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The course of the Moselle River as it makes its way between Cochem and Metz offers so much for the cyclist. From little towns with rich histories, cool climate vineyards hugging the surrounding hills and enchanting cities like Cochem and Bernkastel a delight to explore. Based on board a comfortable river boat, the cycling is expertly guided with carefully crafted visits to interesting sights each day. Choose from a longer or shorter bike ride, or relax on the sundeck and watch the changing scenes. Enroute, visit the former imperial Roman city of Trier with Germany's oldest cathedral and the famous 'Black Gate''. Continuing along a section of the Saar River, you visit the waterfalls of Saarburg before pedalling on to Luxembourg, the only Grand Duchy in Europe. In France taste the iconic 'Mirabellen' liqueur and explore the city of Metz on foot.
The itinerary operates in reverse each departure as indicated.
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97kg of CO2-e PP per day
(776kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Metz
On arrival in Metz, you can check into your hotel at your leisure from 4:00 pm. Take the evening to explore the beautiful historic city of Metz, situated on an old Roman trade route. Marvel at St Etienne Cathedral, the third largest Gothic church in France, with its flying buttresses and Marc Chagall stained-glass windows. Enjoy the stunning architecture, lovely flowers, and cosy cafés that make Metz so charming. Get a good night’s sleep before starting on your boating and cycling adventure tomorrow!
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Walking tour in Metz, transfer to Schengen to join boat
At 11:00 am, your tour leaders will welcome you officially to the tour, then it’s time to set out to explore Metz on foot with a knowledgeable local guide. After lunch (own arrangements) and bag pickup, we transfer by bus to Schengen, where the boat awaits. Schengen is famous for the well known “Schengen Agreement,” named after this little town in Luxembourg at the 3-country border. Your guide will explain the history and significance of the agreement. Meet the crew and get fitted for your bike, then take a test ride guided by your tour leader. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner on board.
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Cycle from Schengen to Remich (41km/26mi or 49km/31mi)
Our first cycle ride starts from Schengen, following the Moselle Valley. Along the way, we'll visit the small village of Nennig, near today’s final destination of Remich. Take in the sights of an old Roman villa, complete with a tile floor that remains in its original place. The centrepiece of the villa, the tile floor is made up of 3 million individual pieces and depicts gladiatorial scenes.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 4
Cycle to Saarburg (40 km/24 mi or 48km/29mi)
The Moselle river is the border between Germany and Luxembourg. We start following the river on the German side and soon cross to the Luxembourg side. On the way, we visit a wine co-operative, specialising in “Cremant”, the sparkling wine of Moselle. There are two cycling options: one is easy but longer along the rivers. The shorter option is more challenging, through the hills. Whichever you choose, both lead to Saarburg, an interesting old town situated in a beautiful part of the Saar valley. Here the banks of the river are densely forested. High above, the castle of Saar was built in the middle of the 10th century. In the middle of town we come across a waterfall about 20m high. At its foot is an old mill, which is driven by the small river. In this part of town most of the houses date from the 17th and 18th centuries, giving Saarburg a special charm.
Day 5
Cycle to Trier (32km/19mi)
After breakfast our tour leader will take us for a short bicycle tour to Trier. We'll arrive around lunchtime. After a guided walk there is time to discover and enjoy Trier on your own. Trier is known as the oldest city in Germany. The city was founded at the time by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Trevorum. As a trading town and administrative centre, Trier flourished during the late imperial age and a notable number of monuments survive including the city gate, Porta Nigra, which was built around 18 AD. Today there is no dinner on board, you can choose to dine at one of the local restaurants.
