Duration
8 days
Activities
  • guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in a twin share cabin
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

 

Overview

Trip Code: MCH

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, all are 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.

The itinerary operates in reverse each departure as indicated.

Traveller Rating

 

Trip Grading

introductory

More info about grading system

Carbon Footprint

100kg of CO2-e PP per day

(701kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

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Your bike and barge adventure begins in Metz, a historic French city on the banks of the Moselle River. Embarkation and check-in commence at 2:00pm, followed by a welcome meeting with the crew, bicycle fitting and an opportunity for a short test ride. After dinner, join your tour leader for a guided walk through the charming old town. Once an important Roman trading centre, Metz is renowned for its impressive architecture, lively squares and inviting cafés. A highlight is the magnificent Gothic Saint-Étienne Cathedral, famous for its soaring architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows, including works by Marc Chagall. With so much to discover, we recommend arriving a day or two early to explore Metz at your leisure.

Meals:  D

Enjoy breakfast on board as the barge cruises towards Thionville, where today's cycling begins. Once a major centre of France's steel industry, Thionville also boasts a fascinating history, with medieval ramparts, attractive gardens and the impressive Saint-Maximin Church. From here, cycle through the picturesque French countryside, passing traditional villages and the historic fortress of Sierck-les-Bains, once associated with the powerful Dukes of Lorraine. Following the Moselle Valley, cross into Luxembourg at Schengen, the small village that gave its name to the landmark European agreement allowing border-free travel between participating countries. Visit the Schengen Museum before continuing towards Remich. Along the way, there is an opportunity to visit the Roman villa at Nennig, home to a remarkably preserved mosaic depicting scenes of gladiatorial combat. Rejoin the barge in Remich, a charming riverside town surrounded by vineyards.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today's cycle follows the scenic Moselle River, which forms a natural border between Luxembourg and Germany. Ride along peaceful riverside paths, crossing between the two countries and passing vineyards that produce some of the region's celebrated wines. Along the way, visit a local wine cooperative specialising in Crémant, the sparkling wine of Luxembourg. There are two cycling options today: a longer, easier route following the river valleys or a shorter, more challenging ride through the surrounding hills. Both routes lead to the delightful town of Saarburg, nestled in the picturesque Saar Valley. Surrounded by wooded hills, Saarburg is known for its medieval castle ruins, colourful half-timbered houses and a spectacular 20m (66ft) waterfall cascading through the heart of the old town. Take time to wander the narrow streets and admire the historic watermill before returning to the barge.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, join your tour leader for a leisurely cycle along the Saar and Moselle rivers to Trier, arriving around lunchtime. Considered Germany's oldest city, Trier was founded by the Romans in approximately 16 BC and became an important administrative and trading centre of the Roman Empire. Join a guided walk to discover its remarkable heritage, including the UNESCO-listed Porta Nigra, one of the best-preserved Roman city gates north of the Alps. The city is also home to impressive Roman baths, an amphitheatre and a magnificent cathedral. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace, perhaps browsing the shops, relaxing in a café or discovering more of Trier's historic treasures. Dinner is not included this evening, giving you the opportunity to sample the local cuisine at one of the city's many restaurants.

Meals:  B,L

Begin the day with a relaxing breakfast cruise to Schweich, where you set off by bicycle into the heart of the Romantic Moselle. This beautiful stretch of river is renowned for its steep, vineyard-covered hillsides, traditional wine villages and sweeping river bends. Cycle through the celebrated wine-growing areas of Trittenheim and Piesport, where vineyards have flourished since Roman times. Continue to Neumagen-Dhron, one of Germany's oldest wine-producing settlements, with a history stretching back nearly 2,000 years. From here, you can choose to rejoin the barge or continue cycling to Bernkastel-Kues, one of the Moselle Valley's most picturesque towns. Explore its enchanting medieval centre, where narrow cobbled streets lead to a beautiful market square lined with colourful half-timbered houses. For those feeling energetic, a walk up to the ruins of Landshut Castle rewards you with sweeping views across the river and surrounding vineyards.

Meals:  B,L,D

Continue your journey along the winding Moselle River, cycling through a landscape of terraced vineyards, charming villages and wooded hillsides. Today's route leads to Traben-Trarbach, an elegant riverside town celebrated for its impressive Art Nouveau architecture and rich wine-trading heritage. Take time to explore its attractive streets and historic buildings before continuing along the river towards Zell. This picturesque wine town is famous for its Zeller Schwarze Katz (Black Cat) wines, a name recognised throughout the Moselle region. With its traditional wine taverns, colourful houses and scenic riverside setting, Zell is an ideal place to relax after a day's cycling. Enjoy the opportunity to sample some of the region's excellent Riesling wines before returning to the barge for the evening.

