A Luxurious European River Journey
Pedal through the vine-clad valleys of Germany, Luxembourg, and France, where every turn reveals a new vista
Immerse yourself in the rich Roman history and architectural marvels of Trier, Germany’s oldest city
Indulge in the renowned Riesling wines, a testament to the region’s viticultural heritage
Experience the charm of Saarburg, with its cascading waterfalls and medieval fortifications
Revel in the grandeur of Metz’s Gothic cathedral, adorned with Marc Chagall’s stained glass
Enjoy the ease of guided tours, ensuring a seamless adventure through these storied lands
Itinerary
Embarkation and check-in where the crew warmly welcomes you aboard your floating hotel in Cochem at 2 p.m. After settling in, join the tour leader for an exploratory walk through this charming Moselle town, boasting steep vineyards, wooded hills, an impressive castle, and a picturesque square lined with timber-framed houses and cafes. A visit to the majestic Reichsburg Castle is included to start your journey with a touch of historical grandeur.
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast before cycling to Beilstein, one of the most well-preserved historical villages along the Moselle. Ascend to the ruins of Castle Metternich for breathtaking views, then continue through Europe’s steepest vineyard at Bremmer Calmont. The day’s ride concludes in the wine village of Zell, where you can unwind and perhaps partake in tasting the renowned Zeller Schwarze Katz wine.
39 km/24 mi
From Zell, your journey takes you to the romantic village of Traben-Trarbach, celebrated for its Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) architecture. Pedal through the wine city of Kröv, famed for its Kröver wine, to reach Bernkastel-Kues. The evening is yours to enjoy in this picturesque town, surrounded by medieval half-timbered houses and a vibrant marketplace.
45 km/27 mi
The Moselle Valley unfolds before you as you cycle past renowned wine locales like Brauneberg, Piesport, and Trittenheim. After reaching Neumagen, a significant wine-producing center since Roman times, you have the option to continue by bike to Schweich or board the barge. Later, sail to Trier, Germany’s oldest city, where ancient Roman legacies await your discovery.
28 km/18 mi or 54 km/34 mi
Spend the morning in Trier, immersed in its Roman history, guided by your tour leader. Post lunch, the journey by bike leads you along the Mosel and Saar rivers to Saarburg, an intriguing town with dense forests, a medieval castle, and a dramatic waterfall. This evening, select a local restaurant for dinner, enjoying Saarburg’s culinary offerings.
28 km/18 mi
Today’s ride offers two options: a leisurely path along the rivers or a more challenging route through the hills. Either way, you’ll enter the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, where the Moselle marks the border. Visit a wine cooperative to sample the ‘Cremant’ and admire a Roman mosaic in Remich, before continuing your journey.
45 km/27 mi or 53 km/32 mi
The day starts with a cruise to Schengen, a name synonymous with European unity. Cycle through the borderless region to Thionville, a city with a rich steel-making past and a vibrant historical core. Rejoin the barge to cruise to Metz, a city where gothic architecture meets modern vibrancy, culminating in a visit to the magnificent St. Etienne Cathedral.
30 km/18 mi
Your tour comes to an end in the city of Metz. Disembark after breakfast by 9:30 a.m., taking with you a treasure trove of memories from the scenic rides, cultural encounters, and the serene flow of the Moselle and Saar rivers.
Pricing
Included in price
7 x breakfast
Packed lunches
6 x 3-course dinner
Coffee and tea on board
Welcome drink
Use of bed linen and towels
Daily cleaning of the cabin
Climate-controlled cabin
Daily briefings
Fully guided cycling tours ( from 22 guests: 2 tour leaders, 2 groups)
Some short walking tours
BBT cycling map (1 per cabin)
GPS tracks
Use of a helmet
Use of a waterproof pannier bag
Biodegradable water bottle
Fees for ferries
Entrance Reichsburg Cochem
Local wine tasting
Wi-Fi
Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit
1x dinner
Drinks
Bicycle rental or E-bike rental
Personal insurances
Gratuities (at your discretion)
Entrance fees and excursions (not mentioned under included)
Transfers to/from the docking place
Parking fees
SGR Insolvency protection
Important for the tour
Description
Set sail from Cochem to Metz and let the serene waters of the Moselle, Saar, and Rhine guide you through a realm of picturesque landscapes and historical treasures.
Cochem greets you with its terraced vineyards and the imposing Reichsburg Castle, setting a regal tone for the journey ahead. The ancient Roman heritage of Trier and the enchanting waterfalls in Saarburg weave through your cycling adventures, enriching each pedal with discovery.
Venture through the heart of Germany’s wine country, where the celebrated Riesling flows as freely as the rivers, and take a detour into Luxembourg’s stately capital. The narrative shifts as you cross into the French domain, where life is a canvas painted with the hues of golden plums and the camaraderie of rustic wine taverns.
The journey culminates in Metz, a mosaic of Gothic architecture and vibrant market squares, encapsulating the spirit of this European escapade.
With our expert guides at the helm, your excursion is effortless, filled with hidden gems and the best-kept secrets of the region.
Join us for an experience that marries the joy of cycling with the art of travel.
Ships
Magnifique I
The Magnifique I offers a refined experience for a maximum of 32 guests, with 16 tastefully adorned cabins on the lower deck. Each cabin, complete with en-suite facilities, air-conditioning, mini-safes, and hairdryers, ensures a restful stay. The twin cabins span approximately 11 m², while the four junior suites with queen-size beds extend to about 15 m². The upper deck features a well-appointed salon with a dining area, a welcoming bar, and a lounge with comfortable seating, air-conditioning, TV, and panoramic windows for scenic views.