Meals: B,L
Day 6
Cruise to Schweich, cycle to Neumagen and onto Bernkastel-Kues (27km/16mi or 53km/32mi)
After a breakfast cruise we will start cycling from Schweich. This is the “The Romantic Moselle”, the unofficial name for the mid- Moselle. Lovely vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see. Pass the heavy-hitters of the Moselle wine world, Trittenheim and Piesport. Around lunchtime, we arrive in Neumagen, an important centre of wine production. You can join the barge here or continue cycling to Bernkastel-Kues, an old and picturesque town that produces the best wines of the Mid-Moselle. Pride of the town is the market square, with its picturesque timber-framed houses. A walk to the castle offers a beautiful view.
Day 7
Cycle via Traben-Trarbach to Zell on the Moselle (45km/27mi)
Today's cycle route takes us to the romantic village of Traben-Trarbach, located on the left bank of the Moselle and famous for its Jugendstil (art nouveau) architectural style. Further along the river our destination is Zell on the Moselle, well known for its Zeller Schwarze Katz white wine. Zell offers the perfect opportunity to get to know the wines of the Moselle.
Day 8
Cycle to historic Beilstein and on to Cochem (39 km/24 mi.)
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 we have the opportunity to explore. We continue to our final destination, Cochem, a typical Moselle town surrounded by steep vine-clad mountains and wooded hills. Its impressive castle and picturesque square with beautiful timber-framed houses and cafes make it a perfect place for a glass of local wine. A visit to Reichsburg Castle is also on the program. Farewell dinner tonight on board.
Day 9
Trip concludes Cochem
Disembark after breakfast at 9:30am.
Meals: B
Arrive Cochem
Embarkation and check-in is at 2pm in Cochem. After a welcome meeting with the crew, the tour leader will take you for a walk through this cosy, characteristic Moselle town which is surrounded by steep vine-clad mountains and wooded hills. We will visit the majestic Reichsburg Castle and you can explore the picturesque square with beautiful timber-framed houses and cafes.
Meals: D
Cycle from Cochem to Zell (39km/24mi)
Following breakfast, we will cycle to Beilstein, one of the best-preserved historical villages on the Moselle. The ruins of Castle Metternich sit towering above the village, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore them. After leaving Beilstein we'll pass Europe’s steepest vineyard – with slopes inclining up to 60 degrees – at Bremmer Calmont. Today’s tour ends in the wine village of Zell on the Moselle, well known in the industry for the wine Zeller Schwarze Katz. In Zell we recommend taking the opportunity to enjoy the wines of the Moselle valley.
Cycle via Traben-Trarbach to Bernkastel-Kues (45km/27mi)
Today we'll cycle from Zell to the romantic village of Traben-Trarbach, located on the Moselle’s left bank and famous for its Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) architecture. From here we pass through the wine town of Kröv, well-known for its popular Kröver wine, and on to Bernkastel-Kues. The grand half-timbered houses surrounding Bernkastel-Kues’ marketplace date from the Middle Ages and are a photographer’s delight. We'll reach the barge in Kues after a tour through town.
Cycle to Neumagen and onto Schweich, cruise to Trier (28km/18mi or 54km/34mi)
From Bernkastel, the valley opens up and vineyards expand as far as the eye can see. Today we cycle past the heavy-hitters in the wine world: Brauneberg, Piesport, Trittenheim. Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn on the river, surrounded by vineyard covered mountains. Around lunchtime we arrive in Neumagen, an important centre of wine production since Roman times. You have the choice to join the barge here or continue by bike to Schweich, where the barge will again be waiting. Once on board we cruise to Trier, the oldest city in Germany. Trier was founded around 15 BC by Caesar Augustus as Augusta Trevorum. Trier flourished during the late imperial age and a notable number of monuments survive including the city gate, Porta Nigra, which was built around 18 AD.
