Rhine, Moselle & Saar 3-river tour in Germany
October 23 - 30 / 2026
Departure date: 23 october 2026
. Endurance level: easy / Agility level: moderate
Highlights
Bike, Barge & Cruise the mighty ‘father’ Rhine, the ever-romantic Moselle, and beautiful rivers of the Saar. Explore the city of Cologne, as well as the historic Roman cities of Andernach & Trier. You will then head to the charming ‘black cat’ town of Zell, explore the famous Bernkastel and ‘Little Venice’ Saarburg. The journey continues as you survey the splendour of the Rhine, the Moselle with its swathes of vineyards, and the Saar, surrounded by mountains. Bike along these rivers and enjoy a wine-tasting session at the famous ‘Storck’ winery.
Day-to-day itinerary
Day 1: Merzig – Overnight berth
Afternoon check in and Merlijn will sail to her first overnight berth, a beautiful dock within natural surroundings. There will be a welcome drink and crew introduction. We’ll also inform you about the tour, the ship and give you a safety briefing. Dinner is enjoyed during the cruise, with an opportunity for a stroll in the natural area around the rural berth afterwards.
Day 2: Overnight berth - Saarburg. Bike tour: 25-30 km + Hike 3 km
Breakfast will be served on board, after which there is a bike introduction. Today’s cycling tour takes you through the wonderful Saarland region. More than any other region, it symbolizes the "rendezvous in Saarland": a junction of water and land. From the start, it’s about 5 km to the excellent viewpoint over the surrounding landscape and the Saar loop at the ‘Cloef’. Depending on the abilities of the group, we will either bike or hike to the viewpoint above which invites you for a short stay. From here, you will bike further on to Saarburg, passing the village of Mettlach, well known for the products manufactured by Villeroy & Boch. The cityscape of Saarburg is characterised by narrow alleys, framework houses, and Baroque structures, as well as colourful fishing cottages and seafarers’ houses. The master architect of Berlin, Karl Friedrich Schinkel, already named the collection of romantic houses and small bridges on the Buttermarkt ‘Little Venice’ in the 19th century.
Day 3: Saarburg - Trier. Bike tour: 30-35 km
After breakfast, you will start your bike trip to Trier, by following the river Saar ‘downstream’. At Konz, the Saar meets the Moselle river. In the afternoon, there is enough time for a visit to the city, and there will be a tour by a local guide. Trier was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, a Roman government seat, and is well known for its enormous Roman city gateway, the Porta Nigra, and its Roman Baths.
Day 4: Trier – Mehring – Bernkastel – Traben Trarbach. Bike tour: 40-45 km
While enjoying your breakfast, the Merlijn will sail from Trier to the holiday resort Mehring, to start your bike tour. The Romans fell in love with this landscape more than 2000 years ago and built splendid country villas here. After visiting Neumagen-Drohn, you will cycle on to Bernkastel-Kues, where magnificent framework houses line the oldest market place in Europe. After a visit to this charming city, you will board the Merlijn, and together we’ll sail to Traben Trarbach. At night, you’ll be offered a wine-tasting session at the Storck Winery.
Day 5: Traben Trarbach - Zell – Cochem. Bike tour: 40-45 km or extend to 65-70 km
When extending todays tour, you’ll start cycling before breakfast and clock-in 25 km before the rest even get’s started! The normal route starts with a cruising breakfast, we’ll head for Zell, famous for its ‘Zeller Schwarze Katz’ vineyard. Here, your bike tour starts, and you’ll cycle along the meandering Moselle and visit many charming villages, such as Alf and Sankt Aldegund: here you can visit a cellar with lots of liqueurs, wines and Mosel-made mustards, before heading to Bremm and finally Beilstein. After exploring this interesting medieval village, that has managed to remain intact, you will bike to Cochem, where the Merlijn will await you.
Day 6: Cochem – Koblenz. Bike tour: 40-45 km + Hike: 3 km
After breakfast, you will start biking from Cochem into the Eltztal. Here you will park your bikes and put your hiking shoes on. After a hike of approx. 40 minutes, you will reach the beautiful castle of Eltz. With its romantic clifftop location, the castle is one of the very few that has remained intact throughout its long history. Although you won’t be the only visitor, it’s worth it. After your visit, you will bike to Koblenz, where the Merlijn will be docked.
