Koblenz to Saarburg
Germany Bike + Barge Tours
Bike along the Mosel River to Germany’s ‘Little Venice’!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€519 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
The Mosel River Valley is an idyllic setting and a perfect place for a bike and boat tour.
Two rivers wind through this enchanting countryside, castles guard the hilltops amid the climbing vineyards, and forests offer their cool green shade within the great Germany-France-Luxembourg triangle.
You will constantly be reminded of the rich and diverse history as you cycle, from the Romans who settled here and left Porta Nigra in Trier, to medieval villages with gingerbread houses, vineyards, and the spectacular Saar River bend.
Enjoy all the highlights of the Saar and Mosel Rivers, which were important routes for the Roman Empire, whether for war or trade.
Highlights
- Koblenz, gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage "Oberes Mittelrheintal" (Upper Middle Rhine Valley)
- Cochem, scenic and historic
- Wine village of Zell
- Trier, oldest city in Germany
- River path cycling
- Wine of the Mosel!
Be sure to check out all of our bike and barge tours in Germany.
Itinerary
All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change, even on very short notice, due to variables in wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, docking location changes, lock repairs, etc. The captain and crew reserve the right to make adjustments at any time with safety as the top priority.
Day 1: Board in Koblenz
Day 2: *Koblenz - Alken | Alken -Moselkern - Cochem, 18 mi. (29 km)
Day 3: Cochem - Beilstein - Zell on the Mosel, 24 mi. (39 km)
Day 4: Zell on the Mosel - Bernkastel Kues, 26 mi. (43 km)
Day 5: Bernkastel Kues - Piesport - Mehring, 29 mi. (47 km)
Day 6: Mehring - Trier, 16-18 mi. (26 - 29 km)
Day 7: Trier - Wasserbillig - Saarburg, 23 mi. (38 km)
Day 8: Departure from Saarburg*Destinations in italics are reached by ship.
Day 1: Board in Koblenz
Individual arrival to the boat. Embarkation begins at 4 pm.Day 2: Koblenz - Alken | Alken - Moselkern - Cochem, 18 mi. (29 km)
The boat sets sail in the morning to Alken, where your first bike tour will begin and bring you to Mosel-kern. Today's destination is Cochem, a lovely little town with historical half-timbered houses and a picturesque Old Town. Inexperienced cyclists can spend the day onboard and use the day off to visit Cochem in the afternoonDay 3: Cochem - Zell on the Mosel, 24 mi. (39 km)
Today's cycling tour will first take you to Beilstein, which you can explore during a short tour. Along the route is Europe’s steepest vineyard at Bremmer Calmont, the tour ends in the wine village of Zell located on the Mosel. In the evening you will have the chance to visit local winegrower places and enjoy the famous Moselle wines, wine tasting optional, bookable on board.Day 4: Zell on the Mosel - Bernkastel Kues, 26 mi. (43 km)
The bike tour from Zell brings you to romantic Traben-Trarbach, where Jugendstil architecture is shown in its glory. After that, the medieval marketplace of Bernkastel-Kues invites you to relax and do some shopping. You will reach the ship in Kues after a tour through town. In the evening is an opportunity to taste the famous Moselle wines at a local winegrower's place. (not included in the tour price, bookable onboard.)Day 5: Bernkastel Kues - Piesport - Mehring, 29 mi. (46 km)
Today begins with a cycle tour to Piesport, the oldest winegrowing community along the Moselle. Here you can book a guided tour and visit the Roman cellars and the vineyards. Further on, you come to Neumagen-Dhron which is the oldest wine city of Germany. After a lunch break, the tour continues to Mehring.Day 6: Mehring - Trier, 16 - 18 mi. (26 - 29 km)
Via Pfalzel, you cycle to Trier where the boat will be waiting. Trier is said to be the oldest city in Germany. The Roman roots are recognized in the magnificent Porta Nigra and Constantine's Basilica, and the amphitheater.Day 7: Trier - Wasserbillig - Saarburg, 23 mi. (38 km)
You cycle along the river from Trier via Wasserbiling into Luxembourg to Saarburg, also called the "little Venice".Day 8: Departure
End of tour after breakfast 9 AMFor Saarburg to Koblenz, the itinerary is reversed.
