Mosel & Saar
Germany Bike + Barge Tours
Cycling through the legacy of the Roman Empire
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1555 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
On this bike and barge tour in Germany, highlights abound. Cycle back in time and visit the Roman villas and public baths along the Mosel and Saar Rivers. In Trier, visit the Porta Nigra or "Black Gate ". This ancient gateway is one of the most well known monuments from the Roman era.
On day three you go literally beyond the border on a short detour to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
The tour also leads through one of Germany's best wine-growing areas. Get acquainted with the excellent but uncomplicated wines from the Saar and the ‘Spitzenweinen’ along the Mosel like the ‘Zeller Schwarze Katz’.
Highlights
- Porta Nigra
- Saarschleife
- Vineyards of Calmont
- Excellent wines from Saar
- Spitzenweinen along the Mosel (Zeller Schwarze Katz)
Click to see our full list of bike and boat tours in Germany
Itinerary
This tour is offered in both directions. Be sure to check dates and corresponding start and end cities.
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: Embarkation in Mettlach between 2 and 3 pm, 9 mi. (15 km)
Day 2: Saarschleife - Saarbrug, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 3: Saarburg - near Trier, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 4: Nearby Trier, sailing to Schweig - Bernkastel Kues, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 5: Bernkastel Kues, Moselle - Maare cycling trail, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 6: Bernkastel-Kues - Zell, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 7: Zell - Cochem, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 8: Cochem disembarkation before 10 am
Day 1: Embarkation in Mettlach between 2 and 3 pm, 9 mi. (15 km)
Your tour starts in the beautiful Saarland town of Mettlach, home of Villeroy & Boch and with a lot of shops and terraces. Do note that you can drop your luggage off at noon but cabins will not be ready for check-in. At 4 PM, the Zwaan will undergo short navigation along the Saar River to a beautiful mooring-place near the Saarschleife (Saar loop).Day 2: Saarschleife - Saarbrug, 22 mi. (35 km)
From Mettlach, the route leads north along the Saar. Around the little village of Saarhölzbach, the Saarland is left behind and the Rheinland Pfalz is entered. The history of this little village goes back to the year 802 and the government of Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, King of Franks, King of Italy and the first Holy Roman Emperor. Destination today is Saarburg from where it is about 15 km. to the Mosel. Don’t forget to go for a walk through the old town center with the famous waterfalls and visit the old city castle.Day 3: Saarburg - nearby Trier, 22 or 28 mi. (35 or 45 km)
Today you switch rivers in the historical city of Konz, leaving the Saar behind and then following the Mosel towards Luxembourg. It was around the year 365 A.D. that the river inspired the Roman teacher Magnus Ausonius to write his hymn Mosella:
‘Greetings, river, framed by perfumed vineyard-covered hills, Framed by grass; river of greenest shores. Your strong waters carry ships, flowing in easy waves. Along the stream, and a glittering lake your depths emulate.’
Along the old Saarschleife, to to the Igeler Säule, you cycle and then to and Wasserbillig in Luxembourg. In the afternoon you’ll turn eastwards to Trier where you’ll stay for around 3 hours. This city is known for its Roman legacies like the Porta Nigra, the Basilica of Constantine the Great and an amphitheater. After visiting there is one hour cycling to the mooring-place of the barge.Day 4: Mooring location outside Trier - Bernkastel Kues, 31 mi. (50 km)
The route showcases Roman influence that is still present today in ancient villas, public baths, and other relics of ancient civilizations. The ancient remnants dot the slopes along the winding river. Destination today is the medieval town of Bernkastel Keus with its romantic narrow streets, remarkable half-timbered houses, and picturesque nooks and crannies.
Day 5: Bernkastel Kues, Moselle - Maare cycling trail, 34 mi. (55 km)
In the morning you are transferred by bus to Daun, to the start of the Moselle-Maare cycling trail, possibly the most famous cycling trail of the central Moselle. The track is built on an old railway line. There is no simpler way to cycle to the Moselle valley than on the former railway line through the Volcanic Eifel! The road runs through the landscape of volcanoes and crater lakes, along magnificent viaducts and past old railway stations and continues to roll on the Moselle bike path to Bernkastel-Kastel Kues.Day 6: Bernkastel-Kues - Zell, 25 mi. (40 km)
The Mosel continues through a green and fascinating landscape with vineyards and forests and beautiful towns and villages like the ‘Winzerdorf’ Wolf. Further on, around the next curve, you’ll be surprised by the beautiful double city in Jugendstil, Traben Trarbach. The ship waits for you in the city of the black cat, Zell. The story goes that when some wine merchants from Aachen had to choose which wine barrel they wanted to buy, a black cat jumped upon one of the barrels to defend it. Of course, this made it clear for them which barrel they should buy.Day 7: Zell - Cochem, 22 mi. (35 km)
The day starts with sailing to the beautiful village of Beilstein. Today you will visit the most beautiful castle along the Mosel River: Burg Eltz. You will cycle to a bicycle parking lot on the foothill and from there continue hiking (1 hour, not too steep) to Burg Eltz. Here there is an opportunity to visit the original medieval interior of the castle and climb the tower. After the visit, the cycling continues along the Mosel to Cochem, the final destination of this cycling week. Cochem is famous for its wines and dominated by the old Reichsburg.Day 8: Cochem, disembarkation before 10 am
Day 1: Embarkation in Cochem between 2 and 3 pm.