Magnifique III
Step aboard the Magnifique III, where 16 charming lower deck cabins await, each outfitted with cozy beds, private bathrooms, satellite TV, mini-safes, and hairdryers for your comfort. The upper deck boasts five elegant suites, each featuring a snug sitting area framed by expansive windows. The air-conditioned restaurant and lounge encircle the inviting bar, perfect for socializing and relaxation. On the top deck, a Jacuzzi and deckchairs offer leisurely luxury under the open sky.
Princesse Royal
Experience luxury aboard the Princesse Royal, accommodating up to 30 guests in comfort and style. The 16 lower deck cabins boast comfortable beds and private bathrooms. Socialize at the main deck bar, enjoy meals at surrounding tables, or relax in the sitting area. Unwind in the outdoor seats or the soothing aft deck Jacuzzi.
Start planning today!
Things to know
Helmets are mandatory for all cyclists in Turkey, and Croatia, and for minors in several other European countries. While not obligatory elsewhere, we recommend bringing your own for safety. Helmets are available for rent on our tours.
You’re welcome to bring your own bicycle on most tours. Please confirm space availability on your chosen vessel in advance. Note that we are not liable for any loss or damage to personal bicycles. If you don’t have your bicycle, you can rent it on our tours.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended to enjoy the tours, which typically involve 40-60 kilometers of cycling daily, averaging around 5 hours of riding.
Our tours are designed to immerse you in the experience, hence a support vehicle is not part of the journey. Participants are encouraged to complete the daily cycling stages with their fellow cyclists.
To ensure the integrity of our rental bikes and your safety, we do not allow personal pedals to be attached to them.
While our routes are planned for full-day adventures, certain tours may offer the flexibility to return to the ship earlier, subject to the ship’s docking capabilities.
The adventure each day can span from 30 to 60 kilometers, with the time spent cycling influenced by your pace and the number of stops to soak in the scenery.
Our guides converse fluently in Dutch, English, and German, with some also proficient in French or Italian. Briefings are conducted in English and sometimes in German.
The number of companions on your journey will vary, with smaller ships often at full capacity and larger vessels typically filled to 80-90%.
Accommodations range from cozy standard cabins to luxurious superior suites, with each ship offering its unique array of options.
Stay connected with Wi-Fi available across all our vessels, with specifics outlined in our Travel Preparation guide.
To maintain the serene ambiance of our ships, laundry services are not offered on board.
Some ships equip cabins with hairdryers, while others can provide them upon request.
Our ships maintain a smoke-free environment in cabins and indoor public areas, with designated smoking zones available on deck on most vessels.
To ensure the comfort of all our guests, pets are not permitted on board, with the exception of crew members’ dogs that are familiar with life at sea.
Seasickness is uncommon due to the stability of our vessels and the typically calm waters on our routes.
Parking solutions are tailored to each departure point, with options like P+R facilities and valet services detailed in your pre-travel boarding information.
You will receive comprehensive travel details to your ship’s location upon booking, including information on parking and available transfer services.
Our guests are generally between the ages of 45 and 65, bringing a wealth of life experiences to share.
Our tours attract a global audience, from the far reaches of Scandinavia to the southern tips of Africa, and from the Americas to Asia.
Packing light is key, as cabin space is optimized for comfort and not for large luggage.
Our tour leaders are equipped to assist with minor issues, and in case of emergencies, the local emergency number 112 should be contacted.
For your safety, helmets are available for rent on most tours, and are included with our Premium tour packages.
You are welcome to enjoy the amenities on board instead of cycling. Please inform the tour leader or crew of your plans.
Our tours proceed rain or shine, with your safety as our top priority. You have the freedom to cycle or remain on board, based on your comfort with the weather conditions.
Weather conditions can vary from country to country and from season to season, so we suggest preparing for everything from rain to bright sunshine. For a detailed forecast, AccuWeather is a reliable source.
Not always. We suggest you bring your own equipment if you plan to snorkel.
Life-saving boats and life jackets are available on all ships and can be found in marked wardrobes on the deck, in the salon, or under the beds in cabins. In case you cannot swim, it is important to inform the crew and the captain. While on the ship, it is essential to pay attention to the following safety measures:
The stairs on the vessels can be steep and narrow, so it’s important to be careful while going up or down. The decks can also be very slippery, especially in wet conditions, so passengers should use caution and hold onto the railings when walking around the vessel.
Climbing the foremast, jumping off the deck during the cruise, or going too far from the vessel during swim pauses are strictly prohibited.
In the busy high season, harbors can become congested, and vessels may have to dock beside each other, so it is essential to exercise caution when moving between them. Crew members are available to assist passengers who require help. However, the cruise is not recommended for those with limited mobility or in wheelchairs.
The length of the cycling routes planned for each day is an estimate and takes into account local conditions and possible detours or shortcuts. The sailing and cycling routes may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and the abilities of the cyclists on board. Typically, departures are in the morning, usually after breakfast.
Bringing and consuming your own beverages on the vessel is prohibited. Instead, you can order drinks from the vessel’s salon, which serves as a restaurant, living room, and bar. The bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. If you would like a drink that is unavailable at the time, please inform the crew, and they will do their best to arrange it for you at the next port of call.