Metz and Cochem Premier Version

(0)
7 nights
30 miles/day
Guided from EUR € 1759
Countries: France and Germany
Rider Level: Recreational Bike and boat tours

Metz and Cochem Premier Version

(0)

Rider Level: Recreational Bike and boat tours

7 nights
30 miles/day

Guided from EUR € 1759
Bike and Boat Tour aboard Princesse Royal, Magnifique I or MS Magnifique III
Countries: France and Germany

Tap above to jump to different sections of this tour

  • Make the most of the Mosel River; discover three countries and their wine-growing regions

    Immerse yourself on a magnificent bike and boat tour along the Mosel River as the landscapes of France, Luxembourg, and Germany unfold before you. This glide-and-ride tour is designed to dazzle and enchant, taking in some of Europe’s most tranquil settings between Metz and Cochem, including charming villages, medieval castles, and hills of sun-kissed grapevines. On this premier cycling vacation, you’ll experience a peaceful pedal through serene scenery, guided by the meandering Mosel River, tasting the tantalizing fruits of the valley along the way.

    Be sure to check out the Classic Version of this tour!

    • Cochem, Germany ©Hollandfotograaf
    • Wine town of Remich, Luxembourg in the Mosel River Valley. Polina Sushko@Unsplash
    • Bernkastel-Kues, Germany. Heribert Bechen@Flickr
    • Cochem, Germany. CC:Asif Masimov
    • Trier, Germany. Jose Antonio Serra@Flickr
    • Saarburg, Germany. Claudia Schillinger@Flickr
    • Metz, France. CC:Marc Ryckaert
    • Baguettes at the Boulangerie in France! Dr.BobHall@Flickr

    View more photos

    Highlights

    • Metz & St. Etienne Cathedral, the grand Gothic city
    • Beilstein - one of the Mosel River Valley's best preserved villages
    • The charming commune of Remich
    • Trier in its hillside splendor
    • The wine-growing center of Bernkastel-Kues
    • Cochem, the town of verdant vineyards

    Learn More

    Learn more about guided tours.

  • CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Half-timbered architecture in Beilstein, Germany. CC:Berthold Werner' data-type='image'> Half-timbered architecture in Beilstein, Germany. CC:Berthold Werner
    CC-BY-SA-2.0 - Traben-Trarbach, Germany. s_wh@Flickr' data-type='image'> Traben-Trarbach, Germany. s_wh@Flickr
    CC-BY-2.0 - Saarburg, Germany. Franz-Josef Molitor@Flickr' data-type='image'> Saarburg, Germany. Franz-Josef Molitor@Flickr
    CC-BY-2.0 - Bernkastel-Kues, Germany. Heribert Bechen@Flickr' data-type='image'> Bernkastel-Kues, Germany. Heribert Bechen@Flickr
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Cochem, Germany. CC:Asif Masimov' data-type='image'> Cochem, Germany. CC:Asif Masimov
    CC-BY-ND-2.0 - Saarburg, Germany. Claudia Schillinger@Flickr' data-type='image'> Saarburg, Germany. Claudia Schillinger@Flickr
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Metz, France. CC:Marc Ryckaert' data-type='image'> Metz, France. CC:Marc Ryckaert
    CC-BY-SA-2.0 - Baguettes at the Boulangerie in France! Dr.BobHall@Flickr' data-type='image'> Baguettes at the Boulangerie in France! Dr.BobHall@Flickr
    CC0 - Bernkastel-Kues, Germany. CC:Berthold Werner' data-type='image'> Bernkastel-Kues, Germany. CC:Berthold Werner
    CC-BY-2.0 - Saarburg, Germany. Wolfgang Staudt@Flickr' data-type='image'> Saarburg, Germany. Wolfgang Staudt@Flickr
    CC-BY-ND-2.0 - Cochem, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Frans Berkelaar@Flickr' data-type='image'> Cochem, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Frans Berkelaar@Flickr
    CC-BY-2.0 - Saarburg along the Saar River in Germany. Wolfgang Staudt@Flickr' data-type='image'> Saarburg along the Saar River in Germany. Wolfgang Staudt@Flickr
    CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Saarburg, Germany Churches. CC:Dorothea Witter-Reider' data-type='image'> Saarburg, Germany Churches. CC:Dorothea Witter-Reider
    CC-BY-2.0 - French Rosé wines! Tiger500@Flickr' data-type='image'> French Rosé wines! Tiger500@Flickr
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Mosel River through Beilstein, Germany. CC:Berthold Werner' data-type='image'> Mosel River through Beilstein, Germany. CC:Berthold Werner
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Beilstein, Germany. CC:Berthold Werner' data-type='image'> Beilstein, Germany. CC:Berthold Werner
    CC-BY-ND-2.0 - Traben-Trarbach, Germany. Koss@Flickr' data-type='image'> Traben-Trarbach, Germany. Koss@Flickr
    CC-BY-2.0 - Saarburg along the Saar River in Germany. Wolfgang Staudt@Flickr' data-type='image'> Saarburg along the Saar River in Germany. Wolfgang Staudt@Flickr
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Burg Metternich in Beilstein, Germany. CC:Berthold Werner' data-type='image'> Burg Metternich in Beilstein, Germany. CC:Berthold Werner
    CC-BY-2.0 - Great French wines! Pug Girl@Flickr' data-type='image'> Great French wines! Pug Girl@Flickr
    CC0 - Metz, France. CC:Paris91' data-type='image'> Metz, France. CC:Paris91
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Beilstein, Germany. CC:Berthold Werner' data-type='image'> Beilstein, Germany. CC:Berthold Werner
    CC-BY-ND-2.0 - Ferry across the Mosel River in Cochem, Germany. Frans Berkelaar@Flickr' data-type='image'> Ferry across the Mosel River in Cochem, Germany. Frans Berkelaar@Flickr
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Beilstein, Germany. CC:Ernst Schopphoven' data-type='image'> Beilstein, Germany. CC:Ernst Schopphoven
    CC-BY-2.0 - Saarburger wine in Saarburg! Dpotera@Flickr' data-type='image'> Saarburger wine in Saarburg! Dpotera@Flickr
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Traben-Trarbach, Germany. CC:Michiel Verbeek' data-type='image'> Traben-Trarbach, Germany. CC:Michiel Verbeek
    CC-BY-2.0 - Saarburg, Germany. Wolfgang Staudt@Flickr' data-type='image'> Saarburg, Germany. Wolfgang Staudt@Flickr
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Beilstein, Germany. CC:Berthold Werner' data-type='image'> Beilstein, Germany. CC:Berthold Werner
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Wine-town of Schweich, Germany. CC:Schweich' data-type='image'> Wine-town of Schweich, Germany. CC:Schweich
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Reichsburg Cochem, Germany. CC:Steffen Schmitz' data-type='image'> Reichsburg Cochem, Germany. CC:Steffen Schmitz

