8 Days / 7 Nights | Rating: Easy | Start / End: Koblenz, Germany
- E-bikes Available
Experience the magic of the Middle Rhine Valley, the river valley between Koblenz, Bingen, and Rüdesheim, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, renowned for its stunning beauty and timeless romance. The landscape, stretching between Koblenz and Bingen/Rüdesheim, has inspired artists and thinkers for centuries. Discover around 40 majestic castles, palaces, and fortresses that rise above the riverbanks, with charming villages and vine-covered slopes between them. Marvel at the legendary Loreley Rock, where the mythical Loreley is said to have bewitched Rhine boatmen with her captivating song. Venture upstream to explore the vibrant towns of Bingen, Rüdesheim, and the historic Roman city of Mainz. Prepare to be delighted in the Moselle Valley, famed for its exquisite Riesling wines and breathtaking landscapes. This region offers not only cozy wine-growing villages but also awe-inspiring vistas, fairytale castles, and more. The steep, terraced vineyards of the Lower Moselle near Winningen are a sight to behold. Discover Eltz Castle, a hidden gem nestled in the countryside near the river valley. Experience the idyllic Moselle loop near Bremm, between Cochem and Zell, home to Calmont, Europe’s steepest vineyard. Explore the charming towns of Beilstein, Traben-Trarbach, and Bernkastel-Kues, celebrated for their exceptional wines. In Cochem, the magnificent Reichsburg castle towers over the town from its rocky perch.
Travel the Sojourn Style
EXPERIENCES, NOT BIKE TOURS
While we love our cycling, it makes up only one facet of what a true Sojourn trip entails. We believe in immersing ourselves in local cultures and discovering the hidden gems of the world.
REGIONAL PLANNING SPECIALISTS
From Vietnam to France to Glacier National Park, we are committed to offering exceptional trips in regions with which we are deeply familiar. We personally design and operate each of our trips.
PREMIER ACCOMMODATIONS
We carefully select from some of World’s renowned hotels. From highly reviewed and acclaimed Hotel de Londres in San Sebastian, Spain or the Reverie Saigon, Vietnam, one of the leading hotels in the World.
UNWAVERING ATTENTION TO SERVICE
Our commitment to provide you with unwavering service starts from the moment you first interact with the Sojourn team. We believe the little details matter and make the Sojourn vacation a life-list worthy experience for our guests.
PROFESSIONAL TRIP LEADERS
Gracious, engaging, and intelligent, our expert team of tour leaders consist of professionals from all walks of life and make exceptional travel companions. Always a step ahead, they are adept at everything from spinning wrenches to whipping up fabulous picnic lunches.
YOUR VACATION, YOUR PACE
We believe that at the end of the day, you are at the helm of your own vacation. We offer an array of day-to-day options to enable you to approach each day at your own pace.
Day 1
Embarkation for the Rhine and Moselle River Valley Bike and Barge cycle tour will take place at 2 p.m., where the crew will warmly welcome you on board the ship. Once everyone is settled in, the ship will set sail from Koblenz and begin its journey owards the first destination, St. Goar. St. Goar or Sankt Goar, as it is known in German, is a town on the west bank of the Middle Rhine in the Rhein-HunsrückKreis (district) in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Sankt Goar is well known for its central location in the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2002. Discover the ruins of Rheinfels Castle above the quaint town. On the opposite side of the Rhine, admire the Katz and Maus (Cat and Mouse) castles and the renowned Loreley rock.
GOOD TO KNOW
Every Sojourn trip is different in their own unique ways. We want you to be aware of them so that you can only have the best experiences possible. Please know, whichever trip you choose we are committed to make it the trip of a lifetime!
LODGING:
Ship Arkona
Day 2
Ride along the stunning Rhine cycle path from the charming town of St. Goar. Pedal through the dramatic landscapes of the Rhine Valley’s narrowest and steepest sections, where every turn offers awe-inspiring views. Marvel at the majestic Loreley rock as it rises above the river on your journey to the picturesque town of Oberwesel. Your ride continues through the towns of Bacharach and Bingen, where you’ll encounter the historic Mäuseturm, a medieval watchtower perched on a small island in the Rhine. This iconic landmark, alongside the impressive Ehrenfels Castle, once stood as a sentinel for the bustling Rhine trade. Your day concludes with a scenic ferry ride to the renowned wine town of Rüdesheim, where a delightful evening awaits.
KEEPING YOU POSTED
We’re constantly looking for ways to enhance our trips. We’ll do our best to notify you of any changes in this itinerary. Other changes may be communicated to you on the trip by your leaders.
LODGING:
Ship Arkona
CYCLING OPTIONS:
18 Miles
Day 3
Start your day with a serene stroll through Rüdesheim before the bustling crowds arrive, then set off on your bike to the vibrant city of Mainz. Tailor your day with two enticing options: a leisurely, flat ride along the scenic right bank of the Rhine or a moderately challenging route that ascends from Oestrich with a gentle climb leading to the magnificent Eberbach Monastery. This former Cistercian abbey, renowned for its stunning Romanesque and early Gothic architecture, is also celebrated for its exquisite wines. Upon reaching Mainz, cross the iconic Rhine bridge into the heart of the old town, where your ship awaits. Spend your afternoon and evening exploring Mainz’s historic center’s charming streets and captivating sights. Mainz is famous for its university, its Roman heritage, its status as a media hub and state capital, and its three most defining features: the Romanesque cathedral, the Gutenberg printing press and the Rhineland carnival.
LODGING:
Ship Arkona
CYCLING OPTIONS:
21 Miles
24 Miles
Day 4
The ship departs early in the morning and sails downstream. Early risers can once again enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. At Koblenz, the ship sails past the “Deutsche Eck” and turns into the Moselle Valