Itinerary

Day 1 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Depart U.S./Fly overnight to Strasbourg

Depart from the U.S. for France. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 2 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Arrive in Strasbourg/Begin your Trip Extension.

Between Frankfurt and Strasbourg, Lufthansa operates a bus transfer instead of a flight. The bus pick up is located outside of the baggage area, Hall B, exit doors 4-5.Please follow this procedure for finding the bus:
1) Arrive at Frankfurt Airport. (The bus ticket to Strasbourg-XER is included in TransAtlantic ticket.)
2) Proceed to Baggage Claim and retrieve your luggage. If your luggage is lost, fill out a PIR form before leaving the customs area.
3) In the Frankfurt airport, the bus stops outside of the baggage area.
4) In Strasbourg, your bus will stop after about two and half hours at Boulevard De Metz N 3, next to the railway station (OR at Lauterbourg, Border Crossing). Make sure you get off at the first stop on Boulevard De Metz, so your VBT representative can meet you there and transfer you to your centrally located hotel. The VBT representative will be holding a VBT sign.
5) The Lufthansa bus will be expecting all VBT pre-trip extension travelers.

At the hotel, you will receive a City Information Package to help you discover this unique city. You are free to do as you wish today. If you arrive early, your hotel room may not be available until 3:00 p.m. You may store your luggage with the reception desk.

Day 1 of AIR PACKAGE Depart the U.S. and begin your crossing of the Atlantic Ocean.

VBT Air Package guests: Depart from the U.S. for Luxembourg City/Luxembourg. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 3 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Strasbourg.

Continue to discover this amazing capital of culture and art.

Day 2 of AIR PACKAGE Arrive in Luxembourg City and transfer to hotel

VBT Air Package guests: Upon arrival at the Luxembourg City airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. If your luggage is lost, fill out a PIR form before leaving the customs area—VBT representatives are not allowed into the customs area. (Please note: Also make certain your VBT luggage tags are affixed to your bag so your VBT representative can identify you.)

After exiting customs, enter the arrival hall and look for your VBT representative, who will be holding a VBT sign. You will transfer via taxi or minibus (approximately 20 minutes) to your hotel in Luxembourg City. If you arrive early, your hotel room may not be available until 2:00 p.m. You may store your luggage with the Reception Desk. A City Information Packet will be waiting for you upon check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this wonderful city.

Pre-Trip Extension guests: This morning, transfer from your Strasbourg hotel to your hotel in Luxembourg City (approximately two hours). Your transfer is booked for a 9:30 a.m. departure from your hotel. The driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and will be holding a VBT sign. Once at Hotel Le Royal in Luxembourg City, you will have time to explore and have lunch on your own. Your hotel room may not be available until 2:00 p.m., but you may store your luggage with the Reception Desk. A City Information Packet will be waiting for you upon check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this wonderful city.

Dinner is on your own tonight at a city restaurant.

Day 4 of Pre-Trip Ext Transfer to Luxembourg

This morning, transfer from your Strasbourg hotel to your hotel in Luxembourg City (approximately two hours). Your transfer is booked for a 9:30 a.m. departure from your hotel. The driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and will be holding a VBT sign. Once at Hotel Le Royal in Luxembourg City, you will have time to explore and have lunch on your own. Your hotel room may not be available until 2:00 p.m., but you may store your luggage with the Reception Desk. A City Information Packet will be waiting for you upon check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this wonderful city.

Day 3 of AIR PACKAGE Explore Luxembourg City

After breakfast, continue your exploration of the city. Your local guide will meet you at 10:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby and conduct a two-hour walking orientation tour this morning, during which you can get some inside tips.

Luxembourg City overlooks the Petrusse and Alzette valleys and sits high on a rocky outcropping. It offers a combination of cobblestone-arched narrow streets and small elegant palaces such as the Palais Grand-Ducal and the Chambre des Deputes. The beautiful Chemin de la Corniche is said to be Europe's most beautiful terrace, with a pleasant promenade that passes restored ancient homes. The Casemates du Bock, a defensive labyrinth excavated in 1745 in the rocks beneath the city, is partly open to visitors. Other remarkable places include the Place de la Constitution and the cozy Place du Marche, still used for weekly flower and vegetable markets.

Tonight, dine on your own. The city boasts more Michelin stars per square mile than any other and has a lively atmosphere in its many cafés, pubs and pizzerias. The biggest ethnic community here is from Portugal, which adds a Latin flair.

Day 5 of Pre-Trip Ext Explore Luxembourg City

After breakfast, continue your exploration of the city. Your local guide will meet you at 10:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby and conduct a two-hour walking orientation tour this morning, during which you can get some inside tips.

