Bike and Barge
Moselle Cycle Path
- DE100 / Germany
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Bike and Barge
Easy
Route suitable for everyone, in good health
- Flat
- Paved terrain
- Up to 45 chilometers per day, with the possibility of skipping the stage by staying on the boat
- Recommended training: a few rides to get used to the saddle
- Self-guided Self-guided Travel at your own pace following maps, roadbooks and information material. When travelling, you can always count on our assistance.
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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.
- May, Aug, Sep, Oct
- 8 days
- linear from Saarburg to Koblenz
- Full board included
Highlights
Saarburg, a picturesque town on the banks of the Saar River, and Trier, with its splendid Roman architecture, are featured on a tour with romantic and traditional flavors, where you can stop in medieval squares for tastings of Riesling. Flowing alongside you as you pedal is the Moselle River, which, at 544 kilometers long, is Germany's largest tributary of the Rhine and one of the largest navigable waterway in Germany.
- The historic center of Beilstein, the "sleeping beauty on the Moselle"
- Trier's Roman origins
- The waterfall in the center of Saarburg
What awaits you
A week of biking and boating in the Moselle wine region. Most of the tour takes place along the river on a well-marked bike path that runs on both banks. The quality of the terrain is excellent. The route is mainly on paved roads or well-traveled dirt paths along the river and is without significant climbs, making it suitable even for more casual cyclists. The initial stage takes place along the Saar, the longest tributary of the Moselle and the largest in terms of water flow.
Accommodation
Overnight accommodation is provided aboard a riverboat, a floating hotel ready to follow you during the biking stages and welcome you aboard in the evening. The atmosphere is comfortable and is designed down to the smallest detail to ensure that you have an unforgettable stay. At dinner, the chefs and crew treat you to a feast of flavors and aromas. The cabins have private bathrooms and air conditioning.
1. Individual arrival in Saarburg
Embarkation is from 4 p.m. in Saarburg, at 6 p.m. the crew will welcome you on board. After dinner you can explore Saarburg and admire the beauty of its waterfall, which plunges 20 meters down among medieval houses and old watermills. Saarburg’s ancient origins become evident when admiring the imposing fortress, around which the town developed. Now the castle is in ruins, but it can still be visited.
2. From Saarburg to Trier, with its historic center
Today’s route takes you from Saarburg to the Saar River Bend and to the Igeler Säule, an ancient column of Roman origin. From there, you cycle to Wasserbillig in Luxembourg. In the afternoon you’ll reach Trier, one of the oldest cities in Germany. In Roman times it was called Augusta Treverorum and even became the capital of part of the Empire. Between the Basilica of Constantine and the Porta Nigra (Black Gate), visiting Trier is a true journey through time!
3. Riding from Trier to Mehring
After breakfast, it’s back on the bikes to reach Pflalzel, surrounded by 16th-century walls, and then Mehring, the largest wine community in the Moselle-Saar-Ruwer region. Here also stands the Villa Rustica, dating back to the 2nd century AD, another important witness to the Roman past of this area.
4. Toward the lovely Bernkastel-Kues
Riding among vineyards and green landscapes you reach the day’s destination: Bernkastel-Kues. Visit the enchanting market square, surrounded by typical half-timbered houses, and the ruins of the castle, founded in Roman times and destroyed by fire in the late 1600s. A walk up the hill to the top of the fortress rewards you with a wide view of the course of the Moselle. Once in Piesport, the largest wine center in the area, you’ll have a chance to taste typical wines of the area.
5. Biking to Zell, among vineyards and typical taverns
Today’s ride takes you to the romantic Traben-Trarbach, a Jugenstil (Art Nouveau) town with its distinctive bridge gate, and then on to Zell, one of the major wine villages on the river. Treat yourself to some well-deserved rest in one of the town’s cozy taverns, where you can enjoy the wine that has made it famous among connoisseurs, the “Zeller Schwarze Katz.”
6. Pedaling toward Cochem, passing through Beilstein
Today’s first destination is the old town of Beilstein, called “the Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle.” For this reason, the Fairy Tale Festival held here every year in July and August opens with a puppet show inspired by what is one of the best-known stories collected by the Brothers Grimm. Leaving Beilstein, you’ll follow the picturesque course of the Moselle River again until you reach Cochem, dominated by the splendid Reichsburg Castle.
7. Arrival in style Koblenz, where Moselle and Rhine meet
After your last stretch by bike, the boat awaits you in Alken, one of the oldest towns along the river. The boat then takes you to Koblenz, where you spend the night. A beautiful city at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, Koblenz was for a long time the residence of the electoral princes of the Holy Roman Empire. Stolzenfels Castle stands as a testament to this glorious past.
1. Individual Arrival in Koblenz
Embarkation is scheduled at 4 p.m. Treat yourself to a visit to this beautiful city on the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers. As well as the river valley, parts of the city are also part of UNESCO: the old town, the residence of the prince electors, and Stolzenfels Castle.
2. By boat to Alken and on the pedals to Cochem
The boat takes you to Alken, from where you begin pedaling to the ancient village of Moselkern. Your destination for the day is Cochem, dominated by the splendid Reichsburg Castle, a late Gothic fortress towering over medieval squares. A visit to the historic center is recommended!
