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Saarburg to Koblenz 8-day Bike & Barge Tour (PAT)
As far as cycle touring destinations in Europe go there are few better than the Moselle and Saar River Valleys in Germany. It is a “stunning” region highlighted by an enchanting countryside, fairy tale 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, as they meander from picturesque village to village, offer unsurpassed views of castles high on the 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, will soak up the sights of untouched nature, will meet local winegrowers and bottlers and, importantly, will get the opportunity to relive the rich history of the region.
It is without doubt a cycle tour not to be missed!
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 bike and barge tour there is much to see - beautiful timbered houses from medieval times, magnificent vineyards and the Porta Nigra -a large Roman city gate in Trier, Germany. You'll also visit a headland in Koblenz known as the “German Corner” where you'll find a statue of William l, a German emperor who was responsible for unifying Germany. The surrounding region sits at the junction of the Moselle and Rhine Rivers in Koblenz and Saarburg and is widely referred to as “Little Venice”. These are just a few of the highlights of this unforgettable trip!
The Moselle, with a length of 544 km, is the Rhine’s longest tributary and is also the second most important shipping route in Germany, while the Saar, with a length of 246 km, is the Moselle’s longest tributary. This tour is perfect for families with children or for anyone of any age for that matter as the cycle paths along the banks of the Moselle and Saar Rivers do not have any gradients of note and are asphalted or paved.
Your floating hotel for the duration of the tour will be a much loved 68 metre-long barge for bike-boat holidays. Capable of accommodating a maximum of 68 guests, this will be your sailing home away from home for the week. Completely modernized, it has 34 twin cabins on upper and lower decks. All the cabins have two single beds in a right angle and are approx. 7 M². Each has a window (the windows on the upper deck can be opened, but for safety reasons those on the lower deck are fixed), a shower and a toilet. All the cabins on the lower deck also have individually regulated air conditioning as does the restaurant and salon. In total there are 15 cabins on the lower deck and 19 cabins on the upper deck (supplement). This authentic river barge also features a nice salon with a bar and large windows in front of the top deck and a separate restaurant on the lower deck. On the partially covered sun deck there are tables and chairs to accommodate all guests. The ship sails under the Dutch Flag because it sailed in The Netherlands for many years. Since 2011 she has been sailing exclusively in Germany and is a very popular ship for boat & bike tours.
A wonderful trip and great value!
Language:
This tour is conducted in German and English.
Extras:
Extra charge for upper deck cabins from 639 Euros p.p (double) 949 Euros p.p(single)
If you would like to rent a bike or e-bike please contact our office when making your booking:[email protected]
Rental bicycle with 7 gears, with hand- and backpedal brakes and pannier bag: €75 per week
Rental E-Bike: €165 per week (limited availability)
Transfers: Between Saarburg and Koblenz by train (in 2 hrs. for about € 24 p.p., group tickets can be bought on board with the tour manager) or minivan as from 4 persons (approx. € 75 p.p., bike: € 15). Limited number available, arranged by the tour manager on board, to be paid on site.
Excursion program: when the cycle stages and docking times make it possible an excursion program is compiled, which is bookable and payable only on board. Depending on the nationalities of the participants the excursions are available if necessary bilingual German/English.
Slow Tours offers other Bike & Barge tours in Europe
Embarkation: Saarburg
The barge awaits you in Saarburg where the crew will welcome you on board from 4 pm. You will spend your first night and evening in Saarburg a welcoming city that you are encouraged to explore. Highlights include Saarburg Castle (Saar Castle), a massive complex mentioned in official documents as early as 964, the Saarburg Waterfall on the River Leuk and many historical buildings.
Saarburg – Saarschleife – Igele Säule – Wasserbillig (Lux) – Trier (Approx.38 km/ 24 mi.)
After the distribution of bicycles, your first day of cycling will see you pedal from Saarburg along the idyllic nature reserve of the abandoned meander of the River Saar. Continue to Wasserbillig in Luxemburg and from here to the “Igeler Säule”. Later you will reach Trier, your destination for the day, where the Patria will be waiting for you. If you are interested you can book a guided city walk in Trier (not included). A walk through the 16 B.C. founded Trier is an overwhelming journey through the millennia, with no other place in Germany able to give you a better chance to experience the time of the Romans. Highlights include impressive structures such as the Porta Nigra, the Konstantin Basilica and the Roman Amphitheatre.
Trier – Pfalzel – Mehring (Approx. 26 km/16 mi.or 29 km/18 mi)
After breakfast you will cycle from Trier via the charming village of Pfalzel to Mehring, famous for its white wine and home to the largest wine growing community in the Moselle-Saar-Ruwer region. In the evening you will have time to explore the village.
Mehring – Piesport - Bernkastel-Kues (Approx. 47 km/29 mi.)