Day 7: Koblenz – Cologne. Bike tour: 40-45 km
Enjoy your breakfast while the Merlijn leaves the Moselle behind and follows the river Rhine downstreams. Your bike tour will start at Andernach, you might want to pay a short visit to this Ancient Roman town, before you cycle on to Bonn. You will cycle along the Siebengebirge (lit. ‘seven mountains’ in German), which is a range of hills to the east of the Rhine, south-east of Bonn, comprising over 40 mountains and hills. Your bike tour will end in Bonn, the city of Beethoven, where you will meet the Merlijn again. Your last afternoon on board Merlijn will be spent cruising along the magnificent Rhine river, relaxing on one of the outer decks, or in the cozy lounge, and enjoying the scenery as you pass by. Soon we will sail into Cologne, and you can enjoy the stunning skyline of this bustling city. Once we have docked, the Captain’s dinner will be served on board.
Day 8: Cologne
Later this morning, it is time to say goodbye and continue your European trip or leave for the airport. If you wish to extend your holiday, Cologne is the city we recommend for those extra days. Visit Cologne, where the (Dom) cathedral spires tower over Germany's oldest city and its innumerable cultural and historical treasures, world-famous museums and active art scene. People meet here for a (locally-brewed) Kölsch beer, a chat or simply a laugh. Life in Cologne is uncomplicated and vivacious. You will experience this great city even more in the old Altstadt, enjoying a Kölsch as well!
.jpg "Merzig - Cologne")
Included in your tour:
- 7 nights onboard Merlijn
- Early check-in and late check-out
- Full service of staff, maintaining cabins, manned bar (no self-service)
- Porterage of luggage upon arrival and departure
- Private stateroom of 11 m2 with 2 comfortable beds (80 x 200 cm) that can be pushed together/separated. Individual climate control and private bathroom with shower, toilet, sink, heated and illuminated mirror. Coffee & tea-making facilities from Nespresso, a varied package with coffee cups included.
- Supply of bedding, towels, facial tissues, hand soap, shampoo, sewing kit, vanity kit, bathrobe & slippers.
- Daily loading and unloading of your bicycle to and from the ship
- Use of lightweight state-of-the-art bicycle
- Use of a waterproof bike bag, city backpack, towel, water bottle, helmet with communication system.
- English speaking-tour guide (experienced guide who knows the route like the back of their hand)
- Support vehicle, there will be a staffed support vehicle on several days during the scheduled bike tours.
- Brochures of the area available on board
- Harbour, lock and canal fees
Included culinary care:
- Welcome drink with bubbles and warm snacks
- All day unlimited coffee & specialty-coffee prepared with fresh milk, variation of tea, hot chocolate and potable ice water (self-service).
- Extensive breakfast buffet daily with at least; 2 warm dishes, freshly baked croissants or similar pastries, various types of bread, toaster, yoghurt, cereals, fresh fruit and various beverages.
- Packed lunch prepared by the staff in a special lunch bag with at least a lavish sandwich, snack and drink.
- 8 day tours include 6 three-course dinners
- Dinners are based on ‘plate service’, meals are served in the dining area.
- Meals are perceived by our guests as “luxurious” or even “gourmet style”.
Included beverages during bar opening hours:
- Several sodas served from a small bottle
- Wide variety of wines (also non-alcoholic wine)
- Beer on tap and various beers from the bottle (also non-alcoholic beer)
Included excursions:
- Ferry costs on the bicycle route
- Entrance to the castle of Eltz
- Wine tasting session
- Guided city tour of Trier
Not included in your tour:
- 1 dinner, the day and location will be announced at the start of the tour
- Excursions, entrance fees and guided tours other than mentioned
- Beverages other than those mentioned (such as spirits and cocktails)
- City maps, bike maps, etc. (we have a lot available however we can’t guarantee every destination)
- Inbound and outbound journeys, such as flights, trains, bus or other type of transfers
- Gratuities (cash only)
- Electronic payments of your onboard expenses (cash only)
- Insurances, we strongly recommend that you purchase cancellation insurance as well as travel insurance.
Not included extra services on board (payable on board):
- Rental of electric bicycles €30,- per piece, per day. Reservations in advance are advisable
- Laundry service, current price available on board