    Metz and Cochem Premier Version

     Tour Description Daily Program 

  • Daily program

    • Metz to Cochem

      Day 1: Metz
      Make yourself at home in Metz! Check-in and disembarkation begin at 2pm. You’ll be welcomed aboard and provided with an introduction to the crew, a bicycle fitting, and a short test ride to ensure you’re comfortable.

      Enjoy a leisurely walk after dinner through the lovely city of Metz, famed for its grand Gothic architecture and picturesque promenades. The star of the show is undoubtedly St. Etienne Cathedral (or Metz Cathedral), whose towering spires cast their grand Gothic shadows over the city. Nicknamed the ‘Lantern of God’, St. Etienne glows wonderfully in the soft sunshine, offering an awe-inspiring vista. Within the incredible interior, sunlight filters through the Marc Chagall stained glass windows in mesmerizing hues.

      You may consider arriving a day early to truly maximize your time in Metz. Alongside the cathedral, you’ll be eager to experience the city’s many enchanting cafes and quaint boutiques!

      Day 2: Metz - Remich (26 or 31 miles/41 or 49 km)
      With breakfast served on board, you’ll feast while you float. Once at Thionville, famed for its medieval ramparts and breathtaking St. Maximin Basilica, you’ll take to the bike seat and set off on your first cycling adventure, following your guide through the gorgeous French countryside.

      The Mosel Valley makes its verdant beauty known to you immediately on this tour, and you’ll meander through the glowing green hills past the castle at Sierck-les-Bains, once occupied by the powerful Dukes of Lorraine, which perches commandingly on the river’s bright banks.

      Before you know it, France has become Luxembourg as you cross the border and ride towards the charming commune of Remich for your overnight stay. Just before you arrive, you’ll explore nearby Nennig, where an ancient Roman mansion still boasts its bedazzling mosaic floor, comprising over three million tiles and displaying fascinating gladiator scenes.

      Day 3: Remich - Saarburg (24 or 29 miles/40 or 48 km)
      Riding from Remich, your guide will show you where the Mosel River actually forms the Germany/Luxembourg border. Passing into Luxembourg, you’ll be won over by a visit to a wine cooperative specializing in ‘Cremant’, the ‘Champagne of the Mosel’. Refreshed and revitalized, you’ll take a moment to assess the day’s cycling options: the shorter but slightly more challenging option (featuring hills), or the longer but easier option (along the river). Both will lead you into sublime Saarburg.

      Arriving in Saarburg is a little like journeying back in time - this old city, with its beautiful architecture, wonderful waterway, and quaint character, sits unassumingly in the serene Saar Valley. You’ll find the river banks hooded with dense forest, adding to the magical charm of an area once commanded by a grand castle peering over the treeline. Fill your mind with wonder as you gaze upon the waterfall at the center of the city, which nestles a quaint mill at its base.

