German Wine Country along the Saar & Mosel Rivers
7 nights from €1680
4.83
Traverse the German countryside by bike and cruise the tranquil waters through the Mosel and Saar valleys
This tour along the Mosel and Saar combines the best of the German "Bundesländer" Rheinland-Pfalz and Saarland. While cycling, you'll discover the legacy of the Roman Empire. Go beyond your bounds and meet the "Queen of grapes."
Go back in time and visit the Roman villas and public baths along the two rivers. In Trier, you can visit the Porta Nigra - one of the most well-known monuments from the Roman era.
While cycling through one of Germany's greater wine-growing areas, you'll have the chance to try a lot of different wines, see where the grapes grow, and see how the wines are made. Get acquainted with the excellent, uncomplicated wines from the Saar and the so-called "Spitzenweinen" along the Mosel, like the "Zeller Schwarze Katz." The main ingredient for those wines is the Riesling, a white grape variety dating back to the 15th century that is crowned as the "Queen of grapes."
Daily Program
This tour operates in two directions: from Cochem to Merzig or from Merzig to Cochem. Both itineraries are detailed below.
Day 1: Arrival in Cochem
9 miles/14km
The ship is docked in the Mosel River opposite the city center of Cochem and the famous Reichsburg. Embarkation between 2-3:00 pm. Your tour starts in the beautiful city of Cochem with a lot of shops and terraces. Cochem is famous for its wines and is dominated by the old Reichsburg.
Day 2: Cochem – Zell
24 miles/38 km
The tour begins with a scenic ride to the charming village of Beilstein, known as the setting for several films. Continue along the river through a series of impressive bends to the renowned Calmont vineyards. These steep vineyard slopes, reaching gradients of up to 65%, are among the steepest in Europe and present a remarkable challenge for local winemakers. Lunch is enjoyed along the riverbanks before continuing to Zell, known as the town of the Black Cat. According to local legend, wine merchants from Aachen were choosing a barrel of wine when a black cat leapt onto one barrel and refused to move, making their decision easy.
Overnight in Zell.
Day 3: Zell – Bernkastel Keus
27 miles/44 km
The Mosel winds through a lush and captivating landscape of vineyards and forests. Shortly after departing Zell, cycle to the Marienburg, where splendid views over the Mosel meander await. Continue past charming towns and villages, including the elegant twin town of Traben-Trarbach, known for its Jugendstil architecture, and the traditional wine village of Wolf. The day ends in Bernkastel-Kues, a beautifully preserved medieval town with romantic narrow streets, striking half-timbered houses, and picturesque corners throughout.
Overnight in Bernkastel-Kues.
Day 4: Bernkastel Kues, Mosel-Maare cycling trail
37 miles/59 km
In the morning, a cycle bus transfer takes you to Daun, the starting point of the Mosel-Maare Cycle Trail, one of the most celebrated cycling routes in the central Mosel region. Built along a former railway line, this gentle route offers an easy and scenic ride through the Volcanic Eifel. Cycle past crater lakes, dramatic viaducts, and historic railway stations before continuing mostly downhill toward the Mosel Valley. The journey then follows the Mosel bike path back to Bernkastel-Kues.
Overnight in Bernkastel Keus.
Day 5: Bernkastel Keus – near Trier
29 miles/46 km
Today’s route passes numerous Roman villas, public baths, and traces of even older civilizations such as the Celts, many of them set along the slopes beside the winding river. A highlight of the day is a tasting of the local white wine Piesporter Goldtröpfchen at a traditional wine bar. The visit to Neumagen-Dhron is especially interesting for its many Roman remains. Once an ancient Roman fortress, it is also the site where the famous Roman wine ship was discovered.
Overnight near Trier.
Day 6: Near Trier – Saarburg
23 miles/37 km
Today’s tour begins with time to explore Trier, Germany’s oldest city, where notable Roman landmarks include the Porta Nigra, the Basilica of Constantine, and the ancient amphitheater. After lunch, the route leaves the Mosel Valley and heads south along the Saar River. An optional detour offers the chance to cross into the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg before continuing onward. This region has welcomed travelers for centuries; around 365 A.D., the Roman poet and teacher Magnus Ausonius praised the beauty of the Mosel in his famous hymn Mosella. The day ends in Saarburg, where the charming old town is known for its dramatic waterfall flowing through the center and the remains of its historic castle.
Overnight in Saarburg.
Day 7: Saarburg – Merzig
22 miles/36 km
From Saarburg, cycle south along the Saar River. Near the small village of Saarhölzbach, leave Rhineland-Palatinate behind and enter the state of Saarland. The history of this village dates back to the year 802 during the reign of Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, King of the Franks, King of Italy, and the first Holy Roman Emperor. Lunch is enjoyed in Mettlach, a riverside town where a visit to the renowned Villeroy & Boch Porcelain Museum is included. The day’s highlight is the spectacular Saarschleife (Saar Loop), where there is an opportunity to hike to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the surrounding region. After the hike, continue to the final destination of Merzig.
