Bike & Boat Holiday Grade 1+ - & Saar Valley 27 August – 4 September 2021 (9 days) Tour No 2109

Exploring the Moselle and Saar river valleys, from Koblenz to Merzig. It is a stunning region, highlighted by an enchanting countryside, fairy tale , award-winning vineyards on impossibly steep slopes, and historic medieval towns and villages. New this year, a visit to the Cloef viewing platform with spectacular views over the river valley below it is where the picture on the right was taken

The ’s peaceful little sisters, the Moselle and Saar Rivers, meander from picturesque village to village, offering unsurpassed views of castles high on the hills, stone-clad fortresses, picture-perfect wineries and much, much more. Cycling through this magical region, visit culturally rich cities, soak up the sights of untouched nature, meet local winegrowers and taste the wine and, importantly, get the opportunity to relive the rich history of the region. It is a tour not to be missed! Electric bikes and tandems welcome.

Holiday itinerary Day 1. Meet at 07.00 at Dover to board the Bikeliner coach for the P&O 0900 sailing to Calais, on arrival in Calais continue to Koblenz for overnight stay.

Day 2. Pick up the Hotel Barge Flora just outside Koblenz. B D

Day 3. Our first ride goes via Moselkern, from here you can take a walk to visit the queen of German fortresses, the impressive Burg . Before meeting the Flora in , a lovely little town that features historical half-timbered houses, a picturesque old centre, and the imposing Reichsburg . Overlooking the Moselle valley. 30 miles. B L D

Day 4. 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 you will have the opportunity to explore. In the afternoon we will visit a local grower to taste the wine from his vineyard finishing the day in , well known in the wine industry for the wine “Zeller Schwarze Katz”. 28 miles. B L D

Day 5. Today the cycling tour takes you 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 Moselle your destination for the night is Bernkastel- Kues, whose medieval marketplace, with its many wood-timbered houses, invites you for a rest. 34 miles. B L D

Day 6. Today vineyards traverse the landscape in many places, the white Mosel wine comes from here and Piesport produces several beautiful white wines, of which the “Piesporter Goldtröpfchen” enjoys great fame. Today you will see the Roman influence on your trip visiting a Roman wine press and Roman Villa before reach today’s destination Trier, founded in the year 16 BC, with no other place in Germany able to give you such a sense of the Roman era. Highlights include impressive structures such as the Porta Nigra, the Konstantin basilica and the Roman Amphitheatre. 40 miles. B L D

Day 7. Today’s ride follows the meandering banks of the River Saar, the way we will visit the “Igeler Säule” a large engraved Roman Column before entering Luxemburg for coffee then back into Germany to todays destination Saarburg, this town is sometimes called little Venice. A special attraction is the approximately 20m high waterfall in the middle of the city, which falls between half-timbered houses and Baroque buildings the waterfall drives the mill wheels of the former Hackenberger Mill which can be visited. 35 miles B L D

Day 8. Cycling inland through forests and lakes to visit the Cloef viewing platform high above the river reached by a treetop path which winds through beech oak and douglas fir woodland at a maximum gradient or 6% from the top you have a spectacle view of river known as the Saar loop, before returning to follow the river Saar to Merzig our final destination. 25 miles. B L D Day 9. Depart after Breakfast to travel by coach to Calais to board the 1800 P&O sailing to Dover arriving at 19.00 continue to pick up points where holiday ends.

Meals: B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner

Holiday dates and prices tour No 2109 Dates: 27 August – 4 September 2021 (9 days) Price: £1599 The price is based on a minimum number of 16 people booking the holiday Price includes:  Return travel Dover -Koblenz – Merzig - Dover  Return coach travel for you and your bicycle  1-night hotel Koblenz B&B  7 nights Hotel Barge accommodation, sharing a twin Cabin  7 x Breakfast, 7 x Picnic Lunch, 7 x 3 course evening meal  Entry fees at attractions visited by the group  All internal ferries  Cycling with Us costs

Price does not include:  Travel to and from Dover  Car park fees associated with your departure point  Meals whilst travelling on the coach  Drinks with evening meals  Refreshments at morning and afternoon stops  Entry fees at any other attractions not in itinerary  Any other personal expenses  Travel Insurance

Payment schedule A deposit of £250 per person is required when booking confirmation is received, information on how to pay will be sent with the confirmation invoice. Intermediate payment per person of £550.00 to be paid on or before 2 January 2021 Final balance of £799 per person to be paid on or before 11 June 2021

Cancellations Should you be forced to cancel your booking for any reason you must notify us in writing. Your cancellation will take effect from the date written notice received.

Written Notice received Cancellation charge: Before 1 January 2021 Deposit (£250) 2 January 2021 to 10 June 2021 49% (£799) 11 June 2021 through to departure 100% (£1,599)