Metz to Cochem
France, Luxembourg, Germany Bike + Barge Tours
Bike & boat through three countries along the Moselle River!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1395 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
This bike and boat tour in Germany, France, and, Luxembourg highlights the heart of Europe following the path of the Mosel River through the land of the ancients. Vineyards climb the mountains and medieval castles and fortresses dot the landscape.
Villages are quaint, cities abound in history, art, and architecture, and cycling is sheer magic. Enchanting old cities like Cochem and Bernkastel enrich the experience and of course, it goes without saying that you can taste the local wine as often as you like.
Highlights
- Metz, designated a 'town of art and history'
- Remich, one of the quaintest towns in Europe known for wine and riverside esplanade
- Trier, the oldest city in Germany
- Cochem, deep in the most romantic part of the Moselle River Valley
- River landscape and cycling
- St. Etienne Cathedral with flying buttresses and Marc Chagall stained glass windows
- Medieval art and architecture
- Riesling and other Mosel Valley wines
Be sure to look over our full list of bike and barge tours in Germany.
Itinerary
*Several ships navigate this itinerary so please check the corresponding itineraries as well as dates, pricing, and what is included/not included. 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. Parts in Italic are undertaken on board.
Metz to Cochem
Day 1: Arrival in Metz
Day 2: Metz - Remich, 19 or 31 mi. (41 or 49 km)
Day 3: Remich - Saarburg, 25 or 30 mi. (40 or 48 km)
Day 4: Saarburg - Trier, 22 mi. (32 km)
Day 5: Trier - Schweig | Schweig - Neumagen - Bernkastel, 17 or 33 mi. (27 or 53 km)
Day 6: Bernkastel - Kues, Daun Excursion, 39 mi. (62 km)
Day 7: Bernkastel - Kues - Traben - Trarbach | Traben-Trarbach - Zell - Cochem, 24 or 38 mi. (38 or 61 km)
Day 8: Departure from CochemDay 1: Arrival in Metz
Boarding begins at 3 pm. Metz is strategically situated between Côtes de Moselle and the plateau Lorrain. These days, the rich medieval city is a junction, an administrative center, a center of learning, but especially a lively center of trade.At 3:30 pm you will have a welcome speech ad crew introduction. A visit to the St.Etienne Cathedral, one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in France, is a must. This cathedral sits in the middle of the old city center, where shopping is also good. At 4 pm, a town walk is scheduled, at 6:45 pm you can enjoy a complimentary drink followed by dinner at 7 pm.
Day 2: Metz - Remich, 19 or 31 mi. (41 or 49 km)
At 8 am breakfast will be offered (as on most days) and the boat sails to Richemont. Here you can begin to cycle or even stay on board a bit longer and start from Thionville. Via the beautiful valley of the Mosel, you bike across the French border into Luxembourg, passing the castle of Sierck-les-Bains, beautifully situated on the banks of the Mosel river. On top of the hill, there is a castle from the 11th century, which was at stake in the battle between the Duke of Lorraine and the archbishop of Trier in the 12th century. The boat will moor in Remich where the Mosel forms the border between Germany and Luxembourg. Remich sits on Luxembourg territory. Close to Remich, you may visit the small village of Nennig, where you can visit an old roman mansion. The nearly undamaged mosaic floor in the party hall is extremely beautiful.Day 3: Remich - Saarburg, 25 or 30 mi. (40 or 48 km)
