Guided Bike & Cruise journey in Germany
Sail through storybook Germany. Cycle beneath medieval castles. Sip world-class Riesling where it’s grown. Discover Germany’s most breathtaking river valleys by e-bike during the day — and return each evening to your floating boutique hotel. Our fully guided Moselle & Rhine Bike & Boat Cruise blends active exploration with the comfort of a premium river ship.
No packing. No logistics. Just effortless travel.
Highlights
- Fully guided daily e-bike tours
- Iconic Rhine Gorge (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Charming Moselle wine villages
- Medieval castles and Roman heritage
- Perfect balance of activity and relaxation
- Premium river cruise ship accommodation
- Start and finish in Cologne
- Ideal for couples & friends traveling together
Cycling Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Arrival in Cologne — no cycling
Day 2: Fairytale Castle & Vineyards — 38 km (approx. 23 miles)
Day 3: The Romantic Terraced Moselle — 58 km (approx. 36 miles)
Day 4: Roman Trier & Scenic Ruwer Valley — 39 km (approx. 24 miles)
Day 5: The Maare-Moselle Rail Trail — 58 km (approx. 36 miles)
Day 6: Cochem, terraced Moselle & Premium Wines — 38 km (approx. 23 miles)
Day 7: The Legendary Rhine Gorge — 30 km + optional 15 km (approx. 18 miles + 9 miles)
Day 8: Departure Cologne — no cycling
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Day 1: Arrival & Embarkation in Cologne
Starting your tour in Cologne offers a glimpse into the rich history of this ancient city. From its Roman origins to its flourishing during the Middle Ages, Cologne's architectural marvels tell the tale of its past. One of the most iconic landmarks is the Cologne Cathedral, whose construction spanned centuries. Initiated in 1248, this monumental structure, dedicated to the Three Kings, stood as a testament to Cologne's spiritual significance. Despite financial setbacks, its completion in 1880 under the patronage of the Prussian king solidified its status as one of Europe's most revered pilgrimage sites.
At 4:00 PM, your tour guides welcome you on board the SILVA with a complimentary welcome drink at the bar. A shuttle transfer from Cologne Central Station to the pier in Cologne-Deutz is offered at 3:00 PM. At 5:00 PM, the SILVA sets sail upstream toward the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine near Koblenz. If weather permits, enjoy departure from the sun deck with magnificent views of Cologne Cathedral, the Romanesque church towers, and the modern harbor district. First dinner and overnight stay on board.
Day 2: Burg Eltz & Moselle Valley | 38 km (approx. 23 miles)
After a welcome briefing and bike fitting, your first cycling stage begins — one of the absolute highlights of the Moselle region. You cycle upstream along the scenic Moselle Bike Path through quiet wine villages to Müden. From there, the route leads through the green Eltz Valley to the famous Burg Eltz, one of Germany’s most beautiful and best-preserved medieval castles. A short walk brings you to the castle. Time is scheduled for an individual visit and lunch break (café or picnic). Alternatively, simply enjoy the spectacular setting. Afterward, you return to the Moselle Valley and cycle comfortably along the river. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
Day 3: The Charming Terraced Moselle – Wine & Culture | 58 km (approx. 36 miles)
The day begins with a walk through picturesque Bernkastel-Kues. During a guided visit to the Cusanus Foundation, you learn about the philosopher and humanist Nicholas of Cusa, who was centuries ahead of his time and later became a cardinal and papal legate. Then it’s back on your e-bike: steep vineyard terraces, romantic wine villages, and the shimmering ribbon of the Moselle create a truly unforgettable cycling experience. You pass through charming towns such as Traben-Trarbach, Kröv, and Bernkastel-Kues, admiring half-timbered houses and the impressive bridge in the district of Wehlen. Weather permitting, your tour guides prepare a delicious picnic with regional specialties by the river. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
Day 4: Roman Trier & Scenic Ruwer Valley | 39 km (approx. 24 miles)
