Depending on your tour date, your adventure will either commence in Merzig, not far from the French border, or in Koblenz, a very old and very beautiful city with a history spanning 2000 years. The landscape is stunning and includes the famous Saar-Loop, the renowned bend in the river.
Highlights
- Koblenz, Cochem, Saarburg, the stars of the Moselle and Saar Rivers
- Alluvial landscape and cycling
- Wine cultural landscape of the river valley
- Architectural treasures of Traben-Trabach
- And many more!
Be sure to check out our full list of bike & barge tours in Germany.
Itinerary
Koblenz to Merzig
Day 1: Koblenz
Day 2: Koblenz - Alken | Alken - Moselkern - Cochem, 22 mi. (37 km)
Day 3: Cochem - Beilstein - Zell on the Moselle, 23 mi. (38 km)
Day 4: Zell on the Moselle - Bernkastel-Kues, 27 mi. (45 km)
Day 5: Bernkastel-Kues - Neumagen - Schweich | Schweich - Trier, 16 or 34 mi. (27 or 54 km)
Day 6: Trier - Wasserbillig - Saarburg, 23 mi. (38 km)
Day 7: Saarburg - Merzig, 22 mi. (37 km)
Day 8: Merzig* Parts in italics are undertaken on board.
On the days that two cycling distances are offered, the tour leader, in conferring with the group, will choose to guide either the shorter route or the longer route. Not all the highlights will be visited during the shorter route.
You can also choose to ride self-guided utilizing maps available on board. GPS tracks will be sent to you 4 weeks before the tour start date.
Day 1: Koblenz
The boat will be moored and waiting in Koblenz. It is possible to bring your luggage on board at 11 am but the cabins will not be ready for check-in. At 2 pm the crew will officially welcome you on board. You will spend the first afternoon and night in Koblenz, an inviting city to explore. “Koblenz” is a corruption of the Latin word confluentes, which means confluence. The Romans gave that name to the camp they built around the year 14 AD, at the spot where the rivers Rhine and Mosel converge. In World War II the town was almost entirely destroyed, but a number of precious monuments are still worth a visit, such as the Deutsches Eck, the Romanesque basilica of St. Kastor and the Kurfürstliches Schloss.Day 2: Koblenz - Alken | Alken - Moselkern - Cochem, 22 mi. (37 km)
Your day begins with a sailing to Alken where, following the distribution of bicycles, you will cycle to Moselkern. The village of Moselkern is world-famous for its Burg Eltz. This stronghold is one of the most impressive medieval buildings in Western Europe. It’s not easy to reach though, you need to hike the last section to reach the castle. After visiting Burg Eltz, you continue the bike tour to Cochem, one of the Mosel region’s most frequently-visited wine towns. Cochem is a cozy, characteristic town with wine cellars and half-timbered houses.Day 3: Cochem - Beilstein - Zell on the Moselle, 23 mi. (38 km)
Following breakfast, embark on a scenic cycling route to Beilstein, a remarkably preserved historical village on the Moselle. Discover the awe-inspiring ruins of Castle Metternich that overlook the village. Continuing your journey, you'll encounter Bremmer Calmont, home to Europe's steepest vineyard with slopes inclined between 50 and 55 degrees. Conclude today's tour in Zell, a renowned wine village famous for its "Zeller Schwarze Katz" wine. Indulge in the opportunity to savor the exquisite wines of the Moselle region while in Zell.Day 4: Zell on the Moselle - Bernkastel - Kues, 27 mi. (45 km)
Your cycling journey from Zell commences with a visit to the enchanting village of Traben-Trarbach, celebrated for its romantic Jugendstil (art nouveau) architecture. Continuing along, you'll pass through the renowned wine city of Kröv, famous for its beloved Kröver wine, before arriving at your night's destination, Bernkastel-Kues. The captivating half-timbered houses that grace the marketplace of Bernkastel-Kues, dating back to the Middle Ages, create a picturesque scene ideal for photographers. Conclude the day's tour with a visit to the barge in Kues after exploring the townDay 5: Bernkastel - Kues - Neumagen - Schweich | Schweich - Trier, , 16 or 34 mi. (27 or 54 km)
