Germany, Luxembourg & France Bike & Boat: Mosel River Valley, Aboard the Princess Royal

Your vacation is about to begin! Spend your first night aloft and arrive ready for an unforgettable trip.

A VBT representative will greet you at the Frankfurt airport to start your adventure off right. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your hotel in Koblenz. From your centrally located hotel, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.

After an included breakfast at your hotel, meet a VBT representative at 9:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby for your transportation by coach (approximately one hour and 45 minutes) to the city of Cochem. Please ensure that all luggage you will not need during the day today is loaded onto the luggage minibus. It will be taken directly to the barge and delivered to your cabin.

On arrival, meet one of your VBT trip leaders, who will acquaint you with this characteristic Mosel town beloved for its wooded hills, medieval buildings, and a picturesque center with beautiful, timber-framed houses. Hike or shuttle with a local guide to Reichsburg Castle, where you enjoy a tour and spectacular views of the Mosel Valley and its vineyards. The fairy-tale castle includes seven rooms of fine furniture and objects from different periods and styles.

After your visit, walk back into town, where you may shop and eat lunch on your own before boarding the barge at 2:00 p.m. Meet the crew and your second VBT trip leader, then settle in before a bike-safety session and a short warm-up ride to Beilstein on quiet bike paths along the Mosel River. Reunite with your barge in Beilstein, where it will moor for the night. Gather with your travel mates for a welcome drink, and toast this Mosel bike tour! Enjoy dinner on board.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon Beilstein Warm-up — 10 km (6 miles)

What to Expect:

The ride to Beilstein is easy along the river. Get acquainted with your route notes and bicycle. Check your brakes and play with shifting your full range of gears.

Cumulative Distance Range: 10 km (6 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, cruise the Mosel upstream and disembark for a ride on an easy cycling path to Zell and Traben-Trarbach. Beautifully situated on the Mosel where the river twists and turns through the hills, Zell is one of the largest wine-producing communities on the river. The beloved wine Zeller Schwarze Katze (Black Cat) is produced here with grapes from 16 different locations. Be sure to notice the sculpture on the market-square fountain depicting a snarling cat atop a wine barrel.

Next, cycle to the village of Traben-Trarbach, an architectural jewel of the German Art Nouveau movement known as Jugendstil. The surrounding woodlands and extensive vineyards add to its irresistible charm. Traben-Trarbach was once the world’s second-largest wine-trading center. At the height of its prosperity at the turn of the 20th 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. There’ll be time to admire a wide range of Belle Époque splendor during your visit; you’ll quickly see why the city is a favorite destination for lovers of baroque and classical architecture, too.

Rejoin your barge in Traben-Trarbach, then cruise into Bernkastel-Kues, once two small wine-making towns on either side of the Mosel before they were united in 1905. The pride of today’s dual city is the market square, with its picturesque timber-framed houses and decorative sculpted fountains, some dating to the 17th century.

Dinner is on board tonight.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Beilstein to Zell — 28 km (17 miles)

Afternoon Zell to Traben-Trabach — 20 km (13 miles)

What to Expect:

The Mosel meanders in scenic hairpin turns through the steepest vineyards in Europe. The scenery is breathtaking, and many interesting sights can be explored along the way. You’ll cross the river a few times, but continue to follow it upstream to the mooring point in Traben-Trarbach. You will find great places for lunch in charming villages. Short option riders join the barge here. Enjoy beautiful riding through quaint half-timbered wine villages and vineyards along the river to the Art Nouveau town of Traben-Trarbach, where you’ll meet the barge and cruise to Bernkastel-Kues.

Cumulative Distance Range: 28 – 48 km (17 – 30 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, shuttle (approximately 45 minutes) through the scenic Eifel Valley to the town of Daun, a spa town fed by mineral springs. Return to your bicycle here and enjoy an exhilarating spin, climbing a slight incline at first and then coasting downhill along a former railway converted into a cycling path. This exciting ride includes stretches through tunnels, over bridges, and past small lakes formed from volcanic craters known as maars. Pass stately castles, lush vineyards, green forests, and quiet villages that invite you to pause and explore.

