Mainz to Merzig

Day 1: Arrival in Mainz and cruise to Rüdesheim
Day 2: Rüdesheim - Oberwesel- Koblenz, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 3: Koblenz - Alken - Cochem, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 4: Cochem - Zell - Traben Trarbach, 23 mi. or extend to 34 mi. (36 km or extend to 55 km)
Day 5: Traben Trarbach - Bernkastel Kues - Trier, 24 mi. or extend to 31 mi. (38 km or extend to 50 km)
Day 6: Trier, 36 mi. (58 km)
Day 7: Trier - Saarburg, 16 mi. or 31 mi. (25 km or 50 km)
Day 8: Saarburg - Merzig, 20 mi (32 km)
Day 9: Departure from Merzig

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: Arrival in Mainz - Rüdesheim
The Merlijn will be moored in the city of Mainz. The crew will welcome you onboard and while you enjoy a complimentary drink you will get information about the ship, the tours, and the bicycles. Around 4:30 pm the Merlijn motors to Rüdesheim to anchor for the evening. Before you board in Mainz, try to visit the Old Town, which is the pride and joy of the city scene.

Day 2: Rüdesheim - Oberwesel - Koblenz, 25 mi. (40 km)
The Merlijn will set off at dawn to sail to Oberwesel. Today holds one of the highlights of your journey as you embark on the 'Romantic Rhine' cruise, adorned with tales of legends and crowned with majestic castles. Along the way, you'll pass the formidable 'Lorely' mountain, named after the mythical mermaid with golden hair; you may even catch a whisper of her haunting song as you sail by. Tonight, your resting place awaits in Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers converge.

Day 3: Koblenz - Alken - Cochem, 25 mi. (40 km)
This morning, as you enjoy another delightful sailing breakfast, the Merlijn will gracefully navigate upstream along the picturesque Moselle River towards Alken where you begin your exhilarating biking adventure to Moselkern.

Pedaling into the enchanting Elztal, you'll encounter the majestic Eltz Castle perched dramatically atop a cliff - a resilient testament to history as one of the rare fortresses never to have succumbed to destruction. Following this awe-inspiring visit, your journey continues on two wheels towards Cochem, where the Merlijn eagerly awaits your return. In Cochem, the possibilities are endless – from exploring the iconic Reichsburg Castle to leisurely strolling the charming streets of this idyllic and romantic city.

Day 4: Cochem - Zell - Traben Trarbach, 23 mi. or extend to 34 mi. (36 km or extend to 55 km)
After breakfast, your day's cycling adventure kicks off in Cochem, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey with the quaint village of Beilstein as your initial destination. Its medieval charm is on full display as you wander through its perfectly preserved streets, steeped in history and character.

You continue cycling the meandering path of the Moselle River to Zell, renowned for its legendary 'Zeller Schwarze Katz' vineyard. Here, at this picturesque stop, you're presented with two options: board the Merlijn for a scenic cruise to Traben Trarbach or extend your cycling by pedaling there.

Day 5: Traben Trarbach - Bernkastel Kues - Trier, 24 mi. or extend to 31 mi. (38 km or extend to 50 km)
Following a delightful cruising breakfast, your cycling itinerary will trace the scenic banks of the Moselle, leading you to your first captivating stop: Bernkastel-Kues. Here you can meander its charming streets and explore Germany's oldest marketplace.

You then continue cycling to Neumagen where you can decide to either board the Merlijn or extend your cycling to Mehring.

Mehring holds a special place in history as the very spot where the Romans first set foot, enamored by the breathtaking landscape over 2000 years ago. Amidst the remnants of their splendid rural villas, those who extended their cycling will rejoin the Merlijn and those onboard to embark on a serene cruise towards Trier. As the day draws to a close, anticipate another sumptuous dinner served onboard, ensuring your evening is as memorable as the day's adventures.

Day 6: Trier, 36 mi. (58 km)
Today holds a unique twist in store for you aboard the Merlijn, diverging from the typical bike and barge routine. Rather than setting sail, you're anchored in Trier for a full day, offering an array of options to suit your desires.

If you're an avid cyclist seeking thrills, get ready for an extraordinary adventure. While most routes follow the riverbanks, today's journey takes you through majestic mountains and untouched nature, with exhilarating downhill trails for the majority of the way. Your day begins with a bus ride into the mountains with your bike, followed by a scenic ride along a converted railroad line, leading back to the Mosel. This exciting ride will occupy much of your day.

For those craving relaxation and cultural immersion, leave your bike onboard and step into Trier for a leisurely day. Explore the city's rich history, browse its charming shops, and unwind at one of its inviting terraces. Your guide is available to assist you in planning your day for maximum enjoyment.

Day 7: Trier - Saarburg, 16 mi. or 31 mi. (25 km or 50 km)
You can further explore Trier in the morning with a knowledgeable local guide to unveil the city's treasures. Trier, once the seat of power for the Western Roman Empire, boasts a rich history, highlighted by iconic landmarks such as the imposing city gateway - Porta Nigra.

In the afternoon, saddle up for a scenic cycling excursion to Saarburg. The cityscape of Saarburg is a picturesque blend of narrow alleys, half-timbered houses, and elegant Baroque architecture, interspersed with vibrant fishing cottages and mariners' dwellings. Notably, the renowned architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel bestowed the endearing monicker 'Little Venice' upon Saarburg for its romantic ensemble of houses and quaint bridges in the Buttermarkt.

Day 8: Saarburg - Merzig, 20 mi (32 km)
Following a captivating tour of Saarburg and a breathtaking vista overlooking the city and the Saar Valley, your journey continues with a scenic cycle of approximately 15 km to the renowned Saar Loop near Orscholz. This iconic river bend, more than any other, embodies the essence of a 'rendezvous in Saarland': a harmonious convergence of water and land. At the majestic 'Cloef' viewpoint above, you have an unparalleled panorama, beckoning you to linger awhile. Depending on the group's preference and cycling prowess, you can opt to pedal or hike up to this scenic overlook.

En route to today's final destination, consider a delightful excursion to the charming village of Villeroy & Boch: Mettlach. In Merzig, it's time to bid adieu to the Merlijn as you embark on your final journey. This evening you'll enjoy a farewell dinner onboard, perhaps followed by a leisurely post-dinner stroll through the city.

Day 9: Departure
Disembarkation after breakfast.

Day 1: Arrival in Merzig and cruise to Saarburg
Day 2: Saarburg - Trier, 19 - 22 mi. (30 - 35 km)
Day 3: Trier, 34 - 37 mi. (55 - 60 km)
Day 4: Trier - Mehring - Bernkastel - Traben-Trarbach, 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 km)
Day 5: Traben-Trarbach - Zell - Cochem, 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 mi.) or extend to 40 - 43 mi. (65 - 70 km)
Day 6: Cochem - Koblenz, 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 km) + Hike: 2 mi. (3 km)
Day 7: Koblenz - Rüdesheim, 19 - 22 mi. (30 - 35 km)
Day 8: Rüdesheim - Mainz, 22 - 25 mi. (35 - 40 km)
Day 9: Departure from Mainz

Day 1: Merzig - Saarburg
Afternoon check-in as the Merlijn begins cruising. Enjoy a welcome drink, crew introduction, tour overview, and safety briefing. After dinner, take a stroll through Saarburg, a charming city with narrow alleys, framework houses, and a beautiful view over the Saar Valley. Overnight stay in Saarburg.

Day 2: Saarburg - Trier, 19-22 mi. (30-35 km)
Cycle along the Saar River downstream to Trier, where the Saar meets the Moselle at Konz. Enjoy a guided city tour, exploring Porta Nigra - the massive Roman city gateway - and the historic Roman Baths.

Day 3: Trier, 34-37 mi. (55-60 km)
A full day in Trier offers two options: a cycling adventure through the rolling countryside, beginning with a morning bus ride into the mountains before riding along a scenic, gradually descending bike path, or a day of leisure exploring Trier’s rich history, shops, and cafés.

Day 4: Trier - Mehring - Bernkastel - Traben Trarbach, 25-28 mi. (40-45 km)
Cruise to Mehring for the start of the bike tour through a landscape the Romans adored over 2,000 years ago. Visit Neumagen-Drohn then continue to Bernkastel-Kues, where stunning timber-framed houses surround the oldest market square in Europe. End the day with a wine tasting at the Storck Winery in Traben-Trarbach.

Day 5: Traben Trarbach - Zell - Cochem, 25-28 mi. (40-45 km) or extend to 40-43 mi. (65-70 km)
Early risers can opt for an extended morning ride before the main tour begins in Zell, famous for its Zeller Schwarze Katz vineyard. Cycle along the Moselle, stopping in charming villages like Alf, Sankt Aldegund (known for liqueurs, wines, and Mosel-made mustards), Bremm, and Beilstein before arriving in Cochem, where the Merlijn awaits.

