€200/person discount on select departures

    Metz and Cochem Premier Version

    5/5 (1)
    7 nights
    30 miles/day
    Guided from EUR € 1904
    Countries: France and Germany
    Rider Level: Recreational Bike and boat tours

    Metz and Cochem Premier Version

    5/5 (1)

    Rider Level: Recreational Bike and boat tours

    7 nights
    30 miles/day

    Guided from EUR € 1904
    Bike and Boat Tour aboard Princesse Royal or Magnifique I
    Countries: France and Germany

    Tap above to jump to different sections of this tour

    • Make the most of the Mosel River; discover three countries and their wine-growing regions

      Immerse yourself on a magnificent bike and boat tour along the Mosel River as the landscapes of France, Luxembourg, and Germany unfold before you. This glide-and-ride tour is designed to dazzle and enchant, taking in some of Europe’s most tranquil settings between Metz and Cochem, including charming villages, medieval castles, and hills of sun-kissed grapevines. On this premier cycling vacation, you’ll experience a peaceful pedal through serene scenery, guided by the meandering Mosel River, tasting the tantalizing fruits of the valley along the way.

      Be sure to check out the Classic Version of this tour or the longer version of this tour, Magic of the Mosel.

      • Cochem, Germany ©Hollandfotograaf
      • Wine town of Remich, Luxembourg in the Mosel River Valley. Polina Sushko@Unsplash
      • Bernkastel-Kues, Germany. Heribert Bechen@Flickr
      • Cochem, Germany. CC:Asif Masimov
      • Trier, Germany. Jose Antonio Serra@Flickr
      • Saarburg, Germany. Claudia Schillinger@Flickr
      • Metz, France. CC:Marc Ryckaert
      • Baguettes at the Boulangerie in France! Dr.BobHall@Flickr
      • Bernkastel-Kues, Germany. CC:Berthold Werner
      • Bernkastel-Kues, Germany. Alexander Schimmeck@Unsplash

      View more photos

      Highlights

      • Metz & St. Etienne Cathedral, the grand Gothic city
      • Beilstein - one of the Mosel River Valley's best preserved villages
      • 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 Premier Version

      Photos 

    • Tour Photos

      Traveler photos

      • The Magnifique I going through a boat lock (photo by Hung Kang)
      • Cathedral in Metz at Night (photo by Hung Kang)
      • View of vineyards in Saarburg (photo by Hung Kang)
      • Black Gate in Trier (photo by Hung Kang)
      • Castle in Cochem (photo by Hung Kang)
      • Mirror room in the Wine Experience tour (photo by Hung Kang)

      Metz and Cochem Premier Version

       Tour Description Daily Program 

    • Daily program

      • Disclaimer: The 2026 itinerary is subject to change and may be updated without prior notice.

        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 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. 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 Mosel 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 Mosel’. 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 Mosel’, the worthy nickname of the mid-Mosel 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 Mosel 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 Mosel 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.

      • Disclaimer: The 2026 itinerary is subject to change and may be updated without prior notice.

        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 Mosel 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 Mosel 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 Mosel’, the worthy nickname of the mid-Mosel 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 Mosel River! Now in Luxembourg, you’ll be won over by a visit to a wine cooperative specializing in ‘Cremant’, the ‘Champagne of the Mosel’.

        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 and Cochem Premier Version

       Photos Accommodation 

    • Accommodation

      Boats

        The Princesse Royal sails under the Dutch flag and management. It was completely modernized in 2010, along with being extended by 46 feet (14 m) during the winter of 2012-13. It was originally constructed as a seagoing sailing vessel, giving the boat it's unique shape. Read more

        Overview

        • Comfortable salon with well stocked bar
        • Sun deck equipped with lounge chairs
        • Limited Wifi
        • Potable water

        We love boats! And we love their stories! Many of the bike and boat vessels that cruise European waterways were once cargo barges utilized for transporting materials up and down the rivers and canals This boat is no exception but a new chapter is beginning! Read more

        Overview

        • All cabins are located on the lower deck
        • Comfortable salon and restaurant area
        • Bar
        • Partially covered sundeck

