Mosel and Saar Tour, 3 Country Tour
3 Country Tour, Germany, Luxemburg and France
Rivers Mosel and Saar
The countryside on both banks of the Moselle is splendid, the cool wines taste deliciously, the picturesque little towns have rich histories and the conditions for cycling are excellent indeed. You follow the river Moselle, partly in Germany, partly in France and partly in Luxembourg, along the endless vineyards and the enchanting old cities like Cochem and Bernkastel. It goes without saying that you can taste the local wine as often as you like.
Then, of course, there is Trier, once an imperial Roman city. You will see the remnants of this glorious past in Germany’s oldest cathedral, amphitheater, the emperor’s throne hall and famous “black gate,” the remains of the ancient city wall.
After Trier you will follow the river Saar to visit charming Saarburg, with the stunning waterfalls in the city center. Then onto Luxembourg, the only Grand Duchy in Europe. It’s strategic position between two super powers (France and Germany) made it a contested area to control over the ages. The last day you cycle in France with her welcoming villages, where the inhabitants are proud of their sweet, smooth wines and golden “Mirabellen” liqueur. The tour end in the city of Metz, with her splendid Gothic cathedral.
Included in this tour:
- 8 days / 7 nights on board, 2-Persons cabin with private shower and toilet, air conditioning and central heating
- Full board (7x breakfast, 6 x packed lunch, 5 x 3-course dinner and 1 x 4 course dinner)
- Welcome meeting and toast
- Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water on board
- Daily cleaning of the Cabin
- Free WIFI on board
- Use of touring bike, 8-speed, waterproof cycle bag and a lock
- Use of a universal sized bike helmet
- Complimentary water bottle
- Information and guided cycling tours
- Daily cycling route discussion
- 2 Tourleaders for the bike tours
- Maps for cycling tours (1x per cabin)
- Fees for ferries
- Tourist-tax
- Bustransfer to Daun
- Entrance Reichsburg Cochem
Excluded in this tour:
- 1x dinner
- Drinks other than mentioned
- E-bike rental
- Personal and bike insurances
- Gratuities (at your discretion)
- Entrance fees and excursions (not mentioned under included)
- Transfers to/from the docking place
- Parking fees
Itinerary
Day to day program Cochem - Metz, Metz - Cochem
Day 1: Cochem
Embarkation and check-in is at 3 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. You can visit the castle or have a glass of local wine.
Day 2: Cochem – Beilstein | Beilstein – Traben-Trarbach | Traben-Trarbach – Bernkastel Kues (28 km/18 mi. or 51 km/31 mi.)
During breakfast the ship will sail to a beautiful little place called Beilstein. There you will have the chance to see the Black Madonna in the chapel of the Carmelite Monastery high on the hill. Your first cycling day follows the Moselle upstream to Zell. The ship makes a short stop here, so if you want you can already board and continue the cruising way. Zell is beautifully situated on the Moselle, where the river meanders through the hills in many loops. Zeller Schwarze Katz (black cat) is a legendary Moselle Wine. You continue to Traben-Trarbach. This little town features world-class Art Nouveau architecture that proves its great importance in international wine trade during the 19th century. From Traben you sail to Bernkastel-Kues, This frequently visited, old and picturesque town produces the best wines of the Mid-Moselle. Pride of the town is the market square, with its picturesque timber-framed houses. A walk to the castle offers a beautiful view.
Day 3: Bernkastel-Kues, “Maare-Moselradweg MMR” excursion (55 km/34 mi.)
This morning you leave the river and vineyards behind. You and your bike will be shuttled by bus up into the Eifel region to the city of Schalkenmehren. From there, we take an exhilarating bicycle ride along a former railway track that is now a cycling path. The ride includes stretches through tunnels, over bridges and by small lakes formed from volcano craters, known as maars. After the last tunnel we have a break in a local little town were you will love to have an ice-cream on the terraces, well deserved!
Day 4: Bernkastel-Kues – Neumagen – Schweich | Schweich –Trier/Pfalzel (28 km/18 mi. or 54 km/34 mi.)
