Saarburg to Mainz
Germany Bike + Boat Tours
Bike, barge & cruise the mighty ‘father’ Rhine, the ever-romantic Moselle, and beautiful Saar River
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Overview
During this three-river tour in Germany, you follow iconic German rivers exploring and experiencing culture, cuisine, and history.
Your route will mainly follow riverside cycle paths lined with castles, vineyards, and quaint German villages, including charming Rüdesheim and Zell, the "black cat" city.
In quaint Traben Trarbach, you will enjoy a wine tasting at the world-renowned Storck Winery. Your itinerary also includes Cochem, Koblenz, and Mainz, which perfects this bike and boat tour in Germany.
Highlights
- Rüdesheim
- Black Cat city of Zell
- Bernkastel
- Roman city of Trier
- Saarburg
- Romantic Rhine
- Loreley
- Vineyards of the Moselle
- A lovely small boat experience
- Riverside cycling
Be sure to look over our full list of bike & barge tours in Germany.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Saarburg
Day 2: Saarburg - Trier, 19 - 22 mi. (30 - 35 km)
Day 3: Trier, 34 - 37 mi. (55 - 60 km)
Day 4: Trier - Mehring - Bernkastel - Traben Trarbach, 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 km)
Day 5: Traben Trarbach - Zell - Cochem, 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 km) or extend to 40 - 43 mi. (65 - 70 km)
Day 6: Cochem - Koblenz, 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 km) + Hike: 2 mi. (3 km)
Day 7: Koblenz - Oberwesel - Rüdesheim, 19 - 22 mi. (30 - 35 km)
Day 8: Rüdesheim - Mainz, 22 - 25 mi. (35 - 40 km)
Day 9: MainzAll 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: Saarburg
Check-in takes place between 3:30 and 4:30 pm. As you enjoy your complimentary welcome beverage, the crew will be introduced, and you will have a briefing regarding your upcoming tour, the ship, and safety protocols for the week ahead. After dinner, there will be time to stroll through the city and enjoy a splendid view of the Saar Valley. In the charming city itself, you’ll be impressed by the narrow alleys, framework houses, and Baroque constructions, as well as colorful seamen’s houses and fishermen’s dwellings. There is an overnight stay in Saarburg.Day 2: Saarburg - Trier, 19 - 22 mi. (30 - 35 km)
You depart Saarburg by bike, following the Saar River downstream. At Konz, the Saar meets the Moselle River. Continuing onward, you arrive in Trier, your overnight destination. There is enough time for a visit to the city and a tour by a local guide. Trier was founded by the Romans and was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire. There are several well-preserved structures worth visiting, such as the Porta Nigra gate, ruins of Roman baths, and an amphitheater outside the city center.Day 3: Trier, 34 - 37 mi. (55 - 60 km)
Today holds a unique twist in store for you aboard the Merlijn, diverging from the typical bike and barge routine. Rather than setting sail, you are anchored in Trier for a full day, offering an array of options to suit your desires.If you're an avid cyclist seeking thrills, get ready for an extraordinary adventure. While most routes follow the riverbanks, today's journey takes you through majestic mountains and untouched nature, with exhilarating downhill trails for the majority of the way. Your day begins with a bus ride into the mountains with your bike, followed by a scenic ride along a converted railroad line, leading back to the Mosel. This exciting ride will occupy much of your day.
For those craving relaxation and cultural immersion, leave your bike onboard and step into Trier for a leisurely day. Explore the city's rich history, browse its charming shops, and unwind at one of its inviting terraces. Your guide is available to assist you in planning your day for maximum enjoyment.
Day 4: Trier - Mehring - Bernkastel - Traben Trarbach, 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 km)
As you enjoy breakfast, the Merlijn will sail from Trier to the holiday resort of Mehring, where the biking begins. The Romans fell in love with this landscape more than 2000 years ago and built splendid country villas. After visiting Neumagen-Drohn, you will cycle on to Bernkastel-Kues, where magnificent timber framework houses line the oldest market square in Europe. After a visit to this charming city, you’ll board the Merlijn and depart for Traben Trarbach. At night, you’ll be offered a wine-tasting session at the Storck Winery.Day 5: Traben Trarbach - Zell - Cochem, 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 km) or extend to 40 - 43 mi. (65 - 70 km)
Once the Merlijn arrives in Zell, famous for its ‘Zeller Schwarze Katz’ vineyard, you disembark and start to bike along the meandering Moselle, passing through many charming villages, such as Alf and Sankt Aldegund. In Sankt Aldegunde, you can visit a cellar with lots of liqueurs, wines, and Mosel-made mustards before heading to Bremm and finally Beilstein. After exploring this interesting medieval and well-preserved village, you bike to Cochem, where the Merlijn is waiting for you.Day 6: Cochem - Koblenz, 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 km) + Hike: 2 mi. (3 km)
After breakfast, you start biking from Cochem into the Eltztal, and after a hike of approx. 40 minutes, you visit the beautiful castle of Eltz. With its romantic clifftop location, the castle is one of the very few that has remained intact throughout its long history. You will then bike to your overnight destination of Koblenz. Dinner is on your own this evening so you have the opportunity to try the local German cuisine.Day 7: Koblenz - Oberwesel - Rüdesheim, 19 - 22 mi. (30 - 35 km)
During breakfast, Merlijn will cruise to Oberwesel. Today is one of the highlights of the trip: sailing through the ‘Romantic Middle Rhine’ and passing by the Loreley; you might even hear her singing… This part of the Rhine is steeped in history, myths, and legends. In Oberwesel, your bike tour will start, following the Rhine gorge further from the riverbanks. At the end, you will reach Bingen, which is worth a stop and visit, after which you’ll cross the river by ferry to reach the charming and famous city of Rüdesheim with its ‘Drossegasse.’ You might want to take the cable car up to the mountain for a spectacular view of the Rhine. The boat will remain here overnight.Day 8: Rüdesheim - Mainz, 22 - 25 mi. (35 - 40 km)