Day 2: Cochem - Zell, 27.5 mi. (44 km)
Day 3: Zell - Bernkastel - Kues, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 4: Bernkastel-Kues, Moselle - Maare cycling trail, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 5: Bernkastel-Kues - nearby Trier, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 6: Trier -Saarschleife - Saarburg, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 7: Saarburg - Mettlach, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 8: Mettlach, disembarkation before 10 amDay 1: Embarkation in Cochem between 2 and 3 pm.
Your tour starts in the beautiful city Cochem with a lot of shops and terraces. Cochem is famous for its wines and dominated by the old Reichsburg. Do note that you can drop your luggage off at noon but cabins will not be ready for check-in.Day 2: Cochem - Zell, 27.5 mi. (44 km)
Through five remarkable bends, you’ll meander along the river to the famous vineyards of Calmont. The steepest slopes have a gradient of 65%, which makes it quite difficult for the farmers to tend their vineyards. The lunch stop will be at the beautiful village of Beilstein. Endpoint today is the city of the black cat, Zell. The story goes that when a few wine merchants from Aachen had to choose which wine barrel they should buy a black cat jumped upon one of the barrels to defend it. Of course, this made it clear for them which barrel they should buy.Day 3: Zell - Bernkastel - Kues, 25 mi. (40 km)
The Mosel makes its way through a green and fascinating landscape with vineyards and forests. Just after leaving Zell you will bike to the “Marienburg” where you will be awarded by a splendid view over the Mosel Meander. Along the way, you’ll find some beautiful towns and villages like the beautiful double city in Jugendstil, Traben Trarbach and the ‘Winzerdorf’ Wolf. The final destination is Bernkastel-Kues, a medieval town with romantic narrow streets, remarkable half-timbered houses and picturesque nooks and cranniesDay 4: Bernkastel Kues, Moselle - Maare cycling trail, 34 mi. (55 km)
In the morning the transfer bus takes you to Daun, to the start of the Moselle-Maare cycling trail, possibly the most famous cycling trail of the central Moselle. The track is built on an old railway line. There is no simpler way to cycle to the Moselle valley than on the former railway line through the Volcanic Eifel! The road runs through the landscape of volcanoes and crater lakes, along magnificent viaducts and past old railway stations and continues to roll on the Moselle bike path to Bernkastel-Kues.Day 5: Bernkastel Kues - nearby Trier, 31 mi. (50 km)
You switch rivers in the historical city of Konz, where you leave the Saar behind and follow the Mosel. Along the old Saarschleife, you cycle to the Igeler Säule and Wasserbillig in Luxemburg. In the afternoon you’ll turn eastwards to Trier where you’ll stay for around 3 hours. This city is known for its Roman legacies like the Porta Nigra, the Basilica of Constantine the Great and an amphitheater. After visiting there is one-hour cycling to the mooring-place of the barge.Day 6: Trier -Saarschleife - Saarburg, 22 or 28 mi. (35 or 45 km)
After breakfast, you bike to the Saar-Canyon. Here there will be the opportunity to hike to an outlook on top of the canyon for a magnificent panorama over the faraway surroundings. The hike is not steep and takes 1 hour uphill and half an hour downhill. At lunchtime, you will arrive in the town of Mettlach for lunch and can visit the town with its outlet-shops. Of course, the biggest attraction of the town, the Villeroy & Boch porcelain museum, will not be overlooked, including a cup of coffee in the beautiful Museum-Café. You will end in the very scenic town of Saarburg with its huge waterfall in the middle of town.Day 7: Saarburg - Mettlach, 22 mi. (35 km)
From Saarburg you cycle south along the Saar. Around the little village of Saarhölzbach you leave Rheinland Pfalz behind and enter the Saarland. The history of this little village goes back to the year 802 and the government of Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, king of Franks, king of Italy and the first Holy Roman Emperor. Today we will have lunch in Mettlach, a little town along the Saar River where we will visit the famous Villeroy & Boch porcelain museum. Today’s highlight is the beautiful Saarschleife (Saar loop). You will have the opportunity to hike to a panorama-point where you can have a great view of the whole region. The highlight of today is the beautiful Saarschleife. Endpoint today is Mettlach.Day 8: End of tour
Disembarkation at 10 amIf you’re looking for a different flavor, check out our full list of bike and barge tours or view all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news.
