Moselle Bike & Barge
8 Days Starting in Koblenz, Germany and ending in Saarburg, Germany
Visiting: Koblenz, Alken, Moselkern, Eltz Castle, Cochem, Reichsburg Castle, Beilstein, Bremmer Calmont, Zell an der Mosel, Traben-Trarbach, Bernkastel-Kues, Piesport, Neumagen-Dhron, Mehring, Pfalzel, Trier, Wasserbillig, Saarburg
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MOS
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the Moselle Valley with the Moselle Bike & Barge tour, exploring the scenic landscapes of Germany and Luxembourg. This self-guided cycling adventure offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature. Cruise along the Moselle River aboard the premium MS Olympia, enjoying comfortable accommodations and delicious meals. Cycle through picturesque towns like Cochem, Bernkastel-Kues, and Trier, discovering ancient castles, Roman ruins, and charming vineyards. Experience the steepest vineyard in Europe at Bremmer Calmont and savor local wines in Kues. With daily cycling routes ranging from 16 to 29 miles, this tour is perfect for beginners, offering both 7-speed and electric bike options. Delight in the rich history and stunning beauty of the region, all while enjoying the convenience of a floating hotel.
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: Alken, Moselkern, Eltz Castle, Cochem, Reichsburg Castle
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: Beilstein, Bremmer Calmont, 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: Traben-Trarbach, 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: Piesport, Neumagen-Dhron, Mehring
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: Pfalzel, 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: Wasserbillig, 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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Accommodation
7 nights barge -
Digital Information Pack
A digital information pack including a smartphone app with maps, roadbook, and GPS tracks is provided.
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Cruise Director
A cruise director is on board to provide daily briefings, although they do not cycle with the group.
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Bicycle Provision
A 7-speed unisex bike with hand and back pedal brakes or freewheel hubs with hand brakes only is provided. The bike comes with a waterproof pannier, bicycle insurance, repair kit, pump, and handlebar bag per cabin. Electric bikes are available on request for a supplement.
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Welcome Drink
A welcome drink and briefing are provided on the first evening.
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Linen and Towels
Linen and change of towels are provided as required.
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Daily Cabin Cleaning
Daily cabin cleaning is included.
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Harbour, Bridge, and Lock Charges
All charges for harbours, bridges, and locks are included.
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Emergency Hotline
An emergency hotline is available for assistance.
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. Available to purchase on board for EUR 40 per helmet (limited availability).
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory. Cruise cover may be required - check with your insurer.
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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).
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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.
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Personal Items
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc., are not included.
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Wi-fi
Wi-fi is not included.
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Handlebar Phone Holder
Handlebar phone holder is not included. It is recommended to bring your own to follow the route more easily using the app.
Grading
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 graded introductory 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 for the tour?
The tour provides 7-speed unisex bikes with hand and back pedal brakes or freewheel hubs with hand brakes only. Electric bikes are also available upon request for a supplement.
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Is there a guide accompanying the cycling tour?
No, this is a self-guided cycling holiday. A cruise director is on board to provide daily briefings but does not cycle with the group.
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Are helmets provided for the cycling tour?
Helmets are mandatory for the cycling tour, but you are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet. Helmets can be purchased on board for EUR 40, subject to limited availability.
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What meals are included during the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners. Breakfasts are buffet style, picnic lunches are assembled at breakfast, and dinners are three courses served in the dining room.
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What kind of accommodation is provided on the tour?
Accommodation is provided for 7 nights 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 should 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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Are there any additional costs for special dietary requirements?
Yes, there is an extra fee for special diets such as lactose-free and gluten-free, payable locally. You should advise at the time of booking or at least 21 days prior to departure.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?
The trip is graded as introductory due to the flat terrain and dedicated cycle paths, making it suitable for beginners. The cycling involves 6 days of riding between 26km and 49km per day, usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain.
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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.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Saturday - Saturday
May 03, 2025 - May 10, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Book with Confidence
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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.
