Bike and Barge
Moselle Cycle Path
from Metz to Cochem
- DE110 / Germany, France
- Bike and Barge Bike and barge In the daytime by bike, in the evening on board a hotel-boat that follows the cyclists along the route. Your luggage stays in the cabin and you can stay on the boat if you don't feel like cycling. Details
- Guided Guided Travel in a group with other participants and a tour leader who knows the route.
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Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Comfort and accommodation
Four levels of comfort to describe the different types of accommodation.
Find out more about comfort on this trip under comfort and departures.
- Sep 28, Oct 20 2026
- 9 days
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- linear from Metz to Cochem
- Some meals included
To know
Highlights
Discover the Moselle Valley, where picturesque countryside lines both banks of the river. Enjoy exquisite wines, historic towns, and excellent cycling paths. Follow the Moselle as it flows through France, Germany, and Luxembourg, passing charming towns like Cochem and Bernkastel. Explore Trier, a former Roman imperial city, and Saarburg, known for its beautiful waterfall. After Luxembourg, France greets you with quaint villages and proud locals celebrating their wines and the famous Mirabellen plum brandy.
- The huge waterfall in the middle of Saarburg
- Porta Nigra, the historic symbol of Trier
- The wines of the Moselle, true oenological treasures
What awaits you
A one-week bike and boat tour that follows the river on a well-marked cycle path or on safe, quiet secondary roads. The terrain is good: the route mainly follows paved roads or well-trodden paths along the river, with no challenging climbs, making it suitable even for less experienced cyclists.
Accommodation
In Metz you will be accommodated in a hotel for one night, while the rest of the trip is aboard a riverboat. This floating hotel will follow you on your cycling stages and welcome you aboard in the evening. The comfortable atmosphere and careful attention to detail ensure that you will have an unforgettable stay. During mealtimes and moments of relaxation, our chefs and crew will delight you with an array of flavors and aromas. The cabins are equipped with private bathrooms and air conditioning.
1. Arrival and first overnight in Metz, a Roman town
Upon arrival in Metz, you can check in to your hotel from 4 p.m. The evening is the perfect time to explore the beautiful historic city centre, which is located on an ancient Roman trade route. Be sure to admire St. Etienne Cathedral, the third largest Gothic church in France, with its striking flying buttresses and stunning stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall. Metz’s charm also lies in the beautiful architecture of its buildings, the pretty flowers on the balconies, and the cosy cafés. After your visit, we recommend getting some rest, as the adventure begins tomorrow!
2. Departure from Metz and embarkation in Schengen
Meet your guides in the hotel lobby at 11:00 a.m., then set off! Leave your luggage at the hotel and spend the day exploring Metz with a local expert guide. After lunch and collecting your bags, a bus takes you to the border village of Schengen, where your ship awaits. This small town in Luxembourg is famous for the “Schengen Agreement”, the well-known European treaty named after it. It is located on the border between three countries. After meeting the crew, enjoy a welcome dinner on board.
3. First cycling stage from Schengen to Remich
Today, your first cycling excursion begins in Schengen, following the Moselle Valley. Along the way, you pass through the small village of Nennig before reaching today’s final destination of Remich. Here, you can visit an ancient Roman villa with a completely intact, original tiled floor composed of three million pieces depicting scenes of gladiator games in the amphitheatre.
*Possibility to shorten the stage to 40 km.
4. Follow the Moselle River to the enchanting town of Saarburg
Here, the Moselle River forms the border between Germany and Luxembourg. Today, start cycling following the river on the German side, but you will soon cross the border into Luxembourg. Here, you will visit a wine cooperative that specialises in Crémant, which is known as the ‘Champagne of the Moselle’. Before continuing your bike ride, you can choose between two routes. The first is easier but slightly longer, following the river. The second is shorter (40 km), but more challenging with some hilly sections. Both routes lead to Saarburg, an interesting, ancient town located in the most picturesque part of the Saar Valley. Take the opportunity to visit the castle, built in the mid-10th century. In the town centre, you will find a 20-metre-high waterfall, and an old mill powered by the small river stands at its foot. Many old houses dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries remain intact in this area, giving Saarburg a distinctive appearance.
5. From Saarburg to Trier, Germany's oldest city
After breakfast, your guide will take you on a short bike ride and around lunchtime, you will reach Trier. After a guided walk, you will have some free time to explore the city. Trier is known as Germany’s oldest city. It was founded around 15 BC by Caesar Augustus under the name Augusta Treveris. Trier flourished as a commercial city and administrative centre during the late imperial period, leaving us with an impressive number of historical remains and monuments. The most authentic of these is the city gate, the Porta Nigra, which was built around 18 AD. Today dinner is not included and you can choose one of Trier’s restaurants.
