Metz to Cochem

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 Cochem 

Sections in italics are navigated onboard the ship.

On 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 the 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 are at 2 p.m. in Metz. Once on board and checked in, a welcome meeting with the crew and bicycle fitting is on the docket followed by a short test ride. After dinner, your tour leader will take you for a walk through Metz, a beautiful old city strategically situated on the ancient 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)
During breakfast, you will embark on a cruise toward Thionville, where your bicycle tour begins. Thionville, which was once the heart of the French steel industry, may sound modern and industrial, but the city has a rich history. The medieval ramparts, charming gardens, old streets, and St. Maximin basilica in the historic center will take you back in time. The route takes you through the picturesque French countryside and friendly villages, passing by the fortress of Sierck-les-Bains, which was one of the residences of the powerful Dukes of Lorraine. You will then cross the French-Luxembourg border at Schengen via the Moselle Valley. Although the "Schengen agreement" is well-known across Europe, few know that it is named after the small Luxembourgish town at the tri-border. As you cross the Luxembourg-French border, you will experience the outcome of this agreement: no border controls. Before reaching your final destination, Remich, you will visit the small village of Nennig, where you can explore an ancient Roman villa. The centerpiece of this villa is a tile floor that remains in its original location, depicting scenes from gladiator games in the amphitheater using over three million individual tiles.

Day 3: Remich - Saarburg, 24 or 29 mi. (40 or 48 km)
Here the Moselle River is actually 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 powered 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)
Following breakfast, your tour leader will lead a brief bicycle tour to Trier, where you will arrive around midday. Following a guided walk, you will have time to explore and enjoy Trier on your own. Trier, known as the oldest city in Germany, was founded by Caesar Augustus in 15 BC under the name Augusta Trevorum and became a prosperous trading town and administrative center during the late imperial age. This Roman golden age has left behind a wealth of monuments, the most authentic of which is the Porta Nigra city gate, built around 18 AD. There will be no dinner served on board today, giving you the freedom to select from one of the local restaurants in Trier.

Day 5: Trier - Schweig | Schweig - Neumagen - Bernkastel, 16 or 32 mi. (27 or 53 km)
You begin your bicycle tour in Schweich, marking your entry into "The Romantic Moselle," the unofficial name for the mid-Moselle. As far as the eye can see, lovely vineyards expand, and you will cruise past the heavy hitters in the wine world: Trittenheim and Piesport. Trittenheim is situated in a sharp hairpin turn on the river, surrounded by mountains covered in grapes. Piesport is famous among the British for its "little golden droplets." Around midday, you will reach Neumagen, which was an important center of wine production during Roman times. At this point, you can either choose to join the barge or continue your bicycle tour to Bernkastel-Kues. This picturesque and historic town, which is a popular tourist destination, produces some of the best wines of the mid-Moselle. The town's market square, with its charming timber-framed houses, is a source of pride, and a walk to the castle offers a breathtaking view.

Day 6: Bernkastel - Kues - Traben Trarbach - Zell on the Moselle, 27 mi. (45 km)
The cycling tour for today will take you to the charming village of Traben-Trarbach, situated on the left bank of the Moselle and renowned for its Jugendstil (art nouveau) architecture. Continuing along the river, you will reach Zell on the Moselle, your overnight destination, which is famous in the wine industry for its Zeller Schwarze Katz white wine. Zell is an excellent place to sample the fine wines of the Moselle.

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, check-in at 2 pm.
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

Metz to Cochem

Day 1: 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 - Schweich | Schweich - Neumagen - Bernkastel-kues, 16 or 32 mi. (27 or 53 km)
Day 6. Bernkastel-Kues & Daun excrusion, 39 mi. (62 km)
Day 7: Bernkastel-Kues - Traben Trarbach | Traben - Trarbach - Zell - Cochem, 23 or 37 mi. (38 km or 61 km)
Day 8: Cochem

Sections in italics are navigated onboard the ship.

