Metz and Cochem Classic Version

5/5 (2)
7 nights
30 miles/day
Guided from EUR € 2010
Countries: France and Germany
Rider Level: Recreational Bike and boat tours

Metz and Cochem Classic Version

5/5 (2)

Rider Level: Recreational Bike and boat tours

7 nights
30 miles/day

Guided from EUR € 2010
Bike and Boat Tour aboard Iris
Countries: France and Germany

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  • Discover three countries along the Mosel River and enjoy their wine-growing regions by bike!

    Enjoy a breathtaking bike and boat tour on the Mosel River as the scenes of France, Luxembourg, and Germany come to life in front of you. From Metz to Cochem or reverse, you'll see some of Europe's most serene landscapes, including lovely villages, historic castles, and hills covered in sun-kissed grapevines. Leisurely pedal through quiet surroundings, returning to your floating hotel each afternoon to enjoy the quiet waters and the delectable fruits of the valley.

    Be sure to check out the Premier Version of this tour or the 9-day Magic of the Mosel Tour.

    • Saarburg, Germany. Wolfgang Staudt@Flickr
    • Saarburg, Germany Churches. CC:Dorothea Witter-Reider
    • Saarburg, Germany. Franz-Josef Molitor@Flickr
    • Saarburger wine in Saarburg! Dpotera@Flickr
    • Bernkastel-Kues, Germany. CC:Berthold Werner
    • Saarburg, Germany. Wolfgang Staudt@Flickr
    • Cochem, Germany. Julie Corsi@Flickr
    • Macarons are a favorite in France! Melanie Kreutz@Unsplash
    • Trier, Germany. Alexander Schimmeck@Unsplash
    • French Rosé wines! Tiger500@Flickr

    View more photos

    Highlights

    • Metz and St. Etienne Cathedral, the grand Gothic city
    • The charming commune of Remich
    • Trier in its hillside splendor
    • The wine-growing center of Bernkastel-Kues
    • Cochem, the town of verdant vineyards

    Learn More

    Learn more about guided tours.


    Metz and Cochem Classic Version

    Photos 

  • Tour Photos


    Metz and Cochem Classic Version

     Tour Description Daily Program 

  • Daily program

    • Day 1: Metz
      Make yourself at home in Metz, a city of glorious Gothic architecture and painterly promenades. The star of the show is undoubtedly St. Etienne Cathedral (or Metz Cathedral), whose towering spires cast their grand Gothic shadows over the city. Nicknamed the ‘Lantern of God’, St. Etienne glows wonderfully in the soft sunshine, offering an awe-inspiring vista. Within the incredible interior, sunlight filters through the Marc Chagall stained glass windows in mesmerizing hues.

      You may consider arriving a day earlier to truly maximize your time in Metz. Alongside the cathedral, you’ll be eager to experience the city’s many enchanting cafes and quaint boutiques.

      Boarding begins at 10 am with a welcome meeting delivered at 1:30 pm.

      Day 2: Metz - Remich (25 or 31 miles/40 or 50 km)
      With breakfast served on board, you’ll feast while you float. Once at Talange Lock, you’ll take to the bike seat and set off on your first cycling adventure, following your guide through the gorgeous French countryside. Should you wish, you can stay on board slightly longer and embark from Thionville.

      The Mosel Valley makes its verdant beauty known to you immediately on this tour, and you’ll meander through the glowing green hills past the castle at Sierck-les-Bains, once occupied by the powerful Dukes of Lorraine, which perches commandingly on the river’s bright banks.

      Before you know it, France has become Luxembourg as you cross the border and ride towards the charming commune of Remich for your overnight stay. As your day winds down, you might like to explore nearby Nennig, where an ancient Roman mansion still boasts its dazzling mosaic floor, comprising three million individual tiles and depicting fascinating gladiator scenes. After dinner, you’ll savor a sparkling Cremant nightcap.

      Day 3: Remich - Saarburg (28 miles/45 km)
      Ride and shine on the Remich to Saarburg leg of your trip! The Mosel Valley leads you as always through magnificent countryside as you cycle to the sublime city of Saarburg over the German border. En route, you’ll pause at a wine cellar where the crisp notes of local Mosel wines are sure to cleanse your palette.

      Arriving in Saarburg is a little like journeying back in time - this old city, with its beautiful architecture, wonderful waterway, and quaint character, sits unassumingly in the serene Saar Valley. You’ll find the river banks hooded with dense forest, adding to the magical charm of an area once commanded by a grand castle peering over the treeline. Fill your mind with wonder as you gaze upon the waterfall at the center of the city, which nestles a quaint mill at its base.

