1
introductory

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights barge
Meals
  • 7 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1380GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: MOS

Trip highlights

  • Cycling through the stunning Moselle Valley
  • Wine tasting in Kues and learning of the ancient wine growing traditions of the region
  • Experiencing the areas rich history through its impressive castles and towns
  • Relaxing on board the comfortable barge

Originating in the Vosges Mountains in the French region of Alsace, the fabled Moselle River flows north along the Luxembourg border and into Germany for 545km in total before it meets the Rhine River at the cultural city of Koblenz. The picturesque valley formed by the river is home to a rich tradition of wine making, Germany's oldest town and a strong Roman and medieval heritage. The section between Koblenz and Cochem is known as 'castle country' due to its abundance of castles including the fairytale Eltz Castle considered to be one of the finest in Germany. Based on a comfortable barge, this cycle journey along the Moselle and its tributary, the Saar, offers an ideal balance of activity, history, culture and relaxation.

Countries:

Germany

Starting Point:

Koblenz or Saarburg

Finishing Point:

Saarburg or Koblenz

Expand all | Collapse all

On arrival in Koblenz make your own way to the boat for embarkation at 4pm. You will spend the evening and first night in Koblenz*. The captain and his crew will welcome you on board at approximately 6pm. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, Koblenz has been an important defensive centre for the region over its more than 2000 year history. Its impressive fortifications are still in good condition today and it's worth exploring these, as well as the old town with its ancient churches. *Note alternative embarkation points for these dates: - the 3 May departure boards in Bonn at 4pm, departs at 5pm, moors overnight in Andernach - the 9 August departure boards in Andernach, moors overnight - By boat from Andernach early on day 2 to Alken then follow the usual itinerary.

Meals:  D

The first section of the route today to Alken is by boat. At Alken the cycle begins by crossing the river via a bridge and continuing along the banks of the Moselle. The first stop is Moselkern. You can park your bike and explore (around 35 minutes) the Elztal valley to Eltz Castle, considered one of the best preserved castles in Germany. Guided tours are available in English. Continue by bike to Cochem, which is overshadowed by the impressive Reichsburg Castle dating from 1051. Cochem is a lovely little town with historical half-timbered-houses and a picturesque Old town, surrounded by vineyards. You can choose to stay on board today if you prefer and enjoy the passing landscapes from the boat.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning you will follow the river to Beilstein, which you can explore on foot. It has the steepest vineyard in Europe, Bremmer Calmont. Continue riding to Zell an der Mosel, well-known for the "Zellar Schwarze Katz" vineyard. We recommend taking the time to enjoy their popular wines.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today you will cycle to Traben-Trarbach, which displays Art Nouveau architecture at its best. Afterwards, continue to Bernkastel-Kues, which is an ideal place to explore with its stylish medieval market square surrounded by half timbered houses. You will find the barge in Keus after cycling through the town.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today you cycle to Piesport, the oldest winegrowing community along the Moselle, where you can visit the Roman cellars and vineyards. Further on you come to Neumagen-Dhron, the oldest wine village in Germany. Here you'll find a replica of Roman wine ship, located in front of the Peter Chapel, along with other traces of the Romans. After lunch continue to Mehring, a typical winegrowing village, where the boat awaits your arrival.

Meals:  B,L,D

The cycle this morning takes you past the small town of Pfalzel and on to Trier, considered to be Germany's oldest city, where the boat will be waiting for you. Trier is one of the oldest cities in Germany and its Roman roots are still visible in impressive buildings including the Porta Nigra, Konstantin basilica and Amphitheatre.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today you will be following the river via Wasserbillig to Saarburg, also known as "Little Venice". As you explore the town you will enjoy the narrow alleys, half-timbered houses, baroque buildings and colourful fisher houses. In the centre of town you'll also find a waterfall which is 20 metres deep.

Meals:  B,L,D

Disembarkation after breakfast until 9am.

Meals:  B

Expand all | Collapse all

On arrival in Saarburg make your own way to the boat for embarkation at 4pm. You will spend the evening and first night in Saarburg. The captain and crew will welcome you on board at approximately 6pm. Saarburg, known as "Little Venice", is a beautiful town with narrow alleys, half-timbered houses, baroque buildings and colourful fishing and boat houses. In its centre you will find a 20m deep waterfall.

Meals:  D

Your first bike tour starts after breakfast and leads via the old Saar loop to Wasserbillig, with its Baroque church and two grand towers, in Luxembourg. Continue to the UNESCO listed Igeler Saule (column) and later you will reach Trier, where the boat awaits. Trier is one of the oldest cities of Germany and its Roman roots are still visible in impressive buildings including the Porta Nigra, Konstantin basilica and Amphitheatre.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today you will cycle to Mehring via Pflazel. Mehring village is surrounded by vineyards, forests and meadows, and is one of the largest wine growing villages in the Moselle-Saar-Ruwer region. The Romans appreciated the beautiful landscape 2000 years ago.

Meals:  B,L,D

Cycle from Mehring along the river to Bernkastel-Kues, an ideal place to explore on foot, with its stylish medieval market square surrounded by half timbered houses. We recommend having a break at the market square. On your way you visit Neumagen-Dhron, the oldest wine city of Germany. Further on you reach Piesport, the oldest wine growing community along the Moselle. You should take some time to enjoy the popular wines.

