Metz and Cochem Premier Version

Metz to Cochem

Day 1: Metz
Make yourself at home in Metz! Check-in and disembarkation begin at 2pm. You’ll be welcomed aboard and provided with an introduction to the crew, a bicycle fitting, and a short test ride to ensure you’re comfortable.

Enjoy a leisurely walk after dinner through the lovely city of Metz, famed for its grand Gothic architecture and picturesque 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 early 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!

Day 2: Metz - Remich (26 or 31 miles/41 or 49 km)
With breakfast served on board, you’ll feast while you float. Once at Thionville, famed for its medieval ramparts and breathtaking St. Maximin Basilica, you’ll take to the bike seat and set off on your first cycling adventure, following your guide through the gorgeous French countryside.

The Moselle 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. Just before you arrive, you’ll explore nearby Nennig, where an ancient Roman mansion still boasts its bedazzling mosaic floor, comprising over three million tiles and displaying fascinating gladiator scenes.

Day 3: Remich - Saarburg (24 or 29 miles/40 or 48 km)
Riding from Remich, your guide will show you where the Moselle River actually forms the Germany/Luxembourg border. Passing into Luxembourg, you’ll be won over by a visit to a wine cooperative specializing in ‘Cremant’, the ‘Champagne of the Moselle’. Refreshed and revitalized, you’ll take a moment to assess the day’s cycling options: the shorter but slightly more challenging option (featuring hills), or the longer but easier option (along the river). Both will lead you into sublime Saarburg.

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 (19 miles/32 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: Cruise Trier - Schweich | Cycle Schweich - Neumagen - Bernkastel (16 or 32 miles/27 or 53 km)
From the charming town of Schweich you’ll ride into ‘The Romantic Moselle’, the worthy nickname of the mid-Moselle region, where verdant vineyards glisten with sun-ripened fruit. 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.

Around noon, Neumagen appears on the horizon, an ancient wine center during the Roman period, where the barge will be waiting if you’d like to take a load off. Alternatively, if you’re in the rhythm of the ride, you can continue by bike to Bernkastel-Kues. 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. 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 - Traben-Trarbach - Zell (27 miles/45 km)
Your brilliant bike tour continues 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 architecture, Jugendstil buildings, and woodland views vie for your attention. You’ll journey on to Zell for tonight’s stay, a town known to be wonderful for wine tastings, especially of the famous ‘Zeller Schwartze Katze’ sparkly.

Day 7: Zell - Beilstein - Cochem (24 miles/39 km)
On your penultimate day, you’ll pedal to breathtaking Beilstein, one of the best-preserved historic villages to grace the Moselle River, where you’ll find the magnificent remains of Metternich Castle sitting splendidly atop a steep hill. You’ll have time to explore these atmospheric ruins and capture photos to treasure against the romantic backdrop of the Moselle Valley.

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. Your group will explore the remarkable Reichsburg Castle (also called the ‘Imperial Castle’) as part of the program, allowing you an awe-inspiring experience within walls steeped in history and lore.

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.

Cochem to Metz

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. As part of the program, your group will explore the remarkable Reichsburg Castle (also called the ‘Imperial Castle’), allowing you an awe-inspiring experience within walls steeped in history and lore.

Embarkation begins at 2 pm, where the crew will greet you with a drink and provide an introduction to your terrific tour.

Day 2: Cochem - Zell (24 miles/39 km)
After breakfast, you’ll pedal to breathtaking Beilstein, one of the best-preserved historic villages to grace the Moselle River, where you’ll find the magnificent remains of Metternich Castle sitting splendidly atop a steep hill. You’ll have time to explore these atmospheric ruins and capture photos to treasure against the romantic backdrop of the Moselle Valley.

Biking through Bremmer Calmont, you’ll pass the steepest vineyard in all of Europe, growing on an impressive 60 degree incline! You’ll journey on to Zell for tonight’s stay, a town known to be wonderful for wine tastings, especially of the famous ‘Zeller Schwartze Katze’ sparkly.

Day 3: Zell - Bernkastel-Kues (27 miles/45 km)
Your brilliant bike tour continues 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 architecture, Jugendstil buildings, and woodland views vie for your attention.

You’ll cycle on through the wine city of Kröv, where Kröver wine originated, through to beautiful Bernkastel-Kues, where you’ll spend the night. 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. The barge in Kues will be waiting for your arrival after you’ve taken a tour through town, which includes a visit to Market Square, known for its charming timber-framed houses.