      Day 4: Saarburg - Trier (22 miles/35 km)
      Your excellent adventure takes you on to Trier, Germany’s oldest city. Trier is a history lover’s haven, boasting myriad impressive monuments from the Roman Golden Age. Founded around 15 BC by the imperious Caesar Augustus, ‘Augusta Trevorum’, as Trier was known at the time, became a prosperous trading town and proudly stood as one of the four capitals of the Roman Empire. These days, you can still see several remarkable Roman relics, including the Porta Nigra (Black Gate), one of the four gates formerly used to guard this city, and the largest Roman gate north of the Alps. No wonder it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site! As you relax in the evening following your day’s ride, you’ll have plenty of time to find an establishment fit for feasting like an emperor.

      Day 5: Trier - Bernkastel-Kues (31 miles/50 km)
      The verdant vineyards of the Mosel Valley beckon you and your bike today as you continue your tour to Bernkastel. If you haven’t heard of the wonderful white wine that put the Mosel Valley on the map, you’ll certainly get your fill of its flavorsome history on this leg, passing by Piesport, renowned for its popular ‘Piesporter Goldtrӧpfchen’. As you make an exciting hairpin turn, you’ll take in views of Trittenheim, where vineyards stretch in the shadows of majestic mountains, nestling the noble Laurantiuskapelle, known for its gothic choir.

      Today’s destination is Bernkastel-Kues, and it doesn’t disappoint! Here, you’ll discover a postcard-perfect town with plenty of charm and a reputation for having the best wine regions in the Mid-Mosel area. Naturally, your tour takes you to a local wine cellar for some tantalizing tastings. In your downtime, it’s worth taking a walk to Market Square, where timber-framed houses make for a quaint, historic atmosphere.

      Day 6: Bernkastel & Daun excursion (28 miles/45 km)
      Embark on your arranged shuttle bus through the Eifel Valley in the direction of Daun. You’ll be reunited with your bike in this rural town and begin your exciting ride along an old railway track, now a cycle path. There’ll be plenty of photo opportunities as you make your way past the many ‘maars’ (small lakes formed by volcanic craters), journeying over bridges and through tunnels. The small volcano museum in Strohn can be stopped at for an insightful overview of the ‘young’ volcanoes surrounding this beautiful area.

      Day 7: Bernkastel-Kues - Cochem (28 miles/45 km)
      Enjoy breakfast as your boat sails on to a major center of the Mosel wine region - Traben-Trarbach. Lying in the so-called ‘Valley of the Dawn’, Traben-Trarbach is certain to awaken your senses as arresting art nouveau buildings and woodland views vie for your attention.

      Biking on from Zell, you’ll make your way toward Cochem along a meandering route that takes you past the Hoherott and Corrayer Berg wine regions, some of the best in the area. The excitement of your tour culminates in characterful Cochem, where your ride reaches its fabulous finale. This Mosel town sits majestically amongst the mountains, where wooded hills hide historical medieval fortresses, one of which features an intriguing museum you may wish to visit. Be sure to see the center too, where timber-framed houses make for a charming atmosphere.

      Day 8: Departure from Cochem

    • Day 1: Cochem
      Arrive and get comfortable in Cochem, a characterful Mosel town sitting majestically amongst the mountains, where wooded hills hide historical medieval fortresses.

      Once on board your beautiful boat, the crew will greet you with a drink and provide an introduction to your terrific tour. After dinner, you’ll embark on a quaint adventure as you take a town walk through Cochem, venturing into the center, where timber-framed houses make for a charming atmosphere.

      Day 2: Cochem - Zell (31 miles/50 km)
      Watch the world go by as your boat drifts to Beilstein during breakfast. Beilstein, on the Württemberg wine route, is the beautiful town known for the Black Madonna, a treasured icon of the magnificent Carmelite Monastery, which enjoys grand views over the Mosel Valley. Your bike tour begins here with a rural ride upstream to Zell, a humble hamlet reached by following the river’s many exciting oxbows and zig-zagging turns, all in the shadow of the towering slate mountains. Be sure to taste the Zeller Schwarze Katz (black cat), a legendary Mosel Wine.

      Day 3: Zell - Bernkastel-Kues (28 miles/45 km)
      After breakfast, continue on to Traben-Trarbach featruring a world-class Art Nouveau architecture. It was of great importance in international wine trade during the 19th century. After a nice stop here, today's destination is Bernkastel-Kues, the darling of the famed middle Mosel. Discover the ultimate destination for Riesling enthusiasts in this charming village. Offering excellent shopping, cozy wine bars, and delectable ice cream, this village is a gem. Explore one of the most picturesque town squares, featuring stunning timber-frame buildings dating back to the 1400s. At night, the castle ruins on the hill are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. Don’t miss an evening stroll along the river to experience the enchanting ambiance of Old Europe—an experience that words can barely capture.

