Metz and Cochem Premier Version

Day 1: Metz

Embarkation and check-in begin at 2 pm in Metz. After settling on board and meeting the crew, you'll be fitted for your bicycle and enjoy a short test ride to prepare for the days ahead.

Following dinner, join your tour leader for an introductory walk through the historic city of Metz. Located along an ancient Roman trade route, Metz is known for its elegant architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage. Highlights include the magnificent Saint-Étienne Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in France, renowned for its soaring architecture and remarkable stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall. Stroll through the city's charming streets, admire its beautiful gardens and historic buildings, and enjoy the inviting cafés that make Metz such a delightful destination.

Day 2: Metz - Remich
26 or 31 miles/41 or 49 km

Enjoy breakfast on board as the ship cruises toward Thionville, where today's cycling route begins. Once a major center of the French steel industry, Thionville also boasts a rich history reflected in its medieval fortifications, charming old streets, beautiful gardens, and the Basilica of Saint-Maximin.

From Thionville, cycle through the picturesque French countryside, passing welcoming villages and rolling landscapes. Along the way, you'll pass the fortress of Sierck-les-Bains, once a residence of the powerful Dukes of Lorraine. Continuing through the Mosel Valley, cross the border into Luxembourg at Schengen, the small town that gave its name to the landmark agreement that eliminated border controls between many European countries.

Before reaching Remich, visit the village of Nennig and one of the region's most impressive Roman treasures. Preserved in its original location, a magnificent mosaic floor once formed the centerpiece of a luxurious Roman villa. Composed of approximately three million individual tiles, the mosaic depicts scenes of gladiatorial contests and other spectacles from a Roman amphitheater. Your day concludes in Remich, a charming riverside town in the heart of Luxembourg's wine-growing region.

Day 3: Remich - Saarburg
24 or 29 miles/40 or 48 km

Today, the Mosel forms the natural border between Luxembourg and Germany. Beginning on the German side of the river, you'll soon cross into Luxembourg, where a visit to a local wine cooperative offers the opportunity to learn about and sample Crémant, the region's celebrated sparkling wine.

Choose between two cycling routes: an easier riverside option or a more challenging ride through the surrounding hills. Both routes lead to Saarburg, one of the most picturesque towns in the Saar Valley. Surrounded by densely forested hills, Saarburg is known for its medieval castle, dramatic 20-meter waterfall, and historic watermill powered by the flowing stream. The beautifully preserved 17th- and 18th-century houses lining the old town add to the town's unique charm and character.

Day 4: Saarburg - Trier
19 miles/32 km

After breakfast, set out with your tour leader on a scenic ride to Trier, arriving around midday. Following a guided walk through the city, you'll have free time to explore its historic streets, shops, cafés, and monuments at your own pace.

Known as Germany's oldest city, Trier was founded by the Romans around 15 BC under the name Augusta Treverorum. As an important administrative and trading center of the Roman Empire, the city flourished and left behind an impressive collection of Roman landmarks. Among its most famous sights is the Porta Nigra, one of the best-preserved Roman city gates in the world. Trier's rich history and lively atmosphere make it one of the highlights of the journey. Dinner is not included this evening, giving you the opportunity to sample the local cuisine at one of the city's many restaurants.

Day 5: Cruise Trier - Schweich | Cycle Schweich - Neumagen - Bernkastel
16 or 32 miles/27 or 53 km

After a breakfast cruise, begin cycling through the heart of the Romantic Mosel, where vineyard-covered hills stretch across the landscape as far as the eye can see. Along the route, pass through some of the valley's most celebrated wine villages, including Trittenheim and Piesport. Trittenheim sits within a dramatic bend of the river, surrounded by steep vineyards, while Piesport is internationally known for its outstanding Rieslings.

Around midday, arrive in Neumagen, considered Germany's oldest wine village and an important center of wine production since Roman times. From here, you may choose to return to the ship or continue cycling to Bernkastel-Kues. This charming town is one of the gems of the Mosel Valley, known for its beautifully preserved medieval center, half-timbered houses, and picturesque market square. A walk to the castle ruins above town rewards visitors with sweeping views of the river and surrounding vineyards.

Day 6: Bernkastel - Traben-Trarbach - Zell
27 miles/45 km

Today's ride follows one of the most scenic stretches of the Mosel. Cycle to the charming town of Traben-Trarbach, located on the river's left bank and renowned for its elegant Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) architecture. Once an important center of the wine trade, the town is known for its beautiful historic buildings, riverside promenades, and rich wine-growing heritage.

Continue along the Mosel to Zell, your destination for the evening. Nestled among vineyard-covered hills, Zell is famous for its celebrated Zeller Schwarze Katz wine, one of the region's best-known labels. Stroll through the historic town center, enjoy the riverside atmosphere, and perhaps sample some of the excellent wines that have made the Mosel Valley renowned throughout the world.

Day 7: Zell - Beilstein - Cochem
24 miles/39 km

Your final cycling day takes you to Beilstein, often called the "Sleeping Beauty of the Mosel." Considered one of the best-preserved historic villages along the river, Beilstein enchants visitors with its narrow lanes, half-timbered houses, and timeless atmosphere. Overlooking the village are the ruins of Castle Metternich, which you will have the opportunity to explore.

Continue to Cochem, one of the most picturesque towns in the Mosel Valley. Surrounded by steep vineyard-covered hills and wooded slopes, Cochem is known for its charming old town, inviting cafés, and beautifully preserved half-timbered houses. Towering above the town is the impressive Reichsburg Castle, a highlight of today's visit. Afterwards, enjoy time to stroll through the historic center or relax with a glass of local Mosel wine as you celebrate the conclusion of your journey.

Day 8: Cochem

Disembarkation will be concluded 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.