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Duration
9 days
Activities
  • guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in a twin share cabin, 1 night twin share hotel (in Metz)
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 8 Breakfasts

Price

ON SALE

$3150 USD

Adult$2993USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: MBO

Trip highlights


  • Exploring Metz and walking the cobble stone streets of Trier
  • Cycling along the Moselle past cool climate vineyards
  • Sampling local specialties including liqueurs, wines and charcuterie
  • Soaking up the hospitality on board the comfortable barge

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 from Metz to Cochem as indicated.

Trip Grading

introductory

More info about grading system

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Upon 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

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) transfer by bus to Schengen, where the boat awaits. Schengen is famous for the “Schengen Agreement,” a well-known European treaty named after this little town in Luxembourg at the 3-country border. Your guide will explain the history and significance of the agreement, which eliminated border controls between many European countries. 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

Start your first cycle ride from Schengen, following the Moselle Valley. Along the way, 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

The river Moselle is the border between Germany and Luxembourg. We start following the river on the German side, but soon cross to the Luxembourg side. There we’ll visit a wine cooperative, specialized in “Cremant”, the Champagne of the Moselle. After this there are two cycling options. One is easy, but a bit longer along the rivers. The shorter option is a bit more challenging, through the hills. Whichever you choose, the biking will lead you to Saarburg, an interesting old town situated in the most beautiful part of the Saar valley. Here the banks of the river are densely forested. The castle of Saarburg was built in the middle of the 10th century. In the middle of town we come across a waterfall about 20 meters high. At the foot of this waterfall there is an old mill, which is driven by the small river. In this part of town the old houses dating from the 17th and 18th century give Saarburg a special charm.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast the tour leader will take us for a short bicycle tour to Trier. 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. This Roman golden age has left a respectable number of monuments. Most authentic is the city gate, Porta Nigra. Today there is no dinner on board. You can select one of the local restaurants of Trier.

Meals:  B,L

After a breakfast cruise we will start cycling from Schweich. We have now entered the “The Romantic Moselle”, the unofficial name for the mid-Moselle. Lovely vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see. We cruise past the heavy-hitters in the wine world: Trittenheim and Piesport. Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn on the river surrounded by mountains coated with vines. Around lunchtime, we arrive in Neumagen, an important centre of wine production. You can decide to join the boat here or continue cycling to Bernkastel-Kues. This frequently visited, old and picturesque town 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.

Meals:  B,L,D

The cycle route today 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 for the night is Zell on the Moselle, well known in the wine industry for the its Zeller Schwarze Katz white wine. Zell offers the perfect opportunity for you to get to know the wines of the Moselle.

Meals:  B,L,D

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. Then on to our final destination Cochem, a typical Moselle town, with steep wine-clad mountains, wooded hills, an impressive castle and a picturesque square with beautiful timber-framed houses and cafes. A perfect place for a glass of local wine. A visit to Reichsburg Castle is also on the program. Farewell dinner tonight on board.

Meals:  B,L,D

Disembark after breakfast at 9:30am.

Meals:  B

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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 and characteristic Moselle town, with steep wine-clad mountains, wooded hills, the majestic Reichbsburg Castle which we will visit and a picturesque square with beautiful timber-framed houses and cafes.

Meals:  D

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.

Meals:  B,L,D

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 city of Kröv – well-known for its popular Kröver wine - and continue to Bernkastel-Kues, our destination for the night. The grand half-timbered houses that surround Bernkastel-Kues’s marketplace date back to the Middle Ages, and are a photographer’s delight. After touring the town, we make our way to the barge.

Meals:  B,L,D

From Bernkastel, the valley opens up and vineyards expand as far as the eye can see. Today we cruise past the heavy-hitters in the wine world: Brauneberg, Piesport, Trittenheim. Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn on the Brauneberg, the river surrounded by mountains coated with grapes. Around lunchtime we arrive in Neumagen, an important centre of wine production. You have the choice to join the barge from here or continue by bicycle 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 under the name of Augusta Trevorum. As a trading town and administrative centre, Trier flourished during the late imperial age. This Roman golden age has left a respectable number of monuments. Most authentic is the city gate Porta Nigra, which was built around 18 AD.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast our tour leader will take us for a walking tour of Trier to discover the Roman history. After lunch, hop back on the bikes and follow the Moselle and Saar rivers to our next destination, Saarburg. Saarburg is an interesting old town situated in the most beautiful part of the Saar valley. Here the banks of the river are densely forested. The castle of Saarburg was built in the middle of the 10th century. In the middle of town we come across a waterfall 20m high. At the foot of this waterfall there is an old mill, which is driven by the small river. In this part of town most of the old houses date from the 17th and 18th century, which give Saarburg such a picturesque look. Today there is no dinner on board, you are free to enjoy one of the local restaurants of Saarburg.