6. From Trier to Bernkastel-Kues, the heart of the Mosel valley
During breakfast, the barge sails to Schweich, where you start cycling. You have now entered the ‘Romantic Moselle’, as the central section of the river is known. Enchanting vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see here, and you pass through some of the most important wine-producing towns, including Trittenheim and Piesport. At around lunchtime, you arrive in Neumagen, where you can choose to get on board or continue cycling to Bernkastel-Kues. This ancient and lively town produces the finest wines in the central Moselle region, and its crowning glory is the market square with its half-timbered houses. Take the opportunity to stroll up to the castle, which offers splendid views of the historic centre and the surrounding area.
*Possibility to shorten the stage to 27 km.
7. From Bernkastel-Kues to Zell on the Mosel, the city of wine
Today’s cycle route takes you to the picturesque village of Traben-Trarbach, situated on the left bank of the Moselle. The town is renowned for its Jugendstil architecture, which is similar to the French Art Nouveau style. Continuing alongside the river, you will reach Zell in the evening, a town renowned for its Zeller Schwarze Katz white wine.
8. From Zell to Cochem, last town of the tour
Beilstein, known as the ‘Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle’, is one of the best-preserved historic villages along the river and the highlight of today’s stage. Dominating the village are the ruins of Metternich Castle, which you can visit. Then continue to your final destination: Cochem. This cosy, characteristic town is located on the banks of the Moselle and is surrounded by steep mountains covered in vineyards, wooded hills and an imposing castle. The town’s picturesque square is lined with beautiful half-timbered houses. With its cafés, it is also the perfect place to enjoy a glass of local wine. Finally, you visit Reichsburg Castle.
1. Arrival and embarkation in Cochem
Embarkation and check-in at 2 p.m. in Cochem. After a welcome meeting with the crew, the tour leader will take you for a walk through this cozy and characteristic Moselle town, with steep wine-clad mountains, wooded hills, an impressive castle and a picturesque square with beautiful timber-framed houses and cafes. A visit to Cochem’s majestic Reichsburg Castle is included.
2. From Cochem to Zell, the city of wine
After breakfast, cycle to Beilstein, one of the best-preserved historical villages on the Moselle. The ruins of Metternich Castle sit towering above the village, and you have the opportunity to explore them. After leaving Beilstein, you pass Europe’s steepest vineyard – with slopes inclining up to 60 degrees – at Bremmer Calmont. Today the stage ends in the wine village of Zell on the Moselle, well known in the industry for the wine Zeller Schwarze Katz. In Zell we recommend taking the opportunity to get to know the good wines of the Moselle valley.
3. From Zell on the Mosel to Bernkastel-Kues
Today, set off by bike from Zell and head to the picturesque village of Traben-Trarbach, situated on the left bank of the Moselle. This town is renowned for its Jugendstil architecture, which is similar to the French Art Nouveau style. From there, you cycle through Kröv, a wine town famous for its Kröver wine, on your way to Bernkastel-Kues, where you spend the night. The market square is surrounded by majestic half-timbered houses dating back to the Middle Ages, which are sure to delight photography enthusiasts! After exploring the town centre, the barge waits for you in Kues.
4. From Bernkastel-Kues to Trier, in the heart of the Mosel Valley
From Bernkastel, the valley opens up, revealing vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. Today, you pass through towns that are most famous for their contribution to the region’s wine industry: Brauneberg, Piesport and Trittenheim. This one is located on a bend in the river and is surrounded by mountains covered in vineyards. Then you reach Neumagen, an important wine-producing centre in Roman times, around lunchtime. Here, you can choose to either board the boat or continue cycling to Schweich. Once on board, the barge sails to Trier, Germany’s oldest city. Trier was founded around 15 BC by Caesar Augustus under the name Augusta Treverorum. As a commercial city and administrative centre, Trier flourished during the late imperial age, leaving behind numerous monuments and artefacts. The most authentic of these is the city gate, the Porta Nigra, which was built around 18 AD.
5. From Roman Trier to the magical Saarburg
In the morning, your guide take you on a walk around Trier city centre. After lunch, hop on your bikes and follow the Moselle and Saar rivers to your next destination: the magical Saarburg. This fascinating ancient town is situated in one of the most beautiful spots on the Saar, with dense forests covering the riverbanks. Saarburg Castle was built here in the mid-10th century and the town centre features a 20-metre-high waterfall. At the foot of the waterfall stands an old mill, which is powered by a small river. Most of the old houses in this part of the town date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, giving the area a completely authentic and picturesque appearance. Today dinner is not included, so you can choose a local restaurant in the town centre.
