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Overview
Cycle along the beautiful Moselle River on this bike and barge tour in Germany through charming cities and villages.
You begin in either Merzig, not far from the French border, or Cochem, a charming town along the Moselle. As you pedal to Saarburg, you pass through the Saarland, a small and somewhat mysterious region of Germany that possesses some of the most beautiful forests in all of Germany.
Mountains laced with vineyards will be your backdrop as you travel this beautiful river landscape. The entire Moselle area is simply enchanting, synonymous with magnificent landscapes, romantic wine villages, and lovely biking and boating!
Highlights
- Saar loop
- Trier
- The best-known wine regions along the Moselle
- Bernkastel
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Itinerary
Merzig to Cochem
Day 1: Merzig
Day 2: Merzig – Saarburg, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 3: Saarburg – Trier-Pfalzel, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 4: Trier – Schweich | Schweich – Neumagen – Bernkastel-Kues, 16 or 32 mi. (27 km or 53 km)
Day 5: Bernkastel-Kues by bus to Daun – Bernkastel-Kues (Daun excursion), 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 6: Bernkastel-Kues – Zell, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 7: Zell – Cochem, 24 mi. (40 km)
Day 8: Departure from Cochem*All distances are approximate.
Day 1: Arrival in Merzig
After arriving on board, you can settle in and then enjoy a town walkthrough Merzig. Sights of interest are the Romanesque basilica of St. Peter from the 12th century and the former castle of Archbishop Sötern (1625), a jewel of baroque architecture which is currently being used as the town hall.Day 2: Merzig – Saarburg, 28 mi. (45 km)
Your first bike tour brings you to Mettlach, where you will visit the famous earthenware factory of Villeroy et Boch. Later, continue through the Saarschleife at Orscholz. In a sharp turn, the Saar meanders through the densely forested valley. You have a beautiful view on top of the cliff.After that, return to the barge in Saarburg, an interesting old town situated in the most beautiful part of the Saar valley, where the banks of the river are densely forested. The castle of Saarburg was built here in the middle of the 10th century. In the middle of town, is a waterfall that is 20 meters high. At the foot of this waterfall, there is an old mill, which is driven by a small river. In this part of town, most of the old houses date back to the 17th and 18th century, which give Saarburg such a picturesque look.
Day 3: Saarburg – Trier, 22 mi. (35 km)
After breakfast, your tour leader will take you to Trier for a short bicycle tour. You will arrive there around lunchtime. After a guided walk there is time to discover and enjoy Trier on your own. Trier is known as the oldest city in Germany. The city was founded around 15 before Christ by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Trevorum. Trier flourished during the late imperial age as a trading town and administrative center. This Roman golden age has left us with a respectable number of monuments. Most authentic is the city gate Porta Nigra, which was built around 18 AD.Day 4: Trier – Schweich | Schweich – Neumagen – Bernkastel-Kues, 16 or 32 mi. (27 km or 53 km)
After a breakfast cruise, you will start your bicycle tour in Schweich. You have now entered the “The Romantic Moselle”, the unofficial name for the mid-Moselle. Lovely vineyards expand as far as the eye can see. You cruise past the heavy-hitters in the wine world: Trittenheim and Piesport. Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn on the river surrounded by mountains coated with grapes. Piesport is beloved by the Brits for the “little golden droplets.” Around lunchtime, you will arrive in Neumagen, an important center of wine production dating back to Roman times. You can decide to join the barge from here or continue by bicycle to Bernkastel-Kues. This frequently visited, old, and picturesque town produces the best wines of the Mid-Moselle. Pride of the town is the market square, with its picturesque timber-framed houses. A walk to the castle offers a beautiful view.Day 5: Bernkastel-Kues – Daun (by bus) – Bernkastel-Kues (Daun excursion) 34 mi. (55 km.)