Today you will follow the valley of the Mosel and Saar to the north and visit charming Saarburg. On the way, you visit a wine cellar, to taste the fresh Mosel white wine. 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, There is a waterfall 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 are from the 17th and 18th century, which give Saarburg a picturesque and quaint look. Town walk after dinner!Day 4: Saarburg - Trier, 22 mi. (32 km)
Today you bike on to Trier, an interesting and lively city, the oldest city in Germany. According to the Romans, Trier was founded around 15 before Christ by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Treverorum. As a trading town and administrative center, Trier flourished during the late imperial age. 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. Dinner will be on your own this evening allowing you the opportunity to experience a local establishment. Just ask for suggestions.Day 5: Trier - Schweig | Schweig - Neumagen - Bernkastel, 17 or 33 mi. (27 or 53 km)
Another sailing breakfast today beginning at 8 am. The cycling begins in Schweich at approximately 9 am. Lovely vineyards abound as you cruise past Trittenheim and Piesport, both big names. Piesport produces a number of beautiful white wines. Especially the Piesporter Goldtröpfchen enjoys great fame. Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn in the Mosel. It is surrounded by mountains covered with extensive vineyards. The Laurantiuskapelle with its gothic choir is sitting right in the middle of the vines. Today's destination is Bernkastel-Kues. Bernkastel is a frequently visited, old and picturesque town, with the best wine regions of the Mid-Mosel. You visit wine cellars and relish the wine. Pride of the town is the market square, with its picturesque timber-framed houses. Dinner on board this evening at 6:30 pm.Day 6: Bernkastel - Kues, Daun Excursion, 39 mi. (62 km)
This morning, you leave the river and vineyards. You commute by bus through the Eifel Valley to the town of Daun. From there you experience an exciting bike ride along a former railway line. The journey leads through tunnels, bridges, and volcanic crater lakes. After the last tunnel, you take a break in a small village where you can enjoy a well-deserved ice-cream in one of the sidewalk cafés!Day 7: Bernkastel - Kues - Traben - Trarbach | Traben-Trarbach - Zell - Cochem, 24 or 38 mi. (38 or 61 km)
During breakfast, the ship travels to Traben-Trarbach. The world-famous Art Nouveau architecture of this beautiful town testifies to the importance of this wine-trading center in the Mosel area during the 19th century. But you can also start in Zell with the bike tour. Zell lies on a magnificent part of the Moselle, where the river meanders in many loops through the mountains. Zeller Schwarze Katz is a famous Moselle wine. The last stop before Cochem is Beilstein, also called "the Pearl of the Moselle". Final destination for today is Cochem, a cozy and characteristic Mosel town with steep vineyards, wooded hills, medieval castle, and a picturesque town center with beautiful half-timbered houses. The perfect places to drink a glass of local wine.Day 8: Departure
Breakfast as on other days is served at 8 am. Disembarkation by 9:30 am.Cochem to Metz
Day 1: Cochem, Boarding begins at 3 pm.
Day 2: Cochem - Beilstein | Beilstein Traben - Trarbach | Traben - Trarbach - Bernkastel Kues, 17 or 32 mi. (28 or 51 km)
Day 3: Bernkastel-Kues, Daun Excursion, 39 mi. (62 km)
Day 4: Bernkastel-Kues - Neumagen -Schweich | Schweich - Trier, 17 or 33 mi. (28 or 54 km)
Day 5: Trier - Saarburg, 17 mi. (28 km)
Day 6: Saarburg - Remich, 28 or 33 mi. (45 or 53 km)
Day 7: Remich - Schengen | Schengen - Thionville | Thionville - Metz, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 8: Metz, Disembarkation by 9:30 am.Detailed day to day coming soon!
