Finally!The Coast to Coast is a National Trail
1
introductory
Activities
  • guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in a twin share cabin, 1 night twin share hotel (in Metz)
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 8 Breakfasts

9 Days£2710GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: MBO

Trip highlights

  • Exploring Metz and walking the cobble stone streets of Trier
  • Cycling along the Moselle past cool climate vineyards
  • Sampling local specialties including liqueurs, wines and charcuterie
  • Soaking up the hospitality on board the comfortable barge

The course of the Moselle River as it makes its way between Cochem and Metz offers so much for the cyclist. From little towns with rich histories, cool climate vineyards hugging the surrounding hills and enchanting cities like Cochem and Bernkastel a delight to explore. Based on board a comfortable river boat, the cycling is expertly guided with carefully crafted visits to interesting sights each day. Choose from a longer or shorter bike ride, or relax on the sundeck and watch the changing scenes. Enroute, visit the former imperial Roman city of Trier with Germany's oldest cathedral and the famous 'Black Gate''. Continuing along a section of the Saar River, you visit the waterfalls of Saarburg before pedalling on to Luxembourg, the only Grand Duchy in Europe. In France taste the iconic 'Mirabellen' liqueur and explore the city of Metz on foot.

The itinerary operates in reverse each departure as indicated.

Countries:

Germany, France and Luxembourg

Starting Point:

Metz or Cochem

Finishing Point:

Cochem or Metz

Carbon Footprint

97kg of CO2-e PP per day

(776kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Expand all | Collapse all

On arrival in Metz, you can check into your hotel at your leisure from 4:00 pm. Take the evening to explore the beautiful historic city of Metz, situated on an old Roman trade route. Marvel at 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 cosy cafés that make Metz so charming. Get a good night’s sleep before starting on your boating and cycling adventure tomorrow!

Meals:  Nil

At 11:00 am, your tour leaders will welcome you officially to the tour, then it’s time to set out to explore Metz on foot with a knowledgeable local guide. After lunch (own arrangements) and bag pickup, we transfer by bus to Schengen, where the boat awaits. Schengen is famous for the well known “Schengen Agreement,” named after this little town in Luxembourg at the 3-country border. Your guide will explain the history and significance of the agreement. Meet the crew and get fitted for your bike, then take a test ride guided by your tour leader. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner on board.

Meals:  B,D

Our first cycle ride starts from Schengen, following the Moselle Valley. Along the way, we'll visit the small village of Nennig, near today’s final destination of Remich. Take in the sights of an old Roman villa, complete with a tile floor that remains in its original place. The centrepiece of the villa, the tile floor is made up of 3 million individual pieces and depicts gladiatorial scenes.

Meals:  B,L,D

The Moselle river is the border between Germany and Luxembourg. We start following the river on the German side and soon cross to the Luxembourg side. On the way, we visit a wine co-operative, specialising in “Cremant”, the sparkling wine of Moselle. There are two cycling options: one is easy but longer along the rivers. The shorter option is more challenging, through the hills. Whichever you choose, both lead to Saarburg, an interesting old town situated in a beautiful part of the Saar valley. Here the banks of the river are densely forested. High above, the castle of Saar was built in the middle of the 10th century. In the middle of town we come across a waterfall about 20m high. At its foot is an old mill, which is driven by the small river. In this part of town most of the houses date from the 17th and 18th centuries, giving Saarburg a special charm.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast our tour leader will take us for a short bicycle tour to Trier. We'll arrive around lunchtime. After a guided walk there is time to discover and enjoy Trier on your own. Trier is known as the oldest city in Germany. The city was founded at the time by Caesar Augustus under the name of Augusta Trevorum. As a trading town and administrative centre, Trier flourished during the late imperial age and a notable number of monuments survive including the city gate, Porta Nigra, which was built around 18 AD. Today there is no dinner on board, you can choose to dine at one of the local restaurants.

Meals:  B,L

After a breakfast cruise we will start cycling from Schweich. This is the “The Romantic Moselle”, the unofficial name for the mid- Moselle. Lovely vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see. Pass the heavy-hitters of the Moselle wine world, Trittenheim and Piesport. Around lunchtime, we arrive in Neumagen, an important centre of wine production. You can join the barge here or continue cycling to Bernkastel-Kues, an old and picturesque town that produces the best wines of the Mid-Moselle. Pride of the town is the market square, with its picturesque timber-framed houses. A walk to the castle offers a beautiful view.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today's cycle route takes us to the romantic village of Traben-Trarbach, located on the left bank of the Moselle and famous for its Jugendstil (art nouveau) architectural style. Further along the river our destination is Zell on the Moselle, well known for its Zeller Schwarze Katz white wine. Zell offers the perfect opportunity to get to know the wines of the Moselle.