Day 1: Arrival in Saarburg. Embarkation begins at 4 pm
Day 2: Saarburg - Wasserbillig - Trier, 23 mi. (38 km)
Day 3: Trier - Mehring, 16-18 mi. (26-29 km)
Day 4: Mehring - Piesport - Bernkastel Kues, 29 mi. (47 km)
Day 5: Bernkastel Kues - Traben-Trarbach-Zell on the Mosel, 26 mi. (43 km)
Day 6: Zell-Beilstein- Cochem, 24 mi. (39 km)
Day 7: Cochem–Koblenz, day of rest on board | alternative, Cochem–Alken–Koblenz, by bike, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 8: Koblenz, disembarkation after breakfast.Destinations in italics are reached by ship.
Day 1: Arrival in Saarburg. Embarkation 4 pm
Embarkation begins at 4 pm. You will spend the first night and evening in Saarburg. In the evening you will have the opportunity to explore Saarburg. In the center of the city is a waterfall that is 20 meters.Day 2: Saarburg - Wasserbillig - Trier, 23 mi. (38 km)
Today you will cycle from Saarburg through the idyllic nature reserve of the meander of the Saar River. Further on to Wasserbilling in Luxemburg and from here to the Igeler Saule. The ship awaits in Trier. Here you can book a guided city walk.Day 3: Trier - Mehring, 16-18 mi. (26-29 km)
After breakfast, you will cycle via Pfalzel to Mehring, the largest winegrowers’ community in the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region.Day 4: Mehring - Piesport - Bernkastel Kues, 29 mi. (47 km)
You will reach Bernkastel-Kues by bike. The market place from the Middle Ages with many wood-timbered houses is the perfect place to rest. Piesport is the oldest winegrowing community along the Moselle. There may be an opportunity to book a guided tour and visit the Roman cellars and the vineyards. In the evening you will have the chance to visit a local winegrowing establishment and enjoy a wine tasting with the famous Moselle wines (optional, bookable onboard).Day 5: Bernkastel Kues - Traben-Trarbach-Zell on the Mosel, 26 mi. (43 km)
Today’s bike tour brings you to romantic Traben-Trarbach, where Jugendstil architecture shows its best side. Zell is a very well known wine village on the Mosel. In the evening you will have the chance to visit local winegrower places and enjoy the famous Moselle wines, wine tasting optional, bookable on board.Day 6: Zell-Beilstein- Cochem, 24 mi. (39 km)
The perfect maintained historical center of Beilstein, “the Sleeping Beauty of the Mosel” is on the agenda this morning. Today’s tour ends in Cochem with the Reichsburg. Cochem is a lovely little town with historical half-timbered-houses and a picturesque Old town.Day 7: Cochem–Koblenz, day of rest on board | alternative, Cochem–Alken–Koblenz, by bike, 31 mi. (50 km)
Today you can spend the day on board and relax on the sundeck. Enjoy the beautiful Mosel landscape passing by and stroll along the “Deutsche Eck” in Koblenz in the afternoon, where the Mosel and Rhine flow together. Experienced cyclists can cycle from Cochem to Koblenz and visit Burg Eltz. Your tour guide will discuss the day's options on board.Day 8: Koblenz, disembarkation after breakfast
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Boats
- Patria
Comfort Class Boat
The MS Patria is a small river ship with an inviting atmosphere. The upper deck in the front of the ship has a beautiful lounge and bar with big windows, as well as a separate restaurant area on the lower deck. The boat also has a partially covered sun deck for relaxation which you will find is the perfect place to sit, sip a beverage, read a book, and watch the river landscape glide by. Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Complimentary beverage on arrival
- Breakfasts, packed lunches for cyclists or light lunch on board for non-cyclists, dinner
- Afternoon coffee break
- Daily cabin cleaning service
- Tour guide on board (does not ride with the group)
- 7-gear unisex city touring bicycle (Velo de Ville) with hand and backpedal brake or hand brakes only (must be reserved in advance, limited number).