Luxembourg City overlooks the Petrusse and Alzette valleys and sits high on a rocky outcropping. It offers a combination of cobblestone-arched narrow streets and small elegant palaces such as the Palais Grand-Ducal and the Chambre des Deputes. The beautiful Chemin de la Corniche is said to be Europe's most beautiful terrace, with a pleasant promenade that passes restored ancient homes. The Casemates du Bock, a defensive labyrinth excavated in 1745 in the rocks beneath the city, is partly open to visitors. Other remarkable places include the Place de la Constitution and the cozy Place du Marche, still used for weekly flower and vegetable markets.

Tonight, dine on your own. The city boasts more Michelin stars per square mile than any other and has a lively atmosphere in its many cafés, pubs and pizzerias. The biggest ethnic community here is from Portugal, which adds a Latin flair.

Day 1 of BIKE TOUR Transfer to Metz/Metz City Tour/Embark barge/Warm-up ride

VBT No-Air Package guests: You are responsible for making your own way to meet our barge, the Sailing Home, to arrive between 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Please note that you cannot arrive before this time. If you are late, you must contact the barge as soon as possible to make alternate arrangements because the barge will sail shortly after this time.

The barge will be moored in the canal between the Pont du Canal and the locks of Metz, near the rue de Paris and the rue George Aimé. The contact telephone number is ++31 650 121811. Please refer to the information listed in the tour handbook.

VBT Air Package and Pre-Trip Extension guests: After breakfast this morning, transfer by coach (approximately 1 hour) to the city of Metz in France, then meet your local Metz city guide and take a pleasant walk into the city center via charming bridges and romantic corners. Pass the elegant 18th-century city theater and the Palais de la Prefecture in the Place de la Comedie. Soon you see the imposing Cathedral of St. Etienne, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals of France, built around 1250. Admire the fine stained-glass windows, including a modern one by Marc Chagall.

Stroll the city and the Saturday morning local market, shopping or sightseeing on the lively Place St. Louis and Place Saint-Jacques. Lunch is on your own. Meet up with one of your VBT Trip Leaders and walk to our barge mooring point.

At 2:00 p.m., board the Sailing Home. After meeting the crew and your second VBT Trip Leaders, settle in before participating in a bike safety session and a short warm-up ride.. Later, gather for a welcome dinner onboard. The barge moors in the quiet French village of Thionville.

Day 2 of BIKE TOUR Bike to Rodemack France and Picnic

After breakfast on board, our morning ride takes us along a pleasant rolling route through small villages to Rodemack, known as Lorraine's little Carcassonne. This charming village offers marvels of construction, including fortifications erected over many centuries. Impressive ramparts and walls circle the village, and there's a labyrinth of back streets and cobbled alleys to explore, as well as an impressive fortress.

Free time will be given to enjoy a picnic lunch and to wander through the village.

You may bike or cruise this afternoon. Dinner tonight is on the barge. The barge moors in Remich, Luxembourg

Day 3 of BIKE TOUR Cycle Remich/Nennig/Wasserbillig/Saarburg

Begin biking from Remich to Nennig. In a short time, you reach the local museum, where you can admire Europe's largest Roman mosaic (remarkably, it's 90 percent original and perfectly restored). Continue riding along the Moselle on an easy biking path. The river forms a natural border between Germany and Luxembourg. Our route, on the German side, has the best views of the high vineyards.

Follow the Route du Vin, or wine road, famous here for its outstanding Riesling and Cremant wines, then stop for lunch on your own in Oberbillig, a pretty village. You may cruise or continue cycling from this point. Pass by Konz, a small city at the confluence of the Moselle and Saar rivers, then continue cycling into the Saarland along the more intimate Saar River. Wooded mountains and wide meadow valleys, scattered with farmsteads and villages, alternate in harmony between the two rivers. Later this afternoon, you reach Saarburg, a medieval jewel at the foot of a castle that towers above the river. The middle of town boasts a roaring 65-foot-high waterfall. Spend the rest of the day exploring this lovely town, then dine tonight on your own in a romantic restaurant on the Leuk River. Savor the hearty food and viez, or apple wine, typical of this region. The barge moors in Saarburg.

Day 4 of BIKE TOUR Bike and cruise Saarburg to Trier

This morning, walk to the nearby former bell foundry and museum, “Mabilon,” which produced bells until 2002. From there, pedal along the Saar River back to our barge, where lunch awaits. In the afternoon, continue to bike along the banks of the Saar River to Konz. In Konz, rejoin the Moselle bike path and ride to Trier. (If you prefer, you may cruise from Saarburg to Trier.)