      Day 4: Saarburg - Trier (19 miles/32 km)
      Your excellent adventure takes you on to Trier, Germany’s oldest city. Trier is a history lover’s haven, boasting myriad impressive monuments from the Roman Golden Age. Founded around 15 BC by the imperious Caesar Augustus, ‘Augusta Trevorum’, as Trier was known at the time, became a prosperous trading town and proudly stood as one of the four capitals of the Roman Empire. These days, you can still see several remarkable Roman relics, including the Porta Nigra (Black Gate), one of the four gates formerly used to guard this city, and the largest Roman gate north of the Alps. No wonder it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site! As you relax in the evening following your day’s ride, you’ll have plenty of time to find an establishment fit for feasting like an emperor.

      Day 5: Cruise Trier - Schweich | Cycle Schweich - Neumagen - Bernkastel (16 or 32 miles/27 or 53 km)
      From the charming town of Schweich you’ll ride into ‘The Romantic Mosel’, the worthy nickname of the mid-Mosel region, where verdant vineyards glisten with sun-ripened fruit. If you haven’t heard of the wonderful white wine that put the Mosel Valley on the map, you’ll certainly get your fill of its flavorsome history on this leg, passing by Piesport, renowned for its popular ‘Piesporter Goldtrӧpfchen’. As you make an exciting hairpin turn, you’ll take in views of Trittenheim, where vineyards stretch in the shadows of majestic mountains, nestling the noble Laurantiuskapelle, known for its gothic choir.

      Around noon, Neumagen appears on the horizon, an ancient wine center during the Roman period, where the barge will be waiting if you’d like to take a load off. Alternatively, if you’re in the rhythm of the ride, you can continue by bike to Bernkastel-Kues. Here, you’ll discover a postcard-perfect town with plenty of charm and a reputation for having the best wine regions in the Mid-Mosel area. In your downtime, it’s worth taking a walk to Market Square, where timber-framed houses make for a quaint, historic atmosphere.

      Day 6: Bernkastel - Traben-Trarbach - Zell (27 miles/45 km)
      Your brilliant bike tour continues on to a major center of the Mosel wine region - Traben-Trarbach. Lying in the so-called ‘Valley of the Dawn’, Traben-Trarbach is certain to awaken your senses as arresting art nouveau architecture, Jugendstil buildings, and woodland views vie for your attention. You’ll journey on to Zell for tonight’s stay, a town known to be wonderful for wine tastings, especially of the famous ‘Zeller Schwartze Katze’ sparkly.

      Day 7: Zell - Beilstein - Cochem (24 miles/39 km)
      On your penultimate day, you’ll pedal to breathtaking Beilstein, one of the best-preserved historic villages to grace the Mosel River, where you’ll find the magnificent remains of Metternich Castle sitting splendidly atop a steep hill. You’ll have time to explore these atmospheric ruins and capture photos to treasure against the romantic backdrop of the Mosel Valley.

      The excitement of your tour culminates in characterful Cochem, where your ride reaches its fabulous finale. This Mosel town sits majestically amongst the mountains, where wooded hills hide historical medieval fortresses, one of which features an intriguing museum you may wish to visit. Your group will explore the remarkable Reichsburg Castle (also called the ‘Imperial Castle’) as part of the program, allowing you an awe-inspiring experience within walls steeped in history and lore.

      Day 8: Cochem
      Disembarkation will be concluded by 9:30 am.

      On the days that two cycling distances are offered, the tour leader, after conferring with the group, will choose to guide either the shorter or longer route. Not all the highlights will be visited during the shorter route.

      You can also choose to ride self-guided utilizing maps available on board. GPS tracks will be sent to you 4 weeks before the tour start date.

      Cochem to Metz

      Day 1: Cochem
      Arrive and get comfortable in Cochem, a characterful Mosel town sitting majestically amongst the mountains, where wooded hills hide historical medieval fortresses. As part of the program, your group will explore the remarkable Reichsburg Castle (also called the ‘Imperial Castle’), allowing you an awe-inspiring experience within walls steeped in history and lore.

      Embarkation begins at 2 pm, where the crew will greet you with a drink and provide an introduction to your terrific tour.

      Day 2: Cochem - Zell (24 miles/39 km)
      After breakfast, you’ll pedal to breathtaking Beilstein, one of the best-preserved historic villages to grace the Mosel River, where you’ll find the magnificent remains of Metternich Castle sitting splendidly atop a steep hill. You’ll have time to explore these atmospheric ruins and capture photos to treasure against the romantic backdrop of the Mosel Valley.