      Metz and Cochem Premier Version

       Daily program Dates & Prices 

    • Dates & Prices

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




      Jun 10, 2025Jun 10, 2025 (fully booked)Magnifique I from 2204
      Jun 17, 2025Jun 17, 2025 (fully booked)Magnifique I from 2204
      Jun 29, 2025Jun 29, 2025 (fully booked)Princesse Royal from 2204
      Jul 8, 2025Jul 8, 2025 (fully booked)Magnifique I from 2004
      Jul 15, 2025Jul 15, 2025 (3 cabins left)Magnifique I from 2004Book
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      Jul 29, 2025Jul 29, 2025 Special (13 cabins left)Magnifique I from 2004Book
      Jul 6, 2025Jul 6, 2025 (fully booked)Princesse Royal from 2004
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      Jul 20, 2025Jul 20, 2025 Special (4 cabins left)Princesse Royal from 2004Book
      Jul 27, 2025Jul 27, 2025 Special (8 cabins left)Princesse Royal from 2004Book
      Aug 5, 2025Aug 5, 2025 (4 cabins left)Magnifique I from 2004Book
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      Aug 26, 2025Aug 26, 2025 (on request)Magnifique I from 2204Book
      Aug 3, 2025Aug 3, 2025 Special (7 cabins left)Princesse Royal from 2004Book
      Aug 10, 2025Aug 10, 2025 (on request)Princesse Royal from 2004Book
      Aug 17, 2025Aug 17, 2025 (fully booked)Princesse Royal from 2004
      Aug 24, 2025Aug 24, 2025 (1 cabin left)Princesse Royal from 2004Book
      Aug 31, 2025Aug 31, 2025 (on request)Princesse Royal from 2204Book
      Oct 14, 2025Oct 14, 2025 (fully booked)Magnifique I from 1904
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      Oct 5, 2025Oct 5, 2025 (2 cabins left)Princesse Royal from 2004Book
      Oct 12, 2025Oct 12, 2025 (15 cabins left)Princesse Royal from 1904Book
      Jul 7, 2026Jul 7, 2026 (16 cabins left)Magnifique I from 2139Book
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      Jul 27, 2026Jul 27, 2026 (16 cabins left)Princesse Royal from 2139Book
      Aug 4, 2026Aug 4, 2026 (on request)Magnifique I from 2139Book
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      Aug 3, 2026Aug 3, 2026 (16 cabins left)Princesse Royal from 2139Book
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      Aug 31, 2026Aug 31, 2026 (16 cabins left)Princesse Royal from 2389Book
      Oct 13, 2026Oct 13, 2026 (16 cabins left)Magnifique I from 2139Book
      Oct 20, 2026Oct 20, 2026 (16 cabins left)Magnifique I from 2039Book
      Oct 5, 2026Oct 5, 2026 (16 cabins left)Princesse Royal from 2139Book
      Oct 19, 2026Oct 19, 2026 (16 cabins left)Princesse Royal from 2039Book
      Oct 26, 2026Oct 26, 2026 (16 cabins left)Princesse Royal from 2039Book
      May 4, 2025May 4, 2025 (fully booked)Princesse Royal from 2204
      May 11, 2025May 11, 2025 (on request)Princesse Royal from 2204Book
      Sep 7, 2025Sep 7, 2025 (fully booked)Princesse Royal from 2204
      May 4, 2026May 4, 2026 (14 cabins left)Princesse Royal from 2389Book
      May 11, 2026May 11, 2026 (14 cabins left)Princesse Royal from 2389Book
      May 18, 2026May 18, 2026 (fully booked)Princesse Royal from 2389
      Sep 7, 2026Sep 7, 2026 (fully booked)Princesse Royal from 2389

      Show pricing details and extra options →

      Included services

      • 7 nights of accommodation in the selected boat/cabin
      • Full board: 7 x breakfasts, 6 x packed lunches, 6 x three-course dinners
      • Coffee and tea
      • Complimentary welcome drink
      • Daily cabin cleaning
      • Daily tour briefings
      • Minimum 1 tour guide (for groups of over 22 guests, a second guide will be added)
      • Map for cycling (one set per cabin)
      • GPS tracks
      • Fees for ferries
      • Entrance to Reichsburg Cochem
      • Wine tasting
      • WiFi (note: the signal may not be fast or reliable)
      • Carbon offset payment to non-profit Justdiggit

      Please note special diets may be accommodated upon request, although surcharges may apply.


      Tour Company


      Metz and Cochem Premier Version

       Accommodation 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

      Tour start
      Nearest airport: Luxembourg (LUX), Frankfurt International Airport (FRA), or Paris (CDG)
      Nearest train station: Metz or Cochem

      Tour end
      Nearest airport: Luxembourg (LUX), Frankfurt International Airport (FRA), or Paris (CDG)
      Nearest train station: Metz or Cochem

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


      Metz and Cochem Premier Version

       Dates & Prices Tour Reviews 

      • Hung Kang 5 months ago

        Land of Castles and Wine

        We went on the bike-boat tour in mid-October towards the end of the boat's sailing season. The weather had been rainy the week before, but the towns and castles on the route were captivating when the sky cleared up. The bike paths in Germany and Luxembourg were wide and easy to navigate with the help of our guides. We enjoyed learning of the interesting history of castles and the Roman introduction of wine growing in the Moselle region. Some of the towns had more tourists than I expected for the time of the year, but the number of tourists subsided in the evenings.
        We had a good number of café stops on the bike for rest breaks and rehydration. The delicious meals on board were artfully and expertly prepared by the resident chef and served by a friendly and helpful crew.
        Our room was small with 2 single beds on opposite sides of the room and had a small attached bathroom with a shower. We didn't mind the small size much since much of the day was spent on the bike. The beds were comfortable, and the room was made every day by the crew.
        We visited many castles, as there seems to be at least 1 for each city we visited. One excursion that we paid extra for was a Wine Experience tour in Bernkastel-Kues, Germany. The tour described the different wines in the Moselle region and provided tasting samples of varieties. The tour included fun novelties such as the mirror room and the social media ready Wine Queen prop.
        We enjoyed meeting and riding with the 28 other guests on the boat. Many were experienced bike tourists, and all had a good time sharing their experiences.

        What was the date of your tour?
        15 October 2024
        How many tours have you completed?
        5
        Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
        As expected
        Who is this tour suitable for?
        First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
        Do you recommend this tour?
        Yes
        • The Magnifique I going through a boat lock (photo by Hung Kang)
        • Cathedral in Metz at Night (photo by Hung Kang)
        • View of vineyards in Saarburg (photo by Hung Kang)
        • Black Gate in Trier (photo by Hung Kang)
        • Castle in Cochem (photo by Hung Kang)
        • Mirror room in the Wine Experience tour (photo by Hung Kang)
        • 5/5 Value
        • 5/5 Included meals
        • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
        • 4/5 Hotels or boat
        • 5/5 Scenery
        • 5/5 Ease of navigation
        • 4/5 Tour documents
        • 5/5 Local tour company services
        • 5/5 Route selection
        • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)

      Metz and Cochem Premier Version

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