Boats
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights on board the Comfort Class boat, the Zwaan
- Bed linens & towels
- Breakfast & dinner on board
- Packed lunches
- Coffee & tea on board
- Cycling tour guide
- Minimum 3 city walks with tour guide
- Route information
- 24 gear city touring bike (Batavus Boulevard) with high handlebars & upright seated position with helmet, panniers, good lock, & water bottle. Repair kit on request
- Roadbook (one set per cabin)
- Ferry fares on the route
- Free WiFi (limited & available in the lounge & on deck & may not be what your accustomed to)
- GPS tracks on request
What’s Not Included
- Electric bike (Van Dijck Eris) with step-through frame, detachable lithium-ion battery, helmet, panniers, lock, & water bottle available with supplement. See pricing.
- Gratuities
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Comfort Class
Sunday departures
Cochem to Mettlach
August 22, September 5, September 19, & October 3, 2021Mettlach to Cochem
August 29, September 12, September 26, & October 10, 2021Cabin type Luxury double $ 2712 £ 1521 $ 2,622 € 1714 NZ$ 2935 kr 17733 $ 2,095 Twin $ 2461 £ 1380 $ 2,379 € 1555 NZ$ 2663 kr 16088 $ 1,901 Triple $ 2263 £ 1269 $ 2,188 € 1430 NZ$ 2448 kr 14795 $ 1,748 Small double /front of boat $ 2120 £ 1189 $ 2,050 € 1340 NZ$ 2294 kr 13864 $ 1,638 Double for single use/front of boat $ 3070 £ 1721 $ 2,968 € 1940 NZ$ 3322 kr 20072 $ 2,371 Comfort Class
Sunday departures
Cochem to Mettlach
August 21, September 4, September 18, & October 2, 2022Mettlach to Cochem
August 28, September 11, September 25, & October 9, 2022Cabin type Luxury double $ 2737 £ 1535 $ 2,647 € 1730 NZ$ 2962 kr 17899 $ 2,115 Twin $ 2476 £ 1388 $ 2,394 € 1565 NZ$ 2680 kr 16192 $ 1,913 Triple $ 2373 £ 1331 $ 2,295 € 1500 NZ$ 2568 kr 15519 $ 1,833 Small double /front of boat $ 2136 £ 1198 $ 2,066 € 1350 NZ$ 2311 kr 13967 $ 1,650 Double for single use/front of boat $ 3093 £ 1734 $ 2,991 € 1955 NZ$ 3347 kr 20227 $ 2,390 Extra Options
2021/2022
Electric bike: $ 134 £ 75 $ 130 € 85 NZ$ 146 kr 879 $ 104 Gluten-Free, Celiac or Vegan Diet: $ 79 £ 44 $ 77 € 50 NZ$ 86 kr 517 $ 61 Tag-Along Bike with helmet (ages 5-9): $ 87 £ 49 $ 84 € 55 NZ$ 94 kr 569 $ 67 Bike Seat with helmet (age 11 mos-5 yrs): $ 24 £ 13 $ 23 € 15 NZ$ 26 kr 155 $ 18 Bike Trailer: $ 315 £ 177 $ 304 € 199 NZ$ 341 kr 2059 $ 243 Child's 21-speed bike with helmet (ages 9+): please ask
Children's discounts availableChilderen's bikes, child seat, trailer bike, and bike trailer all available for rental. Should the fuel price increase more than 5% (reference date April 2018), then we need to ask a supplement. (Even for reservations that already have been made and confirmed.)
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 that takes place on mainly flat terrain. There are a few short climbs and descents.
Airport Info
There are two large international airports in the regions of Cochem and Mettlach. Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) is located approximately 98 km from Mettlach and 158 km from Cochem. Another option is Luxembourg Airport (LUX) at 55 km from Mettlach and 133 km from Cochem.
Local Travel
There is a regional train station on Level 1 of the Frankfurt International Airport from which there are train connections to both Mettlach and Cochem.
Mettlach: Trains run every hour to Mettlach (Saar) with travel time approximately 2.5 hours. From the train station, depending on exact mooring location, it is either a 10-minute walk or a 10-minute taxi journey to the mooring location.
Cochem: There are direct trains every hour with travel time approximately 2 hours.
At end of tour
Cochem: Taxi (5 minutes) to the Cochem train station from which trains to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) leave one per hour with travel time of 2.5 hours. Cost is approx. €35 per person.
Mettlach: Taxi to Mettlach train station and train to Frankfurt Airport. Travel time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Trains depart every hour and costs approx. €50 per person.
A good website to research train travel options is www.bahn.com/en/
If you flying to Luxembourg (LAX), please ask us and we can help you research your travel options.Climate
Please check local conditions before arrival. This tour leads through Germany’s best wine-growing area and has a northernly continental climate.
Day of Rest
Any day can be designated a day of rest by remaining on board and enjoying the passing scenery from the comfort of your 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.
Important to know
Documents:
Before you travel, please check your country's passport and visa requirements and the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
*Important note: Beginning July 1, 2021, additional documentation from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) 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 Cycletours.
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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