Saar and Mosel River Route Germany Bike and Barge This tour along the Mosel and Saar combines the best of the German "Bundesländer" Rheinland Pfalz and Saarland. While cycling from Alken to Mettlach, you will go back in time as you visit the Roman villas and public baths along the two rivers, the Saar and the Mosel. In Trier you can visit the Porta Nigra. This ancient gateway is one of the best-known monuments from the Roman era. On day six we take a trip to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in the village of Wasserbillig. As you cycle through one of Germany’s major wine-growing areas, it's possible to taste a lot of different wines and see where they grow and how they're made. You can get acquainted with the excellent but uncomplicated wines from the Saar and the so-called "Spitzenweinen" along the Mosel, like the wine Zeller Schwarze Katz. The main ingredient for these wines is the Riesling, a white grape variety that dates back to the 15th century and is crowned the "Queen of Grapes." Included in the Tour Price • 7 nights on board the ship (sheets, blankets, and two towels) • All breakfasts, packed lunches and dinners • Coffee and tea on board • 24-speed bicycle, incl. pannier bag, water bottle, helmet, and bike insurance • Tour guide (multilingual) • Reservation costs • Ferry fees Daily Itinerary Sunday: Mettlach You will arrive on board between 2 and 3 pm. Your tour starts in the beautiful Saarland town of Mettlach with a lot of shops and terraces. At 4 p.m. we will make a short trip along the Saar River to a beautiful mooring place near the Saarschleife (Saar loop). Monday: Saarschleife – Saarburg – 22 miles (35 km) After breakfast we'll bike to the Saar-Canyon. Here we will have the opportunity to hike to an outlook site on top of the Saar-Canyon where we have a magnificent panorama over the faraway surroundings. The hike is not steep and takes about 1 hour uphill and half an hour downhill. At lunchtime we'll arrive back in the town of Mettlach where we will have lunch and can visit the town with its outlet shops. Of course, we won’t forget to visit the biggest attraction of the town: the Villeroy & Boch porcelain museum. We'll end this daytrip in the very scenic Saarburg with its huge waterfall in the town center. Van Gogh Tours Inc. • (781)-646-0096 • [email protected] Tuesday: Saarburg – Nearby Trier – 22 miles (35 km) During today’s tour we will switch rivers in the historical city of Konz. From here we'll leave the Saar behind and follow the Mosel. One thing’s for sure, we’re not the first tourists in the area. It was around the year 365 A.D. that the river inspired the Roman teacher Magnus Ausonius to write his hymn Mosella: "Greetings, river, framed by perfumed vineyard-covered hills, Framed by grass; river of greenest shores. Your strong waters carry ships, flowing in easy waves. Along the stream, and a glittering lake your depths emulate." We will cycle along the old Saarschleife to the Igeler Saulë and Wasserbillig in Luxemburg. In the afternoon we'll turn eastwards to Trier where we’ll stay for around 3 hours. This city is known for its Roman legacies like the Porta Nigra, the Basilica of Constantine the Great, and an amphitheater. After our visit, there will be a one hour ride to the barge. Wednesday: Nearby Trier - Schweig - Bernkastel-Kues – 31 miles (50 km) Along the route today we’ll find a lot of old Roman villas, public baths, and other relics of ancient civilizations. All those historical buildings are placed on the slopes along the winding river. The end point of today is the medieval town of Bernkastel-Kues with its romantic narrow streets, remarkable half-timbered houses, and enchanting nooks and crannies. There will be the opportunity for a wine tasting excursion along the way. Thursday: Bernkastel-Kues - Moselle-Maare cycling trail – 34 miles (55 km) In the morning the cycle bus will take us to Daun for the start of the Moselle-Maare cycling trail, possibly the most famous cycling trail of the central Moselle. There's no simpler way to cycle to the Moselle valley than on this former railway line through the Volcanic Eifel! The road runs through the landscape of volcanoes and crater lakes, along magnificent viaducts, and past old railway stations. Light as a feather, we will continues along the Moselle bike path to Bernkastel-Kues. Friday: Bernkastel-Kues – Zell – 25 miles (40 km) As if it had imbibed a drink or two, the Mosel twists and turns its way through a green and fascinating landscape of vineyards and forests. Just after leaving Zell there will be another hiking opportunity that leads us to the “Marienburg” where you'll