Metz to Cochem

Metz to Cochem

Day 1: Arrival in Metz
Day 2: Metz - Remich, 26 or 31 mi. (41 or 49 km)
Day 3: Remich - Saarburg, 24 or 29 mi. (40 or 48 km)
Day 4: Saarburg - Trier, 19 mi. (32 km)
Day 5: Trier - Schweig | Schweig - Neumagen - Bernkastel, 16 or 32 mi. (27 or 53 km)
Day 6: Bernkastel - Kues - Traben Trarbach - Zell on the Moselle, 27 mi. (45 km)
Day 7: Zell - Beilstein - Cochem, 24 mi. (39 km)
Day 8: Departure from Cochem 

Sections in italics are navigated onboard the ship.

On the days that two cycling distances are offered, the tour leader, in conferring with the group, will choose to guide either the shorter route or the longer route. Not all the highlights will be visited during the shorter route.

You can also choose to ride self-guided utilizing maps available on board. GPS tracks will be sent to you 4 weeks before the tour start date

Day 1: Arrival in Metz
Embarkation and check-in are at 2 p.m. in Metz. Once on board and checked in, a welcome meeting with the crew and bicycle fitting is on the docket followed by a short test ride. After dinner, your tour leader will take you for a walk through Metz, a beautiful old city strategically situated on the ancient Roman trading route. St. Etienne Cathedral is the 3rd largest Gothic church in France with flying buttresses and Marc Chagall stained glass windows. Metz is full of stunning architecture, flowers, and great cafes. We advise you to come to Metz one or more days earlier so that you will have plenty of time to discover this interesting city.

Day 2: Metz - Remich, 26 or 31 mi. (41 or 49 km)
During breakfast, you will embark on a cruise toward Thionville, where your bicycle tour begins. Thionville, which was once the heart of the French steel industry, may sound modern and industrial, but the city has a rich history. The medieval ramparts, charming gardens, old streets, and St. Maximin basilica in the historic center will take you back in time. The route takes you through the picturesque French countryside and friendly villages, passing by the fortress of Sierck-les-Bains, which was one of the residences of the powerful Dukes of Lorraine. You will then cross the French-Luxembourg border at Schengen via the Moselle Valley. Although the "Schengen agreement" is well-known across Europe, few know that it is named after the small Luxembourgish town at the tri-border. As you cross the Luxembourg-French border, you will experience the outcome of this agreement: no border controls. Before reaching your final destination, Remich, you will visit the small village of Nennig, where you can explore an ancient Roman villa. The centerpiece of this villa is a tile floor that remains in its original location, depicting scenes from gladiator games in the amphitheater using over three million individual tiles.

Day 3: Remich - Saarburg, 24 or 29 mi. (40 or 48 km)
Here the Moselle River is actually the border between Germany and Luxembourg. You start following the river on the German side, but soon you will cross over to the Luxembourg side. There you’ll visit a wine cooperative, specialized “Cremant”, or the Champagne of the Moselle followed by two cycling options: One is easy, but a bit longer along the rivers. The shorter option is a bit more challenging, through the hills. Whatever your choice is, the biking will lead you to Saarburg, an interesting old town situated in the most beautiful part of the Saar valley. Here the banks of the river are densely forested. The castle of Saarburg was built here in the middle of the 10th century. In the middle of town, you come across a waterfall of 20 meters high. At the foot of this waterfall, there is an old mill, which is powered by the small river. In this part of town, most of the old houses, still intact, are from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Day 4: Saarburg - Trier, 19 mi. (32 km)
Following breakfast, your tour leader will lead a brief bicycle tour to Trier, where you will arrive around midday. Following a guided walk, you will have time to explore and enjoy Trier on your own. Trier, known as the oldest city in Germany, was founded by Caesar Augustus in 15 BC under the name Augusta Trevorum and became a prosperous trading town and administrative center during the late imperial age. This Roman golden age has left behind a wealth of monuments, the most authentic of which is the Porta Nigra city gate, built around 18 AD. There will be no dinner served on board today, giving you the freedom to select from one of the local restaurants in Trier.

