Mosel Bike Tour
Germany, France Bike Tours
Bike in France and Germany in the footsteps of the Romans!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€873 Rates
Overview
This Mosel bike route leads along the border triangle of France, Luxembourg, and Germany. Beginning your cycling adventure in Metz, you follow the course of the river along excellent bike paths discovering famous German towns such as Traben-Trarbach, Bernkastel-Kues, and Cochem,
Your route through the Mosel River Valley will feature medieval castles, historic cities, vineyards, and romantic wineries. Wine has long been a part of the Mosel’s history due to the favorable wine-growing climate here.
Highlights
- Metz with its Gothic Cathedral adorned with massive stained glass windows
- Vineyards of the Mosel Valley
- Trier, the "second Rome", the oldest city in Germany.
- Porta Nigra
- Wine tasting
- Mosel Bike Path cycling
- Cochem and its fairytale 12th Century castle perched atop a vineyard lined hill
- Altstadt (old town) of Cochem
- Koblenz
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Metz
Day 2: Metz - Perl, 17 to 39 mi. (27 to 63 km)
Day 3: Perl - Trier, 32 mi. (52 km)
Day 4: Trier - Piesport, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 5: Piesport - Traben-Trarbach, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Traben-Trarbach - Cochem, 35 mi. (55 km)
Day 7: Cochem - Koblenz, 31 mi. (49 km)
Day 8: Departure*All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions, or provisions issued by local authorities, therefore the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork, In this case, please follow the directions posted on site.
Day 1: Arrival
Today you arrive in Metz, the capital of the Lorraine region. Strategically located between the Mosel river and the plateau of Lorraine, Metz is a lively university city. It also has a medieval center and a beautiful Gothic cathedral, Saint-Etienne Cathedral. The poet Verlaine wrote that the cathedral was “the lantern of God”. In fact, the building contains the largest surface area of stained glass of all French cathedrals (almost 6,500 square meters). The 14th-century stained-glass windows by Hermann de Münster rival the contemporary products of Marc Chagall and Jacques Villon. It is a living monument to the history of stained glass.Day 2: Metz - Perl, 17 to 39 mi. (27 to 63 km)
Almost the entire day will be spent in France. It is recommended to take a train (direct connection) to Thionville. From here, the path is very good as you cycle along the water to the Franco-German border. Just over the border, lies Perl. You might like to take the ferry to Schengen or cycle to the Roman Villa Borg (5 km east of Perl.) You will marvel at the excavations designed to present an authentic representation of the buildings as they originally stood. The current buildings are made up of the baths which are fully functional consisting of a frigidarium (cold bath), caldarium (hot bath) and tepidarium (tempered bath) latrines, a dressing room, and a relaxation area. The manor or main building has a large reception hall and a number of adjacent rooms in which the most important finds from the site are displayed. There is also a Roman kitchen (recently completed), a residential building, and a tavern, which was not part of the original villa but which serves meals based on ancient Roman recipes.*Overall, the bike paths along the Mosel are perfectly developed with high-quality routes. However, the Mosel bicycle route on the French side of Metz and Thionville (35 km) is mostly on streets with heavy traffic. Therefore, it is recommended to bridge the journey (Metz to Thionville) by train. Then from Thionville onward, the path is well signposted. In the detailed travel documents, recommendations on the most beautiful stretches are given.
Day 3: Perl - Trier, 32 mi. (52 km)
The day begins cycling through the vast vineyards of the Mosel valley and you will want to take some time in Remich, a place the Romans called, Remacum. You will feel the Mediterranean flair in many cafes and bistros along the 3 km long Mosel promenade. On the right bank of the Mosel, you continue your journey to Konz where you cross the mouth of the Saar and Mosel. From here it is not far to Trier. Trier, which stands on the Mosel River, was a Roman colony from the 1st century AD and then a great trading center beginning in the next century. At one time this city was known as the 'second Rome' and is said to be the oldest city in Germany. The number and quality of the surviving monuments, such as the magnificent Porta Nigra, Constatine's Basilica, the amphitheater, as well as the Roman Spa, Kaisertherme, all give testimony to Roman civilization.Day 4: Trier - Piesport, 30 mi. (48 km)
Today, Roman past and contemporary viniculture will meet. The Mosel bike trail leads to Mehring, where the Villa Rustica awaits. 'Villa Rustica’ is the designation for a manor in the Roman Empire. Today, the reconstructed walls and foundations can be visited again. Afterward, you will cycle to Trittenheim, where a nature trail educates on the local variety of grapes and the process of vine-growing. Just before reaching today’s destination, you will pass Neumagen-Dhron, Germany’s oldest wine-growing place! You should stop here to taste some of that wine!Day 5: Piesport - Traben-Trarbach, 25 mi. (40 km)
The two famous towns Bernkastel-Kues and Traben-Trarbach and the well-known wine-growing resort "Kröver Nacktarsch" are today’s highlights. Marvel at the colorful and manifold half-timbered constructions seaming the market place of Bernkastel-Kues. In Traben-Trarbach, there is an opportunity to take a boat trip.Day 6: Traben-Trarbach - Cochem, 35 mi. (56 km)
You will discover Enkirch today, a jewel of the Moselle region’s traditional half-timbered architecture. Then it is on to Zell, the wine-growing resort know for its "Zeller Schwarzen Katz" (The Black cat of Zell’). Take a relaxing break in the small town of Beilstein, proud of its nickname "Rothenburg an der Mosel". Your final destination is Cochem with its picturesque center and the ancient realm dating from the 11th century.Day 7: Cochem - Koblenz, 31 mi. (49 km)
The Mosel bike trail leads to the quaint wine-growing villages like Koben Gondorf or Winningen and then to the Deutsche Eck, but first, there is the opportunity to visit the medieval castle of Burg Eltz. Enjoy the wide view over the magnificent valley of the Rhine and be looking forward to a wonderful evening in Koblenz.Day 8: Individual departure
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Map
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
Category A: Centrally located 3-star and 4-star hotels
Category B: Centrally located small family inns and hotels. Please note, in Trier, the hotel is located 5 km outside of city.Bicycles
27-speed Tourer
Men or Women's Frames
Frame: Aluminium
Speed: 27-speed
Gear Shift: Shimano 27-speed derailler
Brakes: V-brakes
Handlebar: Riser
Wheels: 28-inch Marathon Plus by Schwalbe
Saddle: Sportive gel
Pedals: Aluminium with large rubber surface
Other: Lights, mudguards, reflectors, lock, rackEbike
Motor: Bosch
Battery: Lithium-ion polymer battery (100 km)
Display unit: Show current battery charge, total mileage, speed, trip etc)
Gear shift: Shimano 8-speed hub gears
Typres: Schwalbe
Brakes: Hydraulic
Other: Lights, mudguards, reflectors, lock, rackInclusions
What’s Included
- Hotel accommodations for 7 nights
- Breakfasts
- 27 speed touring bicycle (high handlebars and more upright riding position) equipped with waterproof pannier, optional map holder (please request), repair kit with tools and spare tube)
- Luggage transfer
- Tour information packet
- Route descriptions & maps
- GPS tracks available upon request
- Service hotline
What’s Not Included
- All meals other than breakfast
- Helmets (bring your own or purchase at a bike shop on arrival +- €60)
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
- City tax (payable locally at each hotel)
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily from April 6 to October 19, 2024
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
Pricing
2024
Season 1: April 6 to April 19 | October 12 to October 19, 2024
Season 2: April 20 to May 3 | October 5 to October 11, 2024
Season 3: June 8 to August 16 | September 21 to October 4, 2024
Season 4: May 4 to June 7 | August 17 to September 20, 2024Category A Category B Season 1 Twin/double $ 1708 £ 894 $ 1,527 € 1023 kr 156884 ₪ 4270 ¥ 176456 Mex$ 19153 NZ$ 1879 NOK 12321 zł 4502 S$ 1521 kr 12154 $ 1,116 $ 1458 £ 763 $ 1,303 € 873 kr 133881 ₪ 3644 ¥ 150582 Mex$ 16345 NZ$ 1604 NOK 10514 zł 3842 S$ 1298 kr 10372 $ 952 Single room $ 2209 £ 1156 $ 1,975 € 1323 kr 202891 ₪ 5522 ¥ 228202 Mex$ 24770 NZ$ 2430 NOK 15934 zł 5822 S$ 1967 kr 15718 $ 1,443 $ 1858 £ 973 $ 1,661 € 1113 kr 170686 ₪ 4645 ¥ 191980 Mex$ 20838 NZ$ 2045 NOK 13405 zł 4898 S$ 1655 kr 13223 $ 1,214 Season 2 Twin/double $ 1875 £ 981 $ 1,676 € 1123 kr 172220 ₪ 4687 ¥ 193705 Mex$ 21025 NZ$ 2063 NOK 13525 zł 4942 S$ 1670 kr 13342 $ 1,225 $ 1591 £ 833 $ 1,423 € 953 kr 146149 ₪ 3977 ¥ 164382 Mex$ 17842 NZ$ 1751 NOK 11478 zł 4194 S$ 1417 kr 11322 $ 1,040 Single room $ 2376 £ 1244 $ 2,124 € 1423 kr 218227 ₪ 5939 ¥ 245451 Mex$ 26642 NZ$ 2614 NOK 17138 zł 6262 S$ 2116 kr 16906 $ 1,553 $ 1992 £ 1043 $ 1,781 € 1193 kr 182955 ₪ 4979 ¥ 205779 Mex$ 22336 NZ$ 2192 NOK 14368 zł 5250 S$ 1774 kr 14174 $ 1,302 Season 3 Twin/double $ 1959 £ 1025 $ 1,751 € 1173 kr 179888 ₪ 4896 ¥ 202329 Mex$ 21961 NZ$ 2155 NOK 14127 zł 5162 S$ 1744 kr 13936 $ 1,280 $ 1675 £ 877 $ 1,497 € 1003 kr 153817 ₪ 4186 ¥ 173006 Mex$ 18779 NZ$ 1843 NOK 12080 zł 4414 S$ 1491 kr 11916 $ 1,094 Single room $ 2460 £ 1287 $ 2,199 € 1473 kr 225895 ₪ 6148 ¥ 254076 Mex$ 27578 NZ$ 2706 NOK 17741 zł 6482 S$ 2190 kr 17500 $ 1,607 $ 2076 £ 1086 $ 1,855 € 1243 kr 190623 ₪ 5188 ¥ 214403 Mex$ 23272 NZ$ 2283 NOK 14970 zł 5470 S$ 1848 kr 14768 $ 1,356 Season 4 Twin/double $ 2042 £ 1069 $ 1,826 € 1223 kr 187556 ₪ 5104 ¥ 210953 Mex$ 22898 NZ$ 2247 NOK 14730 zł 5382 S$ 1818 kr 14530 $ 1,334 $ 1758 £ 920 $ 1,572 € 1053 kr 161485 ₪ 4395 ¥ 181630 Mex$ 19715 NZ$ 1934 NOK 12682 zł 4634 S$ 1565 kr 12510 $ 1,149 Single room $ 2543 £ 1331 $ 2,273 € 1523 kr 233563 ₪ 6356 ¥ 262700 Mex$ 28514 NZ$ 2798 NOK 18343 zł 6702 S$ 2264 kr 18094 $ 1,662 $ 2159 £ 1130 $ 1,930 € 1293 kr 198291 ₪ 5396 ¥ 223028 Mex$ 24208 NZ$ 2375 NOK 15573 zł 5690 S$ 1922 kr 15362 $ 1,411 Extra Options
Electric bike rental $ 267 £ 140 $ 239 € 160 kr 24537 ₪ 668 ¥ 27598 Mex$ 2996 NZ$ 294 NOK 1927 zł 704 S$ 238 kr 1901 $ 175 Transfer back to Metz (departure at 9 am) $ 192 £ 100 $ 172 € 115 kr 17636 ₪ 480 ¥ 19836 Mex$ 2153 NZ$ 211 NOK 1385 zł 506 S$ 171 kr 1366 $ 125 Transfer back to Metz incl. bike, if bringing your own (departure daily at 9 am) $ 259 £ 135 $ 231 € 155 kr 23770 ₪ 647 ¥ 26736 Mex$ 2902 NZ$ 285 NOK 1867 zł 682 S$ 230 kr 1842 $ 169 Extra nights