Day 4: Cycle Bernkastel - Neumagen - Schweich (18 or 34 miles/28 or 54 km) | Cruise Schweich - Trier
Today you’ll ride into ‘The Romantic Moselle’, the worthy nickname of the mid-Moselle region, where verdant vineyards glisten with sun-ripened fruit. 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’. Just before, 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.

Around noon, Neumagen appears on the horizon, an ancient wine center during the Roman period, where the barge will be waiting if you’d like to take a load off. Alternatively, if you’re in the rhythm of the ride, you can continue by bicycle to Schweich to reconvene with the boat in this serene town. By barge, you’ll journey to Trier, Germany’s oldest city.

Day 5: Trier - Saarburg (18 miles/28 km)
Beginning the morning in Trier, your tour guide will take you on a leisurely walk around town to discover its remarkable Roman history. 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!

Back on your bicycle, you’ll set off towards Saarburg, a city seemingly frozen 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. As there’s no dinner on board tonight, take a stroll around Saarburg and enjoy a special dish in a local establishment.

Day 6: Saarburg - Remich (27 or 32 miles/45 or 53 km)
From sublime Saarburg, you’ll make a choice whether to ride the easier but longer route (following the river), or the shorter but more challenging route (including hills). Both rides will lead you to Remich over the Germany/Luxembourg border, which is actually marked here by the Moselle River! Now in Luxembourg, you’ll be won over by a visit to a wine cooperative specializing in ‘Cremant’, the ‘Champagne of the Moselle’.

Riding towards the charming commune of Remich for your overnight stay, you’ll pay a visit to nearby Nennig, where an ancient Roman mansion still boasts its bedazzling mosaic floor, comprising over three million tiles and displaying fascinating gladiator scenes.

Day 7: Cruise Remich - Schengen | Cycle Schengen - Thionville (18 miles/30 km) | Cruise Thionville - Metz
Float whilst you feast as your boat cruises to Schengen during breakfast. From here, at the border point of three countries, you’ll pedal once more through 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.

Around noon, your tour will glide into Thionville, famed for its medieval ramparts and breathtaking St. Maximin Basilica. The barge will greet you here, ready to take you to magical Metz. This lovely city, famed for its grand Gothic architecture and painterly promenades, boasts plenty of exciting eateries and inviting boutiques. The star of the show, however, is certainly St. Etienne Cathedral (Metz Cathedral), which casts glorious Gothic shadows over the city. St. Etienne has been nicknamed the ‘Lantern of God’ thanks to the mesmerizing displays of dappled light that filter through the Marc Chagall stained glass windows. It’s a sensational sight to top off your unforgettable bike tour.

Day 8: Metz
Disembarkation will be concluded, following breakfast, 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.

Metz to Cochem

Day 1: Metz
Make yourself at home in Metz, a city of glorious Gothic architecture and painterly promenades. Embarkation and check-in begins at 3 pm, when you’ll be welcomed, fitted for your bicycle, and supervised on a quick test ride to ensure you’re fully comfortable.

After dinner, you’ll be treated to a guided walking tour around Metz. 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 early 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!

Day 2: Metz - Remich (26 or 31 miles/41 or 49 km)
With breakfast served on board, you’ll feast while you float. Once in picturesque Thionville, you’ll take to the bike seat and set off on your first cycling adventure! The Moselle 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 the 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.

Day 3: Remich - Saarburg (24 or 29 miles/40 or 48 km)
Ride and shine on the Remich to Saarburg leg of your trip! The Moselle 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/Pfalzel (19 miles/32 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!

Day 5: Cruise Trier/Pfalzel - Schweich | Cycle Schweich - Neumagen - Bernkastel-Kues (16 or 32 miles/27 or 53 km)
You’ll feast while you float as your boat sails to Schweich during breakfast. From this charming town you’ll ride into ‘The Romantic Moselle’, the worthy nickname of the mid-Moselle region, where verdant vineyards glisten with sun-ripened fruit. 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.

Around noon, Neumagen appears on the horizon, an ancient wine center during the Roman period, where the barge will be waiting if you’d like to take a load off. Alternatively, if you’re in the rhythm of the ride, you can continue by bike to Bernkastel-Kues. 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. 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-Kues & Daun excursion (39 miles/62 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. Your tour will make a stop at a small town for a delicious, well-deserved ice cream in a quaint street cafe. In the evening, take your pick of the best Bernkastel establishments, as dinner is not served on board tonight.