Day 5: Trier - Schweig | Schweig - Neumagen - Bernkastel, 16 or 32 mi. (27 or 53 km)
You begin your bicycle tour in Schweich, marking your entry into "The Romantic Moselle," the unofficial name for the mid-Moselle. As far as the eye can see, lovely vineyards expand, and you will cruise past the heavy hitters in the wine world: Trittenheim and Piesport. Trittenheim is situated in a sharp hairpin turn on the river, surrounded by mountains covered in grapes. Piesport is famous among the British for its "little golden droplets." Around midday, you will reach Neumagen, which was an important center of wine production during Roman times. At this point, you can either choose to join the barge or continue your bicycle tour to Bernkastel-Kues. This picturesque and historic town, which is a popular tourist destination, produces some of the best wines of the mid-Moselle. The town's market square, with its charming timber-framed houses, is a source of pride, and a walk to the castle offers a breathtaking view.

Day 6: Bernkastel - Kues - Traben Trarbach - Zell on the Moselle, 27 mi. (45 km)
The cycling tour for today will take you to the charming village of Traben-Trarbach, situated on the left bank of the Moselle and renowned for its Jugendstil (art nouveau) architecture. Continuing along the river, you will reach Zell on the Moselle, your overnight destination, which is famous in the wine industry for its Zeller Schwarze Katz white wine. Zell is an excellent place to sample the fine wines of the Moselle.

Day 7: Zell - Beilstein - Cochem, 24 mi. (39 km)
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’ll have the opportunity to explore. Then onto your final destination Cochem, a cozy and characteristic Moselle town, with steep wine-clad mountains, wooded hills, an impressive castle and a picturesque square with beautiful timber-framed houses and cafes. A perfect place for a glass of local wine. A visit to the Reichsburg Castle is on the program.

Day 8: Departure from Cochem 
End of tour. Disembarkation by 9:30 am.

Cochem to Metz 

Day 1: Cochem, check-in at 2 pm.
Day 2: Cochem - Zell, 24 mi. (39 km)
Day 3: Zell on the Moselle - Bernkastel-Kues, 27 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Bernkastel - Kues - Neumagen - Schweich | Schweich - Tier, 18 or 34 mi. (28 or 54 km)
Day 5: Trier - Saarburg, 18 mi. (28 km)
Day 6: Saarburg - Remich, 27 or 32 mi. (45 or 53 km)
Day 7: Remich - Schengen | Schengen - Thionville | Thionville - Metz, 18 mi. (30 km)
Day 8: Metz

Cochem to Metz

Day 1: Cochem, check-in at 2 pm.
Day 2: Cochem - Zell, 24 mi. (39 km)
Day 3: Zell on the Mosel - Bernkastel-Kues, 27 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Bernkastel - Kues - Neumagen - Schweich | Schweich - Tier, 18 or 34 mi. (28 or 54 km)
Day 5: Trier - Saarburg, 18 mi. (28 km)
Day 6: Saarburg - Remich, 27 or 32 mi. (45 or 53 km)
Day 7: Remich - Schengen, 36 mi. (50 km)
Day 8: Schengen - Metz
Day 9: Departure from Metz

Day 1: Arrival in Cochem
Embarkation and check-in begins at 2 pm.  After settling in, you will be introduced to the crew and a welcome briefing will inform you of what to expect in the week ahead. Later, join your tour leader for a walk through Cochem, a cozy and typical Mosel town, with steep wine-clad mountains, wooded hills, and an impressive castle overlooking the square. The Old Town is surrounded by beautiful timber-framed houses, quaint little cafes, and interesting shops. A visit to Reichsburg Castle is one of today's highlights. 