Meals:  B,L,D

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 we have the opportunity to explore. We continue to our final destination, Cochem, a typical Moselle town surrounded by steep vine-clad mountains and wooded hills. Its impressive castle and picturesque square with beautiful timber-framed houses and cafes make it a perfect place for a glass of local wine. A visit to Reichsburg Castle is also on the program. Farewell dinner tonight on board.

Meals:  B,L,D

Disembark after breakfast at 9:30am.

Meals:  B

Expand all | Collapse all

Embarkation and check-in is at 2pm in Cochem. After a welcome meeting with the crew, the tour leader will take you for a walk through this cosy, characteristic Moselle town which is surrounded by steep vine-clad mountains and wooded hills. We will visit the majestic Reichsburg Castle and you can explore the picturesque square with beautiful timber-framed houses and cafes.

Meals:  D

Following breakfast, we will cycle to Beilstein, one of the best-preserved historical villages on the Moselle. The ruins of Castle Metternich sit towering above the village, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore them. After leaving Beilstein we'll pass Europe’s steepest vineyard – with slopes inclining up to 60 degrees – at Bremmer Calmont. Today’s tour ends in the wine village of Zell on the Moselle, well known in the industry for the wine Zeller Schwarze Katz. In Zell we recommend taking the opportunity to enjoy the wines of the Moselle valley.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we'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 here we pass through the wine town of Kröv, well-known for its popular Kröver wine, and on to Bernkastel-Kues. The grand half-timbered houses surrounding Bernkastel-Kues’ marketplace date from the Middle Ages and are a photographer’s delight. We'll reach the barge in Kues after a tour through town.

Meals:  B,L,D

From Bernkastel, the valley opens up and vineyards expand as far as the eye can see. Today we cycle past the heavy-hitters in the wine world: Brauneberg, Piesport, Trittenheim. Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn on the river, surrounded by vineyard covered mountains. Around lunchtime we arrive in Neumagen, an important centre of wine production since Roman times. You have the choice to join the barge here or continue by bike to Schweich, where the barge will again be waiting. Once on board we cruise to Trier, the oldest city in Germany. Trier was founded around 15 BC by Caesar Augustus as Augusta Trevorum. Trier flourished during the late imperial age and a notable number of monuments survive including the city gate, Porta Nigra, which was built around 18 AD.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast the guide will lead a short walking tour of Trier to discover the Roman history, and there is free time to explore on your own. After lunch, we hop on the bikes and follow the Mosel and Saar rivers to our next destination, Saarburg. Saarburg is an interesting old town situated in a beautiful part of the Saar valley. Here the banks of the river are densely forested. High above, the castle of Saar was built in the middle of the 10th century. In the middle of Saarburg town we come across a waterfall 20m high, and at its foot is an old mill which is driven by the small river. In this picturesque part of town most of the houses date from the 17th and 18th century. Today there is no dinner on board, you can enjoy dining at a local restaurant.

Meals:  B,L

Today we have two cycling options. One is easy but longer along the rivers. The shorter option is more challenging, through the hills. Whichever you choose, the cycling leads to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Here the Moselle forms the border between Germany and Luxembourg. Luxembourg is small but the capital is an important financial centre and EU administrative city. On the way, we visit a wine co-operative, specialising in “Cremant”, the sparkling wine of Moselle. Before reaching our destination of Remich we will visit the small village of Nennig and take in the sights of an old Roman villa, complete with a tile floor that remains in its original place. The centrepiece of the villa, the tile floor is made up of 3 million individual pieces and depicts gladiatorial scenes.

Meals:  B,L,D

While having breakfast we’ll cruise to Schengen, where our cycling tour started. By bike, we’ll cross into France, cycling through lovely countryside and villages. Around lunchtime we’ll arrive in Thionville, the centre of the steel industry until the 1980s. That might sound modern and industrial, but the city is ancient. The historic centre has medieval ramparts, lovely gardens, old streets and St Maximin Basilica. In the afternoon we’ll head back to Schengen, where we’ll enjoy our final dinner and night on board.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to the crew and board a bus to Metz. On arrival, check into the group hotel, with 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. You’ll see the 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 restaurants before saying goodbye to your fellow travellers. Your tour leader will accompany you today on the journey to Metz.