Meals:  B,L,D

Your final day of cycling takes you through one of the most scenic sections of the Moselle Valley, where steep vineyards, wooded slopes and medieval villages line the winding river. A highlight is the enchanting village of Beilstein, affectionately known as the 'Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle'. One of the best-preserved historic villages in the region, Beilstein is a delight to explore, with narrow cobbled lanes, traditional half-timbered houses and the atmospheric ruins of Metternich Castle overlooking the river. Continue cycling to Cochem, a beautiful riverside town dominated by the magnificent Reichsburg Castle, perched high above the valley. Join your tour leader for a walk through the historic centre, discovering its lively market square, colourful buildings and inviting cafés. There is also an opportunity to visit the castle independently. Celebrate the end of your cycling adventure with a glass of local Moselle wine while soaking up the town's picturesque surroundings. Farewell dinner tonight on board.

Meals:  B,L,D

Your bike and barge adventure along the Moselle comes to an end after breakfast. Say farewell to the crew and your fellow travellers before disembarking by 9:30am. From Cochem, continue your onward journey or extend your stay to explore more of this beautiful wine-growing region.

Meals:  B

Expand all | Collapse all

Your bike and barge adventure begins in Cochem, a picturesque town nestled along the banks of the Moselle River. Embarkation and check-in commence at 2:00pm, followed by a welcome meeting with the crew. Join your tour leader for a guided walk through the charming old town, where narrow cobbled streets, colourful half-timbered houses and inviting cafés create a delightful atmosphere. Dominating the skyline is the magnificent Reichsburg Castle, perched high above the river and surrounded by steep vineyards and wooded hills. There is an opportunity to visit the castle independently and admire the sweeping views across the Moselle Valley. Spend the remainder of the afternoon soaking up the atmosphere of this beautiful wine-growing town before returning to the barge.

Meals:  D

After breakfast, set off on your bike along the scenic Moselle River towards Beilstein, affectionately known as the 'Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle'. One of the best-preserved historic villages in the region, Beilstein is a delight to explore, with its narrow cobbled lanes, traditional half-timbered houses and the atmospheric ruins of Metternich Castle overlooking the river. Continuing along the Moselle, pass the spectacular Bremmer Calmont vineyard, renowned as one of Europe's steepest vineyards, with slopes reaching gradients of up to 60 degrees. The surrounding landscape of terraced vineyards, wooded hills and sweeping river bends provides a memorable backdrop to today's ride. Your destination is Zell, a charming wine town famous for its Zeller Schwarze Katz (Black Cat) wines. Take time to wander the historic streets and perhaps sample some of the region's excellent Riesling wines before returning to the barge.

Meals:  B,L,D

Continue cycling through the beautiful Moselle Valley, following peaceful riverside paths past terraced vineyards and traditional wine villages. Your first stop is Traben-Trarbach, an elegant riverside town renowned for its impressive Art Nouveau architecture and rich wine-trading heritage. Take time to explore its attractive streets before continuing to Kröv, another celebrated wine-growing village known for its distinctive local wines. From here, follow the winding river to Bernkastel-Kues, one of the most picturesque towns along the Moselle. Its beautifully preserved medieval centre is a highlight, with narrow cobbled lanes leading to a charming market square surrounded by colourful half-timbered houses. Enjoy a stroll through the historic streets before crossing to Kues, where the barge awaits for the evening.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today's journey takes you deeper into the heart of the Romantic Moselle, where steep vineyard-covered hillsides stretch as far as the eye can see. Leaving Bernkastel-Kues, travel through some of Germany's most celebrated wine-growing areas, passing the villages of Brauneberg, Piesport and Trittenheim. The picturesque village of Trittenheim sits within a dramatic bend in the river, surrounded by hillsides blanketed in vines. Around lunchtime, arrive in Neumagen-Dhron, one of Germany's oldest wine-producing settlements, with a history dating back to Roman times. From here, you can choose to rejoin the barge or continue cycling along the river to Schweich. Once everyone is back on board, enjoy a relaxing cruise to Trier, considered Germany's oldest city. Founded by the Romans around 16 BC, Trier is renowned for its remarkable Roman heritage, including the UNESCO-listed Porta Nigra, one of the best-preserved Roman city gates north of the Alps.