      Biking through Bremmer Calmont, you’ll pass the steepest vineyard in all of Europe, growing on an impressive 60 degree incline! You’ll journey on to Zell for tonight’s stay, a town known to be wonderful for wine tastings, especially of the famous ‘Zeller Schwartze Katze’ sparkly.

      Day 3: Zell - Bernkastel-Kues (27 miles/45 km)
      Your brilliant bike tour continues on to a major center of the Mosel wine region - Traben-Trarbach. Lying in the so-called ‘Valley of the Dawn’, Traben-Trarbach is certain to awaken your senses as arresting art nouveau architecture, Jugendstil buildings, and woodland views vie for your attention.

      You’ll cycle on through the wine city of Kröv, where Kröver wine originated, through to beautiful Bernkastel-Kues, where you’ll spend the night. Here, you’ll discover a postcard-perfect town with plenty of charm and a reputation for having the best wine regions in the Mid-Mosel area. The barge in Kues will be waiting for your arrival after you’ve taken a tour through town, which includes a visit to Market Square, known for its charming timber-framed houses.

      Day 4: Cycle Bernkastel - Neumagen - Schweich (18 or 34 miles/28 or 54 km) | Cruise Schweich - Trier
      Today you’ll ride into ‘The Romantic Mosel’, the worthy nickname of the mid-Mosel region, where verdant vineyards glisten with sun-ripened fruit. If you haven’t heard of the wonderful white wine that put the Mosel Valley on the map, you’ll certainly get your fill of its flavorsome history on this leg, passing by Piesport, renowned for its popular ‘Piesporter Goldtrӧpfchen’. Just before, as you make an exciting hairpin turn, you’ll take in views of Trittenheim, where vineyards stretch in the shadows of majestic mountains, nestling the noble Laurantiuskapelle, known for its gothic choir.

      Around noon, Neumagen appears on the horizon, an ancient wine center during the Roman period, where the barge will be waiting if you’d like to take a load off. Alternatively, if you’re in the rhythm of the ride, you can continue by bicycle to Schweich to reconvene with the boat in this serene town. By barge, you’ll journey to Trier, Germany’s oldest city.

      Day 5: Trier - Saarburg (18 miles/28 km)
      Beginning the morning in Trier, your tour guide will take you on a leisurely walk around town to discover its remarkable Roman history. Trier is a history lover’s haven, boasting myriad impressive monuments from the Roman Golden Age. Founded around 15 BC by the imperious Caesar Augustus, ‘Augusta Trevorum’, as Trier was known at the time, became a prosperous trading town and proudly stood as one of the four capitals of the Roman Empire. These days, you can still see several remarkable Roman relics, including the Porta Nigra (Black Gate), one of the four gates formerly used to guard this city, and the largest Roman gate north of the Alps. No wonder it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site!

      Back on your bicycle, you’ll set off towards Saarburg, a city seemingly frozen in time. This old city, with its beautiful architecture, wonderful waterway, and quaint character, sits unassumingly in the serene Saar Valley. You’ll find the river banks hooded with dense forest, adding to the magical charm of an area once commanded by a grand castle peering over the treeline. Fill your mind with wonder as you gaze upon the waterfall at the center of the city, which nestles a quaint mill at its base. As there’s no dinner on board tonight, take a stroll around Saarburg and enjoy a special dish in a local establishment.

      Day 6: Saarburg - Remich (27 or 32 miles/45 or 53 km)
      From sublime Saarburg, you’ll make a choice whether to ride the easier but longer route (following the river), or the shorter but more challenging route (including hills). Both rides will lead you to Remich over the Germany/Luxembourg border, which is actually marked here by the Mosel River! Now in Luxembourg, you’ll be won over by a visit to a wine cooperative specializing in ‘Cremant’, the ‘Champagne of the Mosel’.

      Riding towards the charming commune of Remich for your overnight stay, you’ll pay a visit to nearby Nennig, where an ancient Roman mansion still boasts its bedazzling mosaic floor, comprising over three million tiles and displaying fascinating gladiator scenes.

      Day 7: Cruise Remich - Schengen | Cycle Schengen - Thionville (18 miles/30 km) | Cruise Thionville - Metz
      Float whilst you feast as your boat cruises to Schengen during breakfast. From here, at the border point of three countries, you’ll pedal once more through glowing green hills past the castle at Sierck-les-Bains, once occupied by the powerful Dukes of Lorraine, which perches commandingly on the river’s bright banks.

      Around noon, your tour will glide into Thionville, famed for its medieval ramparts and breathtaking St. Maximin Basilica. The barge will greet you here, ready to take you to magical Metz. This lovely city, famed for its grand Gothic architecture and painterly promenades, boasts plenty of exciting eateries and inviting boutiques. The star of the show, however, is certainly St. Etienne Cathedral (Metz Cathedral), which casts glorious Gothic shadows over the city. St. Etienne has been nicknamed the ‘Lantern of God’ thanks to the mesmerizing displays of dappled light that filter through the Marc Chagall stained glass windows. It’s a sensational sight to top off your unforgettable bike tour.

