Between Koblenz and Merzig on the Mosel & Saar Rivers

(0)
7 nights
Guided from EUR € 1419
Countries: Germany
Rider Level: Leisure Bike and boat tours

Between Koblenz and Merzig on the Mosel & Saar Rivers

(0)

Rider Level: Leisure Bike and boat tours

7 nights

Guided from EUR € 1419
Bike and Boat Tour aboard Allure or Flora
Countries: Germany

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  • Bike the river valleys of Germany and discover castles, vineyards, and countryside

    Discover one of the most enchanting cycle touring destinations in Europe: the Mosel and Saar river valleys. Experience breathtaking views of picturesque countryside, fairytale castles, and award-winning vineyards nestled on steep slopes as you cycle along well-maintained paths. The region's deep-rooted history, dating back to the Roman Era, adds to the allure, while highlights, like medieval half-timbered houses, the Porta Nigra, and the charming "German Corner" in Koblenz and Saarburg, ensure an unforgettable and culturally rich German bike tour for all who seek it.

    • Biking near Merzig in Saarland, Germany. ©Hollandfotograaf
    • Traditional German Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte cake! Ilona Frey@Unsplash
    • Rhine & Mainz Rivers in Koblenz, Germany. CC:Taxiarchos228
    • Mosel River in Cochem, Germany. CC:Asif Masimov
    • Bernkastel-Kues, Germany. Heribert Bechen@Flickr
    • Saarland countryside. ©Hollandfotograaf
    • Saarburg Trier-Saarburg district of Germany. ©Hollandfotograaf
    • Great German beers to try! Maria Eklind@Flickr

    View more photos

    Highlights

    • The magnificent rural splendor of the Mosel Valley
    • Saar Valley and its castle region
    • Koblenz, the Roman city on the Rhine
    • The verdant vineyards of Cochem
    • The well-known wine-growing center of Bernkastel-Kues
    • Saarburg and its enchanting castle
    • The architecture of Merzig

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    Between Koblenz and Merzig on the Mosel & Saar Rivers

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  • Between Koblenz and Merzig on the Mosel & Saar Rivers

     Tour Description Daily Program 

  • Daily program

    • Day 1: Koblenz
      Your first day in Koblenz is all about getting comfortable and enjoying the chance to explore this captivating, historical city. Your boat will be moored, ready to receive your luggage as early as 11 am, but with check-in and official welcome not scheduled until 2 pm.

      Koblenz, a city named for its location at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers, originated as a Roman military post around 14 AD. Although the city suffered great damage during World War II, its most precious monuments can still be seen today, including the towering equestrian statue of Wilhelm I commanding the Deutsches Eck. Nearby, you can behold the beauty of the Romanesque Basilica St. Kastor, Koblenz’s oldest church, the towers of which peer up atmospherically above the burgeoning treeline.

      Also unmissable is the Kurfürstliches Schloss, one of Germany’s most important Renaissance-era buildings, with its resplendent red brick exterior. With so much charm and historical intrigue, Koblenz is sure to keep you busy on your first afternoon and evening!

      Day 2: Koblenz - Alken | Alken - Moselkern - Cochem (22 miles/37 km)
      Sail along to Alken in the morning where the bicycles will be unloaded, ready for your wonderful ride to begin! You’ll make your way to the memorable village of Moselkern with its world-famous Burg Eltz. Park up your bike and hike the last section to this colossal castle, a medieval stronghold celebrated as one of Western Europe’s most impressive surviving buildings from the Middle Ages. From here, your guide will lead you to characterful Cochem, a Mosel town sitting majestically amongst the mountains, where wooded hills hide historical medieval fortresses. Be sure to see the center in the evening too, where timber-framed houses and atmospheric wineries make for a charming atmosphere.

      Day 3: Cochem - Beilstein - Zell (23 miles/38 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 4: Zell - Bernkastel-Kues (27 miles/45 km)
      Your German 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 an exploration of Market Square, with its abundance of medieval intrigue.

      Day 5: Bernkastel-Kues - Neumagen - Schweich | Schweich - Trier (16 or 34 miles/27 or 54 km)
      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.

      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 6: Trier - Wasserbillig - Saarburg (23 miles/38 km)
      Cycling into 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. As dinner isn’t served on board tonight, take your pick from a selection of special Saarburg establishments.