Day 1: Metz
At 3 p.m., embarkation and check-in will be available in Metz for your trip. Once you have been welcomed, bikes will be assigned and you can enjoy your first test ride. Following dinner, a walking tour of Metz will be led by your guide. Metz was a key location on a Roman trade route and boasts stunning architecture. The Cathedral of St. Etienne is one of France's largest and most beautiful cathedrals, complete with flying buttresses and stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall. It is recommended that you arrive in Metz at least a day in advance in order to fully explore this fascinating city.

Day 2: Metz - Remich, 26 or 31 mi. (41 or 49 km)
Your day begins with breakfast on the ship before departing for Thionville. The bike tour for the day will begin outside of Thionville, a picturesque French town that played a vital role in the northern French steel industry until the 1980s. The old town area includes ramparts, beautiful gardens, and the stunning Church of St. Maximin. The cycling takes you through the beautiful French countryside, passing by charming villages and the castle of Sierck-les-Bains, which was once inhabited by the Counts of Lorraine. As you journey through the picturesque Moselle Valley, you will arrive at Schengen, which sits on the border between France and Luxembourg. This small town is the namesake of the famous Schengen Agreement that is well-known throughout Europe, and you will have the opportunity to experience its effects first-hand as you cross the border with no need for border controls. While in Nennig, near Remich, you can visit a beautiful Roman mosaic floor that still resides in its original location as the centerpiece of a Roman villa. With three million individual tiles, the floor displays images of a gladiator competition that are truly awe-inspiring.

Day 3: Zell on the Moselle - Bernkastel-Kues, 25 or 30 mi. (40 or 48 km)
The Moselle River serves as the border between Germany and Luxembourg. The bike tour begins on the German side of the river but quickly continues on the Luxembourg side. While in Luxembourg, you visit a winegrowers' cooperative that specializes in "Cremant", which is also known as the champagne of the Moselle. Today's cycling route offers two options. One option is an easier but longer route that follows along the riverbanks. The other option is a bit more challenging, leading over the hilly terrain. Regardless of which option you choose, both routes will take you to Saarburg, a charming old town situated on the most beautiful part of the Saar River where the banks are densely forested. Saarburg Castle, built in the mid-10th century, overlooks the town. In the center of the city, there is a 20-meter-high waterfall with an old mill powered by the river at its base. The oldest houses from the 17th and 18th centuries have been preserved in this part of the city, giving the town a picturesque flair.

Day 4: Saarburg - Trier/Pfalzel, 19 mi. (32 km)
After breakfast, you will embark on a short bike ride with your guide to Trier, arriving mid-morning or early afternoon. Once there, you will have a guided walk before having some free time to discover the city on your own. Trier holds the title of the oldest city in Germany, with a founding date dating back to 15 BC by Caesar Augustus under the name Augusta Trevorum. During the late imperial period, Trier grew into a bustling trading center. The Roman period, also known as the 'Golden Century', left behind many magnificent monuments and memorials, including the well-preserved 'Porta Nigra' city gate built in 18 AD.

Day 5: Trier/Pfalzel – Schweig | Schweig – Neumagen – Bernkastel-Kues, 16 or 32 mi. (27 or 53 km)
Begin your day with breakfast onboard the ship as it sails towards Schweig, where you will start your bike tour. Known as "the Romantic Moselle," the Middle Moselle boasts numerous beautiful vineyards. The tour takes you past Trittenheim and Piesport, with the former located in a sharp bend in the Moselle and surrounded by sprawling vineyards, while the latter produces some excellent white wines, particularly the 'Piesporter Goldtröpfchen.' Your journey continues to Neumagen, which was already an important wine production center in Roman times. You have the option to either continue cycling or board the ship and head towards Bernkastel-Kues, the best wine region in the Middle Mosel. Bernkastel-Kues is a lively and picturesque historic town, home to the pride of the city, the market square, and its charming half-timbered houses. The castle walk also offers an opportunity to enjoy a magnificent view.

Day 6. Bernkastel-Kues & Daun excrusion, 39 mi. (62 km)
You depart from the river and the vineyards this morning and travel by bus through the Eifel Valley to Daun to begin an exciting bike tour along a former railway line. The route leads through tunnels, over bridges, and past volcanic crater lakes. After the last tunnel, you stop in a small town for a well-deserved break where you can enjoy an ice cream at one of the street cafes. There will be no dinner on board tonight, but you can visit one of the local restaurants.