Along the way, stop in Gillenfeld to enjoy a simple lunch hosted by Sigrid and Leo Lenerz. At their simple cozy café idyllically located in an old barn, they specialize in regional products from local producers. Later, ride back to Bernkastel, where you can relax before dinner on board.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Daun to Gillenfeld — 16 km (10 miles)

Afternoon Gillenfeld to Laufeld — 12 km (8 miles) | Laufeld to Wittlich — 15 km (9 miles) | Wittlich to Bernkastel-Kues — 21 km (13 miles)

What to Expect:

Bike an invigorating rails-to-trails route known locally as the MMR, a mainly flat or downhill bike path with a few gradual climbs at the beginning. Meet up at a cozy café in Gillenfeld for lunch. Take our support vehicle after lunch if you wish to avoid hills, then continue on the MMR bike path, coasting through illuminated tunnels and a viaduct before a thrilling, gradual descent into Wittlich town. From Wittlich you may shuttle back to the barge or ride flat and easy bike paths along a small river through gorgeous forest and farmlands to the Mosel River, where your barge awaits.

Cumulative Distance Range: 16 – 64 km (18 – 40 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, you cycle toward Trier, the oldest town in Germany, passing Piesport and Trittenheim along the way. Both of these winemaking villages lie on scenic hairpin turns of the Mosel. In Piesport, you will see a reconstructed Roman winepress. Stop for lunch in one of the small villages along your route, such as Neumagen-Dhron, where you witness more signs of ancient Rome. Rejoin the barge in Schweich for a leisurely cruise to Trier.

The people of Trier might tell you that it is possible to see “2,000 years of history in 2,000 paces” in their city. The Romans established their local capital here. In the Middle Ages, Frankish kings and the archbishops of Trier reigned. Here you can learn about the Porta Nigra (“Black Gate”), the city’s landmark and the largest city gate of the ancient world; the amphitheater; the medieval Market Square; the High Cathedral of St. Peter, Germany’s oldest Cathedral; and Constantine’s Throne Hall. Then there’s the rococo Electoral Palace and the ruins of the Imperial Baths with their extensive subterranean passages. It is an astounding repository of history that leaves little doubt why all of Trier’s monuments have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tonight, your barge moors here, so you can try one of the local restaurants for dinner on your own.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Bernkastel-Kues to Neumagen — 27 km (16 miles)

Afternoon Neumagen to Schweich — 29 km (18 miles)

What to Expect:

Ride to Neumagen, where you can rejoin the barge. Or spend the morning on board and start biking from Neumagen. There are a few short ascents and descents along the river and through the vineyards; as you ride, you might witness the barge passing through the locks in Detzem. Then, it’s all aboard in Schweich as you cruise into Trier, the former Imperial city of Rome’s late Classical period.

Cumulative Distance Range: 27 – 56 km (16 – 34 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

This morning, you have time to explore Trier, with its shops and Roman history, before taking a local train to Konz, scenically situated where the Saar River flows into the Mosel. Here, you meet the barge for lunch, then set off on an afternoon ride into the Saarland along the more intimate Saar River. Wooded mountains, wide meadows, farmsteads, and villages mark your progress as you ride. Later this afternoon, you reach Saarburg, a medieval riverside jewel at the foot of a castle. The town center boasts a roaring 65-foot (19.8-meter) waterfall. Choose between a scenic spin along the Saar River or free time in Saarburg.

Enjoy a private wine tasting in one of the historical wineries in Saarburg. This evening, you may dine on your own in a restaurant on the Leuk River. Savor the hearty food and sip a crisp Saar River Riesling, or try viez, an apple cider typical of this region. The barge moors in Saarburg.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon Konz to Saarburg — 19 km (11 miles) | Saarburg Loop — 34 km (20 miles)

What to Expect:

After lunch on board, your afternoon ride begins by crossing over a bridge at the confluence of the Mosel and Saar rivers. The riverside ride to lovely medieval Saarburg is easy, passing fruit orchards and vineyard-clad slopes. While you wait for the barge to arrive, take the opportunity to explore the town, perhaps climbing the steps to the castle ruins. For more miles along the Saar bike path, ride up the right bank, navigate a narrow unpaved path through the forest, and cross over the big locks and bridge down the other side back to Saarburg.

Cumulative Distance Range: 19 – 34 km (11 – 20 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, walk to the nearby former bell foundry and museum, Mabilon, which produced bells until 2002. Later, cycle along the banks of the Saar River to Konz, at the confluence of the Mosel and Saar rivers. Then, follow the Mosel River, the natural border between Luxembourg and Germany, along an easy biking path. Soon you’ll arrive in Wasserbillig and cross the border into Luxembourg.

In Nittel, Germany, rejoin the barge for lunch. This afternoon, you can opt to continue cycling with our longer option or cruise into Remich, Luxembourg.