Explore Trier and cycle to Saarburg (28km/18mi)
After breakfast the guide will lead a short walking tour of Trier to discover the Roman history, and there is free time to explore on your own. After lunch, we hop on the bikes and follow the Mosel and Saar rivers to our next destination, Saarburg. Saarburg is an interesting old town situated in a beautiful part of the Saar valley. Here the banks of the river are densely forested. High above, the castle of Saar was built in the middle of the 10th century. In the middle of Saarburg town we come across a waterfall 20m high, and at its foot is an old mill which is driven by the small river. In this picturesque part of town most of the houses date from the 17th and 18th century. Today there is no dinner on board, you can enjoy dining at a local restaurant.
Cycle to Remich via Nennig's Roman villas (45km/27mi or 53km/32mi)
Today we have two cycling options. One is easy but longer along the rivers. The shorter option is more challenging, through the hills. Whichever you choose, the cycling leads to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Here the Moselle forms the border between Germany and Luxembourg. Luxembourg is small but the capital is an important financial centre and EU administrative city. On the way, we visit a wine co-operative, specialising in “Cremant”, the sparkling wine of Moselle. Before reaching our destination of Remich we will visit the small village of Nennig and take in the sights of an old Roman villa, complete with a tile floor that remains in its original place. The centrepiece of the villa, the tile floor is made up of 3 million individual pieces and depicts gladiatorial scenes.
Cruise to Schengen, cycle to Thionville and cruise to Metz (30km/18mi)
While having breakfast we’ll cruise to Schengen, where our cycling tour started. By bike, we’ll cross into France, cycling through lovely countryside and villages. Around lunchtime we’ll arrive in Thionville, the centre of the steel industry until the 1980s. That might sound modern and industrial, but the city is ancient. The historic centre has medieval ramparts, lovely gardens, old streets and St Maximin Basilica. In the afternoon we’ll head back to Schengen, where we’ll enjoy our final dinner and night on board.
Disembark then transfer to Metz, afternoon guided city tour
After breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to the crew and board a bus to Metz. On arrival, check into the group hotel, with plenty of time to explore the city at your leisure. In the afternoon, you can join a guided tour of the city with a local guide. You’ll see the St Etienne Cathedral, the third-largest Gothic church in France, with flying buttresses and Marc Chagall stained-glass windows. You’ll have the evening to yourself to explore more of the city and try one of the local restaurants before saying goodbye to your fellow travellers. Your tour leader will accompany you today on the journey to Metz.
Trip concludes Metz
On your final day, check out of the hotel after breakfast.
What's included
What's not included
Lower Deck Cabins
The lower deck has 16 cabins: 14 twin cabins (approx 12m²) with 2 single beds next to each other and 2 single cabins (approx 7m²). The cabins have en-suite facilities (shower and toilet), individually regulated air conditioning, a flat screen satellite TV, a small safe and a hair dryer. A supplement applies for the single cabins.
In most cabins the beds can be set together as a double bed on request.
On request, a 3rd bed is available in one of the twin cabins for children up to age 16 (Pullman bed, above one of the other beds).
Above Deck Suite Cabins
The upper deck has 5 suites (approx 16m²) with 2 single beds next to each other and a small sitting area. The suites have large windows that can be opened. A supplement applies for these cabins.
The beds can be set together as a double bed on request.
On request, a 3rd bed is available in one suite for children up to age 16 (Pullman bed, above one of the other beds).
During the trip you will be provided with a 7 speed unisex (low bar) rental bike with hand brakes, comfortable gel seat and lock. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear required for each day and a rental helmet.
* It is possible to bring your own bike/ebike on board - a surcharge applies. Please ask our staff (must be pre-booked and pre-paid).
An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists.
GRADE 1 - Daily cycling distances from 27 to 53km (16 to 32mi). As with all of our cycling programs, wind and poor weather could make the trip grade change. Should you not wish to cycle there are walking options available. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos, visit a museum or enjoy the market places in many of the interesting towns visited. It is considered suitable for children, as long as they have road sense, are familiar with the workings of a bike (gear change etc) and are comfortable cycling alongside moving vehicles at times. *For safety reasons, we highly recommend that cycle helmets are worn during cycle sections.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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