Metz to Cochem
Day 1: Arrival in Metz
Day 2: Metz - Remich, 25/31 mi. (40/50 km)
Day 3: Remich - Saarburg, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Saarburg - Trier, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 5: Trier - Bernkastel, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 6: Bernkastel- Daun - Bernkastel, rail to trail, 38 mi. (60 km)
Day 7: Bernkastel - Zell - Cochem, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 8: Departure from CochemDay 1: Arrival in Metz
Boarding time begins at 1:00 PM. There is a welcome meeting at 1:30 PM. Metz is an ancient city strategically situated on a Roman trading route. St.Etienne Cathedral is the 3rd largest gothic church in France with flying buttresses and Marc Chagall stained glass windows. Metz is full of stunning architecture, flowers, and great cafes. Worth considering to arrive here a day earlier!Day 2: Metz - Remich, 25/31 mi. (40/50 km)
You will enjoy breakfast while you sail. The first opportunity to cycle today is from the lock of Talange. This route goes through the French countryside but it is also possible to stay on board a bit longer and start from Thionville. Via the beautiful valley of the Mosel, you bike across the French border into Luxembourg, passing the castle of Sierck-les-Bains, beautifully situated on the banks of the Mosel river. On top of the hill, there is a castle from the 11th century, which was at stake in the battle between the Duke of Lorraine and the archbishop of Trier in the 12th century. Overnight is in Remich. Here the Mosel forms the border between Germany and Luxembourg with Remich on Luxembourg ground. Close to Remich, you may visit the small village of Nenning and can visit an old roman mansion. The nearly undamaged mosaic floor in the party hall is extremely beautiful. After dinner, you can join a little ‘cremant’ tasting. Cremant is the sparkling white wine Remich is famous for.Day 3: Remich - Saarburg, 28 mi. (45 km)
Today's route follows the valley of the Mosel and Saar to the north to visit charming Saarburg. On the way, there is an opportunity to visit a wine cellar to taste the fresh Mosel white wine. Saarburg is an interesting old town situated in the most beautiful part of the Saar valley. The banks of the river are densely forested. The castle of Saarburg was built here in the 10th century. In the middle of town, there is 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 century are still intact.Day 4: Saarburg - Trier, 22 mi. (35 km)
Today's destination is Trier, an interesting and lively city, the oldest city in Germany. According to the Romans, Trier was founded around 15 B.C. by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Trevorum. As a trading town and administrative center, Trier flourished during the late imperial age. This Roman golden age has left us with a respectable number of monuments. Most authentic is the Porta Nigra, Black Gate, once a part of a system of four city gates, one of which stood at each side of the roughly rectangular Roman city. The Porta Nigra guarded the northern entry to the Roman city. It is today the largest Roman city gate north of the Alps and has been designated a World Heritage Site. This evening you are free to enjoy the city and dine on your own.Day 5: Trier - Bernkastel, 31 mi. (50 km)
From Trier, downstream, you will encounter lovely vineyards. The white Mosel wine is known far and wide. Continuing on past Trittenheim and Piesport, both quite interesting. Piesport produces a number of beautiful white wines, especially the ‘Piesporter Goldtröpfchen. Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn in the Mosel. It is surrounded by mountains covered with extensive vineyards. The Laurantiuskapelle with its gothic choir is sitting right in the middle of the vines. Today's destination is Bernkastel-Kues. Bernkastel is a frequently visited, old and picturesque town, with the best wine regions of the Mid-Mosel. Visits to wine cellars is on the agenda and the opportunity to experience and relish the wine. Pride of the town is the market square, with its picturesque timber-framed houses.Day 6: Bernkastel, 28 mi. (45 km)
This morning, a shuttle bus takes you (approximately 45 minutes) through the Eifel Valley to the city of Daun. From there, take an exhilarating bike 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. On the way, we can stop in Strohn for a visit to a small volcano museum. The region is scattered with “young” volcanoes about 12,000 years old.Day 7: Bernkastel - Cochem, 28 mi. (45 km)
During breakfast, you sail to Traben Trarbach. Traben-Trarbach is surrounded by woods and extensive vineyards and is the major center of the wine trade in the Mosel region. This little city has some interesting art nouveau buildings. Biking from Zell, beautifully situated on the Mosel, 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. The final destination is Cochem, 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 that is worth a visit.Day 8: Individual departure from Cochem
Cochem to Metz
Day 1: Cochem
Day 2: Cochem - Zell - Bernkastel, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Bernkastel Railway Maare Mosel, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Bernkastel - Trier, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 5: Trier - Saarburg, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 6: Saarburg - Remich, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Remich - Metz, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 8: Departure from MetzDay 1: Cochem