Overnight in Merzig
Day 8: Departure from Merzig
The tour ends after breakfast, with disembarkation by 10:00 AM.
Day 1: Arrival in Merzig – cycle to Saarschleife
9 miles/14km
Your tour begins in the Saarland town of Merzig, where you can begin boarding between 2 and 3 pm. At 4:00 PM, the boat departs for a short cruise along the Saar River to a scenic mooring place near the Saarschleife (Saar Loop), where the first short bike ride begins. During dinner aboard the ship, the program for the following day and the overall itinerary for the week will be discussed. Instructions on cycling and safety procedures will also be provided.
Overnight in Merzig.
Day 2: Saarschleife – Saarburg
22 miles/36 km
After breakfast, cycle through the scenic Saar Canyon and the Saarschleife (Saar Loop). Along the way, there is an opportunity to hike to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the canyon and surrounding countryside. The trail is not steep and takes approximately one hour uphill and 30 minutes downhill. Around lunchtime, arrive in Mettlach for lunch, with time to explore the town’s outlet shops. A visit to the Villeroy & Boch Porcelain Museum is included, followed by coffee in the charming museum café. The day ends in the picturesque town of Saarburg, famous for the impressive waterfall flowing through the center of town.
Overnight in Saarburg.
Day 3: Saarburg – near Trier
23 miles/37 km
During today’s tour, leave the Saar behind and follow the Mosel River. This region has welcomed travelers for centuries; around 365 A.D., the Roman poet and teacher Magnus Ausonius praised its beauty in his famous hymn Mosella. An optional detour offers the chance to cross the border into the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg before continuing onward. In the afternoon, arrive in Trier and enjoy approximately three hours to explore Germany’s oldest city, known for its remarkable Roman landmarks such as the Porta Nigra, the Basilica of Constantine, and the ancient amphitheater. After the visit, continue with approximately one hour of cycling to the barge’s mooring place.
Overnight in Trier.
Day 4: Near Trier – Bernkastel-Keus
29 miles/46 km
Just as on the previous day, Roman history remains ever-present along today’s route. Pass old Roman villas, public baths, and other relics of ancient civilizations, many set on the slopes above the winding river. The town of Neumagen-Dhron is especially notable for its Roman remains. Once a Roman fortress, it is also the site where the famous Roman wine ship was discovered. The day ends in the medieval town of Bernkastel-Kues, known for its romantic narrow streets, remarkable half-timbered houses, and picturesque corners. There is also an opportunity to enjoy a wine-tasting excursion at a local winery.
Overnight in Bernkastel-Kues.
Day 5: Bernkastel Keus – Moselle-Maare cycling trail
40 miles/64 km
In the morning, a cycle bus transfer takes you to Daun, the starting point of the Mosel-Maare Cycle Trail, one of the most celebrated cycling routes in the central Mosel region. Built along a former railway line, this gentle route offers one of the easiest and most scenic ways to reach the Mosel Valley through the Volcanic Eifel. Cycle through landscapes of volcanoes and crater lakes, across magnificent viaducts, and past historic railway stations before continuing along the Mosel bike path back to Bernkastel-Kues.
Overnight in Bernkastel-Kues.
Day 6: Bernkastel Keus – Zell
29 miles/47 km
The Mosel winds through a lush and captivating landscape of vineyards and forests. Along today’s route are charming towns and villages, including the traditional wine village of Wolf and, around the next bend, the elegant twin town of Traben-Trarbach, known for its Jugendstil architecture. Before reaching Zell, cycle up to the Marienburg, where splendid views over the Mosel meander await. The ship is waiting in Zell, known as the town of the Black Cat. According to local legend, wine merchants from Aachen were choosing a barrel of wine when a black cat leapt onto one barrel and refused to move, making their decision an easy one.
Overnight in Zell.
Day 7: Zell – Cochem
22 miles/36 km
The day begins with a ride to the dramatic, steep vineyards of Calmont near Bremm. Here there is an opportunity to hike the slopes and enjoy another magnificent view over a sweeping bend in the Mosel River. After lunch, continue to the charming village of Beilstein, known as the setting for several films. Following the visit, cycle the final stretch along the Mosel to Cochem, the last destination of this cycling week. Cochem is renowned for its wines and is crowned by the impressive Reichsburg Castle.
Overnight in Cochem.
Day 8: Departure from Cochem
The tour ends after breakfast, with disembarkation by 10:00 AM.
