Your Next Adventure
Your Next Adventure
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Bike & Barge Moselle River Bike Tour
DURATION
8 Day(s)
DAILY BIKING
16 to 35 Miles
TRIP DIFFICULTY
1-Easier
REVIEWS
STARTING FROM
$3695
SINGLES ADD FROM
$1,200
Trip Overview
If you’ve never done a bike and barge tour, you’re in for a treat. Join us for this amazing adventure, with the ease of a cruise combined with a bike tour — so you can truly explore the countryside and all its treasures! Unpack your suitcase once and start enjoying the scenery when you stay on a comfy canal barge for 7 nights. Each day, you set off for adventures on your bike and enjoy the history, culture and cuisine of the heart of Europe — Germany, Luxembourg and France.
You visit noble castles, Roman ruins, soaring cathedrals and quaint villages. Sample tasty treats from all three countries and some of the best wines in Europe. Explore with extra confidence … knowing there will be helpful tour leaders and van support. And at night, you return to your welcoming cabin on the barge where you can relax, refresh yourself and then have a drink on deck and dine with members of the group.
DAY 1 - Arrival Day
Cochem
After arriving onboard, the crew and leaders welcome you with a drink and an introduction to the week ahead. After your bike fitting and before dinner, walk through the town of Cochem, a cozy and characteristic Mosel (German for Moselle) River town, with steep mountains, thriving vineyards, wooded hills, a medieval fortress and a picturesque center with beautiful timber-framed houses.
After arriving onboard, the crew and leaders welcome you with a drink and an introduction to the week ahead. After your bike fitting and before dinner, walk through the town of Cochem, a cozy and characteristic Mosel (German for Moselle) River town, with steep mountains, thriving vineyards, wooded hills, a medieval fortress and a picturesque center with beautiful timber-framed houses.
DAY 2 - Cruise to Beilstein
Distance: 16 to 31 miles | Terrain: Easier
You have the chance to see the Black Madonna, a celebrated relic in the chapel of the Carmelite Monastery overlooking the valley. From here, your bike tour starts, and you follow the Mosel River upstream to Zell, a beautiful hamlet where the river slices through slate mountains in dramatic oxbows and S turns. The Hoherott and the Corrayer Berg are the best-known wine regions, and Zeller Schwarze Katz is a legendary Mosel Wine. You continue to Traben-Trarbach.
This little town features world-class Art Nouveau buildings and is the major center of wine trade in the Mosel region. From Traben, you cruise on the barge to Bernkastel-Kues. This is an old, picturesque town — with the best wine regions of the Mid-Mosel. The town has a charming market square with historic timber-framed houses. Walk to the castle for a beautiful view.
You have the chance to see the Black Madonna, a celebrated relic in the chapel of the Carmelite Monastery overlooking the valley. From here, your bike tour starts, and you follow the Mosel River upstream to Zell, a beautiful hamlet where the river slices through slate mountains in dramatic oxbows and S turns. The Hoherott and the Corrayer Berg are the best-known wine regions, and Zeller Schwarze Katz is a legendary Mosel Wine. You continue to Traben-Trarbach.
This little town features world-class Art Nouveau buildings and is the major center of wine trade in the Mosel region. From Traben, you cruise on the barge to Bernkastel-Kues. This is an old, picturesque town — with the best wine regions of the Mid-Mosel. The town has a charming market square with historic timber-framed houses. Walk to the castle for a beautiful view.
DAY 3 - The Eifel Valley to the city of Daun
Distance: 28 miles | Terrain: Easier
This morning, you leave the river and the vineyards behind, and a bus takes you (approx. 45 minutes) through the Eifel Valley to the city of Daun. From there, enjoy an outstanding bike ride along a former railway track that is now a cycling path. The ride includes stretches through tunnels, over bridges and along small lakes formed from volcano craters, known as maars. After the last tunnel, take a break in a little town where you can have a well-deserved ice cream. This day is the highlight of our biking experiences. Following dinner, stroll to the fascinating cellar of Josef Zimmermann for a wine tasting.
