Highlights of the Moselle By Bike and Boat

Embarkation and check-in is at 2pm in Metz. After a welcome meeting with the crew there is time for a bicycle fitting and a short test ride. After dinner you can enjoy a walk through Metz with your guide. Metz is a beautiful old 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. The town is full of stunning architecture, flowers and great cafes. We recommend arriving in Metz one or more days earlier, so you have plenty of time to discover this interesting city.

During breakfast the boat cruises towards Thionville. Close to this town, the cycling begins. Thionville was once the centre of the French steel industry. That might sound modern and industrial, but the city is ancient. The historic centre has medieval ramparts, lovely gardens, old streets and the St Maximin basilica. The cycle route takes us through lovely French countryside and friendly villages. We continue past the fortress of Sierck-les-Bains, one of the palaces inhabited by the powerful Dukes of Lorraine. Via the valley of the Moselle we'll cross the French-Luxembourg border at Schengen. The “Schengen agreement” is well-known, whereas few know that it is named after this little town in Luxembourg at the 3-country border. Before reaching our destination of Remich we will visit the small village of Nennig and stop at its complex of Roman villas which feature one the of the most famous examples of Roman mosaic art. The tiled floor lies in its original place and reveals scenes from gladiator games (in 3 million individual tile pieces).

The river Moselle is the border between Germany and Luxembourg. We start following the river on the German side and soon cross to the Luxembourg side. On the way, we visit a wine co-operative, specialising in “Cremant”, the sparkling wine of Moselle. There are two cycling options: one is easy but longer along the rivers. The shorter option is more challenging, through the hills. Whichever you choose, both lead to Saarburg, an interesting old town situated in a beautiful part of the Saar valley. Here the banks of the river are densely forested. High above, the castle of Saar was built in the middle of the 10th century. In the middle of town we come across a waterfall about 20m high. At its foot is an old mill, which is driven by the small river. In this part of town most of the houses date from the 17th and 18th centuries, giving Saarburg a special charm.

After breakfast our tour leader will take us for a short bicycle tour to Trier. We'll arrive 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 at the time by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Trevorum. As a trading town and administrative centre, Trier flourished during the late imperial age and a notable number of monuments survive including the city gate, Porta Nigra, which was built around 18 AD. Today there is no dinner on board, you can choose to dine at one of the local restaurants.

After a breakfast cruise we will start cycling from Schweich. This is the “The Romantic Moselle”, the unofficial name for the mid- Moselle. Lovely vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see. Pass the heavy-hitters of the Moselle wine world, Trittenheim and Piesport. Around lunchtime, we arrive in Neumagen, an important centre of wine production. You can join the barge here or continue cycling to Bernkastel-Kues, an old and picturesque town that 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.

Today's cycle route takes us to the romantic village of Traben-Trarbach, located on the left bank of the Moselle and famous for its Jugendstil (art nouveau) architectural style. Further along the river our destination is Zell on the Moselle, well known for its Zeller Schwarze Katz white wine. Zell offers the perfect opportunity to get to know the wines of the Moselle.

Beilstein, the “Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle”, is one of the best-preserved historical villages along the length of the river and is the highlight of today’s cycling tour. Towering about the village are the ruins of Castle Metternich, which we have the opportunity to explore. We continue to our final destination, Cochem, a typical Moselle town surrounded by steep vine-clad mountains and wooded hills. Its impressive castle and picturesque square with beautiful timber-framed houses and cafes make it a perfect place for a glass of local wine. A visit to Reichsburg Castle is also on the program. Farewell dinner tonight on board.