3. From Cochem, pedaling to Zell
You’ll ride through fascinating landscapes made up of vineyards clinging to narrow, green valleys overlooked by small villages. Among them, little Beilstein stands out for its narrow streets and ancient buildings, so much so that it is described as the “Sleeping Beauty on the Moselle.” And it is with a performance of this famous tale by the Brothers Grimm that the Fairy Tale Festival, held here in July and August, opens. Today’s final destination is Zell, home of the famous “Zeller Schwartze Katz” wine.
4. Between the romantic Traben Trarbach and the wine town Bernkastel-Kues
Today’s route takes you to Traben Trarbach, romantic in its beautifully preserved architecture, and then on to Bernkastel-Kues. The Market Square in Bernkastel with its typically medieval charm is worth a stop, and perhaps a walk up to the castle, from where there is a splendid view of the region. After a tour of the city center you will reach the boat. If you’d like, you can visit a local winemaker in the evening and taste his wines (visit not included, bookable on site).
5. On the pedals through ancient vineyards to reach Mehring
In the morning you’ll ride to Piesport, home of the oldest vineyards in the area. After lunch, we pedal in the direction of Mehring, a town with a long wine-making tradition, where the Villa Rustica, a splendid witness to the region’s Roman past, is also located.
6. From Mehring to Trier, with its historic center
Passing through Pfalzel, your ride takes you to Trier, surrounded by rolling Riesling hills. Trier’s ancient and noble Roman origins are immediately apparent in its historical jewels, such as the Basilica of Constantine, the Porta Nigra (Black Gate), the amphitheater, and the imperial baths.
7. From Trier to the picturesque Saarburg
Today you’ll ride along the Saar River to Saarburg, known for its picturesque setting along the Saar River. Its historic center is characterized by narrow alleys, medieval wooden houses, Baroque monuments, and a waterfall, which plunges 20 meters (65 feet) between old watermills.
- comfort Gold
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 96 guests, 49 cabins
Olympia
- comfort Gold
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 96 guests, 49 cabins
Comfortable and welcoming, Olympia sails along the Moselle. The English-style lounge and restaurant area with panoramic windows give guests unforgettable moments of relaxation.
The partially covered and spacious sun deck offers plenty of seating and is the ideal setting for an aperitif after a day on the pedals. View more details
Cabins
- 21 twin cabins below deck
- 22 twin cabins above deck
- 4 twin aft cabins
- 2 single cabins
Double cabins are 11/12 m² large, single cabins 9 m². All cabins are equipped with private bathrooms, hair dryer, telephone, TV, air conditioning, refrigerator, safe, and panoramic windows. The windows on the upper deck can be opened.
Common areas
- English-style lounge area
- bar and restaurant with panoramic windows
- sun deck partially covered
We are updating the itinerary, price and departures for this tour. Request info.
Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation
- Sheets and towels
- Daily cabin cleaning service
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
- 6 packed lunches
- 7 dinners (drinks excluded)
- Coffee or tea in the afternoon
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 on board
Each evening he/she gives a briefing of the next day’s stage, providing tips and information about the route and is your point of reference.
During the day you cycle independently with tracks and route descriptions provided.
The tour leader also cycles the routes and can be reached by phone in case of emergencies, problems or questions. If you want you can join in the ride with other international participants.
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email the digital travel documents via Guibo App.
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
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”
- Drinks
- Special diets supplement
- 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 and bringing your own.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single cabin
- Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
The bike you rented will be waiting for you on board: serviced, adjusted to your height and ready for your tour.
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex touring bike
- 28″ wheel
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- repair kit
- lock
Unisex E-bike
- 28″ wheel
- 8 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex E-bike
- 28″ wheel
- 8 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- frame padlock
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- battery charger
- repair kit
- lock
Route profile
- Total length: 230 km
- Terrain: bicycle paths, paved roads or well-trodden ground
Embarkation
Boarding is scheduled at 4 PM in Saarburg/Koblenz. Here you will meet the tour leader and other participants.
How to get there
A) Direction Saarburg – Koblenz
Saarburg is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
Saarburg is connected with the following airport: Luxembourg.
From Luxembourg Airport (LUX):
- bus VD Luxembourg Transit (with 1 change) to Saarburg (approx. 1 hour 30)
By train
Saarburg (Bz Trier) is the closest station.
B) Direction Koblenz – Saarburg
Koblenz is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
Koblenz is connected with the following airports: Köln/Bonn and Frankfurt.
From Köln Bonn airport (CGN):
- direct train DB Bahn to Koblenz (approx. 1,5 hour)
From Frankfurt airport (FRA):
- direct train DB Bahn to Koblenz (approx. 1,5 hour)
By train
Koblenz Hauptbahnhof is the closest station.
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 Saarburg – Koblenz
Koblenz is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
Koblenz is connected with the following airports: Köln/Bonn and Frankfurt.
To get to Köln Bonn airport (CGN):
- direct train DB Bahn from Koblenz to the airport (approx. 1,5 hour)
To get to Frankfurt airport (FRA):
- direct train DB Bahn from Koblenz to the airport (approx. 1,5 hour)
By train
Koblenz Hauptbahnhof is the closest station.
B) Direction Koblenza – Saarburg
Saarburg is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
Saarburg is connected with the following airport: Luxembourg.
Luxembourg Airport (LUX):
- bus VD Luxembourg Transit (with 1 change) to the airport (approx. 1 hour)
By train
Saarburg (Bz Trier) is the closest station.
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.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
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)
Personal equipment
- a reusable water bottle
- a holder to fix for your mobile phone on the handlebar
- a power bank
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze and low grade disinfectant
- sun glasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- padded cycling shorts
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- 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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