Saarburg to Mainz

Day 1: 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 km) 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 - Oberwesel - Rüdesheim, 19 - 22 mi. (30 - 35 km)
Day 8: Rüdesheim - Mainz, 22 - 25 mi. (35 - 40 km)
Day 9: Mainz

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: Saarburg
Check-in takes place between 3:30 and 4:30 pm. As you enjoy your complimentary welcome beverage, the crew will be introduced, and you will have a briefing regarding your upcoming tour, the ship, and safety protocols for the week ahead. After dinner, there will be time to stroll through the city and enjoy a splendid view of the Saar Valley. In the charming city itself, you’ll be impressed by the narrow alleys, framework houses, and Baroque constructions, as well as colorful seamen’s houses and fishermen’s dwellings. There is an overnight stay in Saarburg.

Day 2: Saarburg - Trier, 19 - 22 mi. (30 - 35 km)
You depart Saarburg by bike, following the Saar River downstream. At Konz, the Saar meets the Moselle River. Continuing onward, you arrive in Trier, your overnight destination. There is enough time for a visit to the city and a tour by a local guide. Trier was founded by the Romans and was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire. There are several well-preserved structures worth visiting, such as the Porta Nigra gate, ruins of Roman baths, and an amphitheater outside the city center.

Day 3: Trier, 34 - 37 mi. (55 - 60 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 are 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 4: Trier - Mehring - Bernkastel - Traben Trarbach, 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 km)
As you enjoy breakfast, the Merlijn will sail from Trier to the holiday resort of Mehring, where the biking begins. The Romans fell in love with this landscape more than 2000 years ago and built splendid country villas. After visiting Neumagen-Drohn, you will cycle on to Bernkastel-Kues, where magnificent timber framework houses line the oldest market square in Europe. After a visit to this charming city, you’ll board the Merlijn and depart for Traben Trarbach. At night, you’ll be offered a wine-tasting session at the Storck Winery.

Day 5: Traben Trarbach - Zell - Cochem, 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 km) or extend to 40 - 43 mi. (65 - 70 km)
Once the Merlijn arrives in Zell, famous for its ‘Zeller Schwarze Katz’ vineyard, you disembark and start to bike along the meandering Moselle, passing through many charming villages, such as Alf and Sankt Aldegund. In Sankt Aldegunde, you can visit a cellar with lots of liqueurs, wines, and Mosel-made mustards before heading to Bremm and finally Beilstein. After exploring this interesting medieval and well-preserved village, you bike to Cochem, where the Merlijn is waiting for you.

Day 6: Cochem - Koblenz, 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 km) + Hike: 2 mi. (3 km)
After breakfast, you start biking from Cochem into the Eltztal, and after a hike of approx. 40 minutes, you visit the beautiful castle of Eltz. With its romantic clifftop location, the castle is one of the very few that has remained intact throughout its long history. You will then bike to your overnight destination of Koblenz. Dinner is on your own this evening so you have the opportunity to try the local German cuisine.

Day 7: Koblenz - Oberwesel - Rüdesheim, 19 - 22 mi. (30 - 35 km)
During breakfast, Merlijn will cruise to Oberwesel. Today is one of the highlights of the trip: sailing through the ‘Romantic Middle Rhine’ and passing by the Loreley; you might even hear her singing… This part of the Rhine is steeped in history, myths, and legends. In Oberwesel, your bike tour will start, following the Rhine gorge further from the riverbanks. At the end, you will reach Bingen, which is worth a stop and visit, after which you’ll cross the river by ferry to reach the charming and famous city of Rüdesheim with its ‘Drossegasse.’ You might want to take the cable car up to the mountain for a spectacular view of the Rhine. The boat will remain here overnight.

Day 8: Rüdesheim - Mainz, 22 - 25 mi. (35 - 40 km)
Cycle directly from Rüdesheim along the Rhine River, passing through cozy little towns such as Oestrich-Winkel and Eltville. Don’t forget to stop at a traditional German bakery for a Berliner, a donut-like sweet treat stuffed with jam! The tour ends in Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate. Mainz's Old Town is the pride and joy of the city scene. Spacious squares, lovingly restored half-timbered houses, and magnificent Baroque churches lend the old town its "gemütliches" (charming) character. The Merlijn awaits your arrival. Your final evening on board will be highlighted by a farewell dinner.

Day 9: Mainz
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye and continue your European trip or leave for the airport.

• 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