After arriving on board, the crew will welcome you with a drink and an introduction to the week ahead. Following dinner is a town walk through Cochem, a cozy and characteristic Mosel town, with steep wine mountains, wooded hills, a medieval fortress and a picturesque center with beautiful timber-framed houses.Day 2: Cochem - Zell - Bernkastel, 31 mi. (50 km)
During breakfast, the Iris will cruise to Beilstein, the Sleeping Beauty on the Mosel. You will have the chance to see the venerated and rare relic the Black Madonna in the chapel of the Carmelite Monastery overlooking the valley. From here your bike tour starts and you follow the Mosel upstream to Zell, a beautiful hamlet where the river slices through slate mountains in dramatic oxbows and S turns. The Hoherott (452 m) and the Corrayer Berg (425 m) are the best-known wine regions and Zeller Schwarze Katz is a legendary Mosel Wine. You continue to Traben-Trarbach. This little town has some special art nouveau buildings and is the major center of the wine trade in the Mosel region. From Traben, you cruise to Bernkastel-Kues. Bernkastel is a frequently visited, old and picturesque town, with the best wine regions of the Mid-Mosel. Pride of the town is the market square, with its picturesque timber-framed houses. A walk to the castle offers a beautiful view.Day 3: Bernkastel - Kues, 28 mi. (45 km)
This morning, you will leave the river and the vineyards behind and a bus will take you (approximately 45 minutes) through the Eifel Valley to the city of Daun. From there, enjoy an exhilarating bike ride along a former railway track that is now a cycling path. The ride includes stretches through tunnels, over bridges, and along small lakes formed from volcano craters, known as maars. After the last tunnel, we have a break in a local little town where you will love to have well-deserved ice cream on the terraces, well deserved! this day is the highlight of our biking-experiences. Following dinner, stroll to the fascinating cellar of Josef Zimmermann for a wine tasting.Day 4: Bernkastel-Kues - Trier, 31 mi. (50 km)
Upstream from Bernkastel, you'll see many vineyards stretched out for miles. Today, the barge cruises past Piesport and Trittenheim. Piesport produces a number of beautiful white wines, one of them is the famous ‘Piesporter Goldtröpfchen. Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn in the Mosel. It is surrounded by mountains covered with extensive vineyards. The Laurantiuskapelle with its gothic choir sits right in the middle of the vines. In Schweich, board the barge and cruise the rest of the way to Trier, an interesting and lively city, and the oldest city in Germany. According to the Romans, Trier was founded around 15 BC by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Trevorum. As a trading town and administrative center, Trier flourished during the late imperial age. A number of monuments still exist from this Roman Golden Age. Most authentic is the city gate Porta Nigra, which was built around 18 AD. Trier has also some interesting churches and a cathedral, a colorful baroque city center, and a rococo palace. Today there is no dinner on board. You can select one of the local restaurants in Trier.Day 5: Trier - Saarburg, 22 mi. (35 km)
Today, follow the 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, is a wonderful 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 century, which give Saarburg such a picturesque look, are still intact. Enjoy a town walk following dinner.Day 6: Saarburg - Remich (Luxembourg), 31 mi. (50 km)
From Saarburg, follow the valley of the Mosel to the south into the direction of Remich. Here the Mosel forms the border between Germany and Luxembourg. Here you can taste the Luxembourg Elbling wine which is said to be softer than the German Riesling. You will also have the opportunity to visit a unique Roman mosaic floor in Nennig.Day 7: Remich - Metz (France), 25 mi. (40 km)
Today’s tour leads you via the beautiful valley of the Mosel across the French-German border. First, pass the castle of Sierck-les-Bains, beautifully situated on the banks of the Mosel river. On top of the hill, there is a castle from the 11th century, which was at stake in the battle between the Duke of Lorraine and the archbishop of Trier in the 12th century. Cycle to bike to Thionville, a versatile city with an eventful past. First and foremost, Thionville is the center of the steel industry of old. But the old city center shows us the old ramparts, the beautiful St.-Maximin church, and the château de la Grange. Thionville is also part of the Maginot line, an enormous line of defense, built early in the 20th century against a possible German invasion. Around lunchtime, join the barge at Thionville and cruise to Metz, “la ville jaune” (yellow city), so called because of its yellow sandstone buildings This city is strategically situated between Côtes de Moselle and the Plateau Lorrain. These days, the rich medieval city is a traffic junction, an administrative center, a center of learning, but especially a lively center of trade. A visit to the St.Etienne Cathedral, one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in France, is a must. This cathedral sits in the middle of the old city center, where shopping is also excellent.Day 8: Departure from Metz
Your guided tour ends after breakfast. You can leave your luggage on board until lunchtime and go and enjoy some more of Metz. Visit the Cathedral!
