Magical Moselle Wine Route

Day 1:

Arrival at Frankfurt Airport. Transfer by minibus, taxi or train to our base hotel in Trier.

Day 2:

Trier. After breakfast we personally equip you with your bicycle ensuring a perfect fit for everyone. The day is then yours to explore Trier and the surrounding countryside. Trier is Germany's oldest city - and you’ll soon discover why. Its Roman heritage ranges from the remarkably well-preserved Porta Nigra (Black Gate) to the amphitheatre ruins where gladiators once battled. The Palastgarten (Palace Garden), a marvel of Baroque design, is also not to be missed. Choose to spend the whole day exploring historic Trier or an easy 10-mile ride into the Moselle Valley for a preview of the charming scenery you’ll soon enjoy.

Day 3:

Trier to Trittenheim. Today you’ll begin the gentle descent through the Moselle Valley and its famous wine route. As you weave your way alongside the river, the cycling is less than strenuous despite the rather hilly scenery. En route, you’ll pass small castle ruins and villages where the locals eat alfresco, enjoying Moselle wine with traditional savoury onion cake. And there’s also the opportunity to take your bike onto the frequent boat services. (Please note: if you can’t resist purchasing some of the local vintage, our reps are always happy to transport your bottles of wine). 22 miles (35km).

Day 4:

Trittenheim to Bernkastel. You’ll continue your journey with a similarly straight forward ride through picturesque wine country. Your destination today is a special one: Bernkastel, an atmospheric small town with charming historic buildings clustered together on both sides of the river, connected by a bridge. Stroll along its cobblestone streets and admire the medieval market square with half-timbered houses, Renaissance city hall and iconic Bärenbrunnen (Bear fountain), before retiring to a stylish hotel housed in a 17th Century building for a glass or two of Riesling in the original wine cellars. 20 miles (32km).

Day 5:

Bernkastel to Zell. Another day, another day’s cycling through some of Germany’s most alluring landscapes. You’ll reluctantly leave the beauty of Bernkastel behind to continue making steady progress through the Moselle Valley. The reward for your exertions is a relaxing overnight stay at the amazing Schloss Zell: this medieval castle, located at the heart of the quaint little town of Zell on the Moselle River, houses an intimate hotel. You’ll be in good company - previous guests here have included Emperor Maximilian in 1521 and the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm IV in 1847. 24 miles (38km).

Day 6:

Zell to Cochem. Today you’ll be rewarded with more stunning scenery as your route continues along one of the prettiest stretches of the Moselle. Out of the saddle, Arras Castle makes a worthwhile mid-morning detour: walk to an outcrop above the valley, where a castle has proudly stood for over 1,000 years, for spectacular views from the elegant terrace restaurant or the ancient keep. There’s also the opportunity to see the original dungeon and torture chamber, as well as a museum chronicling Moselle Valley history. 23 miles (37km).

Day 7:

Cochem. Surrounded by vineyards, Cochem is a quintessential Moselle town, dominated by the imposing Reichsburg Castle that rises high above. Nevertheless, the famous Burg Eltz, arguably Germany's finest medieval castle, is the real star. Only a 10-mile ride from Cochem, we highly recommend that you visit this formidable fortress with its mass oftowers and turrets. Dating back over a thousand years, the castle contains priceless treasures including Gobelin tapestries. Most remarkable of all, Burg Eltz is still inhabited by descendants of its founders, 33 generations on. Alternatively, you can take a directtrain to Koblenz – the city that rests on the banks where the Mosel and Rhine Rivers meet. The Old Town, painstakingly reconstructed after World War II, is worth a wander. Meanwhile, Kaisserin Augusta Park provides a blissful spot for a riverside picnic.

Day 8:

Departure. Today we say "Auf Wiedersehen". We will transfer you direct from Cochem to Frankfurt Airport by train or minibus and, look forward to welcoming you back again next year.