Cologne to Saarburg

Day 1: Cologne
Day 2: Bonn - Andernach, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 3: Andernach - Koblenz - Winningen,  25 mi. (40 km)
Day 4: Winningen - Alken - Cochem, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Cochem - Zell - Traben Trarbach, 23 or 34 mi. (36 or 55 km)
Day 6: Traben-Trarbach - Trier, 24 or 34 mi. (38 or 55 km)
Day 7: Trier, 36 mi. (58 km)
Day 8: Trier - Saarburg, 16 or 34 mi. (25 or 55 km)
Day 9: Saarburg

All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change sometimes without prior notice.  Some waterways may be subject to occasional closures due to drought, storms, floods, canal or lock repairs, or other unforeseen circumstances that make navigation unsafe or impossible. The captain reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary.

Day 1: Cologne
Check-in on the Merlijn, your sailing home for the week, begins at 3:30 pm. Enjoy a welcome drink, meet the crew, and attend a tour briefing where you'll be informed about the tour, the features of the ship, and safety protocols. After cruising the Rhine for a few hours, the captain drops anchor for a first relaxing night on board.

Day 2: Bonn - Andernach, 28 mi. (45 km)
Enjoy breakfast while the Merlijn continues further upstream on the river Rhine. Your bike tour will start in Bonn, the city of Beethoven. Cycle along the Siebengebirge (lit. "seven mountains" in German), which is a range of hills to the East of the Rhine, south-east of Bonn, comprising of over 40 mountains and hills. The route ends at Andernach, where you meet the Merlijn again, which will be docked overnight. Your guide will take you on an after-dinner walk through this interesting city along the Rhine.

Day 3: Andernach - Koblenz - Winningen,  25 mi. (40 km)
After breakfast, your bike tour will start from Andernach, and leads you to Koblenz. Here, the guide will show you around this magnificent city and take you on a cable car ride across the Rhine to Ehrenbreitstein Castle. This offers a fabulous view over the city of Koblenz and the ‘Deutsche Eck’, where the Moselle merges with the Rhine. Afterwards, cycle on to Winningen, where the Merlijn awaits for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Winningen - Alken - Cochem, 25 mi. (40 km)
During breakfast, the boat cruises to Alken and passes one more lock of the Moselle. Here you begin biking into the Eltztal, where you will take a break from the saddle and lace up your hiking shoes. After a hike of approximately 40 minutes, you reach beautiful castle of Eltz. Romantically situated on top of cliff, the castle is one of only a few that has not suffered destruction throughout its long history. Afterwards, you’ll cycle to Cochem, where the Merlijn awaits. In Cochem, a visit to the famous Reichsburg, or a stroll through the cozy streets of this romantic city is highly recommended. 

Day 5: Cochem - Zell - Traben Trarbach, 23 or 34 mi. (36 or 55 km)
In the morning, start biking from Cochem, with the small village of Beilstein being your first stop. It’s well worth a visit, so enjoy a stroll through this medieval village, which is still completely intact. Along the meandering Moselle River, you will cycle on to Zell, which is famous for its ‘Zeller Schwarze Katz’ (black cat) vineyard. From Zell, you have two options to conclude your day: 

1. Board the Merlijn and cruise to Traben-Trarbach.

2. Extend your bike tour and cycle on to Traben-Trarbach. 

After dinner you will be offered a wine-tasting session at the Winery of Storck.

Day 6: Traben-Trarbach - Trier, 24 or 34 mi. (38 or 55 km)
During breakfast, the boat will cruise to the starting point of today's bike tour. You will cycle along the Moselle, with a first stop in Bernkastel-Kues. Here you can walk through the town and visit Germany’s oldest marketplace. After your visit, cycle on to Neumagen where you have two options: 

1. Board the Merlijn and enjoy a relaxing cruising afternoon.

2. Extend your bike tour and cycle on to Mehring.

Mehring is the spot where the Romans first set foot, travelling from the Rhine to the Moselle river. The Romans fell in love with this landscape more than 2000 years ago, and built splendid rural villas here. In Mehring, you will board the Merlijn again, and together we will cruise towards Trier. Tonight you will enjoy another delicious dinner on board.

Day 7: Trier, 36 mi. (58 km)
Today looks a bit different day than the average bike and barge day. The Merlijn will stay docked in Trier for another full day and we offer several choices today. Those who came 100% for the cycling can get ready to enjoy one of the cycling highlights on this trip! Where most routes lead along the river, today's route is entirely through the mountains and free nature, and even then mostly downhill! To achieve this, you go in the morning, together with your bicycle, by bus into the mountains and then follow an old railroad line, which has recently been transformed into a bicycle path, towards the Mosel. This ride will take most of the day…
Those who also deserve some rest during this vacation, want to go shopping or see more culture, will also find something to their liking. Leave the bike onboard for the day and walk into Trier to enjoy everything this city has to offer. A rich history, nice stores and plenty of terraces. Our guide will be happy to help you with your plans for the day. Tonight’s dinner is at your own pace in one of the many restaurants.

Day 8: Trier - Saarburg, 16 or 34 mi. (25 or 55 km)
In the morning, you can do some more exploring in Trier. A guided tour of this fascinating city can be arranged. Trier was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, a Roman seat of government, and is well-known for its impressive city gate, the Porta Nigra. In the afternoon you will cycle to Saarburg, your final destination of the tour. 

The cityscape of Saarburg is characterized by narrow alleys, framework houses, and Baroque structures, as well as colorful fishing cottages and seafarers’ houses. The master architect of Berlin, Karl Friedrich Schinkel, called this collection of romantic houses and small bridges on the Buttermarkt "Little Venice" in the 19th century.

Day 9: Saarburg
Disembarkation after breakfast. 

• Merlijn

  Deluxe

  ?

  4.9 out of 5 (10 Reviews)

  View Boat

  Deluxe Class Barge

  Touring Bicycle

  The Merlijn prides itself on the top quality bikes offered and as of 2023, have brand new standard bikes available. Although only your own helmet provides the best fit, bicycle helmets are available… Read More

  Electric Bicycle

  The Merlijn has unisex e-bikes available to rent. These must be reserved in advance. • Gudereit or ISY Brand … • 7 gears … • Bosch engine … Accessories … • Pannier bag … • Helmet rental included and… Read More

  "The Divine Miss M" as we lovingly call the Merlijn is a diva, for sure. What can we say? Is it the luxurious cabins with the most comfortable beds you have ever slept in? Is it the lovely dining area with the large windows and skylight that let the air, light, and sun pour in? Or perhaps it is the sun deck, where you can relax with newfound friends, sharing good wine and good conversation. We think you will find it is the entire divine package! Step on board and discover for yourself! Read More