- Bicycle protection
- Route descriptions and maps (1 per cabin)
- GPS tracks
- WiFi (signal speed and strength varies)
- All port and lock fees
What’s Not Included
- Drinks (other than those mentioned)
- Optional excursions (may be booked onboard)
- Museum entrance fees
- City maps
- Fees for ferries
- Gratuities
- Helmets
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2021
Comfort Class Boat
Koblenz to Saarburg
Saturday departures
Season A: April 10, 2021*
Season B: October 9, 2021*
Season C: April 24, 2021
Season D: May 8, May 22, June 19, July 3, July 31, August 14, August 28, & September 25, 2021Cabin Type Season A* Season B* Season C Season D Twin/lower deck $ 831 £ 471 $ 816 € 519 NZ$ 897 kr 5371 $ 639 $ 1072 £ 607 $ 1,052 € 669 NZ$ 1157 kr 6923 $ 823 $ 1352 £ 765 $ 1,327 € 844 NZ$ 1459 kr 8734 $ 1,039 $ 1592 £ 901 $ 1,562 € 994 NZ$ 1719 kr 10286 $ 1,223 Twin/upper deck $ 1072 £ 607 $ 1,052 € 669 NZ$ 1157 kr 6923 $ 823 $ 1232 £ 697 $ 1,209 € 769 NZ$ 1330 kr 7958 $ 946 $ 1512 £ 856 $ 1,484 € 944 NZ$ 1632 kr 9769 $ 1,162 $ 1752 £ 992 $ 1,720 € 1094 NZ$ 1892 kr 11321 $ 1,346 Twin for single-use /lower deck $ 1312 £ 743 $ 1,287 € 819 NZ$ 1416 kr 8475 $ 1,008 $ 1552 £ 879 $ 1,523 € 969 NZ$ 1676 kr 10027 $ 1,193 $ 1912 £ 1083 $ 1,877 € 1194 NZ$ 2065 kr 12356 $ 1,470 $ 2153 £ 1219 $ 2,113 € 1344 NZ$ 2324 kr 13908 $ 1,654 Twin for single-use /upper deck $ 1552 £ 879 $ 1,523 € 969 NZ$ 1676 kr 10027 $ 1,193 $ 1792 £ 1015 $ 1,759 € 1119 NZ$ 1935 kr 11580 $ 1,377 $ 2153 £ 1219 $ 2,113 € 1344 NZ$ 2324 kr 13908 $ 1,654 $ 2393 £ 1355 $ 2,348 € 1494 NZ$ 2583 kr 15460 $ 1,839 *Discounted departures
Saarburg to Koblenz
Saturday departures
Season A: October 16, 2021*
Season B: April 17, 2021*
Season C: October 2, 2020
Season D: May 1, May 15, May 29, June 26, July 10, August 7, August 21, & September 4, 2021Cabin Type Season A* Season B* Season C Season D Twin/lower deck $ 831 £ 471 $ 816 € 519 NZ$ 897 kr 5371 $ 639 $ 1072 £ 607 $ 1,052 € 669 NZ$ 1157 kr 6923 $ 823 $ 1352 £ 765 $ 1,327 € 844 NZ$ 1459 kr 8734 $ 1,039 $ 1592 £ 901 $ 1,562 € 994 NZ$ 1719 kr 10286 $ 1,223 Twin/upper deck $ 1072 £ 607 $ 1,052 € 669 NZ$ 1157 kr 6923 $ 823 $ 1232 £ 697 $ 1,209 € 769 NZ$ 1330 kr 7958 $ 946 $ 1512 £ 856 $ 1,484 € 944 NZ$ 1632 kr 9769 $ 1,162 $ 1752 £ 992 $ 1,720 € 1094 NZ$ 1892 kr 11321 $ 1,346 Twin for single-use /lower deck $ 1312 £ 743 $ 1,287 € 819 NZ$ 1416 kr 8475 $ 1,008 $ 1552 £ 879 $ 1,523 € 969 NZ$ 1676 kr 10027 $ 1,193 $ 1912 £ 1083 $ 1,877 € 1194 NZ$ 2065 kr 12356 $ 1,470 $ 2153 £ 1219 $ 2,113 € 1344 NZ$ 2324 kr 13908 $ 1,654 Twin for single-use /upper deck $ 1552 £ 879 $ 1,523 € 969 NZ$ 1676 kr 10027 $ 1,193 $ 1792 £ 1015 $ 1,759 € 1119 NZ$ 1935 kr 11580 $ 1,377 $ 2153 £ 1219 $ 2,113 € 1344 NZ$ 2324 kr 13908 $ 1,654 $ 2393 £ 1355 $ 2,348 € 1494 NZ$ 2583 kr 15460 $ 1,839 *Discounted departures
Extra Options
Electric bike rental* on April 10, April 17, October 9, & October 16, 2021: $ 264 £ 150 $ 259 € 165 NZ$ 285 kr 1707 $ 203
Electric bike on all other departures: $ 144 £ 82 $ 141 € 90 NZ$ 156 kr 931 $ 111
*Electric bike is a unisex 7 speed Velo de Ville with deep entry with a Bosch medium motor and a big 500 watt battery pack. Bikes have free wheel OR back pedal brakes so please indicate preference at time of booking.