Meals:  B,L

Today we have two cycling options. One is easy, but a bit longer cycling along the rivers. The other is shorter but more challenging, as you cycle through the hills. Whichever you choose, the cycling will lead you into the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Here the Moselle forms the border between Germany and Luxembourg. Luxembourg is a small country, but her capital is an important finance centre and EU administrative city. On the way, we visit a wine cooperative, specialising in “Cremant”, the Champagne of the Moselle. Close to Remich we can admire a Roman mosaic floor. The tile floor which lies in its original place, was once the centrepiece in a palatial Roman villa and reveals scenes from gladiator games.

Meals:  B,L,D

While having breakfast we cruise to Schengen, where our cycling starts. The “Schengen agreement” is something everybody in Europe has heard of, whereas almost nobody knows that it is named after this little town in Luxembourg at the 3-country border. Soon we will cross the Luxembourg-French border. We pass the fortress of Sierck-les-Bains, one of the palaces inhabited by the powerful Dukes of Lorraine. The route is lovely through French countryside and friendly villages. Around lunchtime we 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 together, then spend the night on board the boat.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to the crew and board a bus to Metz. On arrival, check into the 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 French restaurants before saying goodbye to your fellow travellers. Your tour leader will accompany you today on the journey to Metz.

Meals:  B,L

On your final day, check out of the hotel after breakfast.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 8 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches (7 when joining in Cochem), 6 dinners (does not include drinks). Continental breakfasts are served and will usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. At breakfast on board the boat you will prepare your packed lunch for the day which will be sandwiches, fruit & juice. If you choose not to cycle on a particular day, the crew will serve lunch on board. Dinner will consist of three courses inclusive of either a pasta, vegetarian or meat dish.
  • 8 nights: 1 night hotel in Metz on twinshare basis with private facilities, 7 nights in a twin share cabin with ensuite facilities on Magnifique III, a deluxe category barge (cabins are configured with two lower beds - supplement applies for upper deck suite or single cabin). We do not match clients together so if you are travelling solo you will need to book a single cabin (limited and on a request basis).
  • Bike rental with handbrake or backpedal brake - 7 speed equipped with helmet, waterproof pannier and water bottle (electric bike available on request - supplement applies)
  • Cycling Map (1 per cabin) plus navigational App with GPS tracks
  • Welcome drink and briefing on the first evening on board the boat
  • Two multilingual tour guides for fully guided cycling tours (group size of 22 passengers or more), daily briefings
  • Several short walking tours
  • Linen and change of towels as required
  • Daily cabin cleaning
  • Wi-fi on board
  • Fees for ferries
  • Entrance to Reichsburg in Cochem, Local wine tasting
  • Bus transfer from hotel in Metz to the boat or from boat to the hotel in Metz (depending on direction of travel)
  • Guided city walk in Metz
  • Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Cochem and from Metz or vice versa
  • Meals not listed as included: dinner in either Trier or Saarburg depending on direction of travel, dinner and lunch in Metz
  • Drinks (available for purchase on board)
  • Bike insurance
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • As prices are based on twin occupancy, a single supplement will apply if you are travelling alone and book a single cabin
  • Entrance fees and excursions not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Tips - while tipping is not obligatory, it is customary to offer a tip if the guide and crew have done a good job. As a guide we would recommend EUR30-60 per person (to be distributed between the guide/s, captain and crew).
  • Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian). A supplement is payable for example lactose or gluten free diets - EUR65pp (subject to change) paid locally on board.
  • Fee to bring your own bike
  • Items of a personal nature

Cabins


Bike information


Grading

introductory  

INTRODUCTORY - GRADE 1 The cycling is introductory (1) grade with 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 be worn during cycle sections.


Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
IT1
Trips begins in Metz
IT2
Trip begins in Cochem
DN3
High season is departures from 26 Aug to 7 Oct - supplement applies.
DN4
All departures on board the Magnifique III

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$2993USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Electric Bike SupplementUSD$260
  • Upper Deck Suite Supplement (pp)USD$780
  • Single Cabin SurchargeUSD$840
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


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