This morning you leave the river and vineyards behind. You will be shuttled by bus up into the Eifel region to the city of Daun. From there, we take an exhilarating bicycle ride along a former railway track that is now a cycling path. The ride includes stretches through tunnels, over bridges, and by small lakes formed from volcano craters, known as maars. After the last tunnel you can have a break in a local little town where you can enjoy a well-deserved ice cream on the terraces.Day 6: Bernkastel-Kues – Zell, 28 mi. (45 km)
Follow the Mosel further downstream and cruise past Traben-Trarbach to Zell. Traben-Trarbach is surrounded by woods and extensive vineyards and is the major center of wine trade in the Mosel region. Zell is beautifully situated on the Mosel, where the river meanders through the hills in many loops. The Hoherott (452 m) and the Corrayer Berg (425 m) are the best-known wine regions.Day 7: Zell – Cochem 24 mi. (40 km)
Today's destination is Cochem, one of the most frequently visited tourist places on the Mosel. Cochem is a cozy and characteristic Mosel town, with steep wine mountains, wooded hills, medieval fortresses, and a picturesque center with beautiful timber-framed houses. The fortress houses a museum which you can visit.Day 8: Cochem
End of tour. Disembarkation after breakfast, by 9:30 AM.Cochem to Merzig
Day 1: Cochem
Day 2: Cochem – Beilstein – Zell, 22 or 27 mi. (36 km or 44 km)
Day 3: Zell – Traben Trarbach – Bernkastel Kues, 27 mi. (44 km)
Day 4: Bernkastel-Kues, “Maare-Moselradweg MMR” excursion, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 5: Bernkastel-Kues – Neumagen – Schweich –Trier/Pfalzel, 18 or 34 mi. (28 km or 54 km)
Day 6: Trier/Pfalzel – Trier – Saarburg, 20 mi. (33 km)
Day 7: Saarburg – Merzig, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 8: Departure from MerzigDay 1: Cochem
Embarkation and check-in is at 3 p.m. in Cochem. After a welcome meeting with the crew, you can go for a walk through this cozy and characteristic Moselle town, with steep wine-clad mountains, wooded hills, an impressive castle, and a picturesque square with beautiful timber-framed houses and cafes. Visit the castle or have a glass of local wine.Day 2: Cochem – Beilstein – Zell, 22 or 27 mi. (36 km or 44 km)
After breakfast and bike fitting, you begin biking and the first stop to day is a beautiful little place called Beilstein. There you will have the chance to see the Black Madonna in the chapel of the Carmelite Monastery high on the hill. Today's tour ends in the wine village of Zell, beautifully situated on the Moselle, where the river meanders through the hills in many loops. Zeller Schwarze Katz (black cat) is a legendary Moselle Wine.Day 3: Zell – Traben Trarbach – Bernkastel-Kues, 27 mi. (44 km)
The bike tour from Zell brings you to romantic Traben-Trarbach, city of Art Nouveau (Jugendstil), and then on to Bernkastel Kues. This frequently visited, old, and picturesque town produces the best wines of the Mid-Moselle. Pride of the town is the market square, with its picturesque timber-framed houses. A walk to the castle offers a beautiful view. (optional visiting Birthplace of Nicholas of Cusa in Kues)Day 4: Bernkastel-Kues, “Maare-Moselradweg MMR” excursion, 34 mi. (55 km)
This morning you leave the river and vineyards behind. You and your bike will be shuttled by bus up into the Eifel region to the city of Schalkenmehren. From there, take an exhilarating bicycle ride along a former railway track that is now a cycling path. The ride includes stretches through tunnels, over bridges, and by small lakes formed from volcano craters, known as maars. After the last tunnel, enjoy a break in a local little town where you can enjoy a well-deserved ice cream on the terraces. Today there is no dinner on board. Tonight for dinner, you can select one of the local restaurants of Bernkastel-Kues (at your own expense).Day 5: Bernkastel-Kues – Neumagen – Schweich | Schweich –Trier/ Pfalzel, 18 or 34 mi. (28 km or 54 km)
From Bernkastel, the valley opens up and vineyards expand as far as the eye can see. Cruise past the heavy-hitters in the wine world: Brauneberg, Piesport, and Trittenheim. Piesport is beloved by the Brits for the “little golden droplets.” Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn on the river surrounded by mountains coated with grapes. Around lunchtime, you will arrive in Neumagen, an important center of wine production dating back to Roman times. You can decide to join the barge from here or continue by bicycle to Schweich, where again the barge will be waiting for you. Once on board, you will cruise to Trier/Pfalzel.Day 6: Trier/Pfalzel – Trier – Saarburg, 20 mi. (33 km)
In the morning your tour leader will take you to Trier, the oldest city in Germany. Trier was founded around 15 before Christ by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Trevorum. Trier flourished during the late imperial age as a trading town and administrative center. This Roman golden age has left us with a respectable number of monuments. Most authentic is the city gate Porta Nigra, which was built around 18 after Christ. There is also time to discover and enjoy Trier on your own. After lunch, you will hop on your bicycles and follow the Mosel and Saar river to our next destination, Saarburg. Saarburg is an interesting old town situated in the most beautiful part of the Saar valley. Here the banks of the river are densely forested. The castle of Saarburg was built here in the middle of the 10th century. In the middle of town you come across a waterfall of 20 meters high. At the foot of this waterfall, there is an old mill, which is driven by the small river. In this part of town most of the old houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, which give Saarburg such a picturesque look, are still intact.Day 7: Saarburg - Merzig, 25 mi. (40 km)
Cycling from Saarburg to Mettlach, after a visit at "Villeroy & Boch" and walking to viewpoint Cloef in the "Saarschleife", you bike to Merzig.Day 8: Disembarkation, around 9.30 am.
Check out and disembarkation after breakfast.Be sure to check out all of our featured bike & boat tours or our full list of tours & trips including hiking & multi-adventure experiences.
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Map
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Accommodation
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights onboard the Quo Vadis in climate-controlled cabins
- Welcome drink
- 7 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches, & 6 three-course dinners
- Coffee & tea
- Daily cleaning of the cabin
- 8-speed city touring bike, hydraulic rim brake including brake booster & Schwalbe Greenguard tires. Equipped with safety lock, gel saddle with quick release, helmet, pannier, & water bottle
- Two tour guides
- Laundry service provided with supplement. See pricing.
- Bus transfer to Daun
- Entrance castle Cochem
- Wifi†
- †Important to note, 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 constant, strong, fast, and reliable signal at all times, please consider a personal hot spot. See our FAQ page.
What’s Not Included
- Drinks other than mentioned
- One dinner in Bernkastel
- Excursions other than those mentioned
- Gratuities
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2023
Deluxe Class
Sunday departures
Merzig to Cochem
September 3, September 17, October 1, 2023Cochem to Merzig
August 27, September 10, & September 24, 2023Twin $ 2742 £ 1383 $ 2,463 € 1625 Ft 666917 kr 243000 ₪ 6189 ¥ 265679 Mex$ 35392 NZ$ 3054 kr 19396 zł 6903 S$ 2330 kr 18722 CHF 1573 $ 1,723 Twin for single-use On request Extra Options
Electric bicycle rental: $ 186 £ 94 $ 167 € 110 Ft 45145 kr 16449 ₪ 419 ¥ 17984 Mex$ 2396 NZ$ 207 kr 1313 zł 467 S$ 158 kr 1267 CHF 106 $ 117
Laundry service (one mesh bag, bag provided): $ 13 £ 7 $ 12 € 8 Ft 3283 kr 1196 ₪ 30 ¥ 1308 Mex$ 174 NZ$ 15 kr 95 zł 34 S$ 11 kr 92 CHF 8 $ 8
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
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This is an easy, guided bike and boat tour with average daily distances between 28 and 55 km.
Airport Info
Fly to Frankfurt International Airport (FRA), or Luxembourg International Airport (LUX).
Local Travel
Frankfurt Airport is well-connected by public transportation. Frankfurt Airport Train Station, located next to Terminal 1, offers connections to popular German cities via Deutsche Bahn, the national railway company of Germany. There are local S-Bahn lines (lines S8 and S9) that take travelers into central Frankfurt in about 10-15 minutes and to other cities in Germany. Train travel from the airport to Merzig is about 3 hours and will entail one or two transfers depending on the time of departure and type of train. Frankfurt to Cochem is approximately 2 1/4 hours with one or two transfers.
Luxembourg Airport does not have a train station, but there is a Eurobus that runs every 10-15 minutes to the Luxembourg city center, and central train station (journey time approx. 30 mins). From the Luxembourg central train station, travel time to Merzig is approximately 1.5 hours and requires one change of trains. Travel time to Cochem is approx. 3 hours and requires 2 change of trains.
Climate
Do check local conditions prior to arrival. In most of Germany, the climate is moderately continental, with cold winters and warm summers.
Day of Rest
Any day can be used as a day of rest to remain on board.
Remarks
Electric bikes are available. Advanced reservation is required.
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 Operator
This tour is run by Quo Vadis.
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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