The Magic of the Mosel: Cycling from Cochem to Metz

Day 1: Cochem

Embarkation and check-in begin at 2 pm. After settling into your cabin, meet the crew and fellow travelers during a welcome briefing outlining the week ahead. Later, join your tour leader for a stroll through Cochem, one of the Mosel Valley's most picturesque towns. Nestled between steep vineyard-covered hills and wooded slopes, Cochem is known for its charming market square, colorful half-timbered houses, inviting cafés, and centuries-old history.

A highlight of the day is a visit to the magnificent Reichsburg Castle, which dominates the skyline from its hilltop perch and offers sweeping views over the Mosel Valley. Beginning in 2027, guests may choose to visit the castle independently. Enjoy your first evening on board as you prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Cochem - Zell
24 miles/39 km

After breakfast, set out along the scenic Mosel River toward Beilstein, often called the "Sleeping Beauty of the Mosel." One of the region's best-preserved historic villages, Beilstein enchants visitors with its narrow streets, half-timbered houses, and timeless atmosphere. Towering above the village are the ruins of Castle Metternich, which you will have the opportunity to explore.

Continuing on, pass Bremmer Calmont, home to Europe's steepest vineyard. Here, vines cling to dramatic slopes that rise at inclinations of up to 60 degrees, creating one of the most striking landscapes in the Mosel Valley. Your day concludes in Zell, a charming wine town renowned for its celebrated Zeller Schwarze Katz wine. Spend the evening exploring the riverside promenade and perhaps sampling some of the wines that have made this region famous.

Day 3: Zell - Bernkastel-Kues
27 miles/45 km

Today's ride follows one of the most beautiful stretches of the Mosel Valley. Cycle to Traben-Trarbach, a charming twin town known for its elegant Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) architecture and prosperous wine-trading history. During the late 19th century, the town was one of Europe's most important wine centers, and its impressive architecture reflects that prosperity.

Continue through the wine village of Kröv, famous for its popular Kröver wines, before arriving in Bernkastel-Kues. Widely regarded as one of the Mosel's most beautiful towns, Bernkastel-Kues captivates visitors with its medieval center, narrow cobblestone streets, and beautifully preserved half-timbered houses. After exploring the picturesque market square and historic streets, continue to Kues, where your barge awaits for the evening.

Day 4: Cycle Bernkastel - Neumagen - Schweich
18 or 34 miles/28 or 54 km | Cruise Schweich - Trier

Leaving Bernkastel-Kues behind, you'll cycle through the heart of Germany's celebrated wine country. Vineyard-covered hills stretch across the landscape, creating a patchwork of green slopes that have produced world-class wines for centuries. Along the route, pass through renowned wine villages such as Brauneberg, Piesport, and Trittenheim. Piesport is famous for its exceptional Rieslings, while Trittenheim occupies a dramatic bend in the river surrounded by steep vineyards.

Around midday, arrive in Neumagen, Germany's oldest wine village and an important center of wine production since Roman times. From here, you may choose to return to the barge or continue cycling to Schweich, where the ship will be waiting.

Once on board, enjoy a relaxing cruise to Trier, Germany's oldest city. Founded around 15 BC as Augusta Treverorum, Trier flourished as an important administrative and trading center of the Roman Empire. Its remarkable Roman legacy can still be seen today, most notably in the Porta Nigra, one of the best-preserved Roman city gates north of the Alps.

Day 5: Trier - Saarburg
18 miles/28 km

This morning, join your tour leader for a guided walk through Trier and discover the city's remarkable Roman heritage. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the historic center, browse local shops, or relax at one of the city's cafés before returning to the ship for lunch.

In the afternoon, cycle along the Mosel and Saar rivers toward Saarburg, a charming town set amid the forested hills of the Saar Valley. Saarburg's picturesque old town is famous for its medieval castle, dramatic 20-meter waterfall, and historic watermill located in the heart of town. The beautifully preserved 17th- and 18th-century houses lining the streets add to its unique atmosphere and make Saarburg one of the highlights of the tour.

Dinner is not included this evening, giving you the opportunity to experience one of Saarburg's local restaurants and regional specialties.

Day 6: Saarburg - Remich
27 or 32 miles/45 or 53 km

Today's ride offers a choice between two routes: a longer, easier option following the rivers or a shorter route featuring more challenging terrain through the hills. Whichever route you choose, you'll cycle into the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, where the Mosel forms the natural border between Luxembourg and Germany.

Along the way, visit a local wine cooperative known for producing Crémant, Luxembourg's celebrated sparkling wine. As you continue toward Remich, stop to admire one of the region's most impressive archaeological treasures: a Roman mosaic floor preserved in its original location. Composed of millions of tiny tiles, the mosaic once decorated a luxurious Roman villa and depicts scenes of gladiatorial contests and other spectacles.

Your day ends in Remich, often called the "Pearl of the Mosel," a charming riverside town at the heart of Luxembourg's wine-growing region.

Day 7: Remich - Schengen
36 miles/50 km

During breakfast, the ship cruises to Schengen, where today's cycling excursion begins. Best known as the birthplace of the Schengen Agreement, this small Luxembourg town sits at the crossroads of Luxembourg, France, and Germany.

From Schengen, cycle through the rolling countryside of northeastern France, passing picturesque villages, quiet roads, and rural landscapes. Around midday, arrive in Thionville, a city with a fascinating blend of industrial and medieval heritage. Once a major center of the French steel industry, Thionville also boasts historic fortifications, attractive gardens, charming streets, and the Basilica of Saint-Maximin.

In the afternoon, cycle back to Schengen and return to the ship. This evening, celebrate the conclusion of your journey with a farewell dinner on board and one final night with your fellow travelers.

Day 8: Schengen - Metz

After breakfast, disembark and transfer by coach to Metz, accompanied by your tour leader. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy time to discover this elegant city at your own pace.

In the afternoon, you may join a guided city tour led by a local expert. Highlights include Saint-Étienne Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in France, renowned for its soaring architecture and magnificent stained-glass windows, including works by Marc Chagall. The remainder of the day is yours to wander the city's historic streets, relax in a café, or enjoy dinner at one of Metz's local restaurants.

Day 9: Departure from Metz

Enjoy a final morning in Metz following breakfast, check out by 9:30 am.

On the days that two cycling distances are offered, the tour leader, after conferring with the group, will choose to guide either the shorter or longer route. Not all the highlights will be visited during the shorter route.

You can also choose to ride self-guided utilizing maps available on board. GPS tracks will be sent to you 4 weeks before the tour start date.