You will reach Bernkastel-Kues by bike. The market place from the Middle Ages with many wood timbered houses invites you for a rest. On your way you come to Neumagen-Dhron which is the oldest wine city of Germany. Further on you reach Piesport, the oldest winegrowing community along the Moselle. Here you can book a guided tour and visit the Roman cellars and the vineyards. In the evening you will have the chance to visit a local winegrowers place and enjoy a wine tasting with the famous Moselle wines (optional, bookable on board).
Bernkastel-Kues – Traben-Trarbach – Zell (Approx. 46-49 km/28-30 mi.)
Today’s bike tour will take 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, well known in the wine industry for the wine “Zeller Schwarze Katz”. In Zell you should use the opportunity to get to know the good wines of the Mosel.
Zell – Beilstein – Cochem (Approx. 39 km/24 mi.)
Beilstein, ‘the Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle’ and one of the best preserved historical villages along the length of the Moselle is the highlight of today’s cycle tour. Towering above the village, which you will have the opportunity to explore, are the ruins of Castle Metternich. Today’s tour will end in Cochem, a lovely little town that features historical half-timbered-houses, a picturesque old town and Reichsburg Castle.
Cochem – Alken (Approx. 29 km/18 mi.) | Alken – Koblenz
After breakfast your final day of cycling will see you pedal to Alken, one of the oldest cities on the Moselle. Here your barge will be waiting for you to sail to Koblenz, where you will spend your final night on board. Koblenz, a 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.
Disembarkation: Koblenz
After breakfast: disembarkation and end of the tour.
Daily self-guided cycling tours. All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours. When guests do not want to cycle, they can stay on board, relax and enjoy sailing. The tour details are barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons . On the first day you are welcome to bring your luggage on board from 11am.
Tours marked with are special prices.
| Start | End | Max. No. Guests | Accommodation | Price p.p. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 12 2019 | Oct 19 2019 | 68 | Single rooms | 794€ | ||
| Double rooms | 529€ | |||||
| Apr 18 2020 | Apr 25 2020 | 68 | Single rooms | 944€ | ||
| Double rooms | 629€ | |||||
| May 02 2020 | May 09 2020 | 68 | Single rooms | 1,104€ | ||
| Double rooms | 749€ | |||||
| May 30 2020 | Jun 06 2020 | 68 | Single rooms | 1,254€ | ||
| Double rooms | 849€ | |||||
| Jun 13 2020 | Jun 20 2020 | 68 | Single rooms | 1,254€ | ||
| Double rooms | 849€ | |||||
| Jun 27 2020 | Jul 04 2020 | 68 | Single rooms | 1,254€ | ||
| Double rooms | 849€ | |||||
| Jul 25 2020 | Aug 01 2020 | 68 | Single rooms | 1,254€ | ||
| Double rooms | 849€ | |||||
| Aug 08 2020 | Aug 15 2020 | 68 | Single rooms | 1,254€ | ||
| Double rooms | 849€ | |||||
| Aug 22 2020 | Aug 29 2020 | 68 | Single rooms | 1,254€ | ||
| Double rooms | 849€ | |||||
| Sep 19 2020 | Sep 26 2020 | 68 | Single rooms | 1,254€ | ||
| Double rooms | 849€ | |||||
| Oct 03 2020 | Oct 10 2020 | 68 | Single rooms | 1,104€ | ||
| Double rooms | 749€ | |||||
| Oct 17 2020 | Oct 24 2020 | 68 | Single rooms | 794€ | ||
| Double rooms | 499€ |
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
40
Our bike and barge tour certainly exceeded our expectations. The captain and crew were very welcoming and always went out of their way to ensure all our needs were met. While the cabin was on the small size, it was certainly adequate in the circumstances as we were mostly cycling during the day or socialising in the common areas of the vessel at other times. Being a small boat meant we got to know all fellow travellers by sight and got to know quite a few very well. We were the only Australians on board, with around 30 British, quite a few Germans, six Canadians and two Swedes. At the end of the first day's cycling we had quite a few sore spots but thankfully we rode these out the next day and suffered no ill effects from then on. Although the weather was quite often cloudy and misty, particularly in the mornings, it proved to be perfect for bike riding. Winds were generally slight and we only experienced a half an hour's rain on one day. We were certainly disappointed when the tour concluded. The highlights for us were travelling through numerous tiny villages and taking in the history of the region through which the Saar and Moselle rivers meander. We also enjoyed getting to know our fellow cyclists and sharing anecdotes with them. At the end of the tour we hired another vehicle and drove around the middle Rhine region before heading to the Essen area where we had a wedding to attend (the principal reason for our visit to Germany). After the tranquility of the barge and bike experience, this came as quite a shock to us in terms of congestion and development. Wendy and Nigel Summertown, Australia