Cologne to Saarburg Along Three Stunning Rivers

Day 1: Cologne - overnight dock

Embarkation on the stunning Merlijn, your floating home for the week, begins at 3:30 pm. Savor a welcome drink, get acquainted with the crew, and attend a briefing about the journey, the ship’s amenities, and essential safety information. As evening sets in, cruise along the Rhine for a few hours before the captain moors the boat for your first restful night on board.

Day 2: Overnight dock - Bonn - Andernach
25 - 28 mi. / 40 - 45 km

As you enjoy breakfast, the Merlijn continues upriver on the Rhine. Your cycling adventure kicks off in Bonn, the birthplace of Beethoven. Pedal alongside the Siebengebirge, a scenic hilly landscape southeast of Bonn that comprises more than 40 peaks. Your ride concludes in Andernach, where the Merlijn will be docked for the night. After dinner, your guide will lead a leisurely stroll through this charming riverside town.

Day 3: Andernach - Koblenz - overnight dock
22 - 25 mi. / 35 - 40 km

Today’s ride begins in Andernach and leads to Koblenz, a city where history and nature blend beautifully. Your guide will introduce you to its highlights, followed by an exhilarating cable car ride across the Rhine to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, offering spectacular views over Deutsches Eck, where the Moselle meets the Rhine. From there, cycle onwards to the dock, where the Merlijn awaits for another comfortable overnight stay.

Day 4: Overnight dock - Cochem
25 - 28 mi. / 40 - 45 km + hike 2 mi / 3 km

During breakfast, the boat navigates toward Alken, passing through another lock on the Moselle. From here, you’ll swap cycling for hiking, making your way through the scenic Eltztal. After a rewarding 40-minute trek, you’ll reach the Eltz Castle, a stunning medieval stronghold that has remarkably remained intact through the centuries. After the visit, continue cycling to Cochem, where the Merlijn is docked. In Cochem, you may wish to explore the renowned Reichsburg Castle or simply wander through the picturesque streets of this fairy-tale town.

Day 5: Cochem - Zell - Traben-Trarbach
22 - 25 mi. / 35 - 40 km

Departing Cochem, your first stop is the charming village of Beilstein, often described as the 'Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle' due to its well-preserved medieval architecture. From here, follow the winding Moselle to Zell, a town famous for its Zeller Schwarze Katz (Black Cat) vineyard. Then, reboard the Merlijn and enjoy a relaxing cruise to Traben-Trarbach. In the evening, indulge in a wine tasting at the renowned Storck Winery, a perfect way to immerse yourself in the region’s wine culture.

Day 6: Traben-Trarbach - Trier
22 - 25 mi. / 35 - 40 km or extend to 31 -34 mi. / 50 - 55 km

Enjoy breakfast while cruising to the day’s starting point. Your ride follows the Moselle to Bernkastel-Kues, where you can explore the town and visit Germany’s oldest marketplace. Continue cycling to Neumagen, where you can again choose your preferred option:

• Rejoin the Merlijn for a peaceful afternoon cruise.

• Extend your ride and cycle further to Mehring.

Mehring is where the Romans first set foot in the Moselle Valley, falling in love with its beauty over two millennia ago. The remnants of grand Roman villas still stand as a testament to their presence. From Mehring, reboard the Merlijn, and together you’ll cruise toward Trier, where another delightful dinner awaits.

Day 7: Trier
34 - 37 mi. / 55 - 60 km

Today’s itinerary differs from a typical bike and boat day, as the Merlijn remains docked in Trier for a full day. There are several options:

• For cycling enthusiasts, a highlight awaits! In the morning, travel by bus—bicycles in tow—into the surrounding mountains. From here, an exhilarating ride along a converted railway path leads you through pristine nature and eventually back down toward the Moselle. This scenic route will take most of the day.

• For those seeking a more relaxed day, enjoy Trier at your own pace. Whether shopping, visiting cultural landmarks, or unwinding at a café, the city offers plenty to explore. Your guide will be happy to assist with recommendations.

Tonight, dinner is at your leisure, allowing you to sample one of Trier’s many excellent restaurants.

Day 8: Trier - Saarburg
19 - 22 mi. / 30 - 35 km

Spend the morning discovering more of Trier. A guided walking tour can be arranged, giving you insight into the city’s Roman heritage, including the awe-inspiring Porta Nigra, one of the most famous city gates of the Roman Empire.

Later, embark on your final cycling route toward Saarburg, a picturesque town that marks the journey’s last stop. Saarburg’s charm lies in its quaint alleyways, timber-framed houses, and vibrant waterfront. The Buttermarkt area, with its romantic bridges and cascading waterfall, was affectionately nicknamed 'Little Venice' by Berlin’s master architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel in the 19th century.

Day 9: Saarburg

After one final breakfast on board, it’s time to disembark and bid farewell to the Merlijn and your fellow travelers.