be awarded by a splendid view over the Mosel Meander. Along the way we’ll find some beautiful towns and villages, like the beautiful double city in Jugendstil, Traben Trarbach, and the so called "Winzendorf Wolf." The final destination is Bernkastel-Kues, a medieval town with romantic narrow streets, remarkable half-timbered houses, and enchanting nooks and crannies. Saturday: Zell – Cochem – 22 miles (35 km) The day starts with a ride to the almost vertical vineyards of Calmont near Bremm. Here you can take a hike up the slopes and see yet another wonderful bend in the Mosel river. After lunch we ride on to the beautiful village of Beilstein, décor of many movies. After the visit, we'll cycle along the Mosel to Cochem, the final destination of this cycling week. Cochem is famous for its wines and dominated by the old Reichsburg. Sunday: Tour Ends After breakfast, our tour ends at 10:00 a.m. Van Gogh Tours Inc. • (781)-646-0096 • [email protected] Departure Point The barge embarks from Mettlach, near the Mettlach train station. Please arrive on board on Sunday between 2 and 3 p.m. From Frankfurt airport there is a direct train to Mettlach, which takes about 3 hours. For the exact departure times and prices check www.db.de . If you want you can bring your luggage in advance, from 12 noon onwards. A map, detailed instructions, and the name of your boat will be provided after your final payment is received. End of Tour The tour ends one week later on Sunday morning after breakfast, by 9.30 a.m. You'll spend the night from Saturday afternoon until Sunday morning on board in Cochem, Germany. Difficulty and Daily Mileage This tour is rated “easy” for its flat terrain and low mileage. All distances are approximate. The above planned itinerary is subject to change due to changing wind, weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances (such as mooring requirements). Travel Guidance The skipper and his mate are responsible for the smooth running of the barge. An experienced, multilingual guide indicates points of interest along the way, accompanies the bikers and can assist in case of flat tires or breakdowns. Route instructions are available if you prefer to ride on your own, but please let us know this ahead of time. The Bicycles A well maintained, comfortable 24-speed hybrid bicycle is available free of charge for each participant. Men and women’s models are available in sizes appropriate to your height. The bikes come with helmets, grip shifters, hand brakes, carrier bag, lock, repair kit, water bottle holders, water bottle, and bike insurance. If you prefer to bring your own bike you're welcome to do so at a discount. Electric bikes can be rented for this tour at a surcharge and need to be reserved at least 2 weeks in advance. We advise you only to rent an electric bike if you have first tried one at home. They're heavier than regular bikes and therefore can be difficult to maneuver. Meals The cook prepares all meals: a substantial breakfast and a three-course dinner of very good quality. A packed lunch may be prepared after breakfast. Tea and coffee will be ready when you arrive on board in the afternoon. There's a bar on board with reasonably-priced beer, wine, and soft drinks. If you have special meal requirements, please mention this when booking. In the case of a vegan and gluten-free diet there is an additional charge of $65 per week. The Barge Our motorized passenger vessels, about 35 - 40 meters in length, are former river vessels especially converted for this kind of holiday. On board you'll find a cozy dining room, a sun deck/a deck for the bicycles. All cabins are provided with running water (hot and cold), private shower and toilet, 220 voltage, and central heating. There's limited storage space in the cabin so we recommend 1 suitcase per person. You can slide the suitcase under your bed. Bike & barge vacations are for people who really enjoy the physical activity of cycling and who value sociability more than wholesale luxury. Van Gogh Tours Inc. • (781)-646-0096 • [email protected] WiFi WiFi is available on a limited basis on board, only in the lounge and on deck. Up to 50 MB is free. For more than 50 MB there’s a surcharge. Insurance The bicycle insurance included with this tour covers damage and theft but not deliberate negligence such as riding over curbstones, or theft due to negligence. We highly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. Not Included in the Tour Price • Airfare • Drinks from bar on board or when cycling • Admission fees to the various museums or places of interest (about €15) • Trip cancellation insurance Van Gogh Tours Inc.