Day 2: Cochem - Zell, 24 mi. (39 km)
After breakfast, your first cycling tour leads to Beilstein, one of the best-preserved historical villages on the Mosel. The ruins of Castle Metternich sit on the hill top, overlooking the village. After an opportunity to explore the castle ruins, set out for Zell, today's destination. Leaving Beilstein pass Europe’s steepest vineyard at Bremmer Calmont, it's a truly impressive sight with some slopes inclining up to 60 degrees. Today’s tour ends in the wine village of Zell on the Mosel, well known in the industry for the wine Zeller Schwarze Katz. In Zell, take the opportunity to taste test the good wines of the Mosel valley.

Day 3: Zell on the Mosel - Bernkastel-Kues, 27 mi. (45 km)
Today you’ll cycle from Zell to the romantic village of Traben-Trarbach, located on the Moselle’s left bank and famous for its Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) architecture. From there you pass through the wine city of Kröv, well-known for its popular Kröver wine. Bernkastel-Kues is the destination for today. The grand half-timbered houses that surround Bernkastel-Kues’s marketplace date back to the Middle Ages. If you enjoy taking photos, you'll never run out of opportunities here! Meet the boat in Kues after a tour through town.

Day 4: Bernkastel-Kues - Neumagen - Schweich | Schweich - Tier, 18 or 34 mi. (28 or 54 km)
From Bernkastel, the valley opens up and vineyards expand as far as the eye can see. The boat cruises past some of the most popular wine growing towns: Brauneberg, Piesport, and Trittenheim. Piesport is beloved by the Brits for the “little golden droplets.” Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn on the river surrounded by mountains coated with grapes. Around lunchtime you will arrive in Neumagen, an important center of wine production dating back to Roman times. There are two options for today. If you've had your fill of cycling, you can board the boat and relax with a drink on the sun deck while the boat cruises to Scheich or continue by bicycle and meet the boat here. Once on board, you will cruise to Trier, the oldest city in Germany. Trier was founded around 15 BC by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Trevorum. Well-known as a trading town and administrative center, Trier flourished during the late imperial age. This Roman golden age left an array of monuments here. One of the most popular is the city gate, Porta Nigra, which was built around 18 AD.

Day 5: Trier - Saarburg, 18 mi. (28 km)
In the morning, join your tour leader for a walk in Trier as you learn more about Roman history. There is also time to discover and enjoy Trier on your own. After lunch, hop back in the saddle and follow the Mosel and Saar river to Saarburg, a fascinating old town situated in the most beautiful and densely forested part of the Saar valley. The castle of Saarburg was built here in the middle of the 10th century. In the middle of town is a 20 meter high waterfall and at the foot of this waterfall there is an old mill, which is driven by the small river. In this part of town most of the houses date back to the 17th and 18th century, which give Saarburg such a picturesque look. Today there is no dinner on board. You can select one of the local restaurants of Saarburg

Day 6: Saarburg - Remich, 27 or 32 mi. (45 or 53 km)
Today there are 2 cycling options. One is easy, but a bit longer along the rivers. The shorter option is a bit more challenging, through the hills. Both options lead to the Grand Duchy in Luxembourg. Here the Mosel forms the border between Germany and Luxembourg. Luxembourg is a small country, but her capital (also called Luxembourg) is an important finance center and EU administrative city. Visit a wine cooperative, specialized in the so called “Cremant”, the Champagne of the Mosel. Close to Remich you can admire an original Roman mosaic floor, once the centerpiece in a palatial Roman villa. The scene (in 3 million individual tile pieces) reveals scenes from gladiator games in the amphitheater.

Day 7: Remich - Schengen, 36 mi. (50 km)
While having breakfast on board, you’ll cruise to Schengen. On the bike, you’ll cross into France, cycling through lovely French countryside and villages. Around lunchtime you’ll arrive in Thionville, the center of the steel industry until the 1980's. Though this sounds modern and industrial, the city is ancient and displays medieval ramparts, lovely gardens, old streets, and St. Maximin Basilica. In the afternoon, head back to Schengen. Enjoy a final dinner on board. 

