Cycling Moselle and Rhine
Superb white wines and the romantic Rhine valley
|
Daily distance: 20-40 km Duration: 8 days / 7 nights Route profile: flat terrain, suitable for people between 18 and 81 |
If you love wine or just the view over gentle hillsides of grapevine, you are right here. 2000 years ago the Romans brought their grapevines to the region. No wonder - the schist soil provides an excellent base for it. And for cyclists too: The valley shows a constant higher temperature then the land around.
Cycling down the Moselle we reach the Rhine at Koblenz. From here, we follow the Rhine through its most romantic section to Rudesheim. The charming town is famous for its narrow Drosselgasse Street, home to many snug taverns and restaurants.
Day 1, Sunday
We welcome you at the airport or railway station (depending on your arrangements) and set the transfer to our hotel in the heart of Trier. Romans founded the city at the Moselle around 16 B.C. Many buildings from that time are still standing open for you today - the impressive city gate Porta Nigra, the Emperor Thermal Springs and the amphitheatre, to mention but a few.
In the evening we gather at the restaurant where you can give the local wines a first try. You will also meet your companions here.
Day 2, Monday
After a tranquil night we will explore Trier's history by taking a special city walk in the morning. Soaked with anecdotes from the city's past, you may go for a shopping tour or enjoy yourself at one of the historic places or small cafés afterwards. In the afternoon we will start cycling down the river. Easy 34 km to Leiwen should be enough for the first day.
(21 miles/34 km)
Day 3, Tuesday
Today we pass by vineyards right from the start. A good time to take a tour with a winegrower through the hillsides. We will see how to differentiate the grapevine from each other and what makes the local vines so special.
Later on we cycle through typical Moselle wine villages; see the carcasses of the Roman period at Neumagen-Dhron, Germany's oldest wine village, and the half-timbered houses of Bernkastel-Kues.
(25 miles/40 km)
Day 4, Wednesday
Following the river looping through the countryside we reach Zell. The town is known for its vineyard Zell's Black Cat. In 1863 three merchants, about to purchase local wine, were very uncertain on which cask to buy. So the tasting went on and on. Finally, the winegrower's black cat sprang at one of the casks, arched its back threateningly and hissed at anyone who came closer. Taking this as a sign, the decision was made and a famous name born. Nowadays, 80% of this wine production is sold outside Germany. (21 miles/34 km)
Day 5, Thursday
From Zell to Cochem it's again a winding ride along pure romantic scenery - impressive strongholds and rocks covered with steep vineyards. After a break in Cochem, we board a ferry to Koblenz, enjoying the landscape from a different and equally relaxing prospective. (23 miles/37 km)
Day 6, Friday
In the morning we will enjoy a city walk through Koblenz, visiting the old town's dreamy alleys and squares. Over lunch you will have time to do more sightseeing or stroll through the pedestrians area with its shops and snack bars.
Probably a bit tired from all these activities we only have to make it to Boppard today. A delightful accommodation and a delectable dinner will finish the day here again. (13 miles/21 km)
Day 7, Saturday
Our last stage leads us along the famous Loreley rock. An old myth says that Lady Loreley sits on the rock singing. Many skippers lost their lives in the swirls below while listening to her.
In Rudesheim we will give the Drosselgasse a visit. For more than 200 years people gather at the narrow lane's taverns to drink wine, exchange news and have a good time. (17 miles/27 km)
Day 8, Sunday
Sadly, it is time to depart. Hoping to see you again, we have to say "Good bye". Our shuttle service will get you to the train station or airport of your choice.
|
Tour dates 2009: to be scheduled please subscribe to our newsletter |
Pick up points: airports/railway stations in Frankfurt and Hahn |
Services included:
- 7 nights in biker friendly hotels or guesthouses (double room) incl. breakfast and dinner (dinner excl. beverage)
- healthy food and refreshments will be provided along the way
- transport from and to airport/railway station in Frankfurt and Hahn
- daily luggage transportation
- 1-2 local, bilingual tour guides
- passenger van escort
- trekking bicycle with panniers
- guided city tours in Trier and Koblenz
- guided vineyard tour
- all ferry boat fees
£ 720 p.p. (€ 1,030 p.p.)
single room supplement: £ 130 (€ 190)
'bring your own bike' discount: £ 30 (€ 45)
Quotes in US-$ on request
 | top |
|
|
 | home |
To receive the latest news
on our tours, feel free to
subscribe to our newsletter.