Mosel & Saar by Bike & Boat
7 nights from €1198
4.68
Cruise Germany's scenic rivers and cycle through vineyards and ancient Roman sites
Travel by bicycle and ship: a unique concept, where a bike holiday and a journey on a comfortable ship are combined. Cycling cruises are ideal for those who like to cycle during the day and explore beautiful areas, without giving up a comfortable way of traveling. During this tour, you don’t have to pack and unpack your suitcases every day to travel from one beautiful place to the next!
What could provide a more pleasant break than a trip to the Saar and the Mosel: two rivers which wind through enchanting countryside, where castles on the hills guard the route and you can visit market squares surrounded by timbered houses? Is it any wonder that Mosel wine has built up such a good name? The journey through the Mosel valley between Koblenz and Trier traverses some of Germany’s most beautiful countryside, where you will meet winegrowers and bottlers on the way and cyclists from all around the world.
The history of this region even goes back to the Roman Era, some 2,000 years ago. Beautiful timbered houses, vineyards, the Porta Nigra in Trier, the "German corner" (conjunction of Mosel and Rhine) in Koblenz and Saarburg (also known as "little Venice") are but a few of the highlights during this trip.
The Mosel is the Rhine's longest tributary, and it is also the second most important shipping route in Germany. The Saar, which has the greatest abundance of water, is the Mosel’s longest tributary.
Minimum number of participants: 75
This was an excellent trip with lovely scenery and an amazing staff and crew aboard the Olympia!
“It is the perfect way to travel and cycle. Great activity trip!! Cabins were well appointed and food was fantastic. Loved the views at every turn. The Mosel is beautiful and the little towns along the way were so quaint. Would highly recommend.”
—Beverley
A beautiful part of Germany!
“Dedicated cycling paths and the boat/hotel moves along as you cycle! A relaxed cycling day with stops along the way to explore a castle, village or garden.”
—Linda C
Highlight of our European trip
“What a fantastic experience. Exceeded all our expectations. Cycling on an e-bike was almost effortless (although after a couple of days we were glad we brought our padded gel…” Full Review
“What a fantastic experience. Exceeded all our expectations. Cycling on an e-bike was almost effortless (although after a couple of days we were glad we brought our padded gel seats). The cycling was mostly flat and mostly on dedicated cycle paths. Very rarely wrre you on the road with the cars.
The food was a class above what we were expecting. Breakfast was plentiful and dinner was delicious and well presented.
We received a discount for our room (#227) as it was at the rear of the boat and was affected by engine noise. To be honest the noise when moored was no worse than most aircon units. Our room was also 1 sq metre larger than most others which meant we had a double bed (as opposed to two singles) and had plenty of room for our clothing and luggage in the twin wardrobes and drawers.
Julia, the cruise director, was fantastic at explaining the ins and outs of each up,-coming day and organising the additional shore excursions.
Being the first week of May there were many shops, cafes and restaurants along the way that weren't open but we always found somewhere to stop and rest. It also meant the roads and cycleways were not so busy, as the would be in the holiday season.
Overall a great blend of history, scenery and relaxation. Looking forward to our next trip.” Less
—David and Cherie
Daily Program
This tour operates in two directions: from Koblenz to Saarburg and in reverse, from Saarburg to Koblenz. Both itinieraries are detailed below.
April 25, 2027 departures embark from Bonn. Please see additional itinerary details at the bottom of the page.
Day 1: Koblenz
Individual arrival to Koblenz. Embarkation at 4:00pm. The captain and his crew welcome you on board. Spend your evening and first night in Koblenz.
Overnight in Koblenz.
Day 2: Boat tour Koblenz – Alken | Alken – Moselkern – Cochem cycle tour
18 miles/29 km
Begin your day with a cruise to Alken. From Alken, you go by bike to Moselkern and on to Cochem. Cochem is a lovely little town with historic half-timbered houses and a picturesque Old town. Inexperienced cyclists are invited to spend the day on board and use the day off to visit Cochem in the afternoon.
Overnight in Cochem.
Day 3: Cochem – Zell on the Mosel
24 miles/39 km
The bike tour will first take you to Beilstein, which you can explore during a short tour on your own. Pass Europe’s steepest vineyard at Bremmer Calmont. Today’s tour ends in the wine village of Zell on the Mosel. You should take time to enjoy the popular wines.
Overnight in Zell on the Mosel.
Day 4: Zell on the Mosel – Bernkastel-Kues
26 miles/43 km
Today you cycle through the romantic Traben-Trarbach, where Jugendstil architecture shows its best side. After that, the half-timbered houses of Bernkastel-Kues and the medieval market square invites you for a rest. You will reach the ship in Kues after a tour through town.
Overnight in Bernkastel-Kues.
Day 5: Bernkastel-Kues – Mehring
29 miles/47 km
Cycle tour to Piesport, the oldest wine-growing community along the Mosel. Visit the Roman cellars and vineyards on your own. Further on you come to Neumagen-Dhron which is the oldest wine city in Germany. After the lunch break, the tour continues to Mehring.
Overnight in Mehring.
Day 6: Mehring – Trier
16-18 miles/26-29 km
You will cycle via Pfalzel to Trier, where the ship is waiting for you. Trier is one of the oldest cities in Germany. Its Roman roots are still visible in impressive buildings as the Porta Nigra, the Konstantin Basilica, and the Amphitheatre.
Overnight in Trier.
Day 7: Trier – Wasserbillig – Saarburg
23 miles/38 km
Today you will be cycling along the river from Trier to Saarburg, also known as "Little Venice." In its center, you will find a waterfall 20 meters deep.
