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Koblenz-Merzig 8-day Bike & Barge Tour (FLO)
As far as cycle touring destinations in Europe go, there are few better than the Moselle and Saar river valleys in Germany. During a cycling cruise you can find this out and experience it for yourself. In one word, it’s a “stunning” region, highlighted by an enchanting countryside, fairytale castles, award-winning vineyards on impossibly steep slopes and historic medieval towns and villages.
The Rhine’s peaceful little sisters, the Moselle and Saar rivers, meander from one picturesque village to another, offering unsurpassed views of castles high on hills, stone-clad fortresses, picture perfect wineries and much, much more. On a day-to-day basis, as you cycle through this magical region, you will visit culturally rich cities, soak up the sights of untouched nature, and meet local winegrowers and bottlers. Also, importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to relive the rich history of the region. It is without doubt a cycling cruise not to be missed! The cycling paths along the banks of the Moselle and Saar Rivers do not have any gradients of note and are asphalted or paved.
The history of the region along the banks of the Moselle and Saar Rivers dates back to the Roman Era, some 2000 or so years ago. For guests on a cycling cruise, there is so much to see: vineyards, beautiful half-timbered houses dating back to medieval times, the Roman-era Porta Nigra in Trier – the oldest defensive structure in Germany, and the “German Corner”. At the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers in Koblenz and Saarburg, often referred to as “Little Venice”. These are just a few highlights of this memorable trip.
The barge is a cosy and comfortable passenger barge for around 20 people. All of the 10 cabins have two single beds with the necessary facilities and enough space to store your belongings. In 2 of the cabins there is a foldaway bed for children up to 12 available on request. The nostalgically furnished salon has a bar salon, a nice living room and restaurant section where you will be served tasty food. Enjoy the scenery on the sundeck while cruising or when the barge is moored in one of the picturesque harbors.
If you would like to rent a bike (90 EUR) or e-bike (195 EUR), helmet 10 EUR, please contact our office when booking: [email protected]
Slow Tours offers other Bike & Barge tours in Europe
Koblenz
The barge awaits you in Koblenz, where the crew will welcome you on board from 2pm. You will spend the first afternoon and night in Koblenz, an inviting city to explore. “Koblenz” is a corruption of the Latin word confluentes, which means confluence. The Romans gave that name to the camp they built around the year 14 AD, at the spot where the rivers Rhine and Moselle converge. In World War II the town was almost entirely destroyed, but a number of precious monuments are still worth a visit, such as the Deutsches Eck, the Romanesque basilica of St. Kastor and the Kurfürstliches Schloss.
Koblenz – Alken | Alken – Moselkern – Cochem 40km
Your tour starts this morning as the barge sails to Alken where, following the distribution of bicycles, you will cycle to Moselkern. The village of Moselkern is world-famous for its Burg Eltz. This stronghold is one of the most impressive medieval buildings of Western Europe. It’s not easy to reach though, you need to hike the last section to reach the castle. After visiting Burg Eltz, you continue the bike tour to Cochem, one of the Mosel region’s most frequently-visited wine towns. Cochem is a cozy, characteristic town with wine cellars and half-timbered houses.
Cochem – Beilstein – Zell on the Moselle 39km
After breakfast you will cycle to Beilstein, one of the best-preserved historical villages along the length of the Moselle. The ruins of Castle Metternich sit towering above the village, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore them. After leaving Beilstein you will pass Europe’s steepest vineyard with slopes inclining between 50 and 55 degrees at Bremmer Calmont. Today’s tour ends in the wine village of Zell on the Moselle, well known in the industry for the wine “Zeller Schwarze Katz”. In Zell you should take the opportunity to get to know the good wines of the Mosel.
Zell on the Moselle – Bernkastel-Kues 45km/
Today you’ll cycle from Zell on the Moselle to the romantic village of Traben-Trarbach, located on the left bank of the Moselle and famous for its Jugendstil (art nouveau) architectural style. From there you pass through the wine city of Kröv well-known for its popular Kröver wine, to Bernkastel-Kues, your destination for the night. The grand half-timbered houses that surround Bernkastel-Kues’s marketplace date back to the Middle Ages, and are a photographer’s delight. You will reach the barge in Kues after a tour through town.
Bernkastel-Kues – Neumagen – Schweich 27km or 54km | Schweich – Trier
Upstream from Bernkastel lovely vineyards stretch out in many places. This area’s white Moselle wine has become a household name both locally and abroad. Today you cruise past Piesport and Trittenheim. Piesport produces a number of beautiful white wines. The “Piesporter Goldtröpfchen”, in particular, enjoys great popularity. Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin bend of the Mosel. It is surrounded by mountains covered with extensive vineyards. The Laurentiuskapelle, with its Gothic choir, is located right in the middle of the vines. From Schweich, you’ll rejoin the barge to Trier, an interesting and lively city, the oldest in Germany. According to the Romans, Trier was founded around the year 15 BC by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Treverorum. As a trading town and administrative centre, Trier flourished during the late imperial age. This Roman golden age has left Trier with a fair number of impressive monuments. Most authentic is the city gate Porta Nigra, which was built around 18 AD.
Trier – Wasserbillig (Lux) – Saarburg 38km
Today you’ll follow the Saar river to our next destination, Saarburg. Saarburg is an intriguing old town situated in the most beautiful part of the Saar valley, where the river banks are densely forested. The castle of Saarburg was built here in the middle of the 10th century. In the town’s centre, we’ll encounter a 20-meter-high waterfall. At the foot of this waterfall, there is an old mill driven by a stream. Most of the old houses in this part of town are fully intact and date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, giving Saarburg a picture book look. Dine-in town tonight according to your own wishes.
Saarburg – Merzig 37km
Your last cycling day takes you first through the Saarschleife, a natural wonder at Orscholz. From the top of the Cloef you can take in this beautiful river loop as the Saar meanders through the densely forested valley. Later you continue to Mettlach, where you can visit the famous ceramic factory of Villeroy & Boch. After that you’ll return to the barge in Merzig, where you will enjoy a farewell dinner.
Merzig
End of your tour: disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30am.
Tours marked with are special prices.
| Start | End | Max. No. Guests | Accommodation | Price p.p. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 26 2023 | Sep 02 2023 | 20 | Single rooms | 0€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,329€ | |||||
| Sep 09 2023 | Sep 16 2023 | 20 | Single rooms | 0€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,329€ | |||||
| Sep 23 2023 | Sep 30 2023 | 20 | Single rooms | 0€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,329€ | |||||
| Oct 07 2023 | Oct 14 2023 | 20 | Single rooms | 1,739€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,159€ |
If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe.
Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote
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