From Bernkastel, the valley opens up and vineyards expand as far as the eye can see. Today we cruise past the heavy-hitters in the wine world: Brauneberg, Piesport, Trittenheim. Piesport is beloved by the Brits for the “little golden droplets.” Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn on the river surrounded by mountains coated with grapes. Around lunchtime you will arrive in Neumagen, already in Roman times an important center of wine production. You can decide to join the barge from here or continue by bicycle to Schweich, where again the barge will be waiting for you. Once on board you will cruise to Trier/Pfalzel
Day 5: Trier/Pfalzel – Trier – Saarburg (33 km/20 mi.)
In the morning your tour leader will take you into Trier, the oldest city in Germany. Trier was founded around 15 before Christ by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Trevorum. As a trading town and administrative center, Trier flourished during the late imperial age. This Roman golden age has left us with a respectable number of monuments. Most authentic is the city gate Porta Nigra, which was built around 18 after Christ. There is also time to discover and enjoy Trier on your own.
After lunch you will hop on your bicycles and follow the Mosel and Saar river to our next destination, Saarburg. Saarburg is an interesting old town situated in the most beautiful part of the Saar valley. Here the banks of the river are densely forested. The castle of Saarburg was built here in the middle of the 10th century. In the middle of town you come across a waterfall of 20 meters high. At the foot of this waterfall there is an old mill, which is driven by the small river. In this part of town most of the old houses from the 17th and 18th century, which give Saarburg such a picturesque look, are still intact. Today there is no dinner on board. You can select one of the local restaurants of Saarburg.
Day 6: Saarburg – Remich (45 km/27 mi. or 53 km /32 mi.)
Today there are 2 cycling options. One is easy, but a bit longer along the rivers. The shorter option is a bit more challenging, through the hills. Whatever your choice is, the cycling will lead you into the Grand Duchy Luxembourg. Here the Moselle forms the border between Germany and Luxembourg. Luxembourg is a small country, but her capital (also called Luxembourg) is an important finance center and EU administrative city. On the way, at the Luxembourg side, we visit a wine cooperative, specialized in the so called “Cremant”, say the Champagne of the Moselle. Close to Remich you can admire a Roman mosaic floor. The tile floor which lies in its original place, was once the centerpiece in a palatial Roman villa. The scene (in 3 million individual tile pieces) reveals scenes from gladiator games in the amphitheater.
Day 7: Remich – Schengen | Schengen – Thionville | Thionville – Metz (30 km/18 mi.)
While having breakfast you will cruise to Schengen, where your cycling tour will start. The “Schengen agreement” is something everybody in Europe has heard of, whereas almost nobody knows that it is named after this little town in Luxembourg at the 3-country border. Soon we will cross the Luxembourg- French border and experience the outcome of this agreement: no border controls. We pass the fortress of Sierck-les-Bains, one of the palaces inhabited by the powerful Dukes of Lorraine. The route is lovely through French countryside, and friendly villages. Around lunchtime you will arrive in Thionville, the center of the steel industry until the 1980s. That might sound modern and industrial, but the city is ancient. The historic center shows us the medieval ramparts, lovely gardens, old streets and St.Maximin basilica. Here the ship is waiting to pick you up to cruise to Metz, another ancient city strategically situated on a Roman trading route. St.Etienne Cathedral is the 3rd largest gothic church in France with flying buttresses and Marc Chagall stained glass windows. Metz is full of stunning architecture, flowers and great cafes.
Day 8: Metz
End of tour. Disembarkation after breakfast, till 9:30 a.m.
Day to day program Metz - Cochem
We advise you to come to Metz one or more days earlier, so that you will have plenty of time to discover this interesting city.
Day 2: Metz – Remich (41 km/26 mi. or 49 km/31 mi.)
While having breakfast you will cruise in the direction of Thionville. Close to this town your bicycle tour starts. Thionville, once was the center of the French steel industry. That might sound modern and industrial, but the city is ancient. The historic center shows you the medieval ramparts, lovely gardens, old streets and St.Maximin basilica. The route is lovely through French countryside, and friendly villages. You pass the fortress of Sierck-les-Bains, one of the palaces inhabited by the powerful Dukes of Lorraine. Via the valley of the Moselle you cross the French-Luxembourg border at Schengen. The “Schengen agreement” is something everybody in Europe has heard of, whereas almost nobody knows that it is named after this little town in Luxembourg at the 3-country border. At crossing the Luxembourg- French border we experienced the outcome of this agreement: no border controls. Close to your final destination Remich you will visit the small village of Nennig, stop at what once was an old roman villa. A tile floor which lies in its original place, was once the centerpiece in this Roman villa. The scene (in 3 million individual tile pieces) reveals scenes from gladiator games in the amphitheater.
