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Originating in the Vosges Mountains in the French region of Alsace, the fabled Moselle River flows north along the Luxembourg border and into Germany for 545km in total before it meets the Rhine River at the cultural city of Koblenz. The picturesque valley formed by the river is home to a rich tradition of wine making, Germany's oldest town and a strong Roman and medieval heritage. The section between Koblenz and Cochem is known as 'castle country' due to its abundance of castles including the fairytale Eltz Castle considered to be one of the finest in Germany. Based on a comfortable barge, this cycle journey along the Moselle and its tributary, the Saar, offers an ideal balance of activity, history, culture and relaxation.
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98kg of CO2-e PP per day
(686kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Embarkation in Koblenz*
On arrival in Koblenz* make your own way to the boat for embarkation at 4pm. You will spend the evening and first night in Koblenz. The captain and his crew will welcome you on board at approximately 6pm. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, Koblenz has been an important defensive centre for the region over its more than 2000 year history. Its impressive fortifications are still in good condition today and it's worth exploring these, as well as the old town with its ancient churches. *Note alternative embarkation point for 24 April 2027: - board in Bonn at 4pm, departs at 5pm, moors overnight in Andernach (arrives 10pm). By boat to Alken on the morning of day 2 and follows the usual itinerary.
Meals: D
Day 2
By boat to Alken then cycle via Moselkern to Cochem (29km/18mi)
The first section of the route today to Alken is by boat. At Alken the cycle begins by crossing the river via a bridge and continuing along the banks of the Moselle. The first stop is Moselkern. You can park your bike and explore (around 35 minutes) the Elztal valley to Eltz Castle, considered one of the best preserved castles in Germany. Guided tours are available in English. Continue by bike to Cochem, which is overshadowed by the impressive Reichsburg Castle dating from 1051. Cochem is a lovely little town with historical half-timbered-houses and a picturesque Old town, surrounded by vineyards. For less experienced cyclists we recommend spending the day on board, with more time to visit Cochem in the afternoon. +187m/613ft, -176m/577ft
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Cycle to Beilstein and continue to the wine growing town of Zell (39km/24mi)
This morning you will follow the river to Beilstein, which you can explore on foot. It has the steepest vineyard in Europe, Bremmer Calmont. Continue riding to Zell an der Mosel, known for the "Zellar Schwarze Katz" vineyard. We recommend taking the time to enjoy their popular wines. +177m/580ft, -159m/521ft
Day 4
Cycle to Traben-Trarbach and Bernkastel-Kues (43km/26mi)
Today you will cycle to Traben-Trarbach, which displays Art Nouveau architecture at its best. Afterwards, continue to Bernkastel-Kues, which is an ideal place to explore with its stylish medieval market square surrounded by half timbered houses. You will find the barge in Keus after cycling through the town. +211m/692ft, -205m/672ft
Day 5
Cycle to Germany's oldest wine village, Neumagen-Dhron, on to Mehring (48km/30mi)
Today you cycle to Piesport, the oldest winegrowing community along the Moselle, where you can visit the Roman cellars and vineyards. Further on you come to Neumagen-Dhron, the oldest wine village in Germany. Here you'll find a replica of a Roman wine ship, located in front of the Peter Chapel, along with other traces of the Romans. After lunch continue to Riol/Mehring, a typical winegrowing community, where the boat awaits your arrival. +198m/649ft, -193m/633ft
Day 6
Cycle to Trier via Pfalzel (26-29km/16-18mi)
The cycle this morning takes you past the small town of Pfalzel and on to Trier, where the boat will be waiting for you. Trier is one of the oldest cities in Germany and its Roman roots are visible in impressive buildings including the Porta Nigra, Konstantin basilica and the Amphitheatre. +231m/757ft, -226m/741ft
Day 7
Cycle via Wasserbillig (Luxembourg) to Saarburg (39km/24mi)
Today you will be following the river via Wasserbillig to Saarburg, also known as "Little Venice". As you explore the town you will enjoy the narrow alleys, half-timbered houses, baroque buildings and colourful fisher houses. In the centre of town you'll also find a waterfall which is 20 metres deep. +211m/692ft, -187m/613ft
Day 8
Trip concludes Saarburg
Disembarkation after breakfast until 9am.
Meals: B
Embark ship in Saarburg
On arrival in Saarburg make your own way to the boat for embarkation at 4pm. You will spend the evening and first night in Saarburg. The captain and crew will welcome you on board at approximately 6pm. Saarburg, known as "Little Venice", is a beautiful town with narrow alleys, half-timbered houses, baroque buildings and colourful fishing and boat houses. In its centre you will find a 20m deep waterfall.