Meals:  B,L,D

Begin the morning with a guided walk through Trier, discovering the fascinating Roman history of this ancient city. Once an important administrative and trading centre of the Roman Empire, Trier is home to an impressive collection of historic monuments, including Roman baths, an amphitheatre and the magnificent Porta Nigra. There is also time to explore independently, perhaps browsing the shops or relaxing in one of the attractive town squares. After lunch, set off by bicycle, following the Moselle and Saar rivers through a picturesque landscape of vineyards, wooded hills and peaceful riverside villages. Your destination is Saarburg, a delightful medieval town nestled in the scenic Saar Valley. Explore its charming old quarter, where colourful 17th and 18th-century houses line narrow streets, and a spectacular 20m (66ft) waterfall cascades through the centre of town. Nearby, the ruins of a 10th-century castle overlook the valley. Dinner is not included this evening, giving you the opportunity to sample the local cuisine at one of Saarburg's restaurants.

Meals:  B,L

Today's cycling adventure takes you from Germany into the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, following the beautiful Saar and Moselle river valleys. There are two cycling options available: a longer, easier route following the rivers or a shorter, more challenging ride through the surrounding hills. Both offer wonderful views of the rolling countryside, traditional villages and vineyard-covered slopes. Along this stretch, the Moselle forms a natural border between Germany and Luxembourg, a region renowned for its wine production. On the Luxembourg side, visit a local wine cooperative specialising in Crémant, the country's celebrated sparkling wine. Continuing towards Remich, there is an opportunity to admire the remarkable Roman mosaic at Nennig, featuring intricate scenes of gladiatorial combat. Comprising approximately three million individual tiles, this beautifully preserved mosaic once formed the centrepiece of an impressive Roman villa. Rejoin the barge in Remich, a charming riverside town surrounded by vineyards.

Meals:  B,L,D

Enjoy breakfast on board as the barge cruises to Schengen, the small Luxembourg village famous for giving its name to the landmark European agreement allowing border-free travel between participating countries. There is an opportunity to visit the Schengen Museum before setting off by bicycle through the picturesque countryside. Cross into France and continue along the Moselle Valley, passing traditional villages and the impressive fortress of Sierck-les-Bains, once associated with the powerful Dukes of Lorraine. The route leads to Thionville, a historic town that was once a major centre of France's steel industry. Discover its attractive old quarter, where medieval ramparts, leafy gardens and historic streets provide a glimpse into its rich past. Highlights include the impressive Saint-Maximin Church and the town's elegant architecture. Rejoin the barge in Thionville for a relaxing final cruise to Metz, a beautiful city with a history stretching back to Roman times. Metz is renowned for its magnificent Gothic Saint-Étienne Cathedral, featuring soaring architecture and stunning stained-glass windows, including works by Marc Chagall. Enjoy your final evening exploring the city's charming squares, historic streets and lively cafés.

Meals:  B,L,D

Your bike and barge adventure along the Moselle comes to an end after breakfast. Say farewell to the crew and your fellow travellers before disembarking by 9:30am. From Metz, continue your onward journey or extend your stay to discover more of this fascinating historic city and the surrounding Lorraine region.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks). Continental breakfasts are served and will usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. At breakfast 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. Tea & coffee on board. Dinner will consist of three courses inclusive of either a pasta, vegetarian or meat dish.
  • 7 nights in a twin share cabin with ensuite facilities on a deluxe category barge (cabins are configured with two lower beds - supplement applies for premium lower deck twin (Princess Royal) or upper deck suite (Magnifique I) on select departures, or a 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, helmet, waterproof pannier and water bottle (electric bike available on request - supplement applies) plus bike insurance (limited liability)
  • Cycling Map (1 per cabin) plus navigational App with GPS tracks
  • Welcome drink and briefing on the first evening
  • Multilingual tour guide for fully guided cycling tours (two for group size of 22 passengers or more), daily briefings
  • Some short walking tours
  • Linen and change of towels as required
  • Daily cabin cleaning
  • Entrance to European Museum Schengen, Local wine tasting
  • Wi-fi
  • Fees for ferries
  • 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
  • Drinks other than afternoon tea and coffee on board
  • Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian). A supplement is payable for example lactose or gluten free diets - EUR70pp (subject to change) paid locally on board. Note: vegan diets cannot be catered for on this trip
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling a solo or book a single cabin
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Tips - it is customary to offer a tip if the guide and crew have done a good job. As a guide we would recommend €30-60 per person (to be distributed between the guide/s, captain and crew)
  • Fee to bring your own bike
  • Items of a personal nature

Cabins


Bike information


Grading

introductory  

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 be worn during cycle sections.


Trip reviews


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Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

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