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Merzig-Koblenz 8-day Bike and 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 harbours.
If you would like to rent a bike (90 EUR) or e-bike (225 EUR), helmet (10 EUR), please contact our office when booking: [email protected]
Slow Tours offers other Bike & Barge tours in Europe
Merzig
The barge awaits you in Merzig, where the crew will welcome you onboard from 2pm. You will spend your first night and evening in Merzig. Sights are the Romanesque basilica of St Peter from the 12th century, and the former castle of Archbishop Sötern (1625), a jewel of baroque architecture that now serves as a town hall.
Merzig – Saarburg 37km
After the distribution of bicycles, on your first day of cycling, you will pedal to Mettlach where you may visit the famous ceramic factory of Villeroy and Boch. Later, you continue 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. In the afternoon you will return to the barge in Saarburg. An interesting old town, Saarburg is situated in the most beautiful part of the Saar valley, where the river banks are cloaked in forest. The castle of Saarburg was built here in the middle of the 10th century. In the town’s centre, you’ll encounter a 20-meter-high waterfall with an old mill at its base, which is driven by a stream. Most of the old houses in this part of the town date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and are still intact, giving Saarburg its picturesque look.
Saarburg – Wasserbillig (Lux) – Trier 32km
Today’s tour travels from Saarburg following the idyllic nature reserve along the meandering banks of the River Saar. Continue to Wasserbillig in Luxemburg and from here to the monument of “Igeler Säule”. You will later reach Trier, your destination for the day, where the barge will be waiting for you. A walk through Trier, founded in the year 16 BC, is an overwhelming journey through the millennia, with no other place in Germany able to give you such a sense of the Roman era. Highlights include impressive structures such as the Porta Nigra, the Konstantinbasilika and the Roman Amphitheatre. Dine-in town tonight according to your own wishes.
Trier – Neumagen – Bernkastel 27km or 54km
Downstream from Trier, lovely vineyards traverse the landscape in many places. The white Mosel wine has become a household name far abroad, and for good reason. Today you cruise past Trittenheim and Piesport. The town of Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin bend in the Mosel, surrounded by mountains covered with extensive vineyards. The Laurentiuskapelle, with its gothic choir, sits right in the middle of the vines. Piesport produces a number of beautiful white wines, of which the “Piesporter Goldtröpfchen” in particular enjoys great fame. Your final destination is Bernkastel-Kues, whose medieval marketplace, with its many wood-timbered houses, invites you for a rest.
Bernkastel-Kues – Traben-Trarbach – Zell on the Moselle 45km
Today’s cycling tour takes you to the romantic village of Traben-Trarbach, located on the left bank of the Moselle and famous for its Jugendstil (art nouveau) architectural style. Further along the Moselle your destination for the night is Zell on the Moselle, well known in the wine industry for the wine “Zeller Schwarze Katz”. In Zell we recommend taking the opportunity to get to know the good wines of the Mosel.
Zell – Beilstein – Cochem 39km
Beilstein, the “Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle”, is one of the best-preserved historical villages along the length of the river, and is the highlight of today’s cycling tour. Towering about the village are the ruins of Castle Metternich, which you’ll have the opportunity to explore. Today’s tour ends in Cochem, a lovely little town that features historical half-timbered houses, a picturesque old centre, and Reichsburg Castle.
Cochem – Moselkern | Moselkern – Koblenz 42km
Today you travel to Moselkern by barge, from where you will visit the queen of German fortresses, the impressive Burg Eltz. You are still in the midst of wine territory and will cruise past Klotten, Pommern, Karden and Alken, amongst others. These are all typical Mosel towns, with nice timber-framed houses and, of course, their own wines. The “Pommerner Sonnenuhr” comes highly recommended. From Lehmen you cycle in the direction of the tour’s final destination: Koblenz. This fascinating and historic city has been an important defensive and economic centre for centuries. Highlights include the old castle of Ehrenbreitstein, which dominates the right bank of the Rhine, the 12th century Alte Burg Castle and old Koblenz town.
Koblenz
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 31 2024 | Sep 07 2024 | 20 | Single rooms | 0€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,419€ | |||||
| Sep 14 2024 | Sep 21 2024 | 20 | Single rooms | 0€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,419€ | |||||
| Sep 28 2024 | Oct 05 2024 | 20 | Single rooms | 0€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,419€ |
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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