Day 7: Bernkastel-Kues - Traben Trarbach | Traben - Trarbach - Zell - Cochem, 23 or 37 mi. (38 or 61 km)
During breakfast, the ship will sail to Traben-Trarbach, where you can admire the world-famous Art Nouveau architecture that testifies to the importance of this wine trading center in the Moselle region during the 19th century. Alternatively, you can begin your bike tour in Zell, a beautiful town situated on a picturesque part of the Moselle where the river winds through the mountains in many loops. Be sure to try the famous Moselle wine, Zeller Schwarze Katz. On the way to Cochem, there is a stop inBeilstein, also known as "the pearl of the Moselle". Arriving in Cochem, you will be greeted by steep vineyards, wooded hills, a medieval castle, and a picturesque town center with beautiful half-timbered houses. Cochem is the perfect place to sip a glass of local wine and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.

Day 8: Cochem
This is the last official morning of your tour. Breakfast and disembarkation by 9:30 am.

Cochem to Metz

Day 1: Cochem
Day 2: Cochem - Beilstein | Beilstein | Beilstein - Traben-Trarbach | Traben-Trarbach - Bernkastel Kues, 17.5 or 32 mi. (28 or 51 km)
Day 3: Bernkastel - Kues, 39 mi. (62 km)
Day 4: Bernkastel-Kues – Neumagen – Schweich | Schweich – Trier, 17.5 or 34 mi.  (28 or 54 km)
Day 5: Trier – Saarburgm 17.5 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

Sections in italics are navigated onboard the ship.

Day 1: Cochem
Upon your arrival in Cochem, you may check-in and embark the ship starting at 3 p.m. Once aboard, the guide will lead you on a walk through Cochem, a charming Moselle town known for its steep vineyards, wooded hills, and picturesque half-timbered houses. Don't miss the chance to explore the medieval castle or to savor a glass of the local wine.

Day 2: Cochem - Beilstein | Beilstein | Beilstein - Traben-Trarbach | Traben-Trarbach - Bernkastel Kues, 17.5 or 32 mi. (28 or 51 km)
After enjoying breakfast on board, the ship will sail to the charming town of Beilstein. There will be opportunity to admire the Black Madonna in the chapel of the Carmelite monastery high on the hill. The bike tour begins in Beilstein and follows the Moselle upstream to Zell, where the ship will make a brief stop. If you prefer, you can continue with the ship from here. Zell is located in a beautiful part of the Moselle, where the river winds its way through the mountains in many loops. This area is famous for the Zeller Schwarze Katz wine. After exploring Zell, you'll continue to Traben-Trabach, which boasts world-renowned Art Nouveau architecture, reflecting its importance as a wine trading center in the Moselle region during the 19th century. From Traben, you'll take the ship to our final destination, Bernkastel-Kues, which is a lively, historic, and picturesque town with the best wine region in the Middle Mosel. Be sure to visit the market square, which is home to picturesque half-timbered houses. If you walk to the castle, you'll enjoy a breathtaking view.

Day 3: Bernkastel - Kues, 39 mi. (62 km)
This morning, guests will leave the river and the winelands and will commute by bus through the Eifel valley to the town of Daun. From there, an exciting bike tour will be experienced along a former railway line. The journey will lead through tunnels, over bridges, and along volcanic crater lakes. After the last tunnel, a break will be taken in a small town where guests can enjoy a well-deserved ice cream in one of the street cafes.