Day 8: Schengen - Metz
After breakfast, you’ll check out of your cabin and board a transfer bus en route to Metz, accompanied by your tour leader. You’ll check into a hotel upon arrival, allowing you plenty of time to explore the city at your leisure. In the afternoon, you can join a guided tour of the city with a local guide. A highlight of today includes St. Etienne Cathedral, the third-largest Gothic church in France with flying buttresses and Marc Chagall stained-glass windows. You’ll have the evening to yourself to explore more of the city and try one of the local French restaurants before saying goodbye to your fellow travelers.

Accommodation: Groupe La Citadelle

Day 9: Departure from Metz 
On your final day, after breakfast, you can reflect on the past week’s adventures and enjoy some free time in Metz before heading home. Check-out time is before 9:30 a.m.

Metz to Cochem

Day 1: Arrival in Metz
Day 2: Metz - Schengen
Day 3: Schengen - Remich, 26 or 31 mi. (41 km or 49 km)
Day 4: Remich - Saarburg, 24 or 29 mi. (40 km or 48 km)
Day 5: Saarburg - Trier, 19 mi. (32 km)
Day 6: Trier - Schweich | Schweich - Neumagen - Bernkastel-Kues, 16 mi. or 32 mi. (27 km or 53 km)
Day 7: Bernkastel-Kues - Traben-Trarbach - Zell on the Moselle, 27 mi. (45 km)
Day 8: Zell - Beilstein - Cochem, 24 mi. (39 km)
Day 9: Departure from Cochem

Day 1: Arrival in Metz
Check-in to your hotel by 4 pm. Take the opportunity to explore the historic and beautiful city of Metz at your leisure. Be sure to explore St. Etienne Cathedral, the third largest gothic church in France, with its flying buttresses and Marc Chagall stained-glass windows. Enjoy the stunning architecture, lovely flowers, and cozy cafés that make Metz so charming. 

Accommodation: Groupe La Citadelle

Day 2: Metz - Schengen
Your tour leaders meet you at the hotel at 11 am. A knowledgeable local guide will take you on a guided tour of Metz. After lunch, your luggage is picked up and a bus takes you to the village of Schengen where the boat is waiting. 

Day 3: Schengen - Remich, 26 or 31 mi. (41 km or 49 km)
Your first cycling tour leads through the Mosel Valley from Schengen. Your first stop is the small village of Nennig. Visit a Roman villa showcasing the orignal tile mosaic which depicts scenes from gladiator games. Today's destination is Remich, opposite of Nennig on the Mosel.

Day 4: Remich - Saarburg, 24 or 29 mi. (40 km or 48 km)
In Remich the Mosel forms the boarder between Germany an Luxembourg. You'll begin on the German side but soon hop over to Luxembourg. Visit a wine cooperative, specialized in the so called “Cremant”, the Champagne of the Mosel. Today there are 2 cycling options. One is easy, but a bit longer along the rivers. The shorter option is a bit more challenging, through the hills. Both options lead to Saarburg, a fascinating old town situated in the most beautiful and densely forested part of the Saar valley. The castle of Saarburg was built here in the middle of the 10th century. In the middle of town is a 20 meter high waterfall and at the foot of this waterfall there is an old mill, which is driven by the small river. In this part of town most of the houses date back to the 17th and 18th century, which give Saarburg such a picturesque look.

Day 5: Saarburg - Trier, 19 mi. (32 km)
After breakfast, join your tour leader for a short bike ride to Trier, Germany's oldest city. After a guided walk, you'll have time to explore Trier on your own. Trier flourished during the late imperial age as a trading town and administrative center. The Roman golden age also left a respectable number of monuments including the city gate, Porta Nigra, which was built around 18 AD. Today there is no dinner on board allowing you to select one of the local restaurants of Trier.