Metz to Cochem
Day 1: Arrival in Metz
Day 2: Metz - Remich, 26 or 31 mi. (41 or 49 km)
Day 3: Remich - Saarburg, 24 or 29 mi. (40 or 48 km)
Day 4: Saarburg - Trier, 19 mi. (32 km)
Day 5: Trier - Schweig | Schweig - Neumagen - Bernkastel, 16 or 32 mi. (27 or 53 km)
Day 6: Bernkastel - Kues - Traben Trarbach - Zell on the Moselle, 27 mi. (45 km)
Day 7: Zell - Beilstein - Cochem, 24 mi. (39 km)
Day 8: Departure from CochemOn 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 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: Arrival in Metz
Embarkation and check-in is at 2 p.m. in Metz. After a welcome meeting with the crew there is time for your bicycle fitting and a short test ride. After dinner, your tour leader will take you for a walk through Metz. Metz is a beautiful old city strategically situated on a Roman trading route. St. Etienne Cathedral is the 3rd largest gothic church in France with flying buttresses and Marc Chagall stained glass windows. Metz is full of stunning architecture, flowers, and great cafes. We advise you to come to Metz one or more days earlier, so that you will have plenty of time to discover this interesting city.Day 2: Metz - Remich, 26 or 31 mi. (41 or 49 km)
While having breakfast you will cruise in the direction of Thionville. Close to town, the Princessa Royal will dock and your cycling itinerary begins. Thionville, once was the center of the French steel industry, which may sound quite industrial but is misleading. The city is very old and the historic center features medieval ramparts, lovely gardens, old streets, and St.Maximin basilica. The route is lovely through the French countryside and friendly villages. You pass the fortress of Sierck-les-Bains, one of the palaces inhabited by the powerful Dukes of Lorraine. Via the valley of the Moselle you cross the French-Luxembourg border at Schengen. The “Schengen agreement” is something everybody in Europe has heard of, whereas almost nobody knows that it is named after this little town in Luxembourg at the 3-country border. As you cross the Luxembourg- French border, you experience the outcome of this agreement: no border controls. Close to your final destination, Remich you will visit the small village of Nennig and stop at what once was an old Roman villa. A tile floor which lies in its original place, was once the centerpiece in this Roman villa. The scene (in 3 million individual tile pieces) reveals scenes from gladiator games in the amphitheater.Day 3: Remich - Saarburg, 24 or 29 mi. (40 or 48 km)
Here the Moselle River is acutally the border between Germany and Luxembourg. You start following the river on the German side, but soon you will cross over to the Luxembourg side. There you’ll visit a wine cooperative, specialized “Cremant”, or the Champagne of the Moselle followed by two cycling options: One is easy, but a bit longer along the rivers. The shorter option is a bit more challenging, through the hills. Whatever your choice is, the biking will lead you to Saarburg, 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, still intact, are from the 17th and 18th centuries.Day 4: Saarburg - Trier, 19 mi. (32 km)
After breakfast, your tour leader will take you for a short bicycle tour to Trier. 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 BC by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Trevorum. As a trading town and administrative center, Trier flourished during the late imperial age. 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. Today there is no dinner on board. You can select one of the local restaurants of Trier.Day 5: Trier - Schweig | Schweig - Neumagen - Bernkastel, 16 or 32 mi. (27 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, already in Roman times an important center of wine production. 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. The pride of the town is the market square, with its picturesque timber-framed houses. A walk to the castle offers a beautiful view.Day 6: Bernkastel - Kues - Traben Trarbach - Zell on the Moselle, 27 mi. (45 km)
Today’s cycling tour takes you to the romantic village of Traben-Trarbach, located on the left bank of the Moselle and famous for its Jugendstil (art nouveau) architectural style. Further along the Moselle your destination for the night is Zell on the Moselle, well known in the wine industry for the wine “Zeller Schwarze Katz”. In Zell we recommend taking the opportunity to get to know the good wines of the Mosel.Day 7: Zell - Beilstein - Cochem, 24 mi. (39 km)