      Day 7: Saarburg - Merzig (22 miles/37 km)
      Your final biking day is extra-special, including a visit to the spectacular Saarschleife, also known as the 'Great Bend in the Saar', a phenomenal natural wonder and photo opportunity. From atop the Cloef viewpoint, gaze out over an awe-inspiring panorama of lush forests serenely reflected in the Saar River, which carves a unique path through this attractive area.

      You’ll make your way from the Saarschleife to Mettlach, with the chance to explore the renowned Villeroy & Boch ceramic factory, before your tour reaches its finale in magical Merzig. This town, in the sublime Saar Valley, hosts myriad fascinating museums, charming churches, and picturesque parks. Be sure to see the breathtaking St. Peter’s Basilica, which dates all the way back to the 12th Century, and the commanding former castle of Archbishop Sötern, now the town’s beautiful Town Hall.

      Your barge will be ready to welcome you on board in Merzig for a celebratory final evening, with a delicious dinner and the chance to reflect on the trip’s many memorable experiences with your fellow riders.

      Day 8: Departure from Merzig
      Official disembarkation will take place after breakfast, around 9:30 am.

      On the days when two distances are offered, the group will decide along with the guide between the shorter and longer route. The shorter distances may bypass some of the highlights.

      Self-guided riding is also possible, don't hesitate to request GPS tracks prior to your departure.

    • Day 1: Merzig
      Day one is about making yourself at home in magical Merzig! This town, in the sublime Saar Valley, hosts myriad fascinating museums, charming churches, and picturesque parks. Be sure to see the breathtaking St. Peter’s Basilica, which dates all the way back to the 12th Century, and the commanding former castle of Archbishop Sötern, now the town’s beautiful Town Hall.

      Your crew will be ready to welcome you on board your boat at 2 pm.

      Day 2: Merzig - Saarburg (24 miles/39 km)
      In the morning, you’ll cycle to Mettlach, offering the opportunity to explore the renowned Villeroy & Boch ceramic factory. Onwards to Orscholz where you’ll see the spectacular Saarschleife, also known as the 'Great Bend in the Saar', a phenomenal natural wonder and photo opportunity. From atop the Cloef viewpoint, gaze out over an awe-inspiring panorama of lush forests serenely reflected in the Saar River, which carves a unique path through this attractive area.

      Biking into 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 tree line. 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 3: Saarburg - Wasserbillig - Trier (16 or 19 miles/27 or 32 km)
      Today you’ll cycle from serene Saarburg to Germany’s oldest city - Trier. 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 4: Trier - Schweich | Schweich - Bernkastel-Kues (16 or 34 miles/27 or 54 km)
      Sailing in the morning from Tier, you’ll set off on your next cycle from Schweich. On your way to beautiful Bernkastel, 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.

      Biking into Bernkastel-Kues, 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 5: Bernkastel-Kues - Traben-Trarbach - Zell on the Moselle (30 miles/48 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 6: Zell - Beilstein - Cochem (24 miles/39 km)
      Today you’ll pedal onwards 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 today’s 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 7: Cochem - Karden | Karden - Winningen | Winningen - Koblenz (23 miles/38 km)
      Feast while you float as your barge continues on to Karden this morning. Here, you’ll visit a monumental German fortress - the awe-inspiring medieval Eltz Castle (Burg Eltz). Winding your way through this resplendent wine region, you’ll pass by Klotten, Pommern, Karden, and Alken, typical Mosel towns recognizable for their quaint timber-framed houses. The wine, of course, is also worth a taste, especially the ‘Pommerner Sonnenuhr’.

      Your tour winds down in Winningen, where your barge will be waiting for you and your bicycle. From here, it’s an enjoyable cruise to Koblenz, a city named for its location at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers, which originated as a Roman military post around 14 AD. Although the city suffered great damage during World War II, its most precious monuments can still be seen today, including the towering equestrian statue of Wilhelm I commanding the Deutsches Eck. Nearby, you can behold the beauty of the Romanesque Basilica St. Kastor, Koblenz’s oldest church, the towers of which peer up atmospherically above the burgeoning treeline.

      Also unmissable is the Kurfürstliches Schloss, one of Germany’s most important Renaissance-era buildings, with its resplendent red brick exterior. With so much charm and historical intrigue, Koblenz is sure to keep you busy on your final afternoon and evening!

      Day 8: Departure from Koblenz
      Official disembarkation will take place after breakfast, around 9:30 am.

