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€1098 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.
The Mosel, with a length of 544 km, is the Rhine’s longest tributary and it is also the second most important shipping route in Germany. The Saar, which has the greatest abundance of water and a length of 246 km, is Mosel’s longest tributary.
Enjoy all the highlights you will discover along the Saar and Mosel Rivers!
Highlights
- Koblenz, gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage "Oberes Mittelrheintal" (Upper Middle Rhine Valley)
- Cochem, scenic and historic
- The wine village of Zell
- Trier, the oldest city in Germany
- River path cycling
- Wine of the Mosel!
Be sure to check out all of our bike & 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.
Excursions will be available and bookable on board. Information will be provided upon your arrival.
Day 1: Board in Koblenz (May 6th: Bonn)
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 between 3 and 5 pm. Please note that on the May 6th departure, your tour will begin in Bonn, located north of Koblenz.Day 2: Koblenz - Alken | Alken - Moselkern - Cochem, 18 mi. (29 km)
The boat sets sail in the morning to Alken at approx. 9:30 am where your first bike tour will begin leading to to Moselkern. 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 on board and use the day off to visit Cochem in the afternoon.Day 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 cycling route ends in the wine village of Zell located on the Mosel. Be sure to enjoy the famous Mosel wines!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.Day 5: Bernkastel Kues - Piesport - Mehring, 29 mi. (46 km)
Today begins with a cycle tour to Piesport, the oldest wine-growing community along the Moselle. You can 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 is between 3 and 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 on the Mosel - 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 between 3 and 5 pm. You will spend the first night and evening in Saarburg, a lovely German town with its medieval Aldstadt (or old town center). There is an 18-meter waterfall in the middle and 17th and 18th-century homes lining the canal. In the evening you will have the opportunity to explore Saarburg, The area around Saarburg is noted for the cultivation of Riesling grapes.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 Igel Column. The ship awaits in Trier.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-Riwer region.Day 4: Mehring - Piesport - Bernkastel Kues, 29 mi. (47 km)
As you cycle to Bernkastel-Kues you can visit Neumagen-Dhron which is the oldest wine city of Germany. Further on, you reach Piesport, the oldest wine growing community along the Moselle. The old town square of Bernkastel, your final day's destination, is among the most well-preserved in the country. The square is lined with rows of gabled, half-timbered houses, dating as far back as the 17th century, giving travelers the distinct feeling of stepping back in time. The old town square also has the best cafes and restaurants in town, most of which offer traditional German cuisine and is an inviting place to sit, sip some wine, and soak in your surroundings.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.Day 6: Zell on the Mosel - Beilstein - Cochem, 24 mi. (39 km)
The perfectly 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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Map
Boats & Bikes
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, 7 three-course dinners
- 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 & backpedal brake or hand brakes only (please specify which you prefer) - Limited number of each
- Bicycle protection
- Route descriptions & maps (1 per cabin)
- GPS tracks
- WiFi (signal speed & strength varies)
- All port & 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
Premium Class Boat
Olympia
Saturday departures
Koblenz to Saarburg
Season A: May 6, 2023*
Season B: May 20, August 12, August 26, September 9, & September 23, 2023On the May 6th departure, embarkation, and the first overnight is in Bonn.
Saarburg to Koblenz
Season A: September 30, 2023
Season B: May 13, May 27, August 19, September 2 & September 16, 2023Please 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
2023
Season A Season B Main deck | Twin $ 1815 £ 988 $ 1,667 € 1098 ₪ 4341 ¥ 157887 NZ$ 1946 NOK 12641 kr 12869 $ 1,208 $ 1981 £ 1078 $ 1,819 € 1198 ₪ 4736 ¥ 172267 NZ$ 2123 NOK 13792 kr 14041 $ 1,318 Main deck | Twin for single-use $ 2311 £ 1257 $ 2,122 € 1398 ₪ 5527 ¥ 201026 NZ$ 2478 NOK 16094 kr 16385 $ 1,537 $ 2394 £ 1302 $ 2,198 € 1448 ₪ 5724 ¥ 208216 NZ$ 2566 NOK 16670 kr 16971 $ 1,592 Upper deck | Twin/astern* $ 1981 £ 1078 $ 1,819 € 1198 ₪ 4736 ¥ 172267 NZ$ 2123 NOK 13792 kr 14041 $ 1,318 $ 2229 £ 1212 $ 2,046 € 1348 ₪ 5329 ¥ 193836 NZ$ 2389 NOK 15519 kr 15799 $ 1,482 Upper deck | Twin $ 2063 £ 1123 $ 1,895 € 1248 ₪ 4934 ¥ 179457 NZ$ 2212 NOK 14367 kr 14627 $ 1,373 $ 2311 £ 1257 $ 2,122 € 1398 ₪ 5527 ¥ 201026 NZ$ 2478 NOK 16094 kr 16385 $ 1,537 Upper deck | Single $ 2063 £ 1123 $ 1,895 € 1248 ₪ 4934 ¥ 179457 NZ$ 2212 NOK 14367 kr 14627 $ 1,373 $ 2559 £ 1392 $ 2,350 € 1548 ₪ 6120 ¥ 222595 NZ$ 2744 NOK 17821 kr 18143 $ 1,702 Upper deck | Twin for single-use $ 2559 £ 1392 $ 2,350 € 1548 ₪ 6120 ¥ 222595 NZ$ 2744 NOK 17821 kr 18143 $ 1,702 $ 3386 £ 1842 $ 3,109 € 2048 ₪ 8096 ¥ 294493 NZ$ 3630 NOK 23577 kr 24002 $ 2,252 *Cabins are located at the back of the boat - engine noise possible.
Extra Options
Electric bike rental: $ 182 £ 99 $ 167 € 110 ₪ 435 ¥ 15817 NZ$ 195 NOK 1266 kr 1289 $ 121
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 (or Bonn):
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 your own well-fitted helmet.
- Soft luggage is recommended due to limited storage in the cabins.
- Due to the 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. You will receive more information on board.
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Tour Requirements
Face masks might be required in the common areas. If you test positive for Covid-19 while on board, you may be asked to quarantine in your cabin, or even leave the ship.
Extra Stay
Extra nights in Koblenz or Saarburg are recommended! We advise Booking.com for researching and reserving your extra nights. You can read a detailed description of the hotels offered including a clear listing of amenities, but more importantly, can read customer reviews and ratings.
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 your own well-fitted helmet.
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