Self-Guided Maastricht to Luxembourg Four Country Bike Tour
The 4-Countries Odyssey is an 8-day self-guided cycling journey that takes travelers across four European countries: the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Starting in the vibrant city of Maastricht and ending in Luxembourg City, the route combines scenic cycling paths, rolling countryside, charming historic towns, and cross-border cultural variety.
Designed for cyclists with a moderate fitness level, daily stages range from approximately 40 to 55 km, with a maximum elevation gain of 630 m in one day. The itinerary is well balanced, offering rewarding rides without being overly demanding.
Participants benefit from a fully supported, self-guided experience: accommodations are pre-booked, luggage is transported daily, and detailed navigation is provided via a roadbook and GPS tracks accessible through a dedicated app. Cyclists ride at their own pace while enjoying peace of mind thanks to telephone assistance available 7 days a week.
The tour includes 6 days of cycling, comfortable hotels or guesthouses with breakfast, and carefully selected routes linking iconic places such as Aachen, Monschau, the High Fens, Clervaux, and Echternach. Optional bike rentals (including e-bikes), extra nights, and a private return transfer are available to tailor the experience.
This journey is ideal for travelers looking for a cultural, scenic, and cross-border cycling adventure, combining freedom, comfort, and discovery.
Self-Guided
casual hotels
Maastricht
Luxembourg
moderate
39 km / 24 mi
7
Min. 2, Max. 12
Brussels Airport (BRU))
Luxembourg Airport (LUX)
Highlights

Monschau and the High Fens
Cycling into Monschau, riders discover a perfectly preserved medieval town nestled in the Eifel hills. Nearby, the High Fens Nature Park offers wide open landscapes, peat bogs, and peaceful roads.

Lively Crossroads of Cultures
The journey begins in Maastricht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, where Roman history meets a vibrant café culture. Its elegant old town, cobbled streets, and riverside terraces set the perfect tone for a cross-border adventure.

UNESCO World Heritage sites
The final stages lead through the spectacular Müllerthal region, known for its sandstone rock formations, forests, and winding valleys. The tour concludes in Luxembourg City, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.
| Day | Place | casual Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Maastricht | NH Maastricht (4-star) | B | ||
| DAY 2 | Aachen | Minx – CityHotels | B | 42 km / 26 mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Monschau | Horchem Hotel Restaurant | B | 43 km / 27 mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Waimes | Arimont Valley Hotel | B | 35 km / 22 mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Clervaux | Hotel du Commerce | B | 54 km / 34 mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Echternach | Hotel Bel-Air Sport & Wellness (4-star) | B | 57 km / 35 mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Luxembourg | Hotel Parc Plaza | B | 44 km / 27 mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Luxembourg | B | cycling |
Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Maastricht
Arrive in Maastricht, the southernmost city of the Netherlands. Known for its lively atmosphere and strong cultural links with nearby Liège, Maastricht stands apart from the rest of the country with its distinctly southern character.
One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, it boasts a charming historic center filled with traditional pubs (estaminets), cobbled streets, and historic architecture. Take time to explore the city before your cycling journey begins.

Day 2: Aachen
Leaving Maastricht, you cross the Meuse River and follow cycle paths out of the city into the rolling countryside of South Limburg. This region is known for its gentle hills, orchards, meadows, and traditional half-timbered houses, a landscape quite different from the flat terrain typical of much of the Netherlands.
You climb to Vaalserberg, the highest point in the Netherlands, where the borders of the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium meet. Descending into Germany, you arrive in Aachen, once the capital of Charlemagne’s Carolingian Empire. Its well-preserved historic center includes the Gothic town hall, market square, bronze fountains, and the impressive Aachen Cathedral, built in the 8th century and home to Charlemagne’s tomb.

Day 3: Monschau
Today you ride along the Vennbahn, a former railway line converted into a cycle path that once connected Aachen to Luxembourg. The greenway allows you to leave the city without traffic and gradually gain altitude toward the High Fens plateau.
Along the way, short deviations lead to places such as the village of Kornelimünster, once an important pilgrimage site, and remnants of the historic Siegfried Line. The route passes through the forests of the Eifel before reaching Monschau, known for its half-timbered houses and beautifully preserved historic center closed to traffic.

Day 4: Waimes
You follow the Rur Valley along a gravel track before climbing through coniferous forest into the High Fens. This elevated plateau is known for its harsh climate, peat bogs, and open landscapes. Once considered inhospitable, it is now protected and valued for its unique ecosystem.
At 694 m, you reach Signal de Botrange, the highest point in Belgium. A short detour can be made to Reinhardstein Castle, a medieval castle hidden in the forest. Overnight is in the vicinity of Malmedy or Waimes, towns historically influenced by both Germanic and French-speaking cultures.

Day 5: Clervaux
The day unfolds through bocage countryside typical of the Eastern Cantons, with pastureland shaped by the region’s climate and soil conditions. The route alternates between quiet country roads and sections of the Vennbahn.
After crossing into Luxembourg, you pass near Kneiff (560 m), the country’s highest point. The ride then descends into the Clerve Valley toward Clervaux, a small town dominated by its castle. Inside Clervaux Castle, visitors can see the UNESCO-listed photography exhibition The Family of Man.

