Germany, Luxembourg & France Bike and Barge Tour

Germany, Luxembourg & France Bike and Barge Tour

Average biking kilometers per day 20 to 45 km

Bike, Barge & Cruise the beautiful Saar and charming Moselle, touching three countries. Bike along the Moselle river on good bike paths - Enjoy a guided tour in former Roman city Trier - Fall in love with the French countryside - Explore the ancient cities Thionville, Metz & Nancy - Cruise the Saar surrounded by mountains and the Moselle with its vineyards - Taste the wines from Luxembourg while visiting a wine cellar.

We will fly from Orlando to Frankfurt via Delta Airlines. Travelers coming from cities other than Orlando will have their air arranged by Holidaze, our Tour Operator. The tour must be purchased in full. We will go by private coach from Frankfurt to Merzig. There we will stay two nights before departing on the Bike and Barge boat, the Merlijn. 

Day 1 (Sat): Merzig - Schwemlingen

Check in: 3:30 PM – 4 PM We will offer a welcome drink and introduce the crew. We will also inform you about the tour, the ship and offer you a safety briefing. 5 PM Merlijn sails to Schwemlingen, a beautiful dock in nature! After dinner you can enjoy an evening walk.

Day 2 (Sun): Schwemlingen - Saarburg. Bike tour approx. 32 km

Your first bike tour takes you through the wonderful Saarland region. More than any other region, it symbolizes the "rendezvous in Saarland", a junction of water and land. From Schwemlingen it’s about 5 km to the excellent viewpoint over the landscape and the Saar loop at the “Cloef” above and inviting you for a short stay. From here you will bike further on to Saarburg, passing the village Mettlach, well known for the Villeroy & Boch products. In Saarburg you can visit one of the museums. After dinner there is more time for a stroll through the city and to enjoy a splendid view over the Saar valley. In the charming city itself you’ll be impressed by the narrow alleys, framework houses, baroque constructions and colourful fishermen and sailor houses. Overnight stay in Saarburg.

Day 3 (Mon): Saarburg - Trier. Bike tour approx. 20 km

Today’s bike tour will take you to Trier by following the river Saar river ‘downstream’. At Konz the Saar meets the Moselle river. In the afternoon you will enjoy a guided tour by a local guide through this magnificent city. Trier was the Roman capital of the western part of the Roman Empire, and there are many remainders such as the Porta Nigra, the gigantic city-gate and the Roman Baths. 

Day 4 (Tue): Trier – Wasserbillig - Remich. Bike tour approx. 34 km

During breakfast we will cruise, Merlijn takes you to Wasserbillig just after the border German-Luxembourg. Luxembourg is a small country, but the capital, also called Luxembourg, is an important finance centre for Europe. Your bike tour starts from Wasserbillig and you will cycle along the meandering Moselle. On the way to Remich you visit a wine cellar to taste the wines from the upper Mosel. The wines here are different than the middle Mosel styles. When the geology changes, so do the wines. Tonight you have the possibility to try the local cuisine, because you will be eating out.

Day 5 (Wed): Remich – Thionville - Metz. Bike tour approx. 35 km or extend to 44 km

After another delicious breakfast onboard you will get on the pedals again. Soon you will pass by a town called Schengen. Here the ‘Schengen agreement” was signed by 5 countries in 1985, everyone in Europa has heard of this agreement because it lead to free passage of borders. From here you will cycle into France, first stop: the fortress of Sierck-les-bains. One of the palaces inhabited by the powerful Dukes of Lorraine. Further the tour will lead you through French countryside, riparian landscapes, wheat fields and tiny villages. You will reach Thionville, once the centre of the steel industry, modern & industrial, now an ancient city. The historic centre shows us the medieval ramparts, lovely gardens, old streets and St.Maximin basilica which houses one of the finest organs in the world. In Thionville you can board the Merlijn or extend the tour with a few more miles until Richemont, afterwards you will enjoy a cruising afternoon on the French Moselle. After diner we will reach the city of Metz, another ancient city strategically situated on a Roman trading route. Its cathedral is the 3rd largest gothic church in France, Metz is full of stunning architecture, flowers, and great cafés. Don’t forget to visit Temple Neuf, this church is stunning from every angle.

Day 6 (Thu): Metz – Pont-à-Mousson. Bike tour approx. 35 km

Today you will ride through the French countryside again, the precise route will be adjusted to the bicycle level of the group. Mostly flat terrain following the Moselle or a more challenging route across the hills. Any route will end in the calm and serene town Pont-à-Mousson where Merlijn will await you. Around the world, pipes and manhole covers, carry the stamp of the town’s steel production. But Pont-à-Mousson was also home to a Jesuit university known throughout Europe, which explains the town’s incredible architectural heritage.

Day 7 (Fri): Pont-à-Mousson – Nancy - Frouard. Bike tour approx. 47 km

Your last bicycle tour will lead you to Nancy. The old city centre’s heritage dates from the Middle Ages to the 18th-century. The cathedral of Nancy, the Triumphal Arch and the "Place de la Carriere" are fine examples of 18th-century architecture. The ‘Place Stanislas” is known for its World Heritage buildings. Visit one of the many interesting museums, do some shopping or simply relax on a terrace. After your visit you will bike to the little town Frouard, where the Merlijn is docked in the harbour of Nancy/Frouard. In the evening there will be a farewell dinner.

Day 8 (Sat): Nancy/Frouard

After breakfast it is time to say goodbye and continue your European trip.

As you can see, the bike tour runs through charming villages and cities for 7 nights. The biking routes are along the rivers where possible through landscapes on good biking roads. Daily routes average 12 - 25 miles and helmet use is mandatory. The tour ends in the city of Frouard, France, close to Nancy. From there we will travel to Paris for 2 nights before returning home.

Tour Cost**:

• $3700.00 per person Double
• $5800.00 per person Single

E-Bike Supplement: $240.00 per person (Please order early)