German Wine Country along the Saar & Mosel Rivers

Day 1: Arrival in Mettlach – cycle to Saarschleife
9 miles/15km

The barge is moored on the Saar River, in or near the city center of Mettlach. Arrival on board is expected between 2 PM and 3 PM. Once on board, you can settle in and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. This is also a perfect opportunity to meet the tour leader, skipper, crew, and your fellow passengers.

Your tour begins in the beautiful Saarland town of Mettlach, home to Villeroy & Boch, with its charming shops and terraces. In the afternoon, the tour guide will accompany you on your first kilometers by bike, with a short ride along the Saar River to a picturesque mooring place near the Saarschleife (Saar Loop).

During dinner aboard the ship, the program for the following day and the overall itinerary for the week will be discussed. Instructions on cycling and safety procedures will also be provided.
Overnight in Saarschleife.

Day 2: Saarschleife – Saarburg
22 miles/35 km

After breakfast, we cycle to the Saar-Canyon. Here, you have the opportunity to hike to a viewpoint atop the canyon, offering a magnificent panorama of the surrounding landscape. The hike is not steep, taking approximately one hour uphill and half an hour downhill.

At lunchtime, we return to the town of Mettlach, where you can enjoy lunch and explore the town, including its outlet shops. Of course, we will not miss the town’s main attraction: the Villeroy & Boch Porcelain Museum, where you can also enjoy a cup of coffee in the beautiful Museum Café.

The day concludes in the very scenic town of Saarburg, famous for its impressive waterfall right in the center of town.
Overnight in Saarburg.

Day 3: Saarburg – near Trier
22miles/35km

During today’s tour, you switch rivers, leaving the Saar behind and following the Mosel. You’re certainly not the first visitor to this area: around 365 A.D., the Roman teacher Magnus Ausonius was inspired by the river to write his hymn Mosella:

"Greetings, river, framed by perfumed vineyard-covered hills, framed by grass; river of greenest shores.
Your strong waters carry ships, flowing in easy waves. Along the stream, and a glittering lake, your depths emulate."

We may take a detour across the border into the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. In the afternoon, we continue to Trier, where you will have about three hours to explore the city. Trier is famous for its Roman heritage, including the Porta Nigra, the Basilica of Constantine, and the amphitheatre. After your visit, it’s a short one-hour ride by bike back to the barge’s mooring place.
Overnight in Trier.

Day 4: Near Trier – Bernkastel-Keus
31 miles/50 km

Just like yesterday, traces of the Romans are still visible today. Along the route, you will see many old Roman villas, public baths, and other relics of ancient civilization. These historical buildings are set on the slopes along the winding river.

The town of Neumagen-Dhron is particularly interesting for its Roman heritage. It was once a Roman fortress and is famous as the site where the renowned Roman wine ship was discovered.

Today’s journey ends in the medieval town of Bernkastel-Kues, known for its romantic narrow streets, remarkable half-timbered houses, and picturesque corners. Here, there is also the opportunity to enjoy a wine-tasting excursion at a local winery.
Overnight in Bernkastel-Kues.

Day 5: Bernkastel Keus – Moselle-Maare cycling trail
34 miles/55 km

In the morning, the cycle bus takes you to Daun, the starting point of the Mosel-Maare cycling trail—possibly the most famous cycling route in the central Moselle region. The trail follows an old railway line, making it one of the easiest ways to cycle from the Volcanic Eifel to the Moselle Valley.

The route winds through a volcanic landscape dotted with crater lakes, crosses impressive viaducts, and passes by historic railway stations. From there, the trail continues effortlessly along the Moselle bike path all the way to Bernkastel-Kues.
Overnight in Bernkastel-Kues.

Day 6: Bernkastel Keus – Zell
25 miles/40 km

Winding like a meandering drink, the Mosel flows through a green and captivating landscape of vineyards and forests. Along the way, you’ll pass charming towns and villages, including the so-called “Winzerdorf” Wolf. Just around the next curve, you’ll be surprised by the beautiful double town of Traben-Trarbach, known for its Jugendstil architecture.

Shortly before reaching Zell, you will cycle up to the Marienburg, where a splendid panorama of the Mosel meander awaits. The barge will be moored in Zell, also known as the “City of the Black Cat.” According to local legend, when some wine merchants from Aachen were choosing which wine barrel to buy, a black cat jumped onto one of the barrels to guard it. Naturally, this made the choice for them, and that barrel was the one to purchase.
Overnight in Zell.

Day 7: Zell – Cochem
22 miles/35 km

The day begins with a ride to the nearly vertical vineyards of Calmont near Bremm. Here, you can take a hike up the slopes and enjoy yet another spectacular bend in the Mosel River.

After lunch, we continue cycling to the beautiful village of Beilstein, a charming setting featured in many films. Following your visit, the route takes you along the Mosel to Cochem, the final destination of this cycling week. Cochem is renowned for its wines and is dominated by the historic Reichsburg Castle.
Overnight in Cochem.

Day 8: Departure from Cochem

After breakfast, the tour ends. Disembarkation by 10:00am.