Our longer option follows the renowned Route du Vin, famous for its vineyards and outstanding wines, including Riesling and Cremant. Approaching Remich, take a short detour to Nennig and admire Europe’s largest Roman mosaic; remarkably, 90% of it is original and perfectly restored. Dinner tonight is on the barge, moored on the opposite side of Remich.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Saarburg to Wasserbillig — 23 km (14 miles)

Afternoon Nittel to Remich — 21 km (13 miles)

What to Expect:

Ride along the Saar River back to its confluence with the Mosel, crossing a few bridges. Ride along the Luxembourg side to meet the barge in Wasserbillig for a cruising lunch to Nittel, Germany. An easy spin along the Mosel River through vineyards and small villages ends at the Roman mosaic for a film and tour of the ruins.

Cumulative Distance Range: 21 – 44 km (14 – 27 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ride a tranquil bike path along the Mosel River this morning, crossing from Luxembourg into Germany and France. Then, turn inland and follow a pleasant rolling route through small villages to Rodemack, known as “Little Carcassonne Lorraine” and ranked one of the most beautiful villages in France. In this charming hamlet, admire marvels of construction that span the ages, including fortifications erected over many centuries. Impressive ramparts and walls encircle the village and cobbled alleys lead to a labyrinth of back streets and an impressive fortress.

Enjoy a picnic lunch with free time to explore on your own.

Today’s longer option leads to Thionville, where you board your barge and cruise into Metz, France. This evening, enjoy your final onboard dinner.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Remich to Rodemack — 30 km (18 miles)

Afternoon Rodemack to Thionville with Shuttles — 11 km (7miles) | Rodemack to Thionville — 23 km (15 miles)

What to Expect:

Enjoy flat, easy cycling along the Mosel River to the three-country border zone, crossing from Luxembourg into Germany and France. Cycle through French farmlands, on a mix of quiet country roads and bike lanes. Finish the day biking through France along the Mosel, riding through the breathtaking French countryside of the Lorraine region into Thionville, where the barge waits. Shuttles are available to assist you if required during the day.

Cumulative Distance Range: 30 – 53 km (18 – 40 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a final breakfast on our barge, bid farewell to the crew and VBT trip leaders and say hello to your local guide as you disembark in Metz, France, nestled at the confluence of the Mosel and Seille rivers. Enjoy a pleasant walk into this charming city, a quaint tapestry of bridges and romantic corners. Pass the elegant 18th-century city theater and the Palais de la Prefecture in the Place de la Comedie. Visit the imposing Cathedral of St. Etienne, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals of France, built around 1250. Here, admire the fine stained-glass windows, including a modern work by Marc Chagall.

Then, shuttle to the train station to board your high-speed train for a 90-minute journey to Paris. Upon arrival at Paris Est, you will be met by a VBT representative and shuttled to your comfortable, centrally located hotel.

VBT provides you with city information that includes information and recommendations for what to see and do in Paris. Enjoy the rest of the day to relax or to begin exploring the City of Light on your own.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After an included breakfast this morning, complimentary transportation to the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport will be provided (an approximately 35 to 45 minute drive, depending on traffic) for your departing flight.

Included Meals: Breakfast

You are responsible for making your way to Cochem to meet your barge. Please arrive between 1:30 and 2:00 p.m. Please note that you cannot embark before this time, as the barge is being prepared for you. If you are late, you must contact the barge as soon as possible to make alternate arrangements because we sail shortly after this time.

The barge will be moored in Cochem at Uferstrasse, on the right bank just downstream from the bridge.

Meet the crew and your VBT trip leaders, then freshen up in your cabin and change before a bike-safety session and a short warm-up ride to Beilstein on quiet bike paths along the tranquil Mosel River. Reunite with your barge in Beilstein, where it will moor for the night. Gather with your travel mates for a welcome drink and dinner on board.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon Beilstein Warm-up — 10 km (6 miles)

What to Expect:

The ride to Beilstein is easy along the river. Get acquainted with your route notes and bicycle. Check your brakes and play with shifting your full range of gears.

Cumulative Distance Range: 10 km (6 miles)

Included Meals: Dinner

Today, cruise the Mosel upstream and disembark for a ride on an easy cycling path to Zell and Traben-Trarbach. Beautifully situated on the Mosel where the river twists and turns through the hills, Zell is one of the largest wine-producing communities on the river. The beloved wine Zeller Schwarze Katze (Black Cat) is produced here with grapes from 16 different locations. Be sure to notice the sculpture on the market-square fountain depicting a snarling cat atop a wine barrel.