Cycle directly from Rüdesheim along the Rhine River, passing through cozy little towns such as Oestrich-Winkel and Eltville. Don’t forget to stop at a traditional German bakery for a Berliner, a donut-like sweet treat stuffed with jam! The tour ends in Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate. Mainz's Old Town is the pride and joy of the city scene. Spacious squares, lovingly restored half-timbered houses, and magnificent Baroque churches lend the old town its "gemütliches" (charming) character. The Merlijn awaits your arrival. Your final evening on board will be highlighted by a farewell dinner.Day 9: Mainz
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye and continue your European trip or leave for the airport. -
Map
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Boats & Bikes
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Merlijn
Deluxe Class Barge
"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
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 8 nights on board the Merlijn
- Cabin with climate control and private bathroom
- Bedding, towels, toiletries, sewing kit, vanity kit, and bathrobe & slippers
- Full-service staff, daily cabin cleaning, manned bar (no self-service)
- Welcome drink
- Daily breakfast buffet, 7 packed lunches, & 7 three-course gourmet dinners
- Unlimited specialty coffee, tea, hot chocolate, sodas, and ice water (self‑service)
- Assorted sodas, wines (including non‑alcoholic), and beer on tap & bottled (including non‑alcoholic)
- Porterage of luggage upon arrival and departure
- English‑speaking tour guide
- Standard touring bike with waterproof pannier, city backpack, towel, & water bottle
- Helmet with communication system
- Daily bike loading & unloading
- Support vehicle on select days (2026 tours)
- Harbor, lock, canal, and ferry fees
- Entrance to the castle of Eltz
- Wine tasting session
- Guided city tour of Trier
What’s Not Included
- 1 dinner
- Drinks other than those mentioned
- Excursions, entrance fees and guided tours other than mentioned
- City maps
- Bike maps
- Gratuities (cash only)
- Electronic payments of your onboard expenses (cash only)
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Questions about dates or pricing? We’re here to help! Call 800-951-4384 to talk to a Tour Specialist now.
Jul 8, 2025Jul 8, 2025 € 2910 Book Jul 8, 2025Jul 8, 2025 On request Book Jun 1, 2026Jun 1, 2026 € 3265 Book Jun 1, 2026Jun 1, 2026 On request Book Pricing details and extra options
- Tour package 2025 Jul 8 from € 29102025 departures: Jul 8
2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Double occupancy € 2910 Single occupancy On request Bike Rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 210
- Tour package 2026 Jun 1 from € 32652026 departures: Jun 1
2026 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Double occupancy € 3265 Single occupancy On request Bike Rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 210
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
- Tour package 2025 Jul 8 from € 2910
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This is an easy guided bike and boat tour with average biking distances from 30 to 55 km.
Airport Info
The closest international airport to both your tour start and tour end is Frankfurt International Airport (FRA). However, if you do not mind arriving at one airport and departing from another, Luxembourg International Airport (LUX) is actually much closer to Saarburg than Frankfurt Airport.
Local Travel
Frankfurt Airport is well connected by public transportation. Frankfurt Airport Train Station, located next to Terminal 1, offers connections to popular German cities via Deutsche Bahn, the national railway company of Germany. There are local S-bahn lines (lines S8 and S9) that take travelers into central Frankfurt in about 10-15 minutes.
Train travel from Frankfurt Airport to Saarburg is approximately 4 hours and does entail either one or two transfers.
Public transportation (bus) from Luxembourg to Saarburg will take about 1 1/2 hours with one transfer.
At the end of your tour in Mainz, train travel to Frankfurt Airport takes only about 1/2 hour with zero transfers.
The German rail site bahn.de is good resource when researching train travel in Germany.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival. The Mosel region has a moderate maritime climate. This climate type is very favorable to all kinds of vegetation and its cooler temperatures especially conducive to grape growing.
Recommended
Due to variations in wifi signal strength and speed, If you are dependent on a constant, strong, fast, and reliable signal at all times, please consider a a personal hot spot.
Remarks
The cycling itinerary offered on the Merlijn has been designed and is guided by an expert guide. During the trip, the guide will adjust the plans when necessary based on the ability of the group. You are given an overview of the itinerary each day.
If you would like to cycle on your own, this may be possible. The guide and/or captain can inform you where to find the ship at the end of the day, or what time to be at a location to board. There are several maps available on board for you to use.
GPS tracks and written turn-by-turn route descriptions are not available.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.Extra Stay
Extra time in Germany is always enjoyable as there is so much to do and see. We advise Booking.com for researching and reserving your extra nights. You can read a detailed description of the hotels offered including a clear listing of amenities, customer reviews, and ratings.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Coen van der Vlies.
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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