Overnight in Saarburg.
Day 8: Individual departure
After breakfast: disembarkation by 9:00am and end of tour.
*April 25, 2027 departure: Embarkation in Bonn instead of Koblenz, depart from Bonn at 5 p.m. and arrival in Andernach at 10 p.m. Departure on day 2 from Andernach at 6 a.m. with arrival in Alken at 10 a.m. The further course according to the itinerary above.
Day 1: Saarburg
Individual arrival to Saarburg. You may embark between 4:00pm. The crew welcomes you on board. You will spend the first night and evening in Saarburg. In the evening you will have the opportunity to explore Saarburg. In its center, you will find a waterfall of 20 meters deep as well as many baroque buildings and fishing houses.
Overnight in Saarburg.
Day 2: Saarburg – Wasserbillig
Luxemburg – Trier (24 miles/39 km
Today you will cycle from Saarburg along the idyllic nature reserve of the abandoned meander of the River Saar. Further on to Wasserbillig in Luxemburg and from here to the Igeler Säule. Later you will reach Trier, where the ship will be waiting for you.
Overnight in Trier.
Day 3: Trier – Mehring
16-17 miles/26-28 km
After breakfast, you cycle via Pfalzel to Mehring, the largest winegrowers' community in the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region.
Overnight in Mehring.
Day 4: Mehring – Piesport – Bernkastel-Kues
28 miles/47 km
Your bike tour leads you to Bernkastel-Kues. The marketplace from the Middle Ages with many wood-timbered houses invites you for a rest. On your way, you come to Neumagen-Dhron which is the oldest wine city in Germany. Further on you reach Piesport, the oldest winegrowing community along the Mosel. You should take the time to enjoy the popular wines.
Overnight in Bernkastel-Kues.
Day 5: Bernkastel Kues – Traben-Trarbach – Zell on the Mosel
26 miles/43 km
Today's bike tour brings you to romantic Traben-Trarbach, where Jungendstil architecture shows its best side. Continuing to Zell, a well-known wine village on the Mosel. In Zell you should take the opportunity to get to know the good wines of the Mosel..
Overnight in Zell on the Mosel.
Day 6: Zell on the Mosel – Beilstein – Cochem
23 miles/38 km
The perfectly maintained historical center of Beilstein, "the Sleeping Beauty of the Mosel," is waiting for you. Your goal for today is Cochem with the Reichsburg. Cochem is a lovely little town with historic half-timbered houses and a picturesque Old town.
Overnight in Cochem.
Day 7: Boat tour Cochem – Koblenz, day of rest on board | alternative Cochem – Alken – Koblenz cycle tour
33 miles/53 km
Today you can spend the day onboard and relax on the sundeck. Enjoy the beautiful Mosel landscape passing by and stroll along the “Deutsche Eck” in Koblenz in the afternoon, where Mosel and Rhine flow together. Experienced cyclists can cycle from Cochem to Koblenz and visit Burg Eltz.
Overnight in Koblenz.
Day 8: Individual departure
After breakfast: disembarkation by 9:00am and end of the tour.
The tour operator reserves the right to make changes to routing and program. If there is low or high water and a route cannot be shipped, the captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety (this cannot be accepted as a reason for free withdrawal).
Boats
Olympia
49 cabins, 2 decks, 1 tour Welcome aboard the Olympia, a premium class vessel with comfortable amenities. Cabins are equipped to make you feel relaxed and enjoy your rest time between biking. The Olympia offers an…
Switzerland
56 cabins, 3 decks, 1 tour The MS Switzerland is designed to offer a relaxed and social river cruising experience for up to 113 guests. Comfortable cabins, bright public spaces, a panoramic lounge and bar, and a…
Bikes
Depending on the boat, different bikes may be available. Select a boat below:
Available bikes
Bikes available to be rented (reserved at time of booking) include:
- 7-speed unisex touring bike (with handbrake and/or pedal brake, please specify at the time of booking)
- Electrically assisted bike (Pedelec)*
*More about electrically-assisted bikes
All rental bikes are equipped with:
- Panniers
You may bring your own bike upon request only!
Miscellaneous
Helmets
Helmets are not included with the bike rentals. Helmets may be available for purchase on arrival, but can not be guaranteed as there are limited quantities available on board.
We recommend you bring your own helmet to ensure your safety while cycling.
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Available Bikes
Bikes available to be rented (reserved at time of booking) include:
- 7-speed unisex touring bike (with handbrake and/or pedal brake, please specify at the time of booking)
- Electrically assisted bike (Pedelec)*
*More about electrically-assisted bikes
All rental bikes are equipped with:
- Panniers
You may bring your own bike upon request only!
Miscellaneous
Helmets
Helmets are not included with the bike rentals. Helmets may be available for purchase on arrival, but can not be guaranteed as there are limited quantities available on board.
We recommend you bring your own helmet to ensure your safety while cycling.
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Surface and terrain
The quality of the bike paths on this tour are very good. The Mosel Cycle Path follows primarily flat asphalted roads, without any significant climbs.
You may also choose to stay on board the ship at any time throughout the tour.
How to get there
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Frankfurt (FRA), Germany
Nearest train stations: Saarburg and Koblenz, Germany
There are numerous train connections between Frankfurt and Saarburg/Koblenz.
There is a return journey to either Kobelnz or Saarburg. By train it takes 2 hours and costs approximately €25 per person.
Tips on getting to and from your tour
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