Self-Guided Saarburg to Koblenz Moselle Cycle Path Bike and Barge Tour
Set off on a relaxed bike and barge adventure through the scenic river valleys of the Saar and Moselle. This 8 day journey takes you from charming Saarburg to historic Koblenz, combining easy cycling with the comfort of staying aboard MS OLYMPIA. Along the way, you will pass vineyards, half timbered houses, and Roman landmarks that bring the region’s 2,000 year history to life.
The cycling routes are mostly paved and gentle, making them suitable even for less experienced riders. Highlights include Trier with its famous Porta Nigra, the medieval market square of Bernkastel-Kues, the fairytale atmosphere of Beilstein, and the impressive Reichsburg in Cochem. You can choose to relax on deck as the landscape drifts by or explore further by bike.
With full board, daily briefings, and thoughtfully planned routes, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of activity, culture, and comfort.
Self-Guided
premiere hotels
Saarburg
Koblenz
easy
41 km / 26 mi
6
Min. 1, Max. 12
Luxembourg Airport (LUX)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Highlights

Trier & the Porta Nigra
Trier, Germany’s oldest city, brings more than 2,000 years of history to life. A true highlight is the Porta Nigra, an impressive Roman city gate that still stands as a reminder of the region’s ancient past. Beyond its Roman landmarks, Trier offers lively squares, charming streets, and riverside views that make it a memorable cultural stop on the journey.

Bernkastel-Kues
This picturesque wine town is famous for its medieval market square and beautifully preserved half timbered houses. Surrounded by steep vineyards, Bernkastel-Kues is the perfect place to slow down, explore local shops, and sample renowned Moselle wines in a relaxed setting.

Cochem & the Reichsburg
Cochem is one of the most scenic towns along the Moselle. Overlooking the town is the striking Reichsburg castle, perched high above the river. With its historic old town and charming riverside setting, Cochem feels like stepping into a storybook.

Koblenz & the Deutsches Eck
The journey concludes in Koblenz at the famous Deutsches Eck, where the Moselle meets the Rhine. This dramatic river confluence offers sweeping views and a fitting finale to a week of cycling through vineyards, historic towns, and scenic valleys.
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 | premiere Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Saarburg | MS Olympia | D | ||
| DAY 2 | Trier | MS Olympia | B,L,D | 39 km / 24 mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Riol | MS Olympia | B,L,D | 27 km / 17 mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Bernkastel-Kues | MS Olympia | B,L,D | 47 km / 29 mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Zell | MS Olympia | B,L,D | 43 km / 27 mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Cochem | MS Olympia | B,L,D | 38 km / 24 mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Koblenz | MS Olympia | B,L,D | 53 km / 33 mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Departure | B |
Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Saarburg
Your journey begins in the charming town of Saarburg, where embarkation takes place from 4:00 p.m. Settle into your cabin aboard MS OLYMPIA and take time to explore this picturesque riverside town. Saarburg is known for its 20 metre waterfall cascading through the centre, framed by baroque buildings and traditional fisher houses.
The relaxed atmosphere makes for a pleasant introduction to the Saar region. In the early evening, around 6:00 p.m., the captain and crew welcome you on board, outlining the days ahead. Enjoy your first evening soaking in the ambiance of the river setting as the adventure begins.

Day 2: Trier
Following breakfast, your first cycling stage begins along the River Saar. The route leads past the idyllic nature reserve of the abandoned meander, offering peaceful riverside scenery and well maintained paths. Continuing onward, you reach Wasserbillig in Luxembourg before passing the Igeler Säule.
The landscape is characterized by gentle river curves and open views that make for a comfortable introduction to the tour. Later in the day, you arrive in Trier, where MS OLYMPIA awaits. Germany’s oldest city invites independent exploration in the evening, with its Roman heritage and historic streets adding cultural depth to the experience.
After dinner on board, reflect on your first full day of cycling in this storied region.

Day 3: Riol
After breakfast, the route continues from Trier via Pfalzel toward Riol or Mehring. Today’s shorter distance allows you to enjoy the scenic character of the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer wine region at a relaxed pace. Vineyards accompany the riverbanks, and the gentle rhythm of the Moselle defines the day’s atmosphere.
Riol and Mehring are known as part of the largest winegrowers’ community in the region, reflecting the strong viticultural traditions that shape local life. Upon arrival, rejoin MS OLYMPIA and enjoy the comfort of your floating hotel. The afternoon and evening provide time to unwind, perhaps on the sundeck or in the panoramic salon, as you prepare for the next stage of the journey.

Day 4: Bernkastel-Kues
Today’s cycling stage leads you deeper into the Moselle Valley toward Bernkastel-Kues. Along the way, you visit Neumagen-Dhron, recognized as the oldest wine city in Germany, followed by Piesport, the oldest wine growing community along the Moselle. The presence of vineyards is constant, and the river scenery remains both tranquil and expansive.
As you approach Bernkastel-Kues, the medieval market square with its wood timbered houses creates a memorable arrival. The town’s historic architecture and wine heritage offer ample opportunity for exploration before returning to MS OLYMPIA. Dinner on board concludes a day rich in cultural and regional highlights.

Day 5: Zell
Leaving Bernkastel-Kues, you cycle along the right bank of the Moselle toward Traben-Trarbach. The route follows the graceful meanders of the river, with vineyards rising on the surrounding slopes. The consistent riverside paths ensure a smooth progression through this celebrated wine region. Continuing onward, you reach Zell on the Moselle, known for the Zeller Schwarze Katz wine location.
The town’s identity is closely linked to its viticultural heritage, which you may choose to explore at leisure. In the evening, return to MS OLYMPIA to enjoy dinner and the familiar comfort of your cabin after another rewarding day along the river.