As you venture upstream from Bernkastel, you'll be greeted by picturesque vineyards, renowned for producing exquisite white Moselle wine that has gained fame both locally and internationally. Piesport stands out for its beautiful white wines, with the "Piesporter Goldtröpfchen" being particularly popular. Trittenheim, nestled within a sharp hairpin bend of the Moselle, is surrounded by vineyard-clad mountains. Amongst the vines, you'll find the Gothic choir of the Laurentiuskapelle. Returning to the barge in Schweich, you'll continue your journey to Trier, the oldest city in Germany. Founded by Caesar Augustus in 15 BC under the name Augusta Treverorum, Trier thrived as a trading and administrative hub during the Roman era. The city boasts an array of impressive monuments, including the authentic Porta Nigra city gate, constructed around 18 AD.Day 6: Trier - Wasserbillig - Saarburg, 23 mi. (38 km)
Continuing your journey, you'll trace the enchanting Saar river to reach your next destination, Saarburg. Nestled in the scenic Saar valley, Saarburg captivates with its intriguing old town and lush forested river banks. The castle of Saarburg, dating back to the 10th century, proudly stands in this location. As you explore the town center, you'll be greeted by a magnificent 20-meter-high waterfall, accompanied by an old mill driven by a stream. The well-preserved, centuries-old houses in this area, originating from the 17th and 18th centuries, lend Saarburg a charming, storybook appearance. For dinner, venture out into town, and the friendly crew will gladly provide recommendations on where to dine.Day 7: Saarburg - Merzig, 22 mi. (37 km)
Embark on your final cycling day, starting with a visit to the awe-inspiring Saarschleife, a natural wonder located in Orscholz. Ascend the Cloef viewpoint for a breathtaking panoramic view of the meandering Saar River as it gracefully winds through the lush, forested valley. Continuing your journey, you'll arrive at Mettlach, offering the opportunity to explore the renowned ceramic factory of Villeroy & Boch. Returning to the barge in Merzig, cherish your last evening on board and indulge in a celebratory dinner, commemorating the memorable experiences of your journey.Day 8: Merzig
Merzig to Koblenz
Day 1: Merzig
Day 2: Merzig – Saarburg, 22 mi. (37 km)
Day 3: Saarburg – Wasserbillig (Lux) – Trier, 16 or 19 mi. (27 or 32 km)
Day 4: Trier – Schweich | Schweich - Bernkastel, 16 or 34 mi. (27 or 54 km)
Day 5: Bernkastel-Kues – Traben-Trarbach – Zell on the Moselle, 27 mi. (45 km)
Day 6: Zell – Beilstein – Cochem, 24 mi. (39 km)
Day 7: Cochem – Karden | Karden - Winningen | Winningen - Koblenz, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 8: KoblenzLooking for more? View all of our featured tours & trips.
Map
Boats & Bikes
- Allure
Comfort Class Barge
In 1998, the Allure took to the water as a cruise vessel, but after undergoing a rejuvenating restyle, was transformed into a welcoming and cozy passenger barge boasting sleek lines and contemporary design. Since then, the Allure has become a staple for boat and bike tours across the picturesque regions of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Read More
- Flora
Standard Class Barge
Captain Berthus and Hostess Jonne van den Berg proudly welcome you on board their newly renovated boat. Along with the talented cook and enthusiastic crew, you will feel right at home! Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- 7 breakfasts, packed lunches, & 6 three-course dinners
- Coffee & tea on board
- Complimentary welcome beverage
- Daily cleaning of the cabin
- Daily tour briefings
- Flora: 24-speed Trek X300
- Allure: 7-speed Velo de Ville
- Fully guided cycling tours
- Some short walking tours
- Fees for ferries
- GPS tracks
- WiFi (signal strength and speed varies)
What’s Not Included
- One dinner
- Helmet rental
- Excursions other than those mentioned
- Drinks other than those mentioned
- Gratuities
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2024
Comfort Class
Saturday departures
Koblenz to Merzig
August 31, September 14 & September 28, 2024Twin/double $ 2585 £ 1327 $ 2,375 € 1540 Ft 619797 kr 239276 ₪ 6612 ¥ 248153 Mex$ 33415 NZ$ 2822 kr 18522 zł 6714 S$ 2264 kr 17794 CHF 1479 $ 1,747 Twin/double for single-use $ 3776 £ 1939 $ 3,470 € 2250 Ft 905346 kr 349514 ₪ 9658 ¥ 362481 Mex$ 48809 NZ$ 4122 kr 27056 zł 9807 S$ 3308 kr 25993 CHF 2160 $ 2,553 Triple* $ 2417 £ 1241 $ 2,221 € 1440 Ft 579550 kr 223739 ₪ 6182 ¥ 232040 Mex$ 31245 NZ$ 2639 kr 17320 zł 6278 S$ 2117 kr 16639 CHF 1383 $ 1,634 *Third bed is only suitable for a child.