This morning, you leave the river and the vineyards behind, and a bus takes you (approx. 45 minutes) through the Eifel Valley to the city of Daun. From there, enjoy an outstanding bike ride along a former railway track that is now a cycling path. The ride includes stretches through tunnels, over bridges and along small lakes formed from volcano craters, known as maars. After the last tunnel, take a break in a little town where you can have a well-deserved ice cream. This day is the highlight of our biking experiences. Following dinner, stroll to the fascinating cellar of Josef Zimmermann for a wine tasting.
DAY 4 - Bernkastel-Kues – Trier
Distance: 34 miles | Terrain: Easier
Upstream from Bernkastel, the valley opens up, and there are vineyards as far as the eye can see. Today, you enjoy a barge cruise past Brauneberg, Piesport and Trittenheim. Piesport produces a number of beautiful white wines — one of them is the famous Piesporter Goldtröpfchen. Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn in the Mosel. It is surrounded by mountains covered with vineyards. The Laurentius-Kapelle, with its early Gothic architecture, may be a thousand years old, and it sits right in the middle of the vineyards. In Schweich, board the barge and cruise the rest of the way to Trier, an interesting and lively place — and the oldest city in Germany. According to the Romans, Trier was founded around 15 B.C. by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Trevorum. As a trading town and administrative center, Trier flourished during the late imperial period. It included an imperial residence of Constantine the Great. A number of monuments still exist from this Roman Golden Age. Most authentic is the city gate Porta Nigra, which was built around 18 A.D. Trier also has some interesting churches, a cathedral, a colorful baroque city center and a rococo palace. Tonight, you are on your own for dinner and can select one of the many wonderful restaurants in Trier.
Upstream from Bernkastel, the valley opens up, and there are vineyards as far as the eye can see. Today, you enjoy a barge cruise past Brauneberg, Piesport and Trittenheim. Piesport produces a number of beautiful white wines — one of them is the famous Piesporter Goldtröpfchen. Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn in the Mosel. It is surrounded by mountains covered with vineyards. The Laurentius-Kapelle, with its early Gothic architecture, may be a thousand years old, and it sits right in the middle of the vineyards. In Schweich, board the barge and cruise the rest of the way to Trier, an interesting and lively place — and the oldest city in Germany. According to the Romans, Trier was founded around 15 B.C. by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Trevorum. As a trading town and administrative center, Trier flourished during the late imperial period. It included an imperial residence of Constantine the Great. A number of monuments still exist from this Roman Golden Age. Most authentic is the city gate Porta Nigra, which was built around 18 A.D. Trier also has some interesting churches, a cathedral, a colorful baroque city center and a rococo palace. Tonight, you are on your own for dinner and can select one of the many wonderful restaurants in Trier.
DAY 5 - Trier – Saarburg
Distance: 18 to 22 miles | Terrain: Easier
Today, follow the Saar river to our next destination, Saarburg. This 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 mid-10th century. In the middle of town is a wonderful 60-foot-high waterfall. At the foot of this waterfall there is an old mill, which is driven by the small river. This part of town is charming, and most of the old houses are from the 17th and 18th century. After dinner, enjoy a walk through town.
Today, follow the Saar river to our next destination, Saarburg. This 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 mid-10th century. In the middle of town is a wonderful 60-foot-high waterfall. At the foot of this waterfall there is an old mill, which is driven by the small river. This part of town is charming, and most of the old houses are from the 17th and 18th century. After dinner, enjoy a walk through town.
DAY 6 - Saarburg – Remich, Luxembourg
Distance: 16 to 35 miles | Terrain: Easier
From Saarburg, follow the Moselle Valley to the south toward Remich. Here, the Moselle forms the border between Germany and Luxembourg, a tiny nation about the size of Rhode Island. Don’t miss a taste of the Luxembourg Elbling wine, which is said to be softer than the German Riesling. You also have the opportunity to visit a unique Roman mosaic floor discovered in Nennig.