6. From Saarburg, cycling to Luxembourg and then to Remich
Today you can choose between two options. The easiest route is also the longest, but it runs alongside the river. The shorter route is slightly more challenging as it goes through the hills. Both routes lead to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, where the Moselle marks the border with Germany. Although Luxembourg is a small country, its capital is an important financial centre and the administrative city of the EU. On the Luxembourg side, visit a wine cooperative that specialises in Crémant, known as the Champagne of the Moselle. Then you arrive in Remich, where the boat is moored for the night.
7. Cruise from Remich and round tour from Schengen
During breakfast, the barge sails to Schengen, where your cycle tour begins. Cross the border into France by bike and pedal through enchanting countryside and villages. Around lunchtime, you arrive in Thionville, where you can admire its historic centre with medieval walls, charming gardens, ancient streets and the Basilica of St. Maximin. In the afternoon, you return to Schengen, where you can enjoy the last dinner on board.
8. Disembarkation and guided tour in Metz
After breakfast, say goodbye to the crew and take a transfer to Metz. Your tour guide accompanies you on your journey to Metz today. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the city centre. In the afternoon, you can join a guided tour led by a local guide. Enjoy the visit to Saint-Étienne Cathedral, the third largest Gothic church in France, which features flying buttresses and stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. This evening dinner is not included, so you can try one of the city’s traditional restaurants before saying goodbye to your fellow travellers.
Find out who we are
If you’re here, you’re probably curious about Girolibero and why booking a trip with us could be a great choice, even if we haven’t met yet. You might be asking yourself: who are we? Why choose Girolibero? And what if you need a little help along the way? Don’t worry, we’re here to provide all the answers.
Since 1998, we’ve been organizing bike tours in Italy and Europe. Every step of your itinerary is planned out precisely; we rely on trusted professionals we’ve worked with for many years to make your trip a reality. We have people selecting your accommodation, while others make the schedule, handle unforeseen circumstances, make our website run smoothly, and maintain all the bikes.
Our headquarters is in Vicenza. We are dedicated to making your vacation a carefree experience, and we are here to address your questions and provide assistance. But there’s more.
Read moreComfort Platinum
- comfort Platinum
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 2 sun decks
- WiFi available
- 40 guests, 21 cabins
Magnifique III
- comfort Platinum
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 2 sun decks
- WiFi available
- 40 guests, 21 cabins
Magnifique III makes guests feel at home with a dining room, sitting area with TV and a relax zone above deck! Chairs, tables, and a small whirlpool/Jacuzzi are available on the outdoor terrace to relax after adventurous cycling days. View more details
Cabins
- 14 twin cabins below deck of 12 sq. meters, with two single beds and fixed portholes
- 2 single cabins on the lower deck of approx. 9 sq. meters, with fixed portholes
- 5 suites on the upper deck of approx. 16 sq. meters with two single beds, a small sitting area and large sliding doors, which can be partially opened
All cabins have private bathrooms with shower, air conditioning, mini safe, TV, closet and hair dryer.
Common areas
- spacious living room with large windows
- restaurant, bar and lounge area
- 2 screens to see the boat’s position in real time
- access to the partially covered sun deck
- Jacuzzi and comfortable loungers for moments of relaxation
28
Sep
Start Metz - End Cochem
Mon 28 Sep 2026 - Tue 6 Oct 2026
20
Oct
Start Cochem - End Metz
Tue 20 Oct 2026 - Wed 28 Oct 2026
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Tour information
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Prices 2026
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Accommodation
- 8 nights in double cabin
- 1 night in a hotel in Metz
- Sheets and towels
- Daily cleaning service of the cabin
Meals
- 8 breakfasts on board
- 1 breakfast at the hotel in Metz
- 6 packed lunches (direction Metz-Cochem) / 7 packed lunch (direction Cochem-Metz)
- 6 dinners, drinks excluded
- Welcome drink
- Coffee, tea and other hot drinks on board
If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant or allergic to some specific ingredients/substances please indicate it at the moment of booking. A supplement applies for gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan diets (to be paid in advance).
Once on board, make sure that the kitchen staff is aware of your allergies, in order to avoid unpleasant situations.
Tour leader
- English speaking tour leader within an international group
Participants come from all over the world, and the common language is English.