Boats
Elisabeth van Aemstel
10 cabins, 2 decks, 4 tours Starting out as a cruise vessel in 1998, the Elisabeth van Aemstel (formerly called the Allure) has undergone a stylish renovation appropriate for its new identity as a cozy and comfortable…
Bikes
Standard Touring Bike - Velo de Ville City 100 (or similar)
- Step-through aluminum frame
- Shimano Nexus 7-speed
- Schwalbe Marathon tires
- Handbrakes
- Comfort saddle
- 28" Wheels
- Flat pedals
Accessories
- Detachable pannier bag
- Pump & repair kit
Electrically Assisted Bike - Velo de Ville CEB 200 (or similar)
Limited number, upon request
Available for people taller than 155 cm (5'1")
- Step-through aluminum frame
- Bosch Active Line Mid-Engine
- Front suspension
- Nexus 7-speed
- Hydraulic brakes
- Comfort saddle
- 28" Wheels
- Schwalbe Marathon tires
- Flat pedals
Accessories
- Detachable pannier bag
- Pump & repair kit
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
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 cycle path follows primarily flat asphalt roads, without any noteworthy climbs. You can also choose to stay on board the ship at any time throughout the tour.
How to get there
Tour start and end
Cochem
Nearest airport: Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA), Germany
Nearest train station: Cochem, Germany
From the airport, you can take a train directly to Cochem and the trip will take approximately 2.5 hours. For more information about departure times and duration, see: www.db.de.
From the train station in Cochem, you can take a 5-minute taxi ride to the mooring place.
Merzig
Nearest airport: Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA), Germany
Nearest train station: Merzig (Saar), Germany
From Frankfurt Airport, regular train connections are available to Merzig, usually with one change. Travel time is approximately 3 hours. For schedules and current rail information, visit www.db.de.
From the train station in Merzig, a short walk or taxi ride will take you to the mooring place.
Tips for getting to and from your tour
Reviews
- ★★★★★ Kathy
Go for it!
Beautiful guided cycling along rivers, vineyards, Roman ruins—and cafes. Excellent meals and accommodations.
- ★★★★★ Kathy
Go for it!
Beautiful guided cycling along rivers, vineyards, Roman ruins—and cafes. Excellent meals and accommodations.
- ★★★★★ Darlene Ballestero Pirotte
Fantastic crew and passengers!
The crew on the Zwaan were amazing! Captain Reinold was gracious and did an excellent job at navigating the boat through the locks and moorings. Sabine the assistant did an amazing job at making us comfortable on the boat. How she managed to do many jobs with ease was a skill to admire. Theo the chef introduced us to many dishes from around the world that were delicious . Piet the bike guide showed us many different sites and managed to keep us together as a group even though we had various abilities. So grateful we had pleasure of pedaling and sharing meals with the other guests! They each brought something unique to the table. This trip was an amazing adventure that we will remember and share with family and friends. Thank you for an awesome adventure!!
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ Darlene Ballestero Pirotte
Fantastic crew and passengers!
The crew on the Zwaan were amazing! Captain Reinold was gracious and did an excellent job at navigating the boat through the locks and moorings. Sabine the assistant did an amazing job at making us comfortable on the boat. How she managed to do many jobs with ease was a skill to admire. Theo the chef introduced us to many dishes from around the world that were delicious . Piet the bike guide showed us many different sites and managed to keep us together as a group even though we had various abilities. So grateful we had pleasure of pedaling and sharing meals with the other guests! They each brought something unique to the table. This trip was an amazing adventure that we will remember and share with family and friends. Thank you for an awesome adventure!!
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ Jane Fletcher
Lovely towns along the Mosel
We really enjoyed our trip down the Mosel and Saar rivers. The Zwaan is a great boat and we really enjoyed the bike tour with a small group. Lots of storybook villages to explore along the way. We were lucky to be there while the grapes along the Mosel were being harvested and it was really interesting to see that going on. We also had the opportunity to try Federweißer, fresh pressed wine. It was very good while being totally different from what you think of as wine. We had e-bikes for the trip which flattened out the hills and made the riding very easy. It was very interesting to see all of the remnants of Roman civilization as well as lots of medieval buildings. So much history. The patchwork quilt of vineyards along the river were amazing especially in some areas where it seemed they rose straight up. So difficult to work on those steep slopes.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 20+
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ frank
Amazing scenery in a part of the world I did not know about.
This was a week long immersion in German culture in the Mosel /Saar river valleys. The rides were slow, easy rides on the riverbanks on dedicated bike paths alongside steep, wine grape orchards. Every day we would pull into a tiny picturesque German village. The Zwaan was our home base boat and we grew to really love the little barge, the food served and the group of new friends we made. Amazing Dutch crew that went out of their way to make us all feel at home. The guide was funny, easy going and very helpful.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 08/19/20108
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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