From Saarburg, follow the Moselle Valley to the south toward Remich. Here, the Moselle forms the border between Germany and Luxembourg, a tiny nation about the size of Rhode Island. Don’t miss a taste of the Luxembourg Elbling wine, which is said to be softer than the German Riesling. You also have the opportunity to visit a unique Roman mosaic floor discovered in Nennig.
DAY 7 - Remich – Metz
Distance: 18 to 25 miles | Terrain: Easier
Today’s tour leads you through the beautiful Moselle Valley across the French-German border. First, pass the castle of Sierck-les-Bains, beautifully situated on the banks of the Moselle river. On top of the hill there is a castle from the 11th century, which was central in the battle between the duke of Lorraine and the archbishop of Trier in the 12th century. Cycle to Thionville, a versatile city with an eventful past. Thionville is known for its old steel industry. But the old city center shows its ancient roots in the ramparts, the beautiful St.-Maximin church, and the château de la Grange. Thionville is also part of the Maginot line, an enormous line of defense, built early in the 20th century against a possible German invasion. Around lunchtime, join the barge at Thionville and cruise to Metz, “la ville jaune” (yellow city) — so called because of its yellow sandstone buildings. This city is strategically situated between Côtes de Moselle and the Plateau Lorrain. These days, the rich medieval city is a center of learning and a lively location for trade. A visit to the St. Etienne Cathedral, one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in France, is a must. It has epic flying buttresses and Marc Chagall stained glass windows. This cathedral sits in the middle of the old city center, where shopping is also excellent.
Today’s tour leads you through the beautiful Moselle Valley across the French-German border. First, pass the castle of Sierck-les-Bains, beautifully situated on the banks of the Moselle river. On top of the hill there is a castle from the 11th century, which was central in the battle between the duke of Lorraine and the archbishop of Trier in the 12th century. Cycle to Thionville, a versatile city with an eventful past. Thionville is known for its old steel industry. But the old city center shows its ancient roots in the ramparts, the beautiful St.-Maximin church, and the château de la Grange. Thionville is also part of the Maginot line, an enormous line of defense, built early in the 20th century against a possible German invasion. Around lunchtime, join the barge at Thionville and cruise to Metz, “la ville jaune” (yellow city) — so called because of its yellow sandstone buildings. This city is strategically situated between Côtes de Moselle and the Plateau Lorrain. These days, the rich medieval city is a center of learning and a lively location for trade. A visit to the St. Etienne Cathedral, one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in France, is a must. It has epic flying buttresses and Marc Chagall stained glass windows. This cathedral sits in the middle of the old city center, where shopping is also excellent.
DAY 8 - Departure Day
Your guided tour ends after breakfast. You can leave your luggage onboard until lunchtime and go and enjoy some more of Metz, like its lovely Cathedral and other architecture. And then, farewell and safe travels home.
NOTE: The tour on July 11-18, 2020, will do the opposite itinerary, from Metz, France to Cochem, Germany.
DAY 1 - Arrival Day
Arrival in Metz
After arriving onboard, the crew and leaders welcome you with a drink and an introduction to the week ahead. After your bike fitting and before dinner, enjoy a walk through the town of Metz. Metz, “la ville jaune” (yellow city) — so called because of its yellow sandstone buildings. This city is strategically situated between Côtes de Moselle and the Plateau Lorrain. These days, the rich medieval city is a center of learning and a lively location for trade. A visit to the St. Etienne Cathedral, one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in France, is a must. It has epic flying buttresses and Marc Chagall stained glass windows. This cathedral sits in the middle of the old city center, where shopping is also excellent.
After arriving onboard, the crew and leaders welcome you with a drink and an introduction to the week ahead. After your bike fitting and before dinner, enjoy a walk through the town of Metz. Metz, “la ville jaune” (yellow city) — so called because of its yellow sandstone buildings. This city is strategically situated between Côtes de Moselle and the Plateau Lorrain. These days, the rich medieval city is a center of learning and a lively location for trade. A visit to the St. Etienne Cathedral, one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in France, is a must. It has epic flying buttresses and Marc Chagall stained glass windows. This cathedral sits in the middle of the old city center, where shopping is also excellent.