Day 6: Trier - Schweich | Schweich - Neumagen - Bernkastel-Kues, 16 mi. or 32 mi. (27 km or 53 km)
After a breakfast cruise, hop in the saddle and bike to Schweich. You have now entered the “The Romantic Mosel”. Lovely vineyards dot the countryside as far as the eye can see. Cruise past a few of the the heavy-hitters in the wine world: Trittenheim and Piesport. Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn on the river surrounded by mountains coated with grapes. The town of Piesport is beloved by the Brits for the “little golden droplets.” Around lunchtime you will arrive in Neumagen, an important center of wine production dating back to Roman times. You can decide to join the barge from here or continue by bike to Bernkastel-Kues. This frequently visited, old and picturesque town produces the best wines of the Mid-Mosel. The market square with its picturesque timber-framed houses is the pride of the town. A walk to the castle offers a beautiful view.

Day 7: Bernkastel-Kues - Traben-Trarbach - Zell on the Moselle, 27 mi. (45 km)
Today's cycling takes you to the romantic village of Traben-Trarbach located on the left bank of the river and famous for its Jugendstil (art nouveau) architectural style. Your destination for the night is Zell on the Mosel, well known in the wine industry for the its white wine, Zeller Schwarze Katz. Take the opportunity in Zell to taste some of the delicious and infamous wines of the Mosel region.

Day 8: Zell - Beilstein - Cochem, 24 mi. (39 km)
Beilstein is one of the best preserved villages along the Mosel. It's sometimes called "the Sleeping Beauty of the Mosel". Towering about the village are the ruins of Castle Metternich, which you’ll have the opportunity to explore. Your final destination is Cochem, a cozy and typical Mosel town, with steep wine-clad mountains, wooded hills, and an impressive castle overlooking the square. The Old Town is surrounded by beautiful timber-framed houses, quaint little cafes, and interesting shops. A visit to Reichsburg Castle is one of today's highlights. 

Day 9: Departure from Cochem
Disembark after breakfast by 9:30 am.

Metz to Cochem

Day 1: Arrival in Metz
Day 2: Metz - Remich, 25/31 mi. (40/50 km)
Day 3: Remich - Saarburg, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Saarburg - Trier, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 5: Trier - Bernkastel, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 6: Bernkastel - Zell, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 7: Zell - Cochem, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 8: Departure from Cochem 

Day 1: Arrival in Metz
Boarding time begins at 1 pm. There is a welcome meeting at 1:30 pm.  Metz is an ancient city strategically situated on a Roman trading route.  St.Etienne Cathedral is the 3rd largest gothic church in France with flying buttresses and Marc Chagall stained glass windows. Metz is full of stunning architecture, flowers, and great cafes. Worth considering arriving here a day earlier!

Day 2: Metz - Remich, 25/31 mi. (40/50 km)
You will enjoy breakfast while you sail. The first opportunity to cycle today is from the lock of Talange. This route goes through the French countryside but it is also possible to stay on board a bit longer and start from Thionville. Via the beautiful valley of the Mosel, you bike across the French border into Luxembourg,  passing the castle of Sierck-les-Bains, beautifully situated on the banks of the Mosel river. On top of the hill, there is a castle from the 11th century, which was at stake in the battle between the Duke of Lorraine and the archbishop of Trier in the 12th century. Overnight is in Remich. Here the Mosel forms the border between Germany and Luxembourg with Remich on  Luxembourg ground. Close to Remich, you may visit the small village of Nenning and can visit an old roman mansion. The nearly undamaged mosaic floor in the party hall is extremely beautiful. After dinner, you can join a little ‘cremant’ tasting. Cremant is the sparkling white wine Remich is famous for.