Category A Category B Metz, twin/double $ 149 £ 78 $ 133 € 89 kr 13649 ₪ 371 ¥ 15351 Mex$ 1666 NZ$ 164 NOK 1072 zł 392 S$ 132 kr 1057 $ 97 $ 125 £ 66 $ 112 € 75 kr 11502 ₪ 313 ¥ 12937 Mex$ 1404 NZ$ 138 NOK 903 zł 330 S$ 111 kr 891 $ 82 Single $ 232 £ 121 $ 207 € 139 kr 21317 ₪ 580 ¥ 23976 Mex$ 2602 NZ$ 255 NOK 1674 zł 612 S$ 207 kr 1651 $ 152 $ 192 £ 100 $ 172 € 115 kr 17636 ₪ 480 ¥ 19836 Mex$ 2153 NZ$ 211 NOK 1385 zł 506 S$ 171 kr 1366 $ 125 Koblenz, twin/double $ 132 £ 69 $ 118 € 79 kr 12115 ₪ 330 ¥ 13627 Mex$ 1479 NZ$ 145 NOK 951 zł 348 S$ 117 kr 939 $ 86 $ 115 £ 60 $ 103 € 69 kr 10582 ₪ 288 ¥ 11902 Mex$ 1292 NZ$ 127 NOK 831 zł 304 S$ 103 kr 820 $ 75 Single $ 199 £ 104 $ 178 € 119 kr 18249 ₪ 497 ¥ 20526 Mex$ 2228 NZ$ 219 NOK 1433 zł 524 S$ 177 kr 1414 $ 130 $ 165 £ 87 $ 148 € 99 kr 15182 ₪ 413 ¥ 17076 Mex$ 1854 NZ$ 182 NOK 1192 zł 436 S$ 147 kr 1176 $ 108 Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This self-guided bike tour in France and Germany that meanders the Mosel river valley is considered easy and traverses mainly flat terrain. The average daily distance is about 25 miles. Overall the bike paths along the Mosel are perfectly developed and the quality of the bike trail is superb. You can expect a perfectly signposted route on both sides of the Mosel. Do note that the Moselle bicycle route on the French side of Metz and Thionville (35 km) does lead onto roads with occasional heavy traffic. Therefore, it is recommended to bridge this section by the train. Then from Thionville onward, the path is once again well signposted. From Germany, you can expect a perfectly signposted cycle path often on the right-hand side of the Moselle. In the detailed travel documents, recommendations on the most beautiful stretches are given.
Airport Info
For this tour, the closest large international airport to Metz is Luxembourg (LUX). From the LUX airport you can take a bus to city center and continue by train to Metz. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hrs. From Koblenz back to LUX is approximately 4 hours.
Alternatively, you can also look at flying into one airport and out for another. You can opt to fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). From Paris CDG to Metz is approximately 3 to 3.5 hrs via train. The closest airport to the end of your tour in Koblenz is Frankfurt International Airport (FRA). From Koblenz to FRA is approximately 1 to 1.5 hrs via train.
Local Travel
Paris de Gaulle:
From the airport Paris CDG you can take a train to Metz Ville. The (fast) TGV train is recommended. The train ride takes approximately 2½ hours. Advanced reservations for the TGV are required and can be made here: www.raileurope.com. Upon your arrival at the train station in Metz, it is recommended to take a taxi to the first hotel.
At the end of your tour in Koblenz, your train travel time to the Frankfurt Airport will be about 2 hours.Climate
Please check local conditions before arrival. The Mosel wine region has a northernly continental climate.
Remarks
Boat trips on the river Moselle
You can add to your biking experience by booking an extra night on any night and taking a day trip on one of the many passenger ships along the Moselle. From April to October there are many options as docks are located in almost all places in both directions. Often additional tours are offered off the boat. You can find more information here.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 nights available in any of the overnight towns on your tour.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Velociped.
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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