      On the days when two distances are offered, the group will decide along with the guide between the shorter and longer route. The shorter distances may bypass some of the highlights.

      Self-guided riding is also possible, don't hesitate to request GPS tracks prior to your departure.


    Between Koblenz and Merzig on the Mosel & Saar Rivers

     Photos Accommodation 

  • Accommodation

    Boats

      Allure

      Starting out as a cruise vessel in 1998, the Allure has undergone a stylish renovation appropriate for its new identity as a cozy and comfortable passenger barge. Read more

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        Flora

        The Flora, a small and sweet river barge, can accommodate up to twenty four guests, each one guaranteed a welcoming experience onboard. Read more

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        Many of these barges are former working river vessels, converted specifically for this kind of passenger vacation. The barges comply with the strict safety regulations set forth by the Dutch Shipping Inspection Authorities. Do not expect a luxury cruise ship. The experience of the tour is built around guests being active cycling, and the layout of the barge supports a social environment in common spaces.


        Between Koblenz and Merzig on the Mosel & Saar Rivers

         Daily program Bikes 

      • Bikes

        • Standard Touring Bike - Velo de Ville City 100 (or similar)

          • Step-through aluminum frame
          • Shimano Nexus 7-speed
          • Schwalbe Marathon tires
          • Handbrakes
          • Comfort saddle
          • 28" Wheels
          • Flat pedals

          Accessories

          • Detachable pannier bag
          • Pump & repair kit

          Electrically Assisted Bike - Velo de Ville CEB 200 (or similar)

          Limited number, upon request

          Available for people taller than 155 cm (5'1")

          • Step-through aluminum frame
          • Bosch Active Line Mid-Engine
          • Front suspension
          • Nexus 7-speed
          • Hydraulic brakes
          • Comfort saddle
          • 28" Wheels
          • Schwalbe Marathon tires
          • Flat pedals

          Accessories

          • Detachable pannier bag
          • Pump & repair kit

          *More about electrically-assisted bikes >


        Bikes available on this tour (not included in tour price, must be reserved at time of booking):

        Allure

        • 7-speed Velo de Ville
        • Electrically assisted bicycles

        Flora

        • 24-speed Trek X300
        • Electrically assisted bicycles

        *More about electrically-assisted bikes

        A helmet can be rented for €10 per tour, only on prior reservation and payment.

        Included with all bike rentals:

        • Helmets
        • Gel saddles
        • Bike lock
        • Pannier bag (waterproof)
        • Water bottle

        Pedals:
        The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.


        Between Koblenz and Merzig on the Mosel & Saar Rivers

         Accommodation Dates & Prices 

      • Dates

        • Allure: Aug 31; Sep 14, 28, 2024

          Flora: Aug 24; Sep 7, 21, 2024

        • Flora: Aug 31; Sept 14, 28, 2024

        Prices

        Tour Package

        Per person, double occupancy €1419
        Single-use cabin (1 person/1 cabin) €2129

        Bike Rentals

        Standard touring bike €96
        Electrically assisted bike €245
        Helmet €10

        Included services

        • 7 nights of accommodation in the selected boat/cabin with linen and towels
        • 7 x breakfasts, packed lunches, and 6 x three-course dinners
        • Coffee & tea on board
        • Complimentary welcome beverage
        • Daily cleaning of the cabin
        • Daily tour briefings
        • Fully guided cycling tours
        • Some short walking tours
        • Fees for ferries
        • GPS tracks
        • WiFi (note: the signal may not be fast or reliable)

        Tour Company


        Between Koblenz and Merzig on the Mosel & Saar Rivers

         Bikes Other Details 

      • Surface and terrain

        This is a leisurely bike and boat tour, designed for an enjoyable active holiday. You'll be cycling on well-maintained asphalted bike paths and peaceful country roads. The daily biking distances range from between 12 to 34 miles (25 to 55 km). The terrain is mostly flat terrain with just a few minor inclines.


        How to get there

        Tour start
        Nearest airport: Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) or Luxembourg (LUX)
        Nearest train station: Koblenz or Merzig

        Tour end
        Nearest airport: Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) or Luxembourg (LUX)
        Nearest train station: Koblenz or Merzig

        Tips on getting to and from your tour.


        Between Koblenz and Merzig on the Mosel & Saar Rivers

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        Between Koblenz and Merzig on the Mosel & Saar Rivers

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