Standard Class
Saturday departures
Koblenz to Merzig
August 24, September 7 & September 21, 2024Merzig to Koblenz
August 31, September 14 & September 28, 2024Twin/double $ 2585 £ 1327 $ 2,375 € 1540 Ft 619797 kr 239276 ₪ 6612 ¥ 248153 Mex$ 33415 NZ$ 2822 kr 18522 zł 6714 S$ 2264 kr 17794 CHF 1479 $ 1,747 Twin/single-use $ 3776 £ 1939 $ 3,470 € 2250 Ft 905346 kr 349514 ₪ 9658 ¥ 362481 Mex$ 48809 NZ$ 4122 kr 27056 zł 9807 S$ 3308 kr 25993 CHF 2160 $ 2,553 Triple* $ 2417 £ 1241 $ 2,221 € 1440 Ft 579550 kr 223739 ₪ 6182 ¥ 232040 Mex$ 31245 NZ$ 2639 kr 17320 zł 6278 S$ 2117 kr 16639 CHF 1383 $ 1,634 *Third bed is only suitable for a child.
Extra Options
2024
Electric bicycle: $ 228 £ 117 $ 210 € 136 Ft 54735 kr 21131 ₪ 584 ¥ 21915 Mex$ 2951 NZ$ 249 kr 1636 zł 593 S$ 200 kr 1571 CHF 131 $ 154 Helmet rental: $ 17 £ 9 $ 15 € 10 Ft 4025 kr 1554 ₪ 43 ¥ 1611 Mex$ 217 NZ$ 18 kr 120 zł 44 S$ 15 kr 116 CHF 10 $ 11
Please reserve at time of booking. Limited number available.
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
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This is an easy guided bike and boat tour. Biking takes place on good quality asphalted bike paths and country roads. Daily biking distances range from 12 to 34 miles (25 to 55 km). The routes follow the flow of the rivers and are therefore mainly flat with only a few slight climbs.
Airport Info
Closest international airport to both your tour start in Koblenz or Merzig is Frankfurt International Airport (FRA). However, Luxembourg (LUX) could be another option.
Local Travel
Frankfurt Airport is well connected by public transportation. The airport train station, located next to Terminal 1, offers connections to popular German cities via Deutsche Bahn, the national railway company of Germany. From the airport to Koblenz it is approx. 1 1/2 hour travel time with at least one transfer and to Merzig it is approximately 3 1/2 hour of train travel time.
Climate
Please check local conditions prior to your arrival. In this region in Germany, the summers are comfortable and partly cloudy.
Day of Rest
If you decide not to bike, you can always opt to enjoy the German scenery from the sun-deck on board the boat.
Recommended
Helmet usage is not mandatory in Germany but we strongly advise wearing a helmet. Helmets are available to rent on the Flora and provided free of charge on the Merlijn.
Remarks
Due to steel construction of the ship, cruising locations, and other factors, WiFi signal speed and strength may not be what you are accustomed to and may not meet your expectations. If you are dependent on a strong, fast, and reliable signal at all times, please consider a personal hotspot.
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.Tour documents
Your final travel information will be emailed approximately one month before your tour date. For those who want to cycle self-guided or are interested in having the route on your personal smart device, Ride With GPS is an app that you can download for free on your mobile phone. Once the app is installed, you can then upload tour maps and daily itineraries directly to your device and can use voice navigation offline. In your final travel information, you will find the code you can use to access your specific tour. An account is not required. This option is in addition to traditional printed route notes and printed maps.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Boat Bike Tours.
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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