Beilstein, the “Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle”, is one of the best-preserved historical villages along the length of the river, and is the highlight of today’s cycling tour. Towering about the village are the ruins of Castle Metternich, which you’ll have the opportunity to explore. Then onto your final destination Cochem, a 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. A perfect place for a glass of local wine. A visit to the Reichsburg Castle is on the program.Day 8: Departure from Cochem
End of tour. Disembarkation by 9:30 am.Cochem to Metz
Day 1: Cochem
Day 2: Cochem - Zell, 24 mi. (39 km)
Day 3: Zell on the Moselle - Bernkastel-Kues, 27 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Bernkastel - Kues - Neumagen - Schweich | Schweich - Tier, 18 or 34 mi. (28 or 54 km)
Day 5: Trier - Saarburg, 18 mi. (28 km)
Day 6: Saarburg - Remich, 27 or 32 mi. (45 or 53 km)
Day 7: Remich - Schengen | Schengen - Thionville | Thionville - Metz, 18 mi. (30 km)
Day 8: Metz
If you’re looking for a different flavor, check out our full list of bike and boat tours or view all our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
Boats & Bikes
On the Deluxe class ships, the Quo Vadis or Princesse Royal, or the Premium class ship, the Iris
- Quo Vadis
Deluxe Class Barge
The beautiful MS Quo Vadis, a refurbished cargo barge, was put into service in April 2006 as a bike and boat vessel and continues to be lovingly maintained by her owners Jan de Waard and Ina Middelburg. The ship exudes a comfortable but stylish ambiance that will put you right at home. The upper deck with restaurant, bar, and terrace will find you relaxing and enjoying newfound camaraderie. Delicious dishes prepared with fresh, organically grown products, whenever possible, will be a highlight. Read More
- Iris
Premium Class Barge
The Iris is a refitted freight barge that accommodates 24 overnight passengers. The interior of the Iris is fresh, tasteful, and comfortable. This vessel can navigate on most rivers and canals in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. On the top deck, you will find the lounge, a roomy sitting area, a cozy bar, and a sun deck. The whole barge has central heating and air-conditioning. Read More
- Princesse Royal
Deluxe Class Boat
This beautiful vessel features a beautiful salon with a spacious bar, a sun deck equipped with comfortable chairs, and a small whirlpool to relax in at the end of a long day of cycling. Delicious meals are served daily in the restaurant area. Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
Quo Vadis
- 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 (signal speed and strength may not be what you are accustomed to)
- Accommodation for 7 nights onboard the Iris in climate-controlled cabins
- 7 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches, & 6 three-course dinners
- Free glass of wine or beer with dinner
- Coffee & tea on board
- Daily cabin cleaning
- 11-speed city touring bicycle equipped with helmets, panniers, & water bottle
- Bike protection
- Two cycling tour guides
- Bus transfer for rail to trail Maare-Mosel
- Rails to trails excursion
- Wine tasting
- Bicycle protection
- Entrance to Cochem Castle
- Wifi (signal speed and strength may not be what you are accustomed to)
- Accommodation for 7 nights onboard the Princesse Royal in climate-controlled cabins
- 7 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches, & 6 three-course dinners
- Coffee & tea
- Complimentary welcome drink
- Daily cleaning of cabin
- Daily tour briefings
- 7-speed city touring bike (Batavus Dinsdag) with step-through frame equipped with handbrakes, gel saddle, pannier bag, helmet, water bottle, & integral frame lock
- Bike protection
- Tour guide (from 22 guests, another guide will be added to form two groups)
- Map for cycling (one set per cabin)
- Fees for ferries
- Entrance to Bourg Cochem
- Wine tasting
- Wifi (signal speed and strength may not be what you are accustomed to)
Iris
Princesse Royal
What’s Not Included
- 1 dinner
- Drinks other than those mentioned
- Entrance fees and excursions not mentioned
- Gratuities for staff and guides
- Electric bike available for supplement. See pricing.