Day 7: Cruise Bernkastel-Kues - Traben-Trarbach | Cycle Traben-Trarbach - Zell - Cochem (23 or 37 miles/38 or 61 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, famous for the sumptuous ‘Zeller Schwartze Katze’ sparkly, you’ll make your way towards Cochem along a meandering route that takes you past the Hoherott and Corrayer Berg wine regions, some of the best in the area, and through sublime Beilstein, ‘The Pearl of the Moselle’.

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: Cochem
Disembarkation is concluded, following breakfast, 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.

Cochem to Metz

Day 1: Cochem
Embarkation begins at 3 pm, when you’ll be welcomed on board and led on a leisurely walking tour through Cochem, a characterful Mosel town sitting majestically amongst the mountains. Here, 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 2: Cruise Cochem - Beilstein | Cycle Beilstein - Zell - Traben-Trarbach | Cruise Traben-Trarbach - Bernkastel-Kues (17 or 32 miles/28 or 51 km)
Enjoy breakfast as your boat sails to sublime Beilstein, ‘The Pearl of the Moselle’. Here, you’ll be able to behold the Black Madonna that stands in the magnificent Carmelite monastery. You’ll make your way by bike to Zell, famous for the sumptuous ‘Zeller Schwartze Katze’ sparkly, and be met here by your barge in case you’d prefer to take the boat to Traben-Trarbach. Whether you ride or glide, you’ll make your way to a major center of the Mosel wine region. 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.

Hopping aboard the ship, your day will wind down with a boat ride into Bernkastel-Kues. 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. In your downtime, it’s worth taking a walk to Market Square, where timber-framed houses make for a quaint, historic atmosphere.

Day 3: Bernkastel-Kues & Daun excursion (39 miles/62 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. Your tour will make a stop at a small town for delicious, well-deserved ice cream in a quaint street cafe.

Day 4: Cycle Bernkastel-Kues - Neumagen - Schweich | Cruise Schweich - Trier (17 or 34 miles/28 or 54 km)
From beautiful Bernkastel you’ll ride into ‘The Romantic Moselle’, the worthy nickname of the mid-Moselle region, where verdant vineyards glisten with sun-ripened fruit. 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.

Around noon, Neumagen appears on the horizon, an ancient wine center during the Roman period, where the barge will be waiting if you’d like to take a load off. Alternatively, if you’re in the rhythm of the ride, you can continue by bike to Schweich and join the boat there. From Schweich, you’ll sail to Trier, Germany’s oldest city, which boasts myriad impressive monuments from the Roman Golden Age.

Day 5: Trier - Saarburg (17 miles/28 km)
Your day begins with a wonderful walking tour around Trier, delving into its fascinating Roman history. 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!

After lunch, you’ll be back on your bike and cycling towards sublime Saarburg. 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. There’s no meal onboard the boat tonight, so take your pick from Saarburg’s fine selection of eateries.

Day 6: Saarburg - Remich (28 or 33 miles/45 or 53 km)
From sublime Saarburg, you’ll make a choice whether to ride the easier but longer route (following the river), or the shorter but more challenging route (including hills). Both rides will lead you to Remich over the Germany/Luxembourg border, which is actually marked here by the Moselle River! Once in Luxembourg, you’ll be won over by a visit to a wine cooperative specializing in ‘Cremant’, the ‘Champagne of the Moselle’.

Riding towards the charming commune of Remich for your overnight stay, you’ll pay a visit to nearby Nennig, where an ancient Roman mansion still boasts its bedazzling mosaic floor, comprising over three million tiles and displaying fascinating gladiator scenes.

Day 7: Cruise Remich - Schengen | Cycle Schengen - Thionville (19 miles/30 km) | Cruise Thionville - Metz
Float whilst you feast as your boat cruises to Schengen during breakfast. From here, at the border point of three countries, you’ll pedal once more through 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.

Around noon, your tour will glide into Thionville, famed for its medieval ramparts and breathtaking St. Maximin Basilica. The barge will greet you here, ready to take you to magical Metz. This lovely city, famed for its grand Gothic architecture and painterly promenades, boasts plenty of exciting eateries and inviting boutiques. The star of the show, however, is certainly St. Etienne Cathedral (Metz Cathedral), which casts glorious Gothic shadows over the city. St. Etienne has been nicknamed the ‘Lantern of God’, thanks to the mesmerizing displays of dappled light that filter through the Marc Chagall stained glass windows. It’s a sensational sight to top off your unforgettable bike tour.

Day 8: Metz
Disembarkation will be concluded, following breakfast, 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.