      Day 8: Metz
      Disembarkation will be concluded, following breakfast, by 9:30 am.

      On the days that two cycling distances are offered, the tour leader, after conferring with the group, will choose to guide either the shorter or longer route. Not all the highlights will be visited during the shorter route.

      You can also choose to ride self-guided utilizing maps available on board. GPS tracks will be sent to you 4 weeks before the tour start date.

    • Metz to Cochem

      Day 1: Metz
      Make yourself at home in Metz! Check-in at the hotel.

      Enjoy a leisurely walk through the lovely city of Metz, famed for its grand Gothic architecture and picturesque promenades. The star of the show is undoubtedly St. Etienne Cathedral (or Metz Cathedral), whose towering spires cast their grand Gothic shadows over the city. Nicknamed the ‘Lantern of God’, St. Etienne glows wonderfully in the soft sunshine, offering an awe-inspiring vista. Within the incredible interior, sunlight filters through the Marc Chagall stained glass windows in mesmerizing hues.

      Day 2: Metz – Schengen

      Your tour leader will welcome you at the hotel at 11am before heading out for a guided tour of Metz. After lunch, you will pick up your bags and journey to Schengen by bus to board the boat. The little town of Schengen rests at the 3-country border in Luxembourg and is the namesake of the visa which eliminated border control between many European countries.

      You’ll be welcomed aboard and provided with an introduction to the crew, a bicycle fitting, and a short test ride to ensure you’re comfortable.

      Day 3: Schengen - Remich (26 or 31 miles/41 or 49 km)
      With breakfast served on board, you’ll start your first day of cycling from Luxembourg as you cross the border and ride towards the charming commune of Remich for your overnight stay. Just before you arrive, you’ll explore nearby Nennig, where an ancient Roman mansion still boasts its bedazzling mosaic floor, comprising over three million tiles and displaying fascinating gladiator scenes.

      Day 4: Remich - Saarburg (24 or 29 miles/40 or 48 km)
      Riding from Remich, your guide will show you where the Mosel River actually forms the Germany/Luxembourg border. Passing into Luxembourg, you’ll be won over by a visit to a wine cooperative specializing in ‘Cremant’, the ‘Champagne of the Mosel’. Refreshed and revitalized, you’ll take a moment to assess the day’s cycling options: the shorter but slightly more challenging option (featuring hills), or the longer but easier option (along the river). Both will lead you into sublime Saarburg.

      Arriving in Saarburg is a little like journeying back in time - this old city, with its beautiful architecture, wonderful waterway, and quaint character, sits unassumingly in the serene Saar Valley. You’ll find the river banks hooded with dense forest, adding to the magical charm of an area once commanded by a grand castle peering over the treeline. Fill your mind with wonder as you gaze upon the waterfall at the center of the city, which nestles a quaint mill at its base.

      Day 5: Saarburg - Trier (19 miles/32 km)
      Your excellent adventure takes you on to Trier, Germany’s oldest city. Trier is a history lover’s haven, boasting myriad impressive monuments from the Roman Golden Age. Founded around 15 BC by the imperious Caesar Augustus, ‘Augusta Trevorum’, as Trier was known at the time, became a prosperous trading town and proudly stood as one of the four capitals of the Roman Empire. These days, you can still see several remarkable Roman relics, including the Porta Nigra (Black Gate), one of the four gates formerly used to guard this city, and the largest Roman gate north of the Alps. No wonder it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site! As you relax in the evening following your day’s ride, you’ll have plenty of time to find an establishment fit for feasting like an emperor.

      Day 6: Cruise Trier - Schweich | Cycle Schweich - Neumagen - Bernkastel (16 or 32 miles/27 or 53 km)
      From the charming town of Schweich you’ll ride into ‘The Romantic Mosel’, the worthy nickname of the mid-Mosel region, where verdant vineyards glisten with sun-ripened fruit. If you haven’t heard of the wonderful white wine that put the Mosel Valley on the map, you’ll certainly get your fill of its flavorsome history on this leg, passing by Piesport, renowned for its popular ‘Piesporter Goldtrӧpfchen’. As you make an exciting hairpin turn, you’ll take in views of Trittenheim, where vineyards stretch in the shadows of majestic mountains, nestling the noble Laurantiuskapelle, known for its gothic choir.

      Around noon, Neumagen appears on the horizon, an ancient wine center during the Roman period, where the barge will be waiting if you’d like to take a load off. Alternatively, if you’re in the rhythm of the ride, you can continue by bike to Bernkastel-Kues. Here, you’ll discover a postcard-perfect town with plenty of charm and a reputation for having the best wine regions in the Mid-Mosel area. In your downtime, it’s worth taking a walk to Market Square, where timber-framed houses make for a quaint, historic atmosphere.