Day 6: Cochem
Today’s stage takes you from Zell to Beilstein, often referred to as the Sleeping Beauty of the Mosel. Its perfectly maintained historical centre presents a picturesque interlude along the route. Continuing onward, you reach Cochem, where the imposing Reichsburg overlooks the town from above. The combination of historic half timbered houses and a scenic riverside location creates a distinctive setting.
After time to explore Cochem’s Old Town, rejoin MS OLYMPIA for dinner. The evening offers a relaxed conclusion to a day that blends architectural charm with classic Moselle landscapes.

Day 7: Koblenz
Today provides flexibility. You may remain on board MS OLYMPIA and enjoy a restful boat journey toward Koblenz, taking in the Moselle landscape from the sundeck as the scenery gradually unfolds. Alternatively, experienced cyclists can choose the longer route from Cochem via Alken to Koblenz, with the opportunity to visit Burg Eltz along the way.
Upon arrival in Koblenz, take time to stroll to the Deutsche Eck, where the Moselle flows into the Rhine. This striking confluence marks a symbolic conclusion to your river journey. The final evening on board offers a fitting farewell to the week’s experiences.

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, disembarkation takes place by 9:00 a.m. in Koblenz. Your journey concludes at the point where the Moselle meets the Rhine at the Deutsche Eck. Guests depart individually, carrying with them impressions of vineyard covered hillsides, historic towns, and peaceful riverside cycling.
The combination of well maintained cycle paths and the comfort of MS OLYMPIA has defined the experience throughout the week.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Accommodation
Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

The Floating Ship Hotel
MS Olympia is a comfortable and cozy river ship with a welcoming, family style atmosphere. Built in 1984 and refurbished in 2015 and 2016, the ship accommodates up to 96 passengers. Onboard facilities include a panoramic salon with bar designed in a gentlemen club style, a bright and friendly restaurant, and a spacious sun deck that is partly shaded. There is dedicated storage space for bicycles, making it ideal for active travelers exploring the Rhine Valley.

Outer Cabins
The ship features 49 outside cabins, each designed for comfort and functionality. Cabins include a private bathroom with shower and toilet, hair dryer, telephone, TV, safe, fridge, and individually controlled air conditioning and heating. Upper Deck cabins are approx. 11 sq. m in size and have panoramic windows that can be opened.

Panorama Salon & Sun Deck
Relax in the elegant panoramic salon with bar, offering comfortable seating and a warm atmosphere. The large windows provide excellent views of the passing Rhine landscapes. The sun deck is spacious and partly shaded, perfect for enjoying vineyard views, castles, and riverside towns while cruising between destinations.
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.
Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?
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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.

Velo de Ville SEB 890 or similar
Included in your trip price
What to Expect
We want you to have a fantastic experience on your tour, so we aim to be upfront about what to expect along the way. Here are key details to keep in mind:
About MS Olympia
Built in 1984 and thoughtfully refurbished in 2015–2016, MS Olympia combines classic river-ship character with modern comfort. Registered in Switzerland, the vessel measures 88.5 metres in length and 10.5 metres in width, with a shallow draft of just 1.5 metres—ideal for navigating Europe’s waterways. With a professional crew of around 21, MS Olympia accommodates up to 96 passengers, offering an intimate and well-serviced onboard experience.
Upper Deck Cabins
The prices indicated on our website are for the upper deck cabins which are 11 sq m in size and have a panoramic window that opens out to the sea.
Arrival & Departure Details
ARRIVAL
Your tour begins in Saarburg. The most convenient arrival airport is Luxembourg Airport (LUX), located approximately 40 km from Saarburg. From the airport, you can travel by train or private transfer to Saarburg. Train connections are available via Luxembourg City with onward service to Saarburg station, taking roughly 1 to 1.5 hours depending on connections.
Taxis are also available outside the arrivals area at Luxembourg Airport, and a direct transfer to Saarburg typically takes around 40 to 50 minutes. If arriving via Frankfurt Airport (FRA), regular long distance trains connect Frankfurt to Saarburg with a journey time of approximately 3 hours. We recommend planning your arrival to reach the ship by 4:00 p.m., when embarkation begins
DEPARTURE
Your tour concludes in Koblenz, with disembarkation after breakfast by 9:00 a.m. Koblenz has excellent rail connections, making onward travel straightforward. For international departures, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the most practical option. Direct trains operate from Koblenz to Frankfurt Airport long distance station, with a travel time of approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
Alternatively, Frankfurt Hahn Airport and Cologne Bonn Airport are accessible by regional connections. If returning to Saarburg to collect a parked vehicle, regular train services connect Koblenz and Saarburg in approximately 2 hours. We recommend arranging onward travel in advance to ensure a smooth departure
Weather
The Saar and Moselle valleys offer the most pleasant cycling conditions from late spring to early autumn. May, June, and September provide mild temperatures averaging 18 to 24°C (64 to 75°F), ideal for long days on paved riverside paths. July and August are warmer, typically 22 to 30°C (72 to 86°F), with longer daylight hours but occasional heat.
October is cooler and scenic, with temperatures around 12 to 18°C (54 to 64°F). Spring and early autumn combine comfortable warmth with vineyard landscapes at their best, making them particularly attractive for relaxed, unguided cycling.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Mixed
April
Mixed
May
Best
June
Best
July
Good
August
Good
September
Best
October
Good
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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