Moselle Bike & Barge
8 Days Starting in Koblenz, Germany and ending in Saarburg, Germany
Visiting: Koblenz, Cochem, Zell an der Mosel, Bernkastel-Kues, Neumagen-Dhron, Trier, Saarburg
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MOS
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the picturesque Moselle Valley with the Moselle Bike & Barge tour. This unique adventure combines the pleasures of cycling and sailing, taking you through Germany and Luxembourg. Explore historic towns, majestic castles, and ancient wine-growing regions while cycling along scenic routes. Highlights include wine tasting in Kues, visiting the steepest vineyard in Europe at Bremmer Calmont, and discovering Germany's oldest city, Trier, with its Roman heritage. Enjoy 7 nights aboard the premium MS Olympia barge, complete with ensuite cabins, daily meals, and the option of electric bikes. This self-guided tour offers the perfect blend of cultural exploration and leisurely cycling.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Embarkation In Koblenz*
Location: Koblenz
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Dinner
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 re these 2025 departures:
- 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.
Day 2 : By Boat To Alken Then Cycle Via Moselkern To Cochem (29Km/18Mi)
Location: Cochem
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 3 : Cycle To Beilstein, Then Continue To The Wine Growing Town Of Zell (39Km/24Mi)
Location: Zell an der Mosel
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning you will follow the river to Beilstein, whch 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. (optional wine tasting available, book on board)
Day 4 : Cycle To Traben-Trarbach And Bernkastel-Kues (43Km/26Mi)
Location: Bernkastel-Kues
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will cycle to Traben-Trarbach, which displays historic Art Nouveau architecture at its best. Afterwards, continue through Krov village to Bernkastel-Kues, which is an ideal place to stroll around with its stylish medieval market square surrounded by half timbered houses. You will find the barge in Keus after cycling through the town.
Day 5 : Cycle To Germany's Oldest Wine Village, Neumagen-Dhron, On To Mehring (47Km/29Mi)
Location: Neumagen-Dhron
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you cycle to Piesport, the oldest winegrowing community along the Moselle. Here you can book a guided tour of the Roman cellars and vineyards. Further on you come to Neumage-Dhron, the oldest wine village in Germany. Here you can visit the clone of a Roman wine boat. After lunch cycle to Mehring, a typical winegrowing village, where the boat awaits your arrival.
Day 6 : Cycle To Trier Via Pfalzel (26-29Km/16-18Mi)
Location: Trier
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 of Germany and its Roman roots are still visible in impressive buildings including the Porta Nigra, Konstantin basilica and Amphitheatre.
Note: at times the overnight stop may be in Konz.
Day 7 : Cycle Via Wasserbillig (Luxembourg) To Saarburg (38Km/23Mi)
Location: Saarburg
Accommodation Name: MS Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will be cycling along the river 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.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes Saarburg
Location: Saarburg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Disembarkation after breakfast until 9am.
What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches, 7 dinners, tea and coffee in the afternoon. 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.
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Accommodation
7 nights accommodation in main deck cabin on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities onboard MS Olympia - Premium barge category. Supplement applies for other categories of berths on main or upper deck. Season supplements apply.
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Information Pack
Information pack including route notes and maps per cabin. Plus navigational app access (smartphone required).
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Cruise Director
Cruise director on board who provides daily briefings but does not cycle with the group.
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Bicycle
Bicycle, 7 speed 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. 8 speed electric bike available on request.
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Welcome Drink
Welcome drink and information meeting on the first evening aboard.
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Harbour, Lock, and Bridge Dues
All harbour, lock, and bridge dues.
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Daily Cabin Cleaning
Daily cabin cleaning.
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Linen and Towels
Linen and change of towels as required.
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Emergency Hotline
Emergency hotline.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Koblenz / Saarburg
Travel to and from Koblenz / Saarburg is not included.
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Drinks
Drinks other than afternoon tea and coffee on board are not included.
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Meals Not Detailed
Meals not detailed in the itinerary are not included.
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Helmet
Helmet is mandatory on all bike tours.
You are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet.
2024: No hire facility is available, you may be able to purchase from bike shops locally.
2025: Available to purchase on board for EUR 40 per helmet (limited availability). -
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory.
Cruise cover may be required - check with your insurer. -
Tour Guide
Tour guide is not included as this is a self-guided tour.
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Solo Traveler Supplement
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees and sightseeing fees are not included.
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Tips
Tips are not obligatory but it is customary to offer a tip if the guide and crew have done a good job.
As a guide, we would recommend around EUR 30-60 per person (to be distributed between the guide/s, captain, and crew). -
Special Diets
Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian) is not included.
A supplement is payable for lactose or gluten-free diets - EUR 25 per person (subject to change) paid locally on board. -
Personal Items
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
, are not included.
Grading
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
ain 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.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the panniers provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, water and camera. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel by boat along the Moselle River, with cycling routes starting from various points. Bicycles are provided, including 7-speed options and electric bikes upon request.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights of accommodation in a main deck cabin on the MS Olympia, a premium barge with ensuite facilities. Daily cabin cleaning, linen, and towel changes are provided as required.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of bicycles are provided on the tour?
The tour provides 7-speed bicycles with hand and back pedal brakes or freewheel hubs with hand brakes only. Electric bikes are also available upon request.
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Is there a guide who will cycle with the group?
No, the tour is self-guided. A cruise director on board provides daily briefings but does not cycle with the group.
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Are helmets provided on the tour?
Helmets are mandatory on all bike tours. You are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. For 2024, no hire facility is available, but you may be able to purchase from bike shops locally. For 2025, helmets are available to purchase on board for EUR 40 per helmet, subject to limited availability.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches, and 7 dinners. Breakfasts are buffet style, picnic lunches are assembled at breakfast time, and dinners are 3 courses. Tea and coffee are also provided in the afternoon.
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What type of accommodation is provided?
The tour includes 7 nights of accommodation in a main deck cabin on the MS Olympia, a premium barge with ensuite facilities. Daily cabin cleaning, linen, and towel changes are provided as required.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the panniers provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, water, and camera. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour. Cruise cover may be required, so you should check with your insurer.
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Are there any additional costs for solo travelers?
Yes, a supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, entrance fees and sightseeing fees are not included in the tour price.
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What happens if I have special dietary requirements?
Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian) is not included. A supplement is payable for lactose or gluten-free diets, which is EUR 25 per person, subject to change, and paid locally on board.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.