      Day 7: Bernkastel - Traben-Trarbach - Zell (27 miles/45 km)
      Your brilliant bike tour continues on to a major center of the Mosel wine region - Traben-Trarbach. Lying in the so-called ‘Valley of the Dawn’, Traben-Trarbach is certain to awaken your senses as arresting art nouveau architecture, Jugendstil buildings, and woodland views vie for your attention. You’ll journey on to Zell for tonight’s stay, a town known to be wonderful for wine tastings, especially of the famous ‘Zeller Schwartze Katze’ sparkly.

      Day 8: Zell - Beilstein - Cochem (24 miles/39 km)
      On your penultimate day, you’ll pedal to breathtaking Beilstein, one of the best-preserved historic villages to grace the Mosel River, where you’ll find the magnificent remains of Metternich Castle sitting splendidly atop a steep hill. You’ll have time to explore these atmospheric ruins and capture photos to treasure against the romantic backdrop of the Mosel Valley.

      The excitement of your tour culminates in characterful Cochem, where your ride reaches its fabulous finale. This Mosel town sits majestically amongst the mountains, where wooded hills hide historical medieval fortresses, one of which features an intriguing museum you may wish to visit. Your group will explore the remarkable Reichsburg Castle (also called the ‘Imperial Castle’) as part of the program, allowing you an awe-inspiring experience within walls steeped in history and lore.

      Day 9: Cochem
      Disembarkation will be concluded by 9:30 am.

      On the days that two cycling distances are offered, the tour leader, after conferring with the group, will choose to guide either the shorter or longer route. Not all the highlights will be visited during the shorter route.

      You can also choose to ride self-guided utilizing maps available on board. GPS tracks will be sent to you 4 weeks before the tour start date.

      Cochem to Metz

      Day 1: Cochem
      Arrive and get comfortable in Cochem, a characterful Mosel town sitting majestically amongst the mountains, where wooded hills hide historical medieval fortresses. As part of the program, your group will explore the remarkable Reichsburg Castle (also called the ‘Imperial Castle’), allowing you an awe-inspiring experience within walls steeped in history and lore.

      Embarkation begins at 2 pm, where the crew will greet you with a drink and provide an introduction to your terrific tour.

      Day 2: Cochem - Zell (24 miles/39 km)
      After breakfast, you’ll pedal to breathtaking Beilstein, one of the best-preserved historic villages to grace the Mosel River, where you’ll find the magnificent remains of Metternich Castle sitting splendidly atop a steep hill. You’ll have time to explore these atmospheric ruins and capture photos to treasure against the romantic backdrop of the Mosel Valley.

      Biking through Bremmer Calmont, you’ll pass the steepest vineyard in all of Europe, growing on an impressive 60 degree incline! You’ll journey on to Zell for tonight’s stay, a town known to be wonderful for wine tastings, especially of the famous ‘Zeller Schwartze Katze’ sparkly.

      Day 3: Zell - Bernkastel-Kues (27 miles/45 km)
      Your brilliant bike tour continues on to a major center of the Mosel wine region - Traben-Trarbach. Lying in the so-called ‘Valley of the Dawn’, Traben-Trarbach is certain to awaken your senses as arresting art nouveau architecture, Jugendstil buildings, and woodland views vie for your attention.

      You’ll cycle on through the wine city of Kröv, where Kröver wine originated, through to beautiful Bernkastel-Kues, where you’ll spend the night. Here, you’ll discover a postcard-perfect town with plenty of charm and a reputation for having the best wine regions in the Mid-Mosel area. The barge in Kues will be waiting for your arrival after you’ve taken a tour through town, which includes a visit to Market Square, known for its charming timber-framed houses.

      Day 4: Cycle Bernkastel - Neumagen - Schweich (18 or 34 miles/28 or 54 km) | Cruise Schweich - Trier
      Today you’ll ride into ‘The Romantic Mosel’, the worthy nickname of the mid-Mosel region, where verdant vineyards glisten with sun-ripened fruit. If you haven’t heard of the wonderful white wine that put the Mosel Valley on the map, you’ll certainly get your fill of its flavorsome history on this leg, passing by Piesport, renowned for its popular ‘Piesporter Goldtrӧpfchen’. Just before, as you make an exciting hairpin turn, you’ll take in views of Trittenheim, where vineyards stretch in the shadows of majestic mountains, nestling the noble Laurantiuskapelle, known for its gothic choir.

      Around noon, Neumagen appears on the horizon, an ancient wine center during the Roman period, where the barge will be waiting if you’d like to take a load off. Alternatively, if you’re in the rhythm of the ride, you can continue by bicycle to Schweich to reconvene with the boat in this serene town. By barge, you’ll journey to Trier, Germany’s oldest city.