Meals:  B,L,D

You cycle along the right bank of the river to Traben Trarbach, where Art Nouveau architecture is on display. Continue along the meandering Moselle to the well known wine village Zell, known for its Zeller Schwarze Katz wine location. In Zell you should take the opportunity to get to know the good wines of the area.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning you cycle to Beilstein with its well maintained historical centre, before continuing to the town of Cochem. Overshadowed by the impressive Reichsburg Castle dating from 1051, the town is surrounded by vineyards. Located on a bend in the river it provides stunning scenery and an old world atmosphere. There is time to explore its cobblestone streets, half timbered houses and picturesque Old town this evening.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today the cycle route takes you to Alken, one of the oldest villages along the Moselle. Further along, you will visit the Burg Eltz then continue on to Koblenz, where the Moselle and Rhine rivers meet and your boat awaits. You can choose to stay on board today if you prefer and enjoy the passing landscapes from the boat. *Note: For the trip commencing in Saarburg on 2 August only: the boat departs Koblenz this evening and cruises to Andernach for overnight.

Meals:  B,L,D

Trip concludes after breakfast, disembark by 9am. Note: The trip commencing in Saarburg on 2 August (2025) ends in Andernach.*

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners - breakfasts are buffet style consisting of breads, cereals, cheese, meats, fruit, yoghurt and breakfast beverages. Picnic lunches are assembled at breakfast time. Dinners are 3 courses served in the dining room. Special diets may be catered for on request (e.g. lactose-free and gluten-free diet) however there will be an extra fee (payable locally). Please advise us at the time of booking or at least 21 days prior to departure. If necessary, some special dietary supplements may need to be brought with you.
  • 7 nights accommodation aboard the Premium category barge MS Olympia in twin share cabin with ensuite facilities on the main deck (supplement applies for other categories of berths on main or upper deck). The compact cabins are configured with two lower beds. We do not match travellers together so if you are travelling solo you will need to book a single cabin (limited and on a request basis - supplement applies).
  • Information pack including route notes & maps per cabin. Plus navigational app access (smartphone required)
  • Cruise director on board - does not cycle with the group, provides daily briefings
  • Bicycle, 7 speed unisex bike with hand and back pedal brakes or freewheel hubs with hand brakes only (the latter must be reserved in advance - limited number). The bike is supplied with a waterproof pannier and bicycle insurance per bike; repair kit, pump and handlebar bag per cabin (electric bike available on request for a supplement)
  • Welcome drink and briefing on the first evening
  • Linen and change of towels as required
  • Daily cabin cleaning
  • All charges for harbours, bridges and locks
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Koblenz / Saarburg
  • Drinks other than afternoon tea and coffee on board
  • Meals not listed as included
  • Upgrade to a cabin on upper deck or single cabin - supplement applies, ask our office for details
  • Helmet - mandatory on all bike tours, you are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. Helmets can be purchased on board (limited availability) - brand: UVEX I-VO: EUR 40, payment in cash only
  • Travel insurance - mandatory *cruise cover may be required - check with your insurer
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • Entrance fees and sightseeing fees
  • Optional excursions: a small excursion program is available. Details and bookings are available on board, bookings with the cruise director only.
  • Tips - while tipping is not obligatory, it is customary to offer a tip if the guide and crew have done a good job. As a guide we would recommend around EUR30-60 per person (to be distributed between the guide/s, captain and crew).
  • Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian) - a supplement is payable for lactose or gluten free diets (allow EUR25-50 dependent on requirements and subject to change). See below for further details regarding catering for dietary requirements.
  • Wi-fi
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.

Cabins

MS Olympia

Main Deck

All cabins boast en-suite bathroom, hair dryer, telephone, TV, individual air conditioning/heating, fridge and safe.

On the Main Deck, the cabins have a large panoramic window which cannot be opened.

Limited number of single and double cabins available on both decks.

MS Olympia

Upper Deck

2-bed-cabins (approx. 11m2) with panoramic windows which can be opened.

* four 2-bed-cabins of bigger size at the stern of the ship (upper rear: engine and generator noise when ship is in motion and in locks, approx. 12m2, three of them feature twin beds)

*two single cabins (approx. 9m2).

Bike information

7 Speed Bike

Bicycles provided are 7 speed touring bikes with bike rack, panniers and repair kit and handbrake and/or backpedal brake. Helmet rental is not included but are mandatory on all bike tours, so you will need to bring your own well-fitted helmet. In 2025: available for purchase onboard - eur40 per helmet, cash only, brand: UVEX I-VO.

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below.

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 148cm/4ft10in.

Suitability

introductory

1

INTRODUCTORY - GRADE 1 This trip involves 6 days cycling of between 26km and 49km/16 to 29mi per day usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain. In and out of the cities there will be some traffic. You need only carry your camera/rain gear and water bottle. Your luggage remains on the boat.The trip is a grade 1 due to the flat terrain and dedicated cycle paths and is considered suitable for beginners. Electric bikes are available - supplement applies. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 10 May to 26 Sep. Supplement applies to high season departures.
IT1
Trip begins in Koblenz. K - denotes departure begins in Bonn (3 May 2025). S - denotes departure begins in Andernach (9 August 2025) or ends in Andernach (2 August 2025)
IT2
Trip follows a reverse itinerary beginning in Saarburg - refer to the second itinerary in trip notes.
Note:
Upper deck rear cabins are located closer to the generator and noise may be heard while the boat is in motion or at a lock.

Priceper person from

£1380GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Upper deck twin supplement (rear)GBP£90
  • Electric Bike SupplementGBP£110
  • Upper deck twin cabin supplementGBP£130
  • Single Supplement - upper deck (single cabin - limited)GBP£270
  • Single Supplement - main deck (single use of twin cabin) both seasonsGBP£330
  • Single Supplement - upper deck (single use of twin cabin) standard seasonGBP£460
  • Single Supplement - upper deck (single use of twin cabin) high season (HS Supp also applies)GBP£500
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

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