Day 3: Remich – Saarburg (40 km/24 mi. or 48 km/ 29 mi.)
The river Moselle is here the border between Germany and Luxembourg. You start following the river on the German side, but soon you will hop to the Luxembourg side. There you’ll visit a wine cooperative, specialized in the so called “Cremant”, say the Champagne of the Moselle. Then there are 2 cycling options: One is easy, but a bit longer along the rivers. The shorter option is a bit more challenging, through the hills. Whatever your choice is, the biking will lead you to your Saarburg, an interesting old town situated in the most beautiful part of the Saar valley. Here the banks of the river are densely forested. The castle of Saarburg was built here in the middle of the 10th century. In the middle of town you come across a waterfall of 20 meters high. At the foot of this waterfall there is an old mill, which is driven by the small river. In this part of town most of the old houses from the 17th and 18th century, which give Saarburg such a picturesque look, are still intact.
Day 4: Saarburg – Trier/Pfalzel (32 km/19 mi.)
After breakfast your tour leader will take you for a short bicycle tour to Trier. You will arrive there around lunchtime. After a guided walk there is time to discover and enjoy Trier on your own. Trier is known as the oldest city in Germany. The city was founded around 15 before Christ by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Trevorum. As a trading town and administrative center, Trier flourished during the late imperial age. This Roman golden age has left us with a respectable number of monuments. Most authentic is the city gate Porta Nigra, which was built around 18 after Christ.
Day 5: Trier/Pfalzel – Schweich | Schweich – Neumagen – Bernkastel-Kues (27 km/16 mi. or 53 km/32 mi.)
After a breakfast cruise you will start your bicycle tour in Schweich. You have now entered the “The Romantic Moselle”, the unofficial name for the mid- Moselle. Lovely vineyards expand as far as the eye can see. You cruise past the heavy-hitters in the wine world: Trittenheim and Piesport. Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn on the river surrounded by mountains coated with grapes. Piesport is beloved by the Brits for the “little golden droplets.” Around lunchtime you will arrive in Neumagen, already in Roman times an important center of wine production. You can decide to join the barge from here or continue by bicycle to Bernkastel-Kues. This frequently visited, old and picturesque town produces the best wines of the Mid-Moselle. Pride of the town is the market square, with its picturesque timber-framed houses. A walk to the castle offers a beautiful view.
Day 6: Bernkastel-Kues, “Maare-Moselradweg MMR” excursion (55 km/34 mi.)
This morning you leave the river and vineyards behind. You and your bike will be shuttled by bus up into the Eifel region to the city of Schalkenmehren. From there, we take an exhilarating bicycle ride along a former railway track that is now a cycling path. The ride includes stretches through tunnels, over bridges and by small lakes formed from volcano craters, known as maars. After the last tunnel we have a break in a local little town were you will love to have an ice-cream on the terraces, well deserved!
Day 7: Bernkastel-Kues – Traben-Trarbach | Traben-Trarbach – Zell – Cochem (38 km/23 mi. or 61 km/37 mi.)
During breakfast the ship brings you to Traben-Trarbach. This little town features world-class Art Nouveau architecture that proves its great importance in international wine trade during the 19th century. You can also start biking a little later from Zell, beautifully situated on the Moselle, where the river meanders through the hills in many loops. Zeller Schwarze Katz (black cat) is a legendary Moselle Wine. Last stop before Cochem is Beilstein. This beautiful little place is sometimes referred to as the ‘pearl of the Moselle’.
Then onto your final destination Cochem, a 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 perfect place for a glass of local wine.
Day 8: Cochem
End of tour. Disembarkation after breakfast, till 9:30 a.m.
Day to day program Cochem - Merzig
Day 1: Cochem
Day 2: Cochem – Beilstein – Zell (36 km/22 mi or 44 km/27 mi)
Day 3: Zell -Traben Trarbach - Bernkastel Kues, (44 km/27 mi)
Day 4: Bernkastel-Kues, “Maare-Moselradweg MMR” excursion (55 km/34 mi)
Day 5: Bernkastel-Kues – Neumagen – Schweich –Trier/Pfalzel (28 km/18 mi or 54 km/34 mi)
Day 6:Trier/Pfalzel – Trier – Saarburg (33 km/20 mi.