      Day 5: Trier - Saarburg (18 miles/28 km)
      Beginning the morning in Trier, your tour guide will take you on a leisurely walk around town to discover its remarkable Roman history. Trier is a history lover’s haven, boasting myriad impressive monuments from the Roman Golden Age. Founded around 15 BC by the imperious Caesar Augustus, ‘Augusta Trevorum’, as Trier was known at the time, became a prosperous trading town and proudly stood as one of the four capitals of the Roman Empire. These days, you can still see several remarkable Roman relics, including the Porta Nigra (Black Gate), one of the four gates formerly used to guard this city, and the largest Roman gate north of the Alps. No wonder it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site!

      Back on your bicycle, you’ll set off towards Saarburg, a city seemingly frozen in time. This old city, with its beautiful architecture, wonderful waterway, and quaint character, sits unassumingly in the serene Saar Valley. You’ll find the river banks hooded with dense forest, adding to the magical charm of an area once commanded by a grand castle peering over the treeline. Fill your mind with wonder as you gaze upon the waterfall at the center of the city, which nestles a quaint mill at its base. As there’s no dinner on board tonight, take a stroll around Saarburg and enjoy a special dish in a local establishment.

      Day 6: Saarburg - Remich (27 or 32 miles/45 or 53 km)
      From sublime Saarburg, you’ll make a choice whether to ride the easier but longer route (following the river), or the shorter but more challenging route (including hills). Both rides will lead you to Remich over the Germany/Luxembourg border, which is actually marked here by the Mosel River! Now in Luxembourg, you’ll be won over by a visit to a wine cooperative specializing in ‘Cremant’, the ‘Champagne of the Mosel’.

      Riding towards the charming commune of Remich for your overnight stay, you’ll pay a visit to nearby Nennig, where an ancient Roman mansion still boasts its bedazzling mosaic floor, comprising over three million tiles and displaying fascinating gladiator scenes.

      Day 7: Cruise Remich - Schengen | Cycle Schengen - Schengen (36 miles/50 km) | Cruise Thionville - Metz
      Float whilst you feast as your boat cruises to Schengen during breakfast. From here, at the border point of three countries, you’ll pedal once more through glowing green hills past the castle at Sierck-les-Bains, once occupied by the powerful Dukes of Lorraine, which perches commandingly on the river’s bright banks.

      Around noon, your tour will glide into Thionville, famed for its medieval ramparts and breathtaking St. Maximin Basilica. In the afternoon you will cycle back to Schengen where you will board the boat and enjoy dinner.

      Day 8: Schengen - Metz
      Following breakfast, by 9:30 am., you will say goodbye to the crew on board and take the bus back to Metz, checking into the hotel. In the afternoon, join a guided tour of Metz.

      This lovely city, famed for its grand Gothic architecture and painterly promenades, boasts plenty of exciting eateries and inviting boutiques. The star of the show, however, is certainly St. Etienne Cathedral (Metz Cathedral), which casts glorious Gothic shadows over the city. St. Etienne has been nicknamed the ‘Lantern of God’ thanks to the mesmerizing displays of dappled light that filter through the Marc Chagall stained glass windows. It’s a sensational sight to top off your unforgettable bike tour.

      Day 9: Departure from Metz
      Enjoy a final morning in Metz following breakfast, check out by 9:30 am.

      On the days that two cycling distances are offered, the tour leader, after conferring with the group, will choose to guide either the shorter or longer route. Not all the highlights will be visited during the shorter route.

      You can also choose to ride self-guided utilizing maps available on board. GPS tracks will be sent to you 4 weeks before the tour start date.

    Surface and terrain

    This guided tour is considered recreational. The terrain is mostly flat, featuring about 95% paved surfaces. The majority of the route takes place on dedicated bike paths with a few quiet roads and country lanes.


    Boats


    Hotels

    For 8-night itinerary

    Metz: Groupe La Citadelle


    How to get there

    Tour start
    Nearest airport: Luxembourg (LUX), Frankfurt International Airport (FRA), or Paris (CDG)
    Nearest train station: Metz or Cochem

    Tour end
    Nearest airport: Luxembourg (LUX), Frankfurt International Airport (FRA), or Paris (CDG)
    Nearest train station: Metz or Cochem

    From the local train station, it will be a short walk or taxi ride to the barge


    Metz and Cochem Premier Version

     Tour Photos Dates & Prices 

  • Dates

    • Season A: May - Jul 2; Aug 25 - Sep
      Season B: Jul 7 - Aug 20; Oct 1 - 8
      Season C: Oct 13 - 20
      Season D: 9-day* Sep 24
      Season E: 9-day* Sep 30
      Season F: 9-day* Oct 8 and 14

