Merzig to Nancy

Day 1: Merzig
Day 2: Schwemlingen - Saarburg, 20 mi. (32 km) 
Day 3: Saarburg - Trier, 12.5 mi. (20 km)
Day 4: Trier, 36 mi. (58 km) 
Day 5: Trier - Wasserbillig - Remich, 21 mi. (34 km) 
Day 6: Remich - Thionville - Metz, 22 or 27 mi. (35 or 44 km)
Day 7: Metz - Pont-à-Mousson, 22 mi. (35 km) 
Day 8: Pont-à-Mousson -  Nancy - Frouard, 29 mi. (47 km) 
Day 9: Nancy/Frouard

All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change sometimes without prior notice.  Some waterways may be subject to occasional closures due to drought, storms, floods, canal or lock repairs, or other unforeseen circumstances that make navigation unsafe or impossible. The captain reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary.

Day 1: Merzig - Schwemlingen
Embarkation and check-in begin at 3:30 pm. Enjoy a complimentary beverage as you are introduced to your captain, crew, and fellow travelers. At 4:30 pm,  the Merlijn will set sail for Schwemlingen, a small village, surrounded by woodlands.

Day 2: Schwemlingen - Saarburg, 20 mi. (32 km) 
Your first cycling route leads through the wonderful Saarland region. From Schwemlingen, it is approximately 5 km to an incredible overlook, the "Cloef", or "cliff". From this vantage point, atop the striking sandstone cliffs, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including the rolling green hills, lush forests, and winding rivers of the Saarland. Depending on the group’s cycling ability, you can either bike or hike to the viewpoint. Then, via the village of Mettlach, it is on to Saarburg. This picturesque town is known for its impressive castle ruins and its picturesque old town, which is filled with charming half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and a medieval town square. You can visit one of the museums here. After dinner, there is time for a stroll through the city to enjoy a splendid view over the Saar valley. 

Day 3: Saarburg - Trier, 12 mi. (20 km) 
You follow the Saar River by bike downstream. At Konz, the Saar and Mosel Rivers meet and you then follow the Mosel to Trier. You are now very close to the border with Luxembourg and France. Trier is the oldest city in the country, having been founded by the Romans in 16 BC. In the afternoon you can enjoy a tour around this magnificent city by a local guide and view the many monuments from the Roman period, including the Porta Nigra, a large Roman city gate, and the remains of a Roman bathhouse. The city also has numerous churches, including the Cathedral of Trier, which was built in the 13th century and is the oldest in Germany. Trier also has a vibrant nightlife so perhaps you can explore after hours too!

Day 4: Trier, 36 mi. (58 km)
The Merlijn will stay docked in Trier for another full day and so you have options on how to spend your day. For those who are all about the bike, get ready to enjoy one of the cycling highlights on this trip! Where most routes lead along the river, today's route is entirely through the mountains and plains, and, the best part, it is mostly downhill! In the morning, you and your bike go by bus into the mountains and then follow a recently converted rail-to-trail path along the Mosel.
Those who want some time off the bike can shop and explore. Your guide will be happy to help you with your plans for the day. You choose where to dine tonight in one of the many restaurants in the city.

Day 5: Trier - Wasserbillig - Remich, 21 or 33 mi. (34 or 52 km)
Two cycling distances are offered today. If you choose the longer bike route you will start cycling directly from Trier. On the shorter route, you stay on the Merlijn until Wasserbillig, just past the border between Germany and Luxembourg. You will then join the group coming from Trier and cycle along the meandering Moselle to Remich. You will love its picturesque old town.  After dinner, you will visit a wine cellar to taste wines of the upper Mosel. Due to the cooler climate and steep, slate-rich soils, these wines tend to have higher acidity and a more pronounced minerality than the middle Mosel wines.

Day 6: Remich - Thionville - Metz, 22 or 28 mi. (35 or 44 km)
After another delicious breakfast on board, it’s time to get pedaling again. First up, Schengen, home to the famous ‘Schengen Agreement”, first signed by 5 European countries in 1985, and today, agreed upon by 26, allowing for the free movement of people across the Schengen Area, eliminating border checks. You then cross the border into France with your first stop at the fortress of Sierck-les-Bains, one of the palaces inhabited by the powerful Dukes of Lorraine. Further along, the tour will lead you through the French countryside, riparian landscapes, wheat fields, and tiny villages. You will reach Thionville, once the modern and industrial center of the steel industry, now merely a historical city. The old center is home to medieval ramparts, lovely gardens, old streets, and the St. Maximin basilica, which houses one of the finest organs in the world.
In Thionville, you can board the Merlijn, or extend the tour by a few more miles until Richemont. Afterward, your afternoon is spent cruising the French Moselle. After dinner, you arrive in Metz, another ancient city strategically situated on the Roman trading route. Its cathedral is the third largest Gothic church in France, Metz is full of stunning architecture, flowers, and great cafes. Don’t forget to visit Temple Neuf, as this church is lovely from every angle.

Day 7: Metz - Pont-à-Mousson, 22 mi. (35 km) 
Today, you will ride through the French countryside again, the precise route will be adjusted to the biking level of the group: mostly flat terrain following the Moselle - or a more challenging route across the hills. Each route will end in the calm and serene town of Pont-à-Mousson which possesses an incredible architectural heritage from the Gothic Saint-Etienne Church, to the Renaissance Chateau de I'Isle. Pont-à-Mousson is also home to many beautiful examples of Baroque architecture and an impressive collection of Art Nouveau buildings,

Day 8: Pont-à-Mousson - Nancy -  Frouard, 29 mi. (47 km) 
Your last bicycle tour will lead you to Nancy. The old city center’s heritage spans from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. The cathedral of Nancy, the Triumphal Arch, and Place de la Carriere are fine examples of 18th-century architecture. The ‘Place Stanislas” is known for its World Heritage buildings. Visit one of the many interesting museums, do a spot of shopping, or simply relax at an outdoor cafe. After your visit, you’ll bike to the little town of Frouard, where the Merlijn is docked in the Nancy/Frouard harbor. In the evening, there is a farewell dinner.

Day 9: Nancy/Frouard
Your tour officially ends after breakfast.

• Merlijn

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  The Merlijn prides itself on the top quality bikes offered and as of 2023, have brand new standard bikes available. Although only your own helmet provides the best fit, bicycle helmets are available… Read More

  Electric Bicycle

  The Merlijn has unisex e-bikes available to rent. These must be reserved in advance. • Gudereit or ISY Brand … • 7 gears … • Bosch engine … Accessories … • Pannier bag … • Helmet rental included and… Read More

  "The Divine Miss M" as we lovingly call the Merlijn is a diva, for sure. What can we say? Is it the luxurious cabins with the most comfortable beds you have ever slept in? Is it the lovely dining area with the large windows and skylight that let the air, light, and sun pour in? Or perhaps it is the sun deck, where you can relax with newfound friends, sharing good wine and good conversation. We think you will find it is the entire divine package! Step on board and discover for yourself! Read More