Cycle to Trier via the Old Saar Loop and Wasserbillig (39km/24mi)
Your first bike tour starts after breakfast and leads via the old Saar loop to Wasserbillig, with its Baroque church and two grand towers, in Luxembourg. Continue to the UNESCO listed Igeler Saule (column) and later you will reach Trier, where the boat awaits. Trier is one of the oldest cities of Germany and its Roman roots are still visible in impressive buildings including the Porta Nigra, Konstantin basilica and Amphitheatre. +187m/613ft, -176m/577ft
Cycle to Riol/Mehring (26-28km/16-17.5mi)
Today you will cycle to Mehring via Pflazel, surrounded by vineyards, forests and meadows. This is one of the largest wine growing communities in the Moselle-Saar-Ruwer region. The Romans appreciated the beautiful landscape 2000 years ago. +199m/652ft, -201m/659ftRiol/
Cycle via Piesport to Bernkastel–Kues (47km/29mi)
Cycle along the river to reach Bernkastel-Kues, an ideal place to explore on foot, with its stylish medieval market square surrounded by half timbered houses. On your way you visit Neumagen-Dhron, the oldest wine city of Germany. Further on you reach Piesport, the oldest wine growing community along the Moselle. You should take some time to enjoy the popular wines. +205m/672ft, -216m/708ft
Cycle to Traben Trarbach and on to Zell (43km/26mi)
You cycle along the right bank of the river to Traben Trarbach, where Art Nouveau architecture is on display. Continue along the meandering Moselle to the well known wine village Zell, known for its Zeller Schwarze Katz wine location. In Zell you should take the opportunity to get to know the good wines of the area. +216m/708ft, -223m/764ft
Cycle from Zell to Cochem (38km/23.8mi)
This morning you cycle to Beilstein with its well maintained historical centre, before continuing to the town of Cochem. Overshadowed by the impressive Reichsburg Castle dating from 1051, the town is surrounded by vineyards. Located on a bend in the river it provides stunning scenery and an old world atmosphere. There is time to explore its cobblestone streets, half timbered houses and picturesque Old town this evening. +210m/688ft, -228m/748ft
Cycle to Koblenz via Alken (53km/33mi)
You can stay on board today, enjoying the passing landscapes from the boat and time in the afternoon to explore Koblenz. More experienced cyclists can ride to Alken, one of the oldest villages along the Moselle, and visit the Burg Eltz, before continuing to the boat in Koblenz. Koblenz is where the Moselle and Rhine rivers meet, it has a lovely old town. + 347m/1138ft, -370m/1213ft
Trip concludes Koblenz
Trip concludes after breakfast, disembark by 9am.
What's included
What's not included
Main Deck
All cabins boast en-suite bathroom, hair dryer, telephone, TV, individual air conditioning/heating, fridge and safe.
On the Main Deck, the cabins have a large panoramic window which cannot be opened.
Limited number of single and double cabins available on both decks.
Upper Deck
2-bed-cabins (approx. 11m2) with panoramic windows which can be opened.
* four 2-bed-cabins of bigger size at the stern of the ship (upper rear: engine and generator noise when ship is in motion and in locks, approx. 12m2, three of them feature twin beds)
*two single cabins (approx. 9m2).
Upper deck
There are 23x 2-bed-cabins (approx. 11 m²) and 2 mini-suites (approx. 11 m²) with additional seating. All cabins feature French balconies (floor-to-ceiling windows that can be opened). Supplement applies.
Main deck
The main deck has 28x 2-bed-cabins, 2x 1-bed-cabin, and 2 mini-suites with additional seating. All cabins are approx. 11 m². Cabins have panoramic windows (upper section can be opened). In some cabins at the front of the boat (category Eco), engine and generator noise may be noticeable.
Bicycles provided are 7 speed touring bikes with bike rack, panniers and repair kit and handbrake and/or backpedal brake. Helmet rental is not included but they are mandatory on all bike tours, so you will need to bring your own well-fitted helmet. A limited number of helmets are available for purchase onboard - eur45 per helmet, cash only, brand: UVEX I-VO.
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. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 148cm / 4ft10in. Unisex frame.
GRADE 1 - This trip involves 6 days cycling of between 26km and 49km/16 to 29mi per day usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain. In and out of the cities there will be some traffic. You need only carry your camera/rain gear and water bottle. Your luggage remains on the boat. The trip is a graded introductory due to the flat terrain and dedicated cycle paths and is considered suitable for beginners. Electric bikes are available - supplement applies. There is not an age restriction for children on this trip however travellers should be aware that there is no program for children and no small bicycles on board, you will need to bring your own bicycle, and be responsible for them at all times. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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