A slogan for Trier, a lively tourist and university town, claims that it is possible to see “2,000 years of history in 2,000 paces.” The Romans established their local capital here. In the Middle Ages, Frankish kings and the archbishops of Trier reigned. A local guide conducts a walking tour in the city center, where you learn about the Porta Nigra (“Black Gate”), the city landmark and largest city gate of the ancient world. Then visit the Amphitheater, the medieval Main Market and the Church of Our Lady (where you can see the throne of Constantine the Great), the rococo Electoral Palace, the Imperial Baths and extensive subterranean service passages. Trier's monuments are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Tonight, the barge moors in Trier. Your group eats dinner together in a centrally located restaurant.

Day 5 of BIKE TOUR Piesport/Trittenheim/Bernkastel-Kues

After breakfast this morning, leave Trier and cycle toward Bernkastel-Kues, passing Piesport and Trittenheim along the way. Both of these wine-making villages lie in scenic hairpin turns on the Moselle. See a reconstructed Roman winepress in Piesport. Stop for lunch in Neumagen, where there are more ancient signs of the Romans. From there, shuttle to Bernkastel-Kues, or continue biking among vineyards and orchards, watching for swans and other birds.

On arrival in Bernkastel-Kues, meet the barge, then rest or explore before dinner on board. Bernkastel and Kues, united in 1905, were once two small cities divided by the Moselle. The pride of this small city is the market square, with its picturesque timber-framed houses and decorated fountains, some dating to the 17th century.

After dinner, stroll to the fascinating cellar of Josef Zimmermann via an elegant district of fine Jugendstill villas, many of which display winegut, or winery, signs. The simple, fourth-generation Zimmermann operation contains a century-old cellar, wine barrels and the inviting tasting hall, where you taste four different wines.

Day 6 of BIKE TOUR Daun/The “maars”/Bernkastel-Kues

Board a private coach and shuttle (approximately 45 minutes) through the Eifel Valley to the city of Daun. From there, take an exhilarating bike ride that starts out slightly uphill, then zooms downhill along a former railway track that is now a cycling path. The ride includes stretches through tunnels, over bridges and by small lakes formed from volcano craters, known as maars. See castles, vineyards and green forests before cycling through quiet villages.

On the way, stop in Strohn for a visit to a small volcano museum. The region is scattered with “young” volcanoes about 12,000 years old. The typical maars here are actually volcano cones collapsed inside the earth. In Strohn, stop to share a simple home-cooked meal with a local family.

Later, continue cycling to Bernkastel and relax before dinner on board.

Day 7 of BIKE TOUR Zell/Bullay/Cochem

Today, cruise out of Bernkastel to follow the Moselle downstream. After breakfast and a morning route talk, you arrive in Traben-Trarbach, an architectural jewel of Jugendstil surrounded by woods and extensive vineyards. Traben-Trarbach was at one time the world's second-largest wine-trading center in the world. At the turn of the century, the city's wine merchants built a number of fine Art Nouveau buildings, many of which are carefully preserved and continue to operate as wineries. An entire range of Belle Époque splendor was attracted to Traben-Trarbach, making the city a favorite destination for lovers of the Baroque and Classical styles.

After exploring Traben-Trarbach, cycle along the river bike path to Zell, one of the largest wine-producing communities on the river. One of the best wines produced here, Zeller Schwartze Katz. or Black Cat, is produced with grapes from 16 different locations. Continue to Bullay, another big wine name. Enjoy your provided picnic lunch (prepared by the barge chef) at one of the many picnic areas that you find on your way. Arrive and moor in Cochem later this afternoon, then freshen up for a festive farewell dinner on board the barge.

Day 8 of BIKE TOUR Cochem/Koblenz / VBT No-Air Package ends

VBT No-Air Package guests: After breakfast your tour ends. It is important that you leave the barge no later than 9:00 a.m. Please refer to the information listed in the tour handbook.

VBT Air Package guests and Post Trip Extension guests: After breakfast, say farewell to the crew and one VBT Trip Leader, then walk into Cochem with the other. This characteristic Moselle town has steep wine mountains, wooded hills, medieval buildings and a picturesque center with beautiful timber-framed houses. Hike or shuttle to the Reichsburg, a castle you visit with a local guide, for spectacular views of the Moselle valley and its vineyards. The fairy-tale castle includes seven rooms of fine furniture and objects from different periods and styles.

After your visit, you may shop and eat lunch on your own before saying goodbye to your VBT Trip Leader and boarding a private motor coach to Koblenz. Settle in to your centrally located hotel. At 4:00 p.m. our local guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to start your 1.5-hour walking tour around the historic old town of Koblenz. It is about a 15-minute walk to this area, so we recommend that you depart prepared to stay for tonight's dinner on your own.

Day 9 of Air Package Depart for U.S. or begin your optional extension in Berlin

VBT Air Package guests: After breakfast, meet in the hotel lobby to transfer to the Frankfurt airport for your flight back to the U.S. Please be sure that you are waiting at the designated transfer time and location. Please confirm your transfer time with your Trip Leaders during the week.

Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

Note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

Day 1 of POST TRIP EXTENSION Begin your Optional Extension

If you have chosen the optional Post-Trip Extension, transfer to the Frankfurt airport according to your flight schedule to board your flight to Berlin. Please confirm your transfer time with your Trip Leaders during the week.
When you reach Berlin Tegel airport, a VBT representative meets you and helps you transfer (approximately 1 hour) to your centrally located hotel, where you receive a City Information Package that will help you enjoy your stay. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city independently. Meals are on your own.

Later in the day, VBT's local Representative is available at the hotel to answer your questions and recommend some activities for the rest of your stay. Your Trip Leaders will have already provided you with a transfer reminder that includes the time on the last day of your extension when a taxi will meet you at the hotel's reception area and take you to the airport for your flight back to the U.S.

Day 2 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Berlin

Discover this amazing capital of culture and art. An optional walking city tour will be available. This 2½ hour program may be booked with your VBT representative upon arrival in Berlin (it may not be booked in advance of travel). The approximate price is 20 euros ($28 USD) per person (minimum of 2 people required), and includes the services of our local English-speaking guide. You will pass through Berlin's historical heart, walk toward the famous Museum Island (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) see Germany's Parliament House and the Reichstag, then pass through the Holocaust Memorial Area and the New Potsdam Square before stopping at the Topography of Terror to see an original piece of the Berlin Wall. The tour ends at the legendary Checkpoint Charlie. You may then wish to continue on your own to the nearby Jewish Museum, or return to the hotel and take a river-boat tour departing twice daily from a spot near the hotel.

Day 3 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Berlin

Continue your independent exploration of Berlin. You may wish to take one of the hop-on-hop-off bus tours. There are several companies offering these tours, and your VBT representative will give you more information upon arrival.

Day 4 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Berlin Extension concludes/Depart for home

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Please be sure that you are waiting at the designated transfer time and location. VBT recommends that you check your transfer time in your “Transfer Reminder.” The transfer is prearranged by VBT and is prepaid.

Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests.

Note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

Heart of Europe: Bike & Barge - Metz - Cochem 2010

Pre and Post Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension

Strasbourg 2010 - 2nights for only $445

A beautiful and exciting city, Strasbourg’s famous sights include both the modern and historic. The Grand Île, Strasbourg’s historic center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features beautiful bridges and medieval streets, rustic timber-framed buildings, elegant shops and a modern, silent tram that transports you throughout the surrounding area. Visit the sandstone Gothic Cathedral and its astronomical clock, the Palais d’Europe that houses European Parliament, and the remarkable Cathedrale Notre-Dame. Stroll through La Petite France, Strasbourg’s historic 16th-century neighborhood, which gets its character from the cobblestone streets, colorful houses and pretty canals.

Available only with the Air Inclusive Package

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $185.

Post-Trip Extension

Berlin 2010 - 3 nights for only $395

Explore one of Europe’s most influential centers of politics, culture, science and art. Visit the Brandenburg Gate, which served as the gate to Eastern Berlin until 1989. See Rathaus Schoneberg, where John F. Kennedy made his famous speech, “Ich bin ein Berliner.” Journey to The Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 150 museums. Or simply spend time in the city, peeking into trendy boutiques, art studios, cafés and gourmet restaurants in this UNESCO City of Design.

Available only with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $185.

Accommodations

Hotel Le Royal

This luxury property, centrally located in Luxembourg City, has a beautiful garden and is only a few steps from the Old Town and shops. All rooms are spacious, elegant, fully air-conditioned and Internet-ready.

Barge Sailing Home

The Sailing Home is a comfortable, two-deck motor passenger ship featuring 12 twin-bedded cabins, each with private shower and toilet. In service since April 2001, the barge is fully air-conditioned and heated throughout. Inside, the salon and bar are decorated in a modern Victorian style and have a relaxed atmosphere. There is a sundeck available for guests at the bow. Smoking is only permitted outside on the sundeck. The barge moors each night.

Drinks of all types are available for purchase at the bar on board the Sailing Home. It is not customary for guests to bring their own drinks and use the facilities of the barge (including ice, glasses and crew services); your understanding is appreciated. Onboard meal menus are set, though the chef is happy to accommodate vegetarians and those on restricted diets for health reasons.

Hotel Brenner

Located in the Koblenz city center, this family-run property welcomes you with warm hospitality. Rooms are comfortably sized, and most overlook a small, well-maintained garden where you may eat breakfast. Hotel Brenner is stylishly decorated with hand-painted flowers on the ceilings and walls, and antique furnishings.

Rating Level

Easy

This tour offers easy terrain throughout the trip. It is ideal for beginning cyclists.