DAY 2 - Metz - Remich
Distance: 18 to 25 miles | Terrain: Easier
You will enjoy breakfast while you sail. The first opportunity to cycle today is from the lock of Talange. This route goes through the French countryside but it is also possible to stay on board a bit longer and start from Thionville. You bike across the French border into Luxembourg, passing the castle of Sierck-les-Bains, beautifully situated on the banks of the Moselle river. On top of the hill, there is a castle from the 11th century, which was at stake in the battle between the Duke of Lorraine and the Archbishop of Trier in the 12th century. Overnight is in Remich. Here the Moselle forms the border between Germany and Luxembourg with Remich on Luxembourg ground. Close to Remich, you may visit the small village of Nenning and can visit an old Roman mansion.
You will enjoy breakfast while you sail. The first opportunity to cycle today is from the lock of Talange. This route goes through the French countryside but it is also possible to stay on board a bit longer and start from Thionville. You bike across the French border into Luxembourg, passing the castle of Sierck-les-Bains, beautifully situated on the banks of the Moselle river. On top of the hill, there is a castle from the 11th century, which was at stake in the battle between the Duke of Lorraine and the Archbishop of Trier in the 12th century. Overnight is in Remich. Here the Moselle forms the border between Germany and Luxembourg with Remich on Luxembourg ground. Close to Remich, you may visit the small village of Nenning and can visit an old Roman mansion.
DAY 3 - Remich, Luxembourg- Saarburg
Distance: 16 to 35 miles | Terrain: Easier
Today's route follows the valley of the Mosel (Moselle in German) and Saar to the north to visit charming Saarburg. On the way, there is an opportunity to visit a wine cellar to taste the fresh Mosel white wine. Saarburg is an interesting old town situated in the most beautiful part of the Saar valley. The banks of the river are densely forested. The castle of Saarburg was built here in the 10th century. In the middle of town, there is a waterfall of 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, most of the old houses from the 17th and 18th century are still intact.
Today's route follows the valley of the Mosel (Moselle in German) and Saar to the north to visit charming Saarburg. On the way, there is an opportunity to visit a wine cellar to taste the fresh Mosel white wine. Saarburg is an interesting old town situated in the most beautiful part of the Saar valley. The banks of the river are densely forested. The castle of Saarburg was built here in the 10th century. In the middle of town, there is a waterfall of 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, most of the old houses from the 17th and 18th century are still intact.
DAY 4 - Saarburg - Trier
Distance: 18 to 22 miles | Terrain: Easier
Today's destination is Trier, an interesting and lively city, the oldest city in Germany. According to the Romans, Trier was founded around 15 B.C. by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Trevorum. As a trading town and administrative center, Trier flourished during the late imperial age. This Roman golden age has left us with a respectable number of monuments. Most authentic is the Porta Nigra, Black Gate, once a part of a system of four city gates, one of which stood at each side of the roughly rectangular Roman city. The Porta Nigra guarded the northern entry to the Roman city. Today it is the largest Roman city gate north of the Alps and has been designated a World Heritage Site. This evening we enjoy a wine tasting and then you are free to enjoy the city and dine on your own.
Today's destination is Trier, an interesting and lively city, the oldest city in Germany. According to the Romans, Trier was founded around 15 B.C. by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Trevorum. As a trading town and administrative center, Trier flourished during the late imperial age. This Roman golden age has left us with a respectable number of monuments. Most authentic is the Porta Nigra, Black Gate, once a part of a system of four city gates, one of which stood at each side of the roughly rectangular Roman city. The Porta Nigra guarded the northern entry to the Roman city. Today it is the largest Roman city gate north of the Alps and has been designated a World Heritage Site. This evening we enjoy a wine tasting and then you are free to enjoy the city and dine on your own.