Day 6: Echternach
This is the most demanding stage of the trip, with a rolling start across plateau terrain before descending toward the Our Valley. The landscape reflects the hilly character of northern Luxembourg.
You pass through Vianden, where the imposing Vianden Castle overlooks the town. The route then follows the Our River until it joins the Sauer River, which you continue alongside to reach Echternach, the oldest town in Luxembourg, located in the region known as Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland.

Day 7: Luxembourg
As the stage is relatively short, the itinerary suggests exploring the Gorges du Loup on foot near Echternach before cycling. The narrow rock passages and high stone walls characterize the dramatic landscape of the region.
From Echternach, a cycle path along a former railway line gradually ascends through the hilly terrain of Little Switzerland. You pass through the Black Ernz Valley, where the Schiessentümpel Waterfall can be seen. The route continues through forest before joining a cycle path that leads to Luxembourg City, whose historic old town has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.

Day 8: Luxembourg
After breakfast, your tour comes to an end. Depart independently from Luxembourg or opt for additional services such as extra nights or a private transfer back to Maastricht. Take with you lasting memories of an unforgettable cycling journey across four countries.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.
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Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
Luggage Transfer
Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
Exclusions
Airport pickup
We recommend to book direclty from airport.
Airport drop
We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Bikes
A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

Gazelle Chamonix T27 hybrid bike or similar
Included in your trip price

Kalkhoff Image 7.B Excite+ or similar
Available at a surcharge
Arrival & Departure Details
Arrival
Your cycling adventure begins in Maastricht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and the official starting point of the tour. Maastricht is easily accessible via Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST), with convenient connections to the city center by taxi or public transport. Larger international airports such as Brussels (BRU), Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), and Düsseldorf (DUS) also offer excellent flight options, followed by straightforward train or road transfers to Maastricht.
Travelers arriving by train can reach Maastricht directly via well-connected European rail routes, while those arriving by car will find several parking facilities at the city’s edge or in underground garages. Upon arrival, settle into your comfortable hotel, explore the historic old town, and prepare for the cycling journey ahead across four countries.
Departure
The tour concludes in Luxembourg City, a vibrant capital known for its dramatic scenery, historic fortifications, and elegant old town. Luxembourg Airport (LUX) offers direct flights to many major European hubs, making onward travel easy and efficient. The city is also well connected by international train services, allowing travelers to continue their journey by rail.
For guests returning to Maastricht, regular train connections via Liège are available, or a private transfer can be arranged on request, including bicycle transport. Travelers may also choose to extend their stay in Luxembourg to further explore the city and its surroundings. Flexible departure options ensure a smooth and convenient end to your cycling experience.
Weather
Early spring brings fresh landscapes and blooming countryside, though mornings can be cool and weather somewhat variable. Daytime temperatures typically range between 10–16°C (50–61°F), with occasional rain showers and brisk winds. May is one of the most pleasant months for cycling, offering mild temperatures, longer daylight hours, and relatively stable weather. Expect comfortable riding conditions with daytime temperatures around 14–20°C (57–68°F) and vibrant green scenery.
Early summer delivers excellent cycling conditions, with warm yet comfortable temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Average daytime temperatures range from 18–23°C (64–73°F), and any rain usually comes as short, passing showers. July, the warmest month, is ideal for summer enthusiasts, though it can feel hot on longer rides or gentle climbs. Temperatures often reach 22–26°C (72–79°F), with the occasional afternoon thunderstorm. August remains warm and summery but is generally slightly less intense than July. Expect enjoyable riding conditions with temperatures around 20–25°C (68–77°F) and lush landscapes refreshed by light rainfall.
September brings calmer weather, cooler air, and beautiful light, making it one of the most comfortable months for cycling. Daytime temperatures typically range from 16–21°C (61–70°F), with limited rainfall.
October marks the arrival of autumn, with crisp mornings, shorter days, and more variable weather. Temperatures usually range from 12–17°C (54–63°F), and rain becomes more frequent, though cycling remains enjoyable with proper gear.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Offseason
April
Offseason
May
Best
June
Best
July
Good
August
Good
September
Best
October
Offseason
November
Offseason
December
Offseason
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
What to Pack
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear
- Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
- Padded cycling shorts.
- Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
- Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
- Synthetic cycling socks.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
- Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
- Rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
- Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
- Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
- Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.
Other Necessities
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Plug socket adaptor.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.
Pro Tips
- Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
- Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
- Pack light to leave room for shopping.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa Information
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Insurance
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
Is proof of medical insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.
For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.
Before Your Tour
When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.
At the Start of the Tour
The setup experience varies by destination:
-
In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.
-
In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.
All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.
During the Tour
You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.
What to Expect
The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:
- You start with the correct frame size
- You can fine-tune your comfort easily
- You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route
It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.
We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.
Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.
To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.
A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.
We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.
For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.
Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.
For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.
Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.
Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.
Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.
It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.
We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.
We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.
Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.
For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.
For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.
We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.
We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.
On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.
Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.
We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
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