Wind your way along Western Germany's waterways: the Rhine, Moselle & Saar rivers

Embark on an extraordinary journey by bike and boat along Germany’s Rhine, Saar, and Moselle rivers, cruising along scenic bike paths and beautiful waterways from Merzig to Cologne.

Cycle through vineyards, charming hamlets, and towns steeped in history, with stops at breathtaking landmarks like the winding Saar Loop, the medieval town of Saarburg, and the ancient wonders of Trier. Follow the Moselle’s serpentine route, passing through renowned wine villages such as Bernkastel-Kues, Traben-Trarbach, and Zell, where you’ll enjoy a special tasting at the famous Storck winery.

Pedal into the past with visits to enchanting castles, including the majestic Eltz Castle, and soak in the beauty of Cochem, Beilstein, and Koblenz before reaching Cologne, a lively city crowned by its famous cathedral. A perfect harmony of cycling, cruising, and cultural discovery.

View more photos

Highlights

• Moselle River - Magnificent natural beauty
• Saar River & Saar Loop - Nestled in mountains
• Rhine River - Major European river
• Trier & Andernach - Impressive Roman relics
• Zell - Renowned for the Black Cat winery
• Eltz Castle - Incredible hilltop fortress
• Saarburg - Germany's 'Little Venice'
• Storck winery wine tasting session
• Cologne - Artistic & historic cathedral city

Learn More

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

Daily program

Day 1: Arrival in Merzig
Your incredible bike and boat tour begins in the charming riverside town of Merzig, where you’ll board the elegant Merlijn. A warm welcome drink awaits as you meet the crew and receive an introduction to the ship, followed by an essential safety briefing. As the vessel sets sail for your evening’s mooring location, enjoy a delicious dinner while taking in the peaceful river scenery. Later, stretch your legs with a relaxing stroll along the picturesque waterfront.

Day 2: Merzig – Saarburg (15-18 mi. / 25-30 km) + Hike (1.8 mi. / 3 km)
Following a hearty breakfast, your cycling adventure kicks off with a briefing on the route and your well-equipped bike. Pedal through the scenic landscapes of Saarland, where land and water intertwine in perfect harmony. A short ride brings you to the Cloef viewpoint, offering a spectacular panorama of the famous Saar Loop. Depending on the group’s preference, you may opt to cycle or hike to this breathtaking overlook. Continuing on, you’ll pass through the quaint village of Mettlach, renowned for its Villeroy & Boch ceramics. Upon reaching Saarburg, you’ll be captivated by its medieval charm, winding streets, and colorful half-timbered houses. The Buttermarkt, nicknamed ‘Little Venice’ by architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel, adds to the town’s picturesque appeal.

Day 3: Saarburg – Trier (18-21 mi. / 30-35 km)
After breakfast, today’s cycling route follows the serene Saar River downstream toward Trier. Along the way, you’ll pass Konz, where the Saar and Moselle rivers meet. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring Trier, Germany’s oldest city, with a guided tour of its remarkable Roman legacy. Marvel at the grand Porta Nigra, the impressive Roman Baths, and other historical remnants from Trier’s days as the capital of the Western Roman Empire.

Day 4: Trier – Mehring – Bernkastel-Kues – Traben-Trarbach (24-28 mi. / 40-45 km)
As you savor breakfast on board, the Merlijn cruises to Mehring, a popular holiday retreat and the starting point for today’s ride. The Moselle Valley, once favored by the Romans, is sprinkled with remnants of ancient villas and settlements. Ride through Neumagen-Drohn, the oldest recorded wine village in Germany, before reaching the enchanting town of Bernkastel-Kues, famed for its beautifully preserved half-timbered houses and historic market square. After soaking in its old-world charm, continue by boat to Traben-Trarbach, where the highlight of the evening is a delightful wine tasting at the esteemed Storck Winery.

Day 5: Traben-Trarbach – Zell – Cochem (24-28 mi. or 40-43 mi. / 40-45 km or 65-70 km)
Early risers can take on an extended ride of 25 km before breakfast or you can enjoy a relaxed morning meal while cruising to Zell, home of the renowned ‘Zeller Schwarze Katz’ vineyard. From here, embark on a scenic cycling journey along the winding Moselle River, passing through charming villages like Alf and Sankt Aldegund. A visit to a traditional wine cellar offers a chance to taste local wines, liqueurs, and handmade mustards. Continue through the storybook village of Beilstein, a wonderfully preserved medieval gem, before concluding the day in the historic town of Cochem, where the Merlijn will be waiting.

Day 6: Cochem – Koblenz (24-28 mi. / 40-45 km) + Hike (1.8 mi. / 3 km)
Today’s ride leads you through the stunning Eltztal valley, where you’ll leave your bikes for a scenic 40-minute hike to the legendary Eltz Castle. Nestled atop a rugged hill, this fairy-tale fortress remains one of Germany’s most impeccably preserved castles. After exploring its grand halls and hidden treasures, return to your bike and continue pedaling toward Koblenz, a historic city at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Upon arrival, take time to discover its fascinating past before unwinding on board for a relaxing evening.

Day 7: Koblenz – Cologne (24-28 mi. / 40-45 km)
As the Merlijn glides along the Rhine, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before starting your cycling route in Andernach, a Roman-era town brimming with history. Ride along the breathtaking Siebengebirge, a striking hill range towering above the Rhine, before continuing toward Bonn, the birthplace of Beethoven. This final cycling stretch offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and cultural significance. In the afternoon, unwind on deck as the boat cruises toward Cologne, offering stunning views of the city’s iconic skyline. A special Captain’s Dinner provides the perfect way to celebrate the journey’s end.

Day 8: Departure from Cologne
After breakfast, it’s time to disembark and bid farewell to the Merlijn. If you choose to extend your stay, Cologne is a wonderful city to explore. Dominated by its awe-inspiring cathedral, this vibrant metropolis is rich in culture and history. Wander through its atmospheric Old Town, visit world-class museums, and soak in the lively ambiance with a refreshing glass of traditional Kölsch beer.

Photos

View more photos

Dates & Prices

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

Included services

• 7 nights' accommodations on board the Merlijn
• Climate-controlled cabin with private bathroom
• Bedding, towels, toiletries, sewing kit, vanity kit, bathrobe & slippers
• Full-service staff, daily cabin cleaning, manned bar (no self-service)
• Welcome drink
• Daily breakfast buffet, 6 packed lunches, & 6 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 session
• Guided city tour of Trier

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 with average daily distances between 20 and 40 km. The route is mostly flat on asphalted roads or bike paths.

How to get there

Fly to 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 and to other cities in Germany. Train travel from the airport to Merzig is about 3 hours and will entail one or two transfers depending on the time of departure and type of train. At the end of your tour, train travel from Cologne back to Frankfurt is generally less than an hour.