Next, cycle to the village of Traben-Trarbach, an architectural jewel of the German Art Nouveau movement known as Jugendstil. The surrounding woodlands and extensive vineyards add to its irresistible charm. Traben-Trarbach was once the world’s second-largest wine-trading center. At the height of its prosperity at the turn of the 20th 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. There’ll be time to admire a wide range of Belle Époque splendor during your visit; you’ll quickly see why the city is a favorite destination for lovers of baroque and classical architecture, too.

Rejoin your barge in Traben-Trarbach, then cruise into Bernkastel-Kues, once two small wine-making towns on either side of the Mosel before they were united in 1905. The pride of today’s dual city is the market square, with its picturesque timber-framed houses and decorative sculpted fountains, some dating to the 17th century.

Dinner is on board tonight.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Beilstein to Zell — 28 km (17 miles)

Afternoon Zell to Traben-Trabach — 20 km (13 miles)

What to Expect:

The Mosel meanders in scenic hairpin turns through the steepest vineyards in Europe. The scenery is breathtaking, and many interesting sights can be explored along the way. You’ll cross the river a few times, but continue to follow it upstream to the mooring point in Traben-Trarbach. You will find great places for lunch in charming villages. Short option riders join the barge here. Enjoy beautiful riding through quaint half-timbered wine villages and vineyards along the river to the Art Nouveau town of Traben-Trarbach, where you’ll meet the barge and cruise to Bernkastel-Kues.

Cumulative Distance Range: 28 – 48 km (17 – 30 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, shuttle (approximately 45 minutes) through the scenic Eifel Valley to the town of Daun, a spa town fed by mineral springs. Return to your bicycle here and enjoy an exhilarating spin, climbing a slight incline at first and then coasting downhill along a former railway converted into a cycling path. This exciting ride includes stretches through tunnels, over bridges, and past small lakes formed from volcanic craters known as maars. Pass stately castles, lush vineyards, green forests, and quiet villages that invite you to pause and explore.

Along the way, stop in Gillenfeld to enjoy a simple lunch hosted by Sigrid and Leo Lenerz. At their simple cozy café idyllically located in an old barn, they specialize in regional products from local producers. Later, ride back to Bernkastel, where you can relax before dinner on board.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Daun to Gillenfeld — 16 km (10 miles)

Afternoon Gillenfeld to Laufeld — 12 km (8 miles) | Laufeld to Wittlich — 15 km (9 miles) | Wittlich to Bernkastel-Kues — 21 km (13 miles)

What to Expect:

Bike an invigorating rails-to-trails route known locally as the MMR, a mainly flat or downhill bike path with a few gradual climbs at the beginning. Meet up at a cozy café in Gillenfeld for lunch. Take our support vehicle after lunch if you wish to avoid hills, then continue on the MMR bike path, coasting through illuminated tunnels and a viaduct before a thrilling, gradual descent into Wittlich town. From Wittlich you may shuttle back to the barge or ride flat and easy bike paths along a small river through gorgeous forest and farmlands to the Mosel River, where your barge awaits.

Cumulative Distance Range: 16 – 64 km (18 – 40 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, you cycle toward Trier, the oldest town in Germany, passing Piesport and Trittenheim along the way. Both of these winemaking villages lie on scenic hairpin turns of the Mosel. In Piesport, you will see a reconstructed Roman winepress. Stop for lunch in one of the small villages along your route, such as Neumagen-Dhron, where you witness more signs of ancient Rome. Rejoin the barge in Schweich for a leisurely cruise to Trier.

The people of Trier might tell you that it is possible to see “2,000 years of history in 2,000 paces” in their city. The Romans established their local capital here. In the Middle Ages, Frankish kings and the archbishops of Trier reigned. Here you can learn about the Porta Nigra (“Black Gate”), the city’s landmark and the largest city gate of the ancient world; the amphitheater; the medieval Market Square; the High Cathedral of St. Peter, Germany’s oldest Cathedral; and Constantine’s Throne Hall. Then there’s the rococo Electoral Palace and the ruins of the Imperial Baths with their extensive subterranean passages. It is an astounding repository of history that leaves little doubt why all of Trier’s monuments have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tonight, your barge moors here, so you can try one of the local restaurants for dinner on your own.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Bernkastel-Kues to Neumagen — 27 km (16 miles)

Afternoon Neumagen to Schweich — 29 km (18 miles)

What to Expect:

Ride to Neumagen, where you can rejoin the barge. Or spend the morning on board and start biking from Neumagen. There are a few short ascents and descents along the river and through the vineyards; as you ride, you might witness the barge passing through the locks in Detzem. Then, it’s all aboard in Schweich as you cruise into Trier, the former Imperial city of Rome’s late Classical period.