      Day 4: Bernkastel-Kues - Trier (31 miles/50 km)

      Your excellent adventure takes you on to Trier, Germany’s oldest city. Trier is a history lover’s haven, boasting myriad impressive monuments from the Roman Golden Age. Founded around 15 BC by the imperious Caesar Augustus, ‘Augusta Trevorum’, as Trier was known at the time, became a prosperous trading town and proudly stood as one of the four capitals of the Roman Empire. These days, you can still see several remarkable Roman relics, including the Porta Nigra (Black Gate), one of the four gates formerly used to guard this city, and the largest Roman gate north of the Alps. No wonder it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site! As you relax in the evening following your day’s ride, you’ll have plenty of time to find an establishment fit for feasting like an emperor, as dinner isn’t served onboard tonight.

      Day 5: Trier - Saarburg (22 miles/35 km)
      Today, you’ll ride from Trier along the serene River Saar. Arriving in Saarburg is a little like journeying back in time - this old city, with its beautiful architecture, wonderful waterway, and quaint character, sits unassumingly in the serene Saar Valley. You’ll find the river banks hooded with dense forest, adding to the magical charm of an area once commanded by a grand castle peering over the treeline. Fill your mind with wonder as you gaze upon the waterfall at the center of the city, which nestles a quaint mill at its base.

      Day 6: Saarburg - Remich (31 miles/50 km)
      Meander through the magnificent Mosel Valley as the Germany/Luxembourg disappears beneath your bike wheels. Today’s wine tasting lets you savor the soft, sumptuous notes of local Luxembourg Elbling wine.

      Day 7: Remich - Metz (25 miles/40 km)
      This morning, you’ll glide through the glowing green hills past the castle at Sierck-les-Bains, once occupied by the powerful Dukes of Lorraine, which perches commandingly on the river’s bright banks. Your tour takes you on to Thionville, once at the center of the old steel industry, and with a city center that boasts the incredible beauty of the St. Maximin Church and the charming Châteaux de la Grange. It’s here that your bikes will be loaded onto the barge for the memorable cruise to Metz, a city whose gorgeous sandstone buildings has earned it the nickname ‘La Ville Jaune’ (‘The Yellow City’).

      The star of the show is undoubtedly St. Etienne Cathedral (or Metz Cathedral), whose towering spires cast their grand Gothic shadows over the city. Nicknamed the ‘Lantern of God’, St. Etienne glows wonderfully in the soft sunshine, offering an awe-inspiring vista. Within the incredible interior, sunlight filters through the Marc Chagall stained glass windows in mesmerizing hues. Alongside the cathedral, you’ll be eager to experience the city’s many enchanting cafes and quaint boutiques.

      Day 8: Departure from Metz


    Metz and Cochem Classic Version

     Photos Accommodation 

  • Accommodation

    Boats

      The Iris navigates on rivers and canals in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Read more

      Overview

      • Lounge area, bar, and sun deck
      • Wi-Fi (keeping in mind the speed might not be what you're accustomed to)
      • Helmets available free of charge
      • NO smoking onboard
      • Payment accepted in Cash, debit cards/credit cards (with security pin code)
        • Gratuities in cash (preferably in Euros)

    Metz and Cochem Classic Version

     Daily program Bikes 

  • Bikes

    • Touring Bike

      Giant - LIV collection

      • 8 speeds
      • Hydraulic disc brakes
      • Gel saddle
      • Platform pedals

      All rental bikes are equipped with:

      • Panniers
      • Water bottle
      • Helmet

      Bike Protection:
      Bike protection can be included at the time of your booking. You can read more about that HERE.


      Touring Bike

      Sensa

      • Derailleur gear system
      • 27 speeds
      • Standard touring tires
      • Gel saddle for comfort
      • Platform pedals
      • Rear rack
      • Helmet

      All rental bikes are equipped with:

      • Panniers
      • Water bottle
      • Helmet

      Bike Protection:
      Bike protection can be included at the time of your booking. You can read more about that HERE.


