Nancy to Cochem

Day 1: Nancy/Frouard 
Day 2: Pont-á-Mousson - Metz, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 3: Metz – Richemont - Remich, 27 or 22 mi. (44 or 35 km)
Day 4: Remich - Trier, 28 mi. (45 km) 
Day 5: Trier, 36 mi. (58 km)
Day 6: Trier - Mehring - Bernkastel - Traben-Trarbach, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 7: Traben-Trarbach – Zell - Cochem, 22 mi. (35 km) 
Day 8: Departure from Cochem

All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to weather, last-minute mooring changes, and restructuring of locks or bridges.

Day 1: Nancy/Frouard 
Frouard is a small town (and the nearest port) just outside Nancy. Embarkation begins at 3:30 pm. Enjoy a complimentary arrival drink as you are introduced to the crew and informed of the wonderful week that awaits you. At 5 pm, the Merlijn will set sail for Pont-á-Mousson, a small typical French town with a rich architectural heritage. An after-dinner walk will showcase the treasures.  

Day 2: Pont-á-Mousson - Metz, 28 mi. (45 km)
After your first breakfast on board, the bike tour for the day will start. You will cycle through the French countryside, through wheat fields and tiny villages. Today’s destination is Metz, an ancient French city strategically situated on a Roman trading route. Its cathedral is the 3rd largest Gothic church in France. Metz is awash with stunning architecture, flowers, and great cafés. Don’t forget to visit Temple Neuf, as this church is stunning from any angle.

Day 3: Metz – Richemont - Remich, 27 or 22 mi. (44 or 35 km)
On board, you navigate to Richemont to begin your cycling day. Soon you’ll 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 (you can also cruise a bit longer and start biking from Thionville). After your visit, you’ll pedal to the fortress of Sierck-les-Bains, one of the palaces inhabited by the powerful Dukes of Lorraine. One more interesting stop before you reach the destination of Remich is a town called Schengen, home to the famous ‘Schengen Agreement”, signed by 5 countries in 1985, and known by everyone in Europe as it led to the free passage between borders. From here, you’ll leave France and cycle into Luxembourg. After dinner, prepared by your onboard chef, you can visit a wine cellar to sample the wines of the upper Mosel. The wines here are different to the middle Mosel styles, due to the geology, which gives the wines different characteristics.

Day 4: Remich - Trier, 28 mi. (45 km) 
Cycling along the meandering Moselle River ‘downstream’ you will pass the Luxembourg-Germany border. You will bike on to Trier where the Merlijn will be moored and waiting. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of this magnificent city by a local guide. Trier was the Roman capital of the western territory of the Roman Empire. Many remnants remain such as the gigantic city gateway Porta Nigra and the Roman Baths. Dinner is on your own this evening giving you the opportunity to explore the local scene more thoroughly.

Day 5: Trier, 36 mi. (58 km)
The Merlijn will stay docked in Trier for another full day and you can choose from several options how to spend it. Those who want to cycle are in for a treat. Where most routes lead along the river, today's route is entirely through the mountains and countryside and is mostly downhill!  First you will be transferred by bus into the mountains and then by bike follow an old railroad line, transformed into a bicycle path, towards the Mosel. This ride will take most of the day.

Those who also deserve some rest during this vacation, want to go shopping or see more culture, will also find something to their liking. Leave the bike onboard for the day and walk into Trier to enjoy everything this city has to offer. Your guide will be happy to help you with your plans for the day. Tonight’s dinner is once again on your own! 

Day 6: Trier - Mehring - Bernkastel - Traben-Trarbach, 28 mi. (45 km)
While enjoying your breakfast, the Merlijn will cruise from Trier to the holiday resort of Mehring. The Roman poet Ausonius already lauded this beautiful landscape in song. The Romans fell in love with this landscape more than 2000 years ago and built splendid country villas here. After visiting Neumagen-Drohn, you will bike further on to Bernkastel-Kues, where magnificent framework houses line the marketplace. After a visit to this famous and charming city, you will board the Merlijn and navigate to your day's destination.

Day 7: Traben-Trarbach – Zell - Cochem, 22 mi. (35 km) 
First on the agenda is a cruise to Zell, famous for its vineyard ‘Zeller Schwarze Katz’. Then you cycle along the meandering Moselle and visit many charming villages, such as Alf, Sankt Aldegund (where you can visit a cellar brimming with liqueurs, wines, and Mosel mustards), Bremm, and finally Beilstein. After exploring this interesting medieval preserved village, you will cycle on to Cochem, where the Merlijn will await you.

Day 8: Cochem
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye and continue your European trip or leave for the airport.

• Merlijn

  Deluxe

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  5 out of 5 (10 Reviews)

  View Boat

  Deluxe Class Barge

  Touring Bicycle

  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