In the morning, the SILVA docks in a small wine village near Trier. Before long, you’ll encounter the remains of a Roman villa—fascinating reminders of the region’s ancient past. From Mehring, you cycle along the Moselle River into the tranquil Ruwer Valley. Here, the route follows a former railway line—now a well-maintained bike path—gently ascending through peaceful scenery of vineyards and woodland. Water power was already used here in Roman times, and viticulture has flourished in this region for centuries. After a well-deserved picnic lunch, your guide introduces you to Trier’s remarkable history. A scenic descent leads you into Trier, Germany’s oldest city and once an imperial Roman residence. During a guided city tour, you discover the Porta Nigra, Roman baths, and other UNESCO-listed monuments. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
Day 5: The Maare-Moselle Cycle Path & Rail Trail | 58 km (approx. 36 miles)
A short bus transfer (approx. 1 hour) takes you from Traben-Trarbach to Daun in the Eifel region. Today’s ride follows one of Germany’s most beautiful rail-trail bike paths: the Maare-Moselle Cycle Route. Cycling on a former railway line, you pass volcanic landscapes, cross impressive viaducts, and ride through long tunnels back toward the Moselle Valley. The volcanic scenery of the Eifel gradually transitions into vineyard-covered hills. At the Middle Moselle, slopes become dramatically steep — vineyards cling to the hillsides, cultivated largely by hand. After a riverside picnic, the final stretch from Bernkastel-Kues can be completed either by bike or comfortably by Terranova shuttle bus. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
Day 6: Terraced Moselle & Premium Wines | 38 km (approx. 23 miles)
Around midday, the ship arrives in Cochem, dominated by its imposing hilltop castle. Directly from the ship, you begin a relaxed cycling stage toward Zell (Moselle). You pass through the romantic village of Beilstein, overlooked by the ruins of Metternich Castle. Soon you reach the dramatic Bremmer Calmont — the steepest single vineyard site in Europe. Riesling thrives on these slate slopes, cultivated by hand as it has been for centuries. Countless vine-covered hillsides accompany you until you reach the famous Moselle loop at Zell, known as the “Zeller Hamm.” You then visit the organic winery of the Melsheimer family in Reil. Here, the young winemaking family introduces you to sustainable Moselle viticulture, followed by a wine tasting of their elegant Rieslings. Afterward, your guides transfer you back to the ship in Cochem. Dinner and overnight stay on board.
Day 7: The Legendary Rhine Gorge | 30 km + optional 15 km (approx. 18 miles + 9 miles)
Around midday, you reach Koblenz and begin your final cycling excursion at the famous “Deutsches Eck,” where the Moselle meets the Rhine. Your guide explains the history of the monumental equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I and its role in Rhine Romanticism. From here, the route follows the Rhine into the spectacular UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The mostly flat bike path runs along the river past steep vineyards, legendary castles, and charming Rhine villages. Stunning views of medieval fortresses and the narrow valley accompany you throughout. Depending on timing and group pace, the tour ends in Boppard, beautifully situated in a sweeping Rhine bend, or continues to St. Goar, opposite the legendary Lorelei Rock. In the early evening, you return to the ship and enjoy the Rhine scenery once more from the water. Farewell dinner and overnight stay on board.
Day 8: Departure from Cologne
Early in the morning, your ship arrives back in Cologne. After breakfast, disembarkation takes place around 9:00 AM, followed by your individual onward journey.
Consider extending your stay in Cologne for another night or two to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this fascinating city. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Cologne offers a wealth of experiences to explore. Whether you're interested in visiting its iconic landmarks, exploring its charming neighborhoods, or indulging in its culinary delights, there's plenty to see and do in Cologne.
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E-BIKE TRIP - ROUTE ASSESSMENT: Total cycling distance: approx. 261 km / 162 miles
The cycling stages take place primarily on paved, traffic-free bike paths. Routes follow rivers or former railway lines and are mostly flat with only minimal elevation changes. Cycling along the german Rivers Moselle, Rhine, Ruwer, and on the Maare-Moselle rail trail offers relaxed and enjoyable riding for leisure cyclists.
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STRAIGHT TALK: The planned itinerary is subject to change due to nautical, weather-related, or organizational reasons. In cases of high or low water levels, the captain may adjust the route for safety reasons. Such changes do not constitute grounds for a free cancellation of the tour.