Tickets and excursions
- Entrance to the Reichsburg of Cochem
- A local wine tasting
- Guided city walk through Metz
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material in PDF (Tour notes and Final tour details)
On board you will find a set per cabin of maps and route description.
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Transfer
- Bus transfer from the hotel of Metz to the ship (or vice versa)
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 84 days prior to departure date
- 40% from 83 to 42 days prior to departure date
- 60% from 41 to 28 days prior to departure date
- 90% from 27 to 1 day prior to departure date
- 100% no-show
Round trip
Travel to and from start and finish points not included
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “price includes”
- Tourist taxes
They must be paid directly by you at check-in or check-out at the hotels. This fee varies depending on the hotel category, on the season and the number of days of stay - Tips
The amount is up to your discretion, we suggest 5-7 % of the cost of the trip
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent bikes and accessories from our local partner.
The helmet is not mandatory, but we recommend wearing it.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single cabin/room
- 1 dinner in Trier on day 5
- 1 lunch in Metz on day 2 (only for the direction Metz – Cochem)
- Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
Bikes
The bike you rented will be waiting for you on board: serviced, adjusted to your height and ready for your tour.
Unisex touring bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex touring bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- water bottle
- repair kit
- lock
Unisex E-bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex E-bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- water bottle
- repair kit
- lock
- battery charger
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Practical information
Route profile
- Level: easy
- Total length: 250/275 km
- Terrain: 90% tarmac, 10% unpaved
How to get there
A) Direction Metz – Cochem
Metz is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
Before departure we will send you the exact boarding point.
By plane
Metz is connected with Luxembourg-Findel (LUX) and Strasbourg (SXB) airports.
- From Luxembourg-Findel (LUX): bus or tram T1 till Luxembourg Gare Centrale. From here, train TER till Metz (about 1h30 min).
- From Strasbourg (SXB): train till Strasbourg Gare Centrale. From here, train TER till Metz (about 2h)
By train, the low-impact choice
Metz is the closest and main train station of the city.
B) Direction Cochem – Metz
Cochem is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
Cochem is connected with Luxembourg-Findel (LUX) airport.
- from Luxembourg-Findel (LUX): bus or tram T1 till Luxembourg Gare Centrale. From here, train till Cochem (approx. 2 hours)
By train, the low-impact choice
Cochem is the closest station.
You can use Trainline to compare timetables, prices, and international rail connections, integrating the main European operators.
For an overview of prices, airlines and flight schedules we suggest rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also show options via train or bus, even for the last mile. For reliability and security, we recommend purchasing your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.
How to go back
How to return home
A) Direction Metz – Cochem
Cochem is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
Cochem is connected with Luxembourg-Findel (LUX) airport.
To get to Luxembourg-Findel (LUX):
- train to Luxembourg Gare Centrale. From here, bus or tram T1 to the airport (approx. 2 hours)
By train
Cochem is the closest train station.
B) Direction Cochem – Metz
Metz is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
Metz is connected with Luxembourg-Findel (LUX) and Strasbourg (SXB) airports.
To get to Luxembourg-Findel (LUX):
- train TER to Luxembourg Gare Centrale. From here, bus or tram T1 till the airport (about 1h30 min).
To get to Strasbourg airport (SXB):
- train to Strasbourg Gare Centrale. From here, train to the airport (approx. 2 hours)
By train
Metz is the closest train station.
How to go back to the starting point
A) Direction Metz – Cochem
From the station of Metz train TER to Luxembourg. Then train to Cochem (approx. 3 hours)
B) Direction Cochem – Metz
From the station of Cochem train to Luxembourg. From here train to Metz (approx. 3 hours)
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Registration of documents is compulsory at check-in in hotels.
Language and time zone
The official language is German.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
Emergency numbers
112 – Common Emergency Number. This is the European emergency number which can be called in any emergency from any telephone (landline and mobile phone). Calls are free.
Electricity
The electrical net is 230 volts – 50 Hz. Type C or F power sockets.
We recommend to always carry a universal adapter for electronic devices.
Currency
The currency in Germany is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Luggage
- Bags instead of suitcases (space on board is limited)
Cycling essentials
- handlebar mobile phone holder (we recommend the SP Connect™ system: if you buy it online you get a 20% discount using the code TRAVEL20)
- a power bank
- your own reusable water bottle (the most sustainable choice)
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- padded cycling shorts
Personal equipment
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze, and low-grade disinfectant
- sunglasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long-sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
- Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
- Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered – previously not announced – repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the boat’s captain.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
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