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This is an easy self-guided bike and boat tour. Routes follow country roads and bike paths, the majority of which are asphalted and lead along the Rhine dikes. The route is generally flat but you will encounter small inclines when entering or exiting towns or going over bridges. The total distance you will cycle is 139 mi. (225 km).
Airport Info
The closest larger international airport to your tour start (and end) is Frankfurt International Airport (FRA).
Local Travel
Tour starts in Koblenz:
The Frankfurt Airport (Flughafen) station is the largest airport train station in Germany and currently has multiple terminals connected by corridors including the "Fernbahnhof" which hosts long distance trains, and the "Regional Bahnhof" for regional travel. From either station, you can access trains to Koblenz. Depending on departure time, you can expect 0 to 1 transfers and travel times between 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Tour starts in Saarburg:
You can expect train travel from 3 1/4 to almost 4 hours with one transfer.
End of tour:
Your tour guide can assist you with purchasing tickets. You can take a transfer by minibus (a minimum of 4 people is necessary). Price is approximately € 75 per person. Limited space, reservation for the transfer required in advance, to be paid on spot. If you have brought your own bike, there will be an additional €15 charge.
Alternatively, you can take the train back to your start point. The ride is approximately 1hr 45 mins, €30/person. Train tickets can be booked upon arrival at the train station.Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival. The Mosel region has a moderate maritime climate. This climate type is very favorable to all kinds of vegetation and its cooler temperatures especially conducive to grape growing.
Day of Rest
Any day of cycling can be used as a day of rest to stay on board, relaxing and enjoying the passing scenery.
Recommended
- Though it is not mandated to wear a bicycle helmet in Germany, we advised for your own safety that you bring you own well-fitted helmet.
- Soft luggage is recommended due to limited storage in the cabins.
- Due to the;p 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./
Remarks
This is a self-guided itinerary. There is an onboard tour director who presents each day’s itinerary the evening before. He is available by cell phone during the cycling itinerary for assistance but does not cycle with the group.
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 Excursions
Depending on the day's itinerary and the ship‘s time in port, an optional excursion program may be organized. Excursions can only be booked and paid (in cash) aboard the ship.
Extra Stay
Extra nights in Koblenz or Saarburg available on request.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by SE 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?
- Though it is not mandated to wear a bicycle helmet in Germany, we advised for your own safety that you bring you own well-fitted helmet.
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