Day 6: Cochem – Koblenz, 25-28 mi. (40-45 km) + Hike: 2 mi. (3 km)
Bike from Cochem into the Eltztal Valley where you’ll park your bike and hike to the Eltz Castle, a perfectly preserved medieval fortress. After the visit, continue cycling to Koblenz, where the Merlijn will be docked.

Day 7: Koblenz - Rüdesheim, 19-22 mi. (30-35 km)
Enjoy breakfast while cruising through the Romantic Middle Rhine, passing the legendary Loreley Rock. Begin cycling in Oberwesel, following the Rhine Gorge to Bingen, then take a ferry across the river to Rüdesheim, known for its famous Drosselgasse alley. An optional cable car ride offers spectacular Rhine Valley views.

Day 8: Rüdesheim - Mainz, 22-25 mi. (35-40 km)
Cycle along the Rhine, passing through Oestrich-Winkel and Eltville, known for its vineyards and scenic river views. Stop for a traditional Berliner pastry before arriving in Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, where you’ll explore the Old Town’s Baroque churches and historic squares. Farewell dinner onboard.

Day 9: Mainz
After breakfast, disembark and continue your European adventure or transfer to the airport.

Day 1: Arrival in Mainz and cruise to Rüdesheim 
Day 2: Rüdesheim - Koblenz, 19-22 mi. (30-35 km)
Day 3: Koblenz - Cochem, 25-28 mi. (40-45 km) + Hike: 2 mi. (3 km)
Day 4: Cochem - Zell - Traben-Trarbach, 22-25 mi. (35-40 km)
Day 5: Traben-Trarbach - Trier, 22-25 mi. (35-40 km) or extend to 31-34 mi. (50-55 km)
Day 6: Trier - Saarburg, 19-22 mi. (30-35 km)
Day 7: Saarburg - Merzig, 19-22 mi. (30-35 km) + Hike: 2 mi. (3 km)
Day 8: Departure from Merzig

Day 1: Mainz - Rüdesheim
Afternoon check in as the Merlijn cruises to Rüdesheim, where you will stay overnight. Enjoy a welcome drink, crew introduction, safety briefing, and dinner during the cruise. After dinner, take a stroll through the charming town along the Rhine River.

Day 2: Rüdesheim - Koblenz, 19-22 mi. (30-35 km)
Start your first ride along the Romantic Rhine, passing castles, vineyards, and the legendary Loreley Rock. In the afternoon, board the Merlijn for a scenic cruise to Koblenz, where you'll stay overnight at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers.

Day 3: Koblenz - Cochem, 25-28 mi. (40-45 km) + Hike: 2 mi. (3 km)
During breakfast, cruise past the first two locks on the Moselle River, then begin biking into the Eltztal Valley. Hike to Eltz Castle, a perfectly preserved medieval fortress. Afterward, cycle to Cochem, where you can visit Reichsburg Castle or explore the town’s romantic streets.

Day 4: Cochem - Zell - Traben-Trarbach, 22-25 mi. (35-40 km)
Cycle along the Moselle River, stopping at Beilstein, a beautifully preserved medieval village. Continue to Zell, famous for the Zeller Schwarze Katz vineyard, then board the Merlijn for an afternoon cruise. After dinner, enjoy a wine tasting at the renowned Storck Winery.

Day 5: Traben-Trarbach - Trier, 22-25 mi. (35-40 km) or extend to 31-34 mi. (50-55 km)
After a cruising breakfast, bike along the Moselle River, stopping in Bernkastel-Kues, home to Germany’s oldest marketplace. Choose to board early for a relaxing cruise or extend your ride to Mehring, where the Romans first settled along the Moselle. Reboard the Merlijn for a cruise to Trier and enjoy another delicious dinner onboard.

Day 6: Trier - Saarburg, 19-22 mi. (30-35 km)
In the morning, enjoy a guided tour of Trier, home to the Porta Nigra and other Roman landmarks. In the afternoon, cycle to Saarburg, a picturesque town with half-timbered houses, Baroque architecture, and colorful fishing cottages, often called 'Little Venice' for its canals and charming bridges.

Day 7: Saarburg - Merzig, 19-22 mi. (30-35 km) + Hike: 2 mi. (3 km)
Start the day with a ride to the Saar Loop near Orscholz, the most famous river bend in the Saarland region. Enjoy a hike or cycle to the Cloef viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Continue to Villeroy & Boch’s historic headquarters in Mettlach before finishing in Merzig, where you’ll celebrate with a farewell dinner onboard.

Day 8: Merzig
After breakfast, disembark and continue your European journey or transfer to the airport.