German Rivers, Wines, and Cycle Paths by Bike and Boat

Day 1: Cochem

The Quo Vadis awaits you in the port of Cochem. At 3:00 pm, you'll be welcomed on board and can go for a stroll through this typical Mosel town. Steep mountains laced with fertile vineyards and wooded hills surround a picturesque square where you can settle down for a coffee amidst the beautiful timber-framed houses. Visit the impressive castle here or simply enjoy a glass of local wine.

Day 2: Cochem – Beilstein – Zell
22 or 27 miles/36 km or 44 km

Your first stop today is the beautiful town of Beilstein. High on a hill, you'll find Saint Joseph's Monastery, which houses the 'Miraculous Black Madonna', a statue of Spanish origin dating from the 12th or 13th century. Black Madonnas are mysterious and at times controversial, and there are over 500 in Europe today. Were they created this way? Or did chemical changes occur over time? Your day's itinerary ends in the wine village of Zell, located on the Mosel River.

Day 3: Zell – Traben-Trarbach – Bernkastel Kues
27 miles/44 km

First to Traben-Trarbach, the city of Art Nouveau, and then on to Bernkastel Kues with its medieval marketplace, surrounded by well-preserved, gabled timber-frame houses. This ancient Roman town produces the best wines of the Mid-Mosel.

Day 4: Bernkastel-Kues, “Maare-Moselradweg MMR” excursion
34 miles/55 km

This morning, you'll leave the river and vineyards behind. You and your bike will be shuttled by bus to the city of Schalkenmehren, into the heart of the UNESCO Volcanic Eifel nature park and geopark. The following cycling itinerary leads along the converted rails to trails track, through tunnels, over bridges, and past small lakes formed from volcano craters, known as maars. There is no dinner on board today, so you can select one of the local restaurants of Bernkastel-Kues (at your own expense).

Day 5: Bernkastel-Kues – Neumagen – Schweich –Trier/Pfalzel
18 or 34 miles/28 km or 54 km

From Bernkastel, the valley opens up and vineyards expand as far as the eye can see. You'll cruise past the heavy hitters in the wine world - Brauneberg, Piesport, and Trittenheim. Piesport is popular for the Riesling grapes that are grown here. Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn on the river surrounded by mountains abundant with grapes.

Around lunchtime, you'll arrive in Neumagen, which has been an important center of wine production since the Roman era. You can decide to join the barge from here or continue by bicycle to Schweich, where the barge will be waiting for you again. Once on board, you will cruise to Trier/Pfalzel.

Day 6: Trier/Pfalzel – Trier – Saarburg
20 miles/33 km

In the morning, your tour leader will take you to Trier, the oldest city in Germany. Trier was founded in 15 BC by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Trevorum. It flourished during the late imperial age as a trading town and administrative center. Roman influence is seen in the architecture and monuments, including the city gate of Porta Nigra, which was built around 18 AD.

After lunch, you'll hop on your bicycle and branch off to follow the Saar River to your next destination, Saarburg, situated in the most beautiful part of the Saar Valley. The remains of the castle of Saarburg, originally constructed in the 10th century, sit on the hilltop, surrounded by trees, and overlook the charming city below. Right in the middle of the Altstadt, or Old Town, you'll come across a 20m waterfall. In this part of town, most of the old houses date from the 17th and 18th centuries and are well preserved.

Day 7: Saarburg – Merzig
25 miles/40 km

Enjoy this last day of riverside biking as you head to Mettlach. Savor the views over the most scenic bend of the Saar River. Then it's onwards to Merzig, your day's destination and your last overnight. Merzig is situated directly on the banks of the Saar River, surrounded by the Saargau Hills. This is the perfect ending to your cycling vacation, immersed in German river landscapes. The area sourrounding Merzig is rich in orchards and is known for its fruit juices and Viez Apfelwein (apple wine). Be sure to taste some!

Day 8: Departure from Merzig

Disembarkation by 9:30 am.

Day 1: Merzig

Day 2: Merzig – Saarburg (28 miles/45 km)
Day 3: Saarburg – Trier-Pfalzel (22 miles/35 km)
Day 4: Trier – Schweich | Schweich – Neumagen – Bernkastel-Kues (16 or 32 miles/27 km or 53 km)
Day 5: Bernkastel-Kues by bus to Daun – Bernkastel-Kues (Daun excursion) (34 miles/55 km)
Day 6: Bernkastel-Kues – Zell, (28 miles/45 km)
Day 7: Zell – Cochem (24 miles/40 km)
Day 8: Departure from Cochem