Day 3: Remich - Saarburg, 28 mi. (45 km)
Today's route follows the valley of the Mosel and Saar to the north to visit charming Saarburg. On the way, there is an opportunity to visit a wine cellar to taste the fresh Mosel white wine. Saarburg is an interesting old town situated in the most beautiful part of the Saar valley. The banks of the river are densely forested. The castle of Saarburg was built here in the 10th century. In the middle of town, there is a waterfall 20 meters high. At the foot of this waterfall, there is an old mill, which is powered by the river. In this part of town, most of the old houses from the 17th and 18th centuries are still intact.

Day 4: Saarburg - Trier, 22 mi. (35 km)
Today's destination is Trier, an interesting and lively city, the oldest city in Germany. According to the Romans, Trier was founded around 15 B.C.  by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Trevorum. As a trading town and administrative center, Trier flourished during the late imperial age. This Roman golden age has left us with a respectable number of monuments. Most authentic is the Porta Nigra, Black Gate, once a part of a system of four city gates, one of which stood at each side of the roughly rectangular Roman city. The Porta Nigra guarded the northern entry to the Roman city. It is today the largest Roman city gate north of the Alps and has been designated a World Heritage Site. This evening you are free to enjoy the city and dine on your own.

Day 5: Trier - Bernkastel, 31 mi. (50 km)
From Trier, downstream, you will encounter lovely vineyards. The white Mosel wine is known far and wide. Continuing on past Trittenheim and Piesport, both quite interesting.  Piesport produces a number of beautiful white wines, especially the ‘Piesporter Goldtröpfchen. Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn in the Mosel. It is surrounded by mountains covered with extensive vineyards. The Laurantiuskapelle with its gothic choir is sitting right in the middle of the vines. Today's destination is Bernkastel-Kues. Bernkastel is a frequently visited, old, and picturesque town, with the best wine regions of the Mid-Mosel. Visits to wine cellars are on the agenda and the opportunity to experience and relish the wine. The pride of the town is the market square, with its picturesque timber-framed houses.

Day 6: Bernkastel - Zell, 28 mi. (45 km)
Today's route follows the river upstream passing the steepest vineyards in the world en route to Zell, a beautiful hamlet where the river slices through slate mountains in dramatic oxbows and S turns. Zell is infamous for Zeller Schwarze Katz (black cat), a legendary Mosel Wine.

Day 7: Zell - Cochem, 28 mi. (45 km)
During breakfast, you sail to Traben Trarbach. Traben-Trarbach is surrounded by woods and extensive vineyards and is the major center of the wine trade in the Mosel region. This little city has some interesting art nouveau buildings. Biking from Zell, beautifully situated on the Mosel, the river meanders through the hills in many loops. The Hoherott (452 m) and the Corrayer Berg (425 m) are the best-known wine regions. The final destination is Cochem, a cozy and characteristic Mosel town, with steep wine mountains, wooded hills, medieval fortresses and a picturesque center with beautiful timber-framed houses. The fortress houses a museum that is worth a visit.

Day 8: Individual departure from Cochem

Cochem to Metz

Day 1: Cochem
Day 2: Cochem - Zell
Day 3: Zell - Bernkastel-Kues, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Bernkastel - Trier, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 5: Trier - Saarburg, 22 mi. (35 km) 
Day 6: Saarburg - Remich, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Remich - Metz, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 8: Departure from Metz  

Day 1: Cochem
After arriving on board, the crew will welcome you with a drink and an introduction to the week ahead.  Following dinner is a town walk through Cochem, a cozy and characteristic Mosel town, with steep wine mountains, wooded hills, a medieval fortress and a picturesque center with beautiful timber-framed houses. 

Day 2: Cochem - Zell
During breakfast, the Iris will cruise to Beilstein, the Sleeping Beauty on the Mosel. You will have the chance to see the venerated and rare relic the Black Madonna in the chapel of the Carmelite Monastery overlooking the valley. From here your bike tour starts and you follow the Mosel upstream to Zell, a beautiful hamlet where the river slices through slate mountains in dramatic oxbows and S turns.  The Hoherott (452 m) and the Corrayer Berg (425 m) are the best-known wine regions and Zeller Schwarze Katz is a legendary Mosel Wine. 