Meals:  B,L

On your final day, check out of the hotel after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 8 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches (7 when joining in Cochem), 6 dinners (does not include drinks). Continental breakfasts are served and will usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. At breakfast on board the boat you will prepare your packed lunch for the day which will be sandwiches, fruit & juice. If you choose not to cycle on a particular day, the crew will serve lunch on board. Dinner will consist of three courses inclusive of either a pasta, vegetarian or meat dish.
  • 8 nights: 1 night hotel in Metz on twinshare basis with private facilities and 7 nights in a twin share cabin with ensuite facilities on a deluxe category barge. Cabins are configured with two lower beds - a supplement applies for an upper deck suite or single cabin (on the lower deck). We do not match clients together so if you are travelling solo you will need to book a single cabin (limited singles and on a request basis).
  • Bike rental with handbrake or backpedal brake - 7 speed equipped with helmet, waterproof pannier and water bottle (electric bike available on request - supplement applies) Bike rental with handbrake or backpedal brake - 7 speed, helmet, waterproof pannier and water bottle (electric bike available on request - supplement applies) plus bike insurance (limited liability)
  • Cycling Map (1 per cabin) plus navigational App with GPS tracks
  • Welcome drink and briefing on the first evening on board the boat
  • Two multilingual tour guides for fully guided cycling tours (group size of 22 passengers or more), daily briefings
  • Several short walking tours
  • Linen and change of towels as required
  • Daily cabin cleaning
  • Wi-fi on board
  • Fees for ferries
  • Entrance to Reichsburg in Cochem, Local wine tasting
  • Bus transfer from hotel in Metz to the boat or from boat to the hotel in Metz (depending on direction of travel)
  • Guided city walk in Metz
  • Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Cochem and from Metz or vice versa
  • Meals not listed as included: dinner in either Trier or Saarburg depending on direction of travel, dinner and lunch in Metz
  • Drinks (available for purchase on board)
  • Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian). A supplement is payable for example lactose or gluten free diets - EUR70pp (subject to change) paid locally on board. Note: vegan diets cannot be catered for on this trip.
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • As prices are based on twin occupancy, a single supplement will apply if you are travelling alone and book a single cabin
  • Entrance fees and excursions not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Tips - while tipping is not obligatory, it is customary to offer a tip if the guide and crew have done a good job. As a guide we would recommend EUR30-60 per person (to be distributed between the guide/s, captain and crew).
  • Fee to bring your own bike
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information

Rental Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 7 speed unisex (low bar) rental bike with hand brakes, comfortable gel seat and lock. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear required for each day and a rental helmet.

* It is possible to bring your own bike/ebike on board - a surcharge applies. Please ask our staff (must be pre-booked and pre-paid).

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below.

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists.

Suitability

introductory

1

GRADE 1 - Daily cycling distances from 27 to 53km (16 to 32mi). As with all of our cycling programs, wind and poor weather could make the trip grade change. Should you not wish to cycle there are walking options available. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos, visit a museum or enjoy the market places in many of the interesting towns visited. It is considered suitable for children, as long as they have road sense, are familiar with the workings of a bike (gear change etc) and are comfortable cycling alongside moving vehicles at times. *For safety reasons, we highly recommend that cycle helmets are worn during cycle sections.

Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
P
Peak season surcharge
DN1
2026: High season is from 25 Aug to 5 Oct. 2027: Peak season departures: 22, 28 Jun, 30,31 Aug, 7,13,14,21,27,28 Sep. Supplement applies to seasonal departures.
Note:
(IT1) - Trip begins in Metz (IT2) Trip begins in Cochem
Note:
(D) Onboard Magnifique I (K) Onboard Magnifique III. Fuel surcharge may apply.
1
2026: Discount applicable for 20 Oct departure. 2027: Discount applicable to 18 & 19 Oct departures.

Priceper person from

£2710GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • 2026: Discount for 20 Oct & 2027: Discount for 18 & 19 Oct departuresGBP£50
  • E-bike supplementGBP£170
  • Single lower cabin surchargeGBP£300
  • Upper Deck Suite SupplementGBP£700
  • Twin lower cabin single use surchargeGBP£1320
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.

Great Value & Quality

Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.

Self-Guided Specialists

We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.