- Bike protection (Quo Vadis)
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Deluxe Class
Quo Vadis
Metz to Cochem
Sunday departure
September 5, September 19, October 3, & October 17, 2021Cochem to Metz
Sunday departure
September 12, September 26, October 10, & Ocotber 24, 2021Cabin Type Twin $ 2224 £ 1264 $ 2,187 € 1395 NZ$ 2396 kr 14374 $ 1,729 Twin for single-use On request Princesse Royal
Metz to Cochem
Saturday departure
July 31, August 28, September 25, & October 23, 2021Cochem to Metz
Saturday departure
July 24, August 21, & October 16, 2021
Cabin Type
July-September October Twin € 1614 € 1414 Premium twin € 1814 € 1614 Single € 2064 € 1804 Twin for single-use € 2364 € 2064 Triple* € 1564 € 1364 Premium triple* € 1764 € 1564 Premium class
Iris
Metz to Cochem
Saturday departures
August 7, August 21, October 2, & October 16, 2021Cochem to Metz
Saturday departures
July 17, August 14, September 25, & October 9, 2021
Cabin Type Twin $ 2495 £ 1418 $ 2,453 € 1565 NZ$ 2688 kr 16126 $ 1,940 Twin for single-use On request Deluxe Class
Quo Vadis
Metz to Cochem
Sunday departure
September 11, September 25, October 9, & October 23, 2022Cochem to Metz
Sunday departure
September 4, September 18, October 2, & October 16, 2022Cabin Type Twin $ 2224 £ 1264 $ 2,187 € 1395 NZ$ 2396 kr 14374 $ 1,729 Twin for single-use On request Extra Options
Electric bikes:
Quo Vadis: $ 159 £ 91 $ 157 € 100 NZ$ 172 kr 1030 $ 124 Iris: $ 151 £ 86 $ 149 € 95 NZ$ 163 kr 979 $ 118 Princesse Royal: $ 183 £ 104 $ 180 € 115 NZ$ 197 kr 1185 $ 143
Laundry service:
Quo Vadis, one mesh bag (bag provided), approx.: €8
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 guided bike and boat tour in Europe on mostly flat terrain. 95% of this tour is on an asphalt surface. There might be a few short distances on bike trails, but overall all very easy cycling. Around 80% of this tour is on dedicated bike paths, and the rest, mostly on quiet roads.
Airport Info
Luxembourg (LUX) International Airport is the nearest major airport to both Metz and Cochem. Frankfurt (FRA) International Airport and Paris (CDG) Airport are also options. Train travel time is as follows: Frankfurt to Metz is approximately 3.5 hours. Frankfurt to Cochem is approximately 2.5-3 hours.. Luxembourg to Metz is approximately 3-4 hours. Luxembourg to Cochem is approximately 1.5 to 3 hours depending on connections. Paris to Metz is approximately 2-2.5 hours. Paris to Cochem is approximately 5 hours.
Local Travel
From the local train station it will be a short walk or taxi ride to the boat.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival.
Day of Rest
Any day can be designated a day of rest by remaining on board and taking in the sights from the deck of the barge.
Recommended
Regarding WiFI, if you are dependent on a constant, strong, fast, and reliable signal at all times, please consider a a personal hot spot.
Remarks
E bikes available for this tour!
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 approx. one month before your tour date. For tours on the Princesse Royal, 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. Your phone then becomes your own cycling navigation device, a bike route mapping tool for cyclists. This option is in addition to traditional printed route notes and printed maps. Once the app is installed, you can then download tour maps and daily itineraries directly to your smartphone. You will be able to use voice navigation on all the routes and access your tour content anytime, all from your phone. In your final travel information, you will find the code you can use to access your specific tour. An account is not required.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by MPS IRIS BV, Tripsite, Quo Vadis, 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?
Photos
Reviews
Tripsite Customer Reviews
Ross M.
1 year ago
Verified Reviewer
Patti S.
1 year ago
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