Day 4: Bernkastel-Kues - Neumagen - Schweich | Schweich - Trier, 17.5 or 34 mi. (28 or 54 km)
Upstream from Bernkastel-Kues, visitors can enjoy the beautiful sprawling vineyards that produce the well-known white Moselle wine. Today's cycling route takes us through Brauneberg, Piesport, and Trittenheim, with Piesport producing some notable white wines, including the famous 'Piesporter Goldtröpfchen'. Trittenheim, situated in a sharp bend in the Moselle, is surrounded by vast vineyards. In the morning or early afternoon, we will arrive at Neumagen, which was already an important center for wine production in Roman times. Here, you have the option of boarding the ship or continuing to cycle to Schweich. In Schweich, we will board the ship and sail to Trier, which is not only the oldest city in Germany but also a lively and interesting university town. Trier was founded around 15 BC by Caesar Augustus and built under the name of Augusta Trevorum, according to the Romans. In the late imperial period, Trier became a thriving trading center, and this Roman period, known as the 'Golden Century,' left behind magnificent monuments and memorials, including the well-preserved 'Porta Nigra' city gate, which was built in 18 AD.

Day 5: Trier- Saarburg, 17.5 mi. (28 km)
A morning walking tour through Roman history in Trier will be offered in the morning and you will also enjoy enough time to discover Trier on your own. After lunch, the journey continues along the Moselle and Saar rivers to Saarburg, a charming old town located on the most beautiful part of the Saar River, surrounded by dense forests. The construction of Saarburg Castle dates back to the mid-10th century. In the center of the city, there is a 20-meter-high waterfall that flows into an old mill powered by the river. The oldest houses from the 17th and 18th centuries can be found in this part of town, giving it a picturesque appearance. Tonight, though there won't be dinner served onboard, but you will have the opportunity to explore one of Saarburg's restaurants.

Day 6: Saarburg - Remich,  28 or 33 mi. (45 or 53 km)
Today, there are two cycling options available, each with its own unique characteristics. The first option is a longer, yet easier route along the rivers. The second option, while a bit more challenging, offers stunning views of the hilly landscape. Regardless of which route you choose, our destination today is Luxembourg. The Moselle River serves as the border between Germany and Luxembourg. Although it is a small country, Luxembourg City, the capital, holds significant importance as a financial center and administrative hub for the European Union. In Luxembourg, we will visit a winegrowers' cooperative that specializes in Cremant, a type of sparkling wine known as the champagne of the Moselle region. Close to Remich, lies a magnificent Roman mosaic floor that can be visited. The floor, which is still in its original location, was once the centerpiece of a Roman villa. The intricate design displays images of a gladiator competition made up of 3 million individual tiles.

Day 7: Remich - Schengen  | Schengen - Thionville | Thionville - Metz, 19 mi. (30 km)
During breakfast, the ship sails to Schengen, where today's bike tour begins. Almost every European is familiar with the Schengen Agreement, but hardly anyone knows that the agreement owes its name to this small town on the 3-country border.

Soon you will be riding your bikes through the beautiful Moselle Valley to France and experiencing the benefits of the agreement firsthand: no border controls. The route first passes the castle of Sierck-les-Bains, one of the palaces inhabited by the Counts of Lorraine, which is magnificently situated on the banks of the Moselle. The tour then leads through the beautiful French territory and quaint villages. You arrive in Thionvillee late morning or early in the afternoon. It's a beautiful French town that was an important center of the northern French steel industry until the 1980s. In the old town, you'll find ramparts, beautiful gardens, and the magnificent Church of St. Maximin. The ship awaits you here to continue to Metz. This city was strategically located on a Roman trade route. The Cathedral of St. Etienne is one of the finest and the third largest cathedrals in France, with flying buttresses and stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. 

Day 8: Metz
This is the last official morning of your tour. Breakfast and disembarkation by 9:30 am.

2023

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 Cochem 

Day 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 arriving 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 20 meters high. At the foot of this waterfall, there is an old mill, which is powered by the river. In this part of town, most of the old houses from the 17th and 18th centuries 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 are on the agenda and the opportunity to experience and relish the wine. The 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

There will be a slight itinerary change in 2024 affecting Days 6 and 7. Day 6 will entail a route from Bernkastel to Zell and Day 7 will be Zell to 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 Metz  

Day 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 powered by the 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. 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! 

There will be a slight itinerary change in 2024 affecting Days 2 & 3. On Day 2, you will go from Cochem to Zell and on Day 3, Zell to Bernkastel.