Day 7: Saturday: Saarburg - Merzig, (40km/25 mi)
Day 8: Departure from Merzig
Day 1 Sunday: Cochem
Embarkation and check-in is at 3 p.m. in Cochem. After a welcome meeting with the crew, you can go 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. Visit the castle or have a glass of local wine.
Day 2 Monday: Cochem – Beilstein – Zell (36 km/22 mi. or 44 km/27 mi.)
After breakfast and bikefitting, we start biking and the first stop to day is a beautiful little place called Beilstein. There you will have the chance to see the Black Madonna in the chapel of the Carmelite Monastery high on the hill. Today's tour ends in the wine village of Zell, beautifully situated on the Moselle, where the river meanders through the hills in
Day 3 Tuesday: Zell -Traben Trarbach - Bernkastel Kues, (44 km/27 mi)
The bike tour from Zell brings you to romantic Traben-Trarbach, city of Art Nouveau (Jugendstil), to Bernkastel Kues. This frequently visited, old and picturesque town produces the best wines of the Mid-Moselle. Pride of the town is the market square, with its picturesque timber-framed houses. A walk to the castle offers a beautiful view. (optional
Day 4 Wednesday: Bernkastel-Kues, “Maare-Moselradweg MMR” excursion (55 km/34 mi.)
This morning you leave the river and vineyards behind. You and your bike will be shuttled by bus up into the Eifel region to the city of Schalkenmehren. From there, we take an exhilarating bicycle ride along a former railway track that is now a cycling path. The ride includes stretches through tunnels, over bridges and by small lakes formed from volcano craters, known as maars. After the last tunnel we have a break in a local little town were you will love to have an ice-cream on the terraces, well deserved! Today there is no dinner on board. You can select one of the local restaurants of Bernkastel-Kues (at your own expense)
Day 5 Thursday: Bernkastel-Kues – Neumagen – Schweich | Schweich –Trier/Pfalzel (28 km/18 mi. or 54 km/34 mi.)
From Bernkastel, the valley opens up and vineyards expand as far as the eye can see. Today we cruise past the heavy-hitters in the wine world: Brauneberg, Piesport, Trittenheim. Piesport is beloved by the Brits for the “little golden droplets.” Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn on the river surrounded by mountains coated with grapes. Around lunchtime you will arrive in Neumagen, already in Roman times an important center of wine production. You can decide to join the barge from here or continue by bicycle to Schweich, where again the barge will be waiting for you. Once on board you will cruise to Trier/Pfalzel
Day 6 Friday: Trier/Pfalzel – Trier – Saarburg (33 km/20 mi.)
In the morning your tour leader will take you into Trier, the oldest city in Germany. Trier was founded around 15 before Christ by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Trevorum. As a trading town and administrative center, Trier flourished during the late imperial age. This Roman golden age has left us with a respectable number of monuments. Most authentic is the city gate Porta Nigra, which was built around 18 after Christ. There is also time to discover and enjoy Trier on your own.
After lunch you will hop on your bicycles and follow the Mosel and Saar river to our next destination, Saarburg. Saarburg is an interesting old town situated in the most beautiful part of the Saar valley. Here the banks of the river are densely forested. The castle of Saarburg was built here in the middle of the 10th century. In the middle of town you come across a waterfall of 20 meters high. At the foot of this waterfall there is an old mill, which is driven by the small river. In this part of town most of the old houses from the 17th and 18th century, which give Saarburg such a picturesque look, are still intact.
Day 7 Saturday: Saturday: Saarburg - Merzig, (40km/25 mi.)
Cycling from Saarburg to Mettlach, after a visit at "Villeroy & Boch" and walking to viewpoint Cloef in the "Saarschleife", you bike to Merzig.
Day 8. Sunday, disembarkation, around 9.30 am.
After breakfast: End of the journey.
Contact
Weemhofseiland 23
9766 VK Eelderwolde
The Netherlands
info@quovadis.nu
T+31 6555 70 911
Groningen berth opposite Oosterhaven No. 7
Phone on board: +31 624 755 688
12
Spacious double cabins
24
Passengers
30
Hybrid bikes
16
E-bikes