DAY 5 - Trier - Bernkastel
Distance: 34 miles | Terrain: Easier
From Trier, downstream, you will encounter lovely vineyards. The white Mosel wine is known far and wide. You continue on past Trittenheim and Piesport, which are both quite interesting. Piesport produces a number of beautiful white wines, especially the Piesporter Goldtröpfchen. Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn in the Mosel. It is surrounded by mountains covered with extensive vineyards. The Laurantiuskapelle with its gothic choir is sitting right in the middle of the vines. Today's destination is Bernkastel-Kues. Bernkastel is a frequently visited, old and picturesque town, with the best wine regions of the Mid-Mosel. The pride of the town is the market square, with its picturesque timber-framed houses.
From Trier, downstream, you will encounter lovely vineyards. The white Mosel wine is known far and wide. You continue on past Trittenheim and Piesport, which are both quite interesting. Piesport produces a number of beautiful white wines, especially the Piesporter Goldtröpfchen. Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn in the Mosel. It is surrounded by mountains covered with extensive vineyards. The Laurantiuskapelle with its gothic choir is sitting right in the middle of the vines. Today's destination is Bernkastel-Kues. Bernkastel is a frequently visited, old and picturesque town, with the best wine regions of the Mid-Mosel. The pride of the town is the market square, with its picturesque timber-framed houses.
DAY 6 - Bernkastel
Distance: 28 miles | Terrain: Easier
This morning, a shuttle bus takes you (approximately 45 minutes) through the Eifel Valley to the city of Daun. From there, take an exhilarating bike ride along a former railway track that is now a cycling path. The ride includes stretches through tunnels, over bridges, and by small lakes formed from old volcano craters, known as maars. The region is scattered with “young” volcanoes, which are about 12,000 years old.
This morning, a shuttle bus takes you (approximately 45 minutes) through the Eifel Valley to the city of Daun. From there, take an exhilarating bike ride along a former railway track that is now a cycling path. The ride includes stretches through tunnels, over bridges, and by small lakes formed from old volcano craters, known as maars. The region is scattered with “young” volcanoes, which are about 12,000 years old.
DAY 7 - Bernkastel - Cochem
Distance: 16 to 31 miles | Terrain: Easier |
During breakfast, you sail to Traben Trarbach. Traben-Trarbach is surrounded by woods and extensive vineyards and is the major center of the wine trade in the Mosel region. This little city has some interesting art nouveau buildings. Biking from Zell, beautifully situated on the Mosel, the river meanders through the hills in many loops. The Hoherott (452 m) and the Corrayer Berg (425 m) are the best-known wine regions. The final destination is Cochem, a cozy and characteristic Mosel town, with steep wine mountains, wooded hills, medieval fortresses and a picturesque center with beautiful timber-framed houses. The fortress houses a museum that is worth a visit.
During breakfast, you sail to Traben Trarbach. Traben-Trarbach is surrounded by woods and extensive vineyards and is the major center of the wine trade in the Mosel region. This little city has some interesting art nouveau buildings. Biking from Zell, beautifully situated on the Mosel, the river meanders through the hills in many loops. The Hoherott (452 m) and the Corrayer Berg (425 m) are the best-known wine regions. The final destination is Cochem, a cozy and characteristic Mosel town, with steep wine mountains, wooded hills, medieval fortresses and a picturesque center with beautiful timber-framed houses. The fortress houses a museum that is worth a visit.
DAY 8 - Departure Day
Your guided tour ends after breakfast. You can leave your luggage onboard until lunchtime and go and enjoy some more of Cochem. And then, farewell and safe travels home.(All distances are approximate. The above planned itinerary is subject to change due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, etc.)
Map
Dates & Pricing
Prices are based on double occupancy. Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $500 holds your reservation for most tours. For weekend tours, the deposit is $300.
What’s Included
Lodging for 7 nights on the barge, 7 breakfasts, 6 three-course dinners, free glass of wine or beer with dinner onboard, 2 wine tasting, coffee & tea, bus transfer to Daun, entrance to castle at Cochem, bicycle, helmet, tour guides, van support, free wifi, daily cleaning & linens. Pack a sandwich on the barge or buy lunch. Airfare and crew tips not included.