      Magnifique I

      Cochem to Metz: Jun 25, Jul 9, 23; Aug 6, 20; Sep 3, 17; Oct 1, 15, 2024
      Metz to Cochem: Jul 2, 16, 30; Aug 13, 27; Sep 10, 24; Oct 8, 2024

      Princesse Royal

      Cochem to Metz: May 5, 19; Jun 16, 30, Jul 14, 21; Aug 11, 25, 2024
      Metz to Cochem: May 12, 26; Jun 23; Jul 7, 21; Aug 18; Sep 1, 2024

      Magnifique III

      Cochem to Metz: Aug 27, 2024
      Metz to Cochem: Sep 17, 2024

    • Magnifique III

      Cochem to Metz: Sep 24; Oct 8, 2024
      Metz to Cochem: Sep 30; Oct 14, 2024

    Prices

    • Princesse Royal

      Per person, double occupancy Season A Season B Season C
      Lower deck, Twin cabin €1949 €1859 €1759
      Lower deck, Premium twin cabin €2199 €2109 €2009
      Single-use cabin (1 person/1 cabin)
      Lower deck, Single cabin €2549 €2399 €2299
      Lower deck, Twin cabin €2924 €2789 €2639

      Magnifique I

      Per person, double occupancy Season A Season B Season C
      Lower deck, Twin cabin €1949 €1849 €1759
      Lower deck, Junior suite €2349 €2259 €2159
      Single-use cabin (1 person/1 cabin)
      Lower deck, Single cabin €2924 €2789 €2639

      Magnifique III

      Per person, double occupancy Season A
      Lower deck, Twin cabin €1949
      Upper deck, Suite €2599
      Single-use cabin (1 person/1 cabin)
      Lower deck, Single cabin €2549

      Bike Rentals

      Standard touring bike €104
      Electrically assisted bike €269
      Parking for your own bicycle (limited number permitted) €11
      Parking and charge station for your own Electric Bike (limited number permitted)

      €27

    • Magnifique III

      Per person, double occupancy Season D Season E Season F
      Lower deck, Twin cabin €2149 €2049 €1959
      Upper deck, Suite €2799 €2709 €2609
      Single-use cabin (1 person/1 cabin)
      Lower deck, Single cabin €2749 €2599 €2499

      Bike Rentals

      Standard touring bike €117
      Electrically assisted bike €303
      Parking for your own bicycle (limited number permitted) €12
      Parking and charge station for your own Electric Bike (limited number permitted)

      €30

    Included services

      • 7 nights of accommodation in the selected boat/cabin

      • Full board: 7 x breakfasts, 6 x packed lunches, 6 x three-course dinners
      • Coffee and tea
      • Complimentary welcome drink
      • Daily cabin cleaning
      • Daily tour briefings
      • Minimum 1 tour guide (for groups of over 22 guests, a second guide will be added)
      • Map for cycling (one set per cabin)
      • GPS tracks
      • Fees for ferries
      • Entrance to Reichsburg Cochem
      • Wine tasting
      • WiFi (note: the signal may not be fast or reliable)
      • Carbon offset payment to non-profit Justdiggit
      • 7 nights of accommodation in the selected boat/cabin

      • 1 night accommodation with breakfast in hotel in Metz
      • Full board: 7 x breakfasts, 6 x packed lunches, 6 x three-course dinners
      • Coffee and tea
      • Complimentary welcome drink
      • Daily cabin cleaning
      • Daily tour briefings
      • Minimum 1 tour guide (for groups of over 22 guests, a second guide will be added)
      • Map for cycling (one set per cabin)
      • GPS tracks
      • Fees for ferries
      • Entrance to Reichsburg Cochem
      • Wine tasting
      • WiFi (note: the signal may not be fast or reliable)
      • Carbon offset payment to non-profit Justdiggit
      • Bus transfer from hotel to ship or from ship to hotel
      • Guided city walk through Metz
      • 1 x Lunch package made on board (only on Cochem to Metz)

    Please note special diets may be accommodated upon request, although surcharges may apply.


    Bike rentals

    Bikes available on this tour (not included in tour price, must be reserved at time of booking):

    Quo Vadis

    • 8-speed touring bike.
    • Electrically assisted bicycles.

    Magnifique I and Magnifique III

    • 7-speed touring bike by Azor with step-through frame.
    • Electrically assisted Azor Steps with Nexus 7-gears. 400 WH motor with 4 levels of support.

    Princess Royale

    • 7-speed touring bike by Batavus Dinsdag with step-through frame.
    • Electrically assisted Velo de Vile with Nexus 7-gears and 5 levels of support. 

    *More about electrically-assisted bikes

    Included with all bike rentals:

    • Helmets
    • Gel saddles
    • Bike lock
    • Pannier bag
    • Water bottle

    Pedals:
    The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.


    Tour Company


    Metz and Cochem Premier Version

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    Metz and Cochem Premier Version

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