Day 3: Zell - Bernkastel-Kues, 28 mi. (45 km)
After breakfast, you'll set out on the bike to the romantic village of Traben-Trarbach located on the left bank of the river and famous for its Jugendstil (art nouveau) architectural style. Today's destination is Bernkastel-Kues. Bernkastel is a frequently visited, old, and picturesque town, with the best wine regions of the Mid-Mosel. The pride of the town is the market square, with its picturesque timber-framed houses.

Day 4: Bernkastel-Kues - Trier, 31 mi. (50 km)
Upstream from Bernkastel, you'll see many vineyards stretched out for miles. Today, the barge cruises past Piesport and Trittenheim. Piesport produces a number of beautiful white wines, one of them is the famous ‘Piesporter Goldtröpfchen. Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn in the Mosel. It is surrounded by mountains covered with extensive vineyards. The Laurantiuskapelle with its gothic choir sits right in the middle of the vines. In Schweich, board the barge and cruise the rest of the way to Trier, an interesting and lively city, and the oldest city in Germany. According to the Romans, Trier was founded around 15 BC by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Trevorum.  As a trading town and administrative center, Trier flourished during the late imperial age. A number of monuments still exist from this Roman Golden Age. Most authentic is the city gate Porta Nigra, which was built around 18 AD. Trier has also some interesting churches and a cathedral, a colorful baroque city center, and a rococo palace. Today there is no dinner on board. You can select one of the local restaurants in Trier. 

Day 5: Trier - Saarburg, 22 mi. (35 km) 
Today, follow the Saar river to our next destination, Saarburg. Saarburg is an interesting old town situated in the most beautiful part of the Saar valley. Here the banks of the river are densely forested. The castle of Saarburg was built here in the middle of the 10th century. In the middle of town, is a wonderful waterfall of 20 meters high. At the foot of this waterfall, there is an old mill, which is powered by the river. In this part of town, most of the old houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, which give Saarburg such a picturesque look, are still intact. Enjoy a town walk following dinner.

Day 6: Saarburg - Remich (Luxembourg), 31 mi. (50 km)
From Saarburg, follow the valley of the Mosel to the south into the direction of Remich. Here the Mosel forms the border between Germany and Luxembourg. Here you can taste the Luxembourg Elbling wine which is said to be softer than the German Riesling. You will also have the opportunity to visit a unique Roman mosaic floor in Nennig.

Day 7: Remich - Metz (France), 25 mi. (40 km)
Today’s tour leads you via the beautiful valley of the Mosel across the French-German border. First, pass the castle of Sierck-les-Bains, beautifully situated on the banks of the Mosel river. On top of the hill, there is a castle from the 11th century, which was at stake in the battle between the Duke of Lorraine and the archbishop of Trier in the 12th century. Cycle to bike to Thionville, a versatile city with an eventful past. First and foremost, Thionville is the center of the steel industry of old. But the old city center shows us the old ramparts, the beautiful St.-Maximin church, and the château de la Grange. Thionville is also part of the Maginot line, an enormous line of defense, built early in the 20th century against a possible German invasion. Around lunchtime,  join the barge at Thionville and cruise to Metz, “la ville jaune” (yellow city), so called because of its yellow sandstone buildings This city is strategically situated between Côtes de Moselle and the Plateau Lorrain. These days, the rich medieval city is a traffic junction, an administrative center, a center of learning, but especially a lively center of trade. A visit to the St.Etienne Cathedral, one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in France, is a must. This cathedral sits in the middle of the old city center, where shopping is also excellent.

Day 8: Departure from Metz  
Your guided tour ends after breakfast. You can leave your luggage on board until lunchtime and go and enjoy some more of Metz. Visit the Cathedral!