Dates & Pricing
Prices are based on double occupancy. Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $500 holds your reservation for most tours. For weekend tours, the deposit is $300.
What’s Included
Lodging for 7 nights on the barge, 7 breakfasts, 6 three-course dinners, free glass of wine or beer with dinner onboard, 2 wine tasting, coffee & tea, bus transfer to Daun, entrance to castle at Cochem, bicycle, helmet, tour guides, van support, free wifi, daily cleaning & linens. Pack a sandwich on the barge or buy lunch. Airfare and crew tips not included.
Inns
Where you stay along the way.
Iris Comfort Plus Barge
You will definitely recognize her ‘feminine touch’ by the tasteful interior as well as by the many details that make the Iris such a pleasant place to stay. The Iris can navigate on most rivers and canals in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
Below deck, the Iris has twelve spacious and comfortable twin cabins (10 m² – 108 sq.ft.) with two single beds. Each cabin has a private shower, toilet and basin. The cabins have central heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and a fixed window. Furthermore, in each cabin you will find a mini safe and hair dryer.
On the upper deck of the Iris, you will find the lounge, a spacious sitting area with wide screen TV, a cozy bar and a dining area. Wi-Fi is available. On the upper deck you will also find the sundeck. On nice evenings or while cruising you can enjoy the scenery from here. The barge has central heating and air-conditioning in all rooms.
Below deck, the Iris has twelve spacious and comfortable twin cabins (10 m² – 108 sq.ft.) with two single beds. Each cabin has a private shower, toilet and basin. The cabins have central heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and a fixed window. Furthermore, in each cabin you will find a mini safe and hair dryer.
On the upper deck of the Iris, you will find the lounge, a spacious sitting area with wide screen TV, a cozy bar and a dining area. Wi-Fi is available. On the upper deck you will also find the sundeck. On nice evenings or while cruising you can enjoy the scenery from here. The barge has central heating and air-conditioning in all rooms.
Inns
Where you stay along the way.
Iris Comfort Plus
You will definitely recognize her ‘feminine touch’ by the tasteful interior as well as by the many details that make the Iris such a pleasant place to stay. The Iris can navigate on most rivers and canals in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
Below deck, the Iris has twelve spacious and comfortable twin cabins (10 m² – 108 sq.ft.) with two single beds. Each cabin has a private shower, toilet and basin. The cabins have central heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and a fixed window. Furthermore, in each cabin you will find a mini safe and hair dryer.
On the upper deck of the Iris, you will find the lounge, a spacious sitting area with wide screen TV, a cozy bar and a dining area. Wi-Fi is available. On the upper deck you will also find the sundeck. On nice evenings or while cruising you can enjoy the scenery from here. The barge has central heating and air-conditioning in all rooms.
Below deck, the Iris has twelve spacious and comfortable twin cabins (10 m² – 108 sq.ft.) with two single beds. Each cabin has a private shower, toilet and basin. The cabins have central heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and a fixed window. Furthermore, in each cabin you will find a mini safe and hair dryer.
On the upper deck of the Iris, you will find the lounge, a spacious sitting area with wide screen TV, a cozy bar and a dining area. Wi-Fi is available. On the upper deck you will also find the sundeck. On nice evenings or while cruising you can enjoy the scenery from here. The barge has central heating and air-conditioning in all rooms.
Guests say …
Quotes from guests about this tour:
"The extras such as the city and cellar tours were a nice touch for those who wanted to participate. I was unsure about going on a tour that appears to cater primarily to couples but I'm happy to report that Scott and Thistle have designed a tour that even a single 72 year old can enjoy."
Lee N.
"Great barge, crew, and captain. Loved the experience."
Don M.
"Every moment was great!"
Ann K.
"I loved the bike rides each day and the day's flexibility."
Joan L.
Gallery
Images from this tour. Click each to see it larger.
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