Cruising Germany's Rivers Between Saarburg and Mainz

Day 1: Arrival in Saarburg

Arrive at the Merlijn and check in. Enjoy a complimentary drink while meeting the crew and receiving a briefing on the tour, the vessel, and safety protocols for the coming week. After dinner, take a stroll through the picturesque town, admiring the narrow alleys, half-timbered houses, Baroque architecture, and seamen’s and fishermen’s dwellings.

Day 2: Saarburg - Trier
19 - 22 miles / 30 - 35 km

Depart Saarburg by bike, following the gentle flow of the Saar River downstream. At Konz, where the Saar meets the Moselle, continue your ride toward Trier, your destination for the night. Enjoy ample time in Trier to explore this ancient city on a guided tour. Discover relics of its Roman past, including the impressive Porta Nigra, ruins of Roman baths, and an amphitheater situated just outside the city center.

Day 3: Trier
34 - 37 miles / 55 - 60 km

Today, the Merlijn remains anchored in Trier, offering you a day tailored to your interests. For cycling enthusiasts, take a bus into the mountains with your bike and enjoy a scenic ride back along a converted railway line to the Moselle. Alternatively, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, leave your bike onboard and immerse yourself in Trier’s culture and history at a leisurely pace

Day 4: Trier - Mehring - Bernkastel - Traben Trarbach
25 - 28 miles / 40 - 45 km

Start your day with breakfast as the Merlijn sails from Trier to the resort town of Mehring, where your cycling journey begins. Enjoy the landscape that inspired the Romans to build grand country villas over 2,000 years ago. After a stop in Neumagen-Drohn, continue by bike to Bernkastel-Kues, where you'll find timber-framed houses surrounding Europe’s oldest market square. Later, board the Merlijn for the journey to Traben Trarbach, capped off by an evening wine-tasting session at the Storck Winery.

Day 5: Traben Trarbach - Zell - Cochem
25 - 28 miles / 40 - 45 km, or extend to 40 - 43 miles / 65 - 70 km

Upon reaching Zell, renowned for its ‘Zeller Schwarze Katz’ vineyard, disembark and begin your ride along the winding Moselle River. Cycle past idyllic villages such as Alf and Sankt Aldegund, where you can visit a cellar stocked with local liqueurs, wines, and Mosel-made mustards. Continue through Bremm to the medieval village of Beilstein before heading to Cochem, where the Merlijn awaits your return.

Day 6: Cochem - Koblenz
25 - 28 miles / 40 - 45 km + Hike (2 miles / 3 km

After breakfast, set off by bike from Cochem into the scenic Eltztal. Enjoy a 40-minute hike to the magnificent, clifftop Eltz Castle, a rare gem that has withstood centuries of history. After your castle visit, continue cycling to Koblenz, where you’ll spend the night. Dinner is at your own discretion, offering a perfect opportunity to sample the local German cuisine.

Day 7: Koblenz – Oberwesel – Rüdesheim
19–22 miles / 30–35 km

Following breakfast, the Merlijn sails toward Oberwesel. Enjoy cruising through the ‘Romantic Middle Rhine’, a stretch steeped in history and legends, including the fabled Loreley. Once in Oberwesel, begin your bike tour along the scenic Rhine gorge until you reach Bingen. After a brief stop, cross the river by ferry to the charming town of Rüdesheim, famous for its historic Drossegasse. For breathtaking panoramic views, consider a cable car ride up the nearby mountain.

Day 8: Rüdesheim - Mainz
22 - 25 miles / 35 - 40 km

Cycle directly from Rüdesheim along the Rhine, passing through quaint towns like Oestrich-Winkel and Eltville. Don’t miss a stop at a traditional German bakery to enjoy a Berliner, a donut-like treat filled with jam. Your journey concludes in Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, celebrated for its charming Old Town with spacious squares, lovingly restored half-timbered houses, and stunning Baroque churches. Enjoy a farewell dinner on board to mark the final evening of your tour.

Day 9: Departure from Mainz

After breakfast, bid farewell to the Merlijn. It’s time to continue your European adventure or head to the airport for your onward journey.