Sail and cycle along a trio of serene rivers: the Rhine, Moselle & Saar

Embark on an incredible journey through the heart of Germany as you cycle and cruise along three rivers—the Rhine, Moselle, and Saar. This bike and boat tour takes you from the lively city of Cologne to the charming town of Saarburg, with stops to view stunning landscapes, historic towns, and world-class vineyards.

Along the way, visit Koblenz, the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, where medieval castles perch high above the water. Discover the fairy-tale charm of Cochem, with its iconic Reichsburg Castle, and cycle through the wine village of Zell, famous for its Riesling wines. In Trier, Germany’s oldest city, explore ancient Roman landmarks before enjoying a wine tasting at the renowned Storck winery.

With leisurely cycling routes along scenic river paths and the comfort of your floating hotel, this tour offers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and culture.

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Highlights

• Cologne - UNESCO World Heritage city

• Koblenz - Gateway to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley

• Cochem - Rural riverside town

• Zell - Renowned wine village

• Trier - Germany's oldest city

• Exquisite riverside cycling

• Storck - Divine wine tasting

• Saarburg - Riverside beauty abounds

Learn More

Interested in adding to your itinerary? Take a look at our cycling day tours in Cologne and Frankfurt.

Daily program

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.

Photos

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Dates & Prices

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

Included services

• 8 nights' accommodation on board the Merlijn
• Cabin with climate control and private bathroom
• Bedding, towels, toiletries, sewing kit, vanity kit, and bathrobe & slippers
• Full-service staff, daily cabin cleaning, manned bar (no self-service)
• Welcome drink
• 8 x breakfast buffet, 6 x packed lunches, & 6 x three-course gourmet dinners
• Unlimited specialty coffee, tea, hot chocolate, sodas, and ice water (self‑service)
• Assorted sodas, wines (including non‑alcoholic), and beer on tap & bottled (including non‑alcoholic)
• Porterage of luggage upon arrival and departure
• English‑speaking tour guide
• Standard touring bike with waterproof pannier, city backpack, towel, & water bottle
• Helmet with communication system
• Daily bike loading & unloading
• Support vehicle on select days (2026 tours)
• Harbor, lock, canal, and ferry fees
• Entrance to Eltz Castle
• Wine tasting at Storck in Traben-Trarbach

Tour Company

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 is an easy guided bike and boat tour that follows river paths and rural country roads.

How to get there

The closest international airport to both the tour start in Cologne and your tour end in Saarburg is Frankfurt International Airport (FRA).

Frankfurt Airport is well connected by public transportation. Frankfurt Airport Train Station, located next to Terminal 1, offers connections to popular German cities via Deutsche Bahn, the national railway company of Germany. There are local S-Bahn lines (lines S8 and S9) that take travelers into central Frankfurt in about 10-15 minutes. From the main train station in the city, it is just a short taxi ride to the boat. From Saarburg back to Frankfurt airport by train is approximately 3.5 hrs, cost approximately €35/person. You will transfer in Koblenz. The German rail site bahn.de is a good resource when researching train travel in Germany.