Cumulative Distance Range: 27 – 56 km (16 – 34 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

This morning, you have time to explore Trier, with its shops and Roman history, before taking a local train to Konz, scenically situated where the Saar River flows into the Mosel. Here, you meet the barge for lunch, then set off on an afternoon ride into the Saarland along the more intimate Saar River. Wooded mountains, wide meadows, farmsteads, and villages mark your progress as you ride. Later this afternoon, you reach Saarburg, a medieval riverside jewel at the foot of a castle. The town center boasts a roaring 65-foot (19.8-meter) waterfall. Choose between a scenic spin along the Saar River or free time in Saarburg.

Enjoy a private wine tasting in one of the historical wineries in Saarburg. This evening, you may dine on your own in a restaurant on the Leuk River. Savor the hearty food and sip a crisp Saar River Riesling, or try viez, an apple cider typical of this region. The barge moors in Saarburg.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon Konz to Saarburg — 19 km (11 miles) | Saarburg Loop — 34 km (20 miles)

What to Expect:

After lunch on board, your afternoon ride begins by crossing over a bridge at the confluence of the Mosel and Saar rivers. The riverside ride to lovely medieval Saarburg is easy, passing fruit orchards and vineyard-clad slopes. While you wait for the barge to arrive, take the opportunity to explore the town, perhaps climbing the steps to the castle ruins. For more miles along the Saar bike path, ride up the right bank, navigate a narrow unpaved path through the forest, and cross over the big locks and bridge down the other side back to Saarburg.

Cumulative Distance Range: 19 – 34 km (11 – 20 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, walk to the nearby former bell foundry and museum, Mabilon, which produced bells until 2002. Later, cycle along the banks of the Saar River to Konz, at the confluence of the Mosel and Saar rivers. Then, follow the Mosel River, the natural border between Luxembourg and Germany, along an easy biking path. Soon you’ll arrive in Wasserbillig and cross the border into Luxembourg.

In Nittel, Germany, rejoin the barge for lunch. This afternoon, you can opt to continue cycling with our longer option or cruise into Remich, Luxembourg.

Our longer option follows the renowned Route du Vin, famous for its vineyards and outstanding wines, including Riesling and Cremant. Approaching Remich, take a short detour to Nennig and admire Europe’s largest Roman mosaic; remarkably, 90% of it is original and perfectly restored. Dinner tonight is on the barge, moored on the opposite side of Remich.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Saarburg to Wasserbillig — 23 km (14 miles)

Afternoon Nittel to Remich — 21 km (13 miles)

What to Expect:

Ride along the Saar River back to its confluence with the Mosel, crossing a few bridges. Ride along the Luxembourg side to meet the barge in Wasserbillig for a cruising lunch to Nittel, Germany. An easy spin along the Mosel River through vineyards and small villages ends at the Roman mosaic for a film and tour of the ruins.

Cumulative Distance Range: 21 – 44 km (14 – 27 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ride a tranquil bike path along the Mosel River this morning, crossing from Luxembourg into Germany and France. Then, turn inland and follow a pleasant rolling route through small villages to Rodemack, known as “Little Carcassonne Lorraine” and ranked one of the most beautiful villages in France. In this charming hamlet, admire marvels of construction that span the ages, including fortifications erected over many centuries. Impressive ramparts and walls encircle the village and cobbled alleys lead to a labyrinth of back streets and an impressive fortress.

Enjoy a picnic lunch with free time to explore on your own.

Today’s longer option leads to Thionville, where you board your barge and cruise into Metz, France. This evening, enjoy your final onboard dinner.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Remich to Rodemack — 30 km (18 miles)

Afternoon Rodemack to Thionville with Shuttles — 11 km (7miles) | Rodemack to Thionville — 23 km (15 miles)

What to Expect:

Enjoy flat, easy cycling along the Mosel River to the three-country border zone, crossing from Luxembourg into Germany and France. Cycle through French farmlands, on a mix of quiet country roads and bike lanes. Finish the day biking through France along the Mosel, riding through the breathtaking French countryside of the Lorraine region into Thionville, where the barge waits. Shuttles are available to assist you if required during the day.

Cumulative Distance Range: 30 – 53 km (18 – 40 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an included breakfast, your tour ends in Metz, France. It is important that you leave the barge no later than 9:00 a.m. so that the crew can prepare for their next guests.

Included Meals: Breakfast