River Moselle by Road Bike

You will arrive in the capital of the Lorraine region in north-eastern France, Metz. Spend time exploring the old town with is Gothic Cathedral with one of the tallest naves. One of the most photographed points in Metz is of Le Temple Neuf from across the Moselle, a beautiful place to take an evening stroll. Visit the last remaining parts of the fortified town, Porte des Allemands which was constructed in the 13^th century.

Your first cycling stage takes you along the Moselle via the French town of Thionville to what is known as the border triangle of Germany, France, and Luxembourg. Here the small community of Schengen achieved widespread fame through what is now known as the Schengen Agreement which allows for the free movement of people throughout Europe. In Perl, you can visit the Roman Villa Borg which is an open-air museum showing how the privileged people of that time lived. You continue further along the Moselle to Remich where you leave the Moselle and cycle through a beautiful landscape with pretty, little villages. You now follow the river Alzette which will guide you without difficulty into the bustling city of Luxembourg.

Before setting off on your cycle tour today spend some time exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see ruins or form palaces and castles intermixed with new contemporary buildings. As you leave by bike you shall first follow the Echternach Cycle Route. You will notice that the landscape changes quickly after you leave the capital with spectacular rock formations, magnificent waterfalls, and dense forests which characterize what is known locally as the “Little Switzerland of Luxembourg”. You will soon come across the town of Echternach is an ideal place to stop for lunch. It is the regional capital and has managed to maintain a certain medieval flair. If you have time visit the abbey and the Roman villa there or simply stroll through the narrow streets and along the city walls. Now you continue along the Sauertal cycle path with its wonderful vineyard landscapes. The route leads you along a former railway line and largely follows the course of the river until you reach Wasserbillig where you meet again the Moselle. Now you cycle to Konz, where the river Saar flows into the river Moselle. Soon you shall reach Trier your destination for 2 nights.

In Trier, you can experience 2,000 years of history up close. Take some time to visit the famous amphitheatre and the Porta Nigra. The Moselle will show you the way out of the city, but at Ehrang you will turn off and follow the Kyll, the longest river in the Eifel region. You will see fabulous panoramic and breath-taking views today. Once you arrive at Bitburg, maybe enjoy a beer which will reward you for your efforts. Soon you will reach the reservoir at Biersdorf which is considered the tourist centre of the Southern Eifel region. You now continue further by bike to Irrel, where you can visit the Irrel Waterfalls. Now you are on the final stretches of today’s ride as you follow the Sauer and Moselle rivers back to Trier.

An easier day as you spend the entire day cycling along the beautiful Moselle. You will pass today, the oldest wine village in Germany, Neumagen-Dhron. where a good glass of wine will help you relax. You cycle further and arrive in Bernkastel-Kues, where there are numerous small alleys and colourful half-timbered houses to explore.  Now you reach the wine-growing region of Kröver Nacktarsch with wonderful landscapes of the surrounding vineyards. There is so much to see today as now  Traben-Trarbach impresses with its architectural masterpieces of Art Nouveau houses and Moselle’s half-timbered architecture. Now via the wine-growing area of the Zeller Schwarze Katz, you finally reach Zell an der Mosel, your next overnight stop.

Today’s ride takes you into the volcanic Eifel and things the route will get a little more sporty. During your bike tour, you will pass dry maars, idyllic villages, and numerous meadows and forests. There are a few uphill stretches to contend with, but the fantastic views as far as the Hunsrück heights will compensate for this. A short stopover in the spa town of Bad Bertrich provides relaxation before you cycle the last few kilometers back to the Moselle.

On the last day of your cycle tour, you will once again follow the course of the beautiful Moselle. You will first pass Beilstein, also known as the Rothenburg on the Moselle. In Cochem, a stop in the charming center and a visit to the 11th-century Reichsburg Castle. Further on, you can make a detour to the medieval Eltz Castle, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and best-preserved castles in Germany. Situated in the midst of nature, it seems to come directly from a fairy tale and offers breathtaking views from its location. Now you continue along the Moselle cycle path, you will again pass numerous charming wine villages before reaching Koblenz, your final destination of this wonderful cycle tour. The center of the city lies at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers and is perfect for a final stroll through the city.

Depart after breakfast.