      Electric Bike 

      Gazelle Ultimate C8

      • Stable and rigid step-through frame
      • Integrated 500wh battery
      • Bosch Active Line Plus motor
      • Hydraulic disc brakes
      • Selle Royal Loire saddle

      All rental bikes are equipped with:

      • Panniers
      • Water bottle
      • Helmet

      Bike Protection:
      Bike protection can be included at the time of your booking. You can read more about that HERE.


    The bike available to rent (reserved at time of booking) is:

    Giant Touring Bike from the LIV collection

    • 8 speeds
    • Hydraulic disc brakes
    • Gel saddle
    • Platform pedals

    Gazelle Ultimate C8  Electric Bike 

    • Stable and rigid step-through frame 
    • Integrated 500wh battery
    • Bosch Active Line Plus motor
    • Hydraulic disc brakes
    • Selle Royal Loire saddle

    More about electrically-assisted bikes

    All rental bikes are equipped with:

    • Panniers
    • Water bottle
    • Helmet

    Bike Protection:
    Bike protection is included with your booking. You can read more about that HERE.


    Metz and Cochem Classic Version

     Accommodation Dates & Prices 

  • Dates & Prices

    Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.




    Aug 23, 2025Aug 23, 2025 Metz to Cochem, Iris from 2010Book
    Aug 30, 2025Aug 30, 2025 Cochem to Metz, Iris from 2260Book
    Sep 6, 2025Sep 6, 2025 Metz to Cochem, Iris from 2260Book
    Sep 13, 2025Sep 13, 2025 Cochem to Metz, Iris from 2260Book
    Sep 27, 2025Sep 27, 2025 Cochem to Metz, Iris from 2260Book
    Oct 11, 2025Oct 11, 2025 Cochem to Metz, Iris from 2010Book
    Aug 22, 2026Aug 22, 2026 Cochem to Metz, Iris from 2170Book
    Sep 5, 2026Sep 5, 2026 Cochem to Metz, Iris from 2440Book
    Sep 12, 2026Sep 12, 2026 Metz to Cochem, Iris from 2440Book
    Sep 19, 2026Sep 19, 2026 Cochem to Metz, Iris from 2440Book
    Oct 3, 2026Oct 3, 2026 Cochem to Metz, Iris from 2170Book
    Oct 10, 2026Oct 10, 2026 Metz to Cochem, Iris from 2170Book

    Show pricing details and extra options →

    Included services

    • 7 nights aboard the Iris in climate-controlled cabins
    • 7 x breakfasts, 6 x packed lunches, and 6 x three-course dinners
    • Free glass of wine or beer with dinner
    • Coffee and tea on board
    • Daily cabin cleaning
    • Cycling tour guide (for groups of over 18 guests, a second guide will be added)
    • Wine tasting
    • Entrance to Cochem Castle
    • WiFi (note: the signal may not be fast or reliable)

    Tour Company


    Metz and Cochem Classic Version

     Bikes Other Details 

  • Map

    Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.

    Surface and terrain

    This guided tour is considered recreational. The terrain is mostly flat, featuring about 95% paved surfaces. The majority of the route takes place on dedicated bike paths with a few quiet roads and country lanes.


    How to get there

    Luxembourg (LUX) International Airport is the nearest major airport to both Metz and Cochem. Frankfurt (FRA) International Airport and Paris (CDG) Airport are also options.

    Rail travel times are as follows:
    Luxembourg to Metz is approximately 3-4 hours.
    Luxembourg to Cochem is approximately 1.5 to 3 hours depending on connections.
    Frankfurt to Metz is approximately 3.5 hours.
    Frankfurt to Cochem is approximately 2.5-3 hours.
    Paris to Metz is approximately 2-2.5 hours.
    Paris to Cochem is approximately 5 hours.

    From the local train station, it will be a short walk or taxi ride to the boat.


    Metz and Cochem Classic Version

     Dates & Prices Tour Reviews 

    • Jack and Denise Gary 6 months ago

      The absolute Best Guided bike and barge trip.

      The very best way to see the Mosel , our guides were exceptional, so knowledgeable and caring.
      The Iris barge was the best, the rooms were perfect. The crew were like friends on the first day.
      The food was really great.
      We would recommend this trip to every one.

      What was the date of your tour?
      October 12, 2024
      How many tours have you completed?
      I have taken 19 bike tours in Europe
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 4/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • Constance Cornwell 6 months ago

      The beautiful Mosel

      The crew was outstanding, the guides knowledgeable and caring. Had 18 bike riders, split in two groups, which were a good size. A nice mix of biking and sightseeing. Loved every minute!

      What was the date of your tour?
      October 2024
      How many tours have you completed?
      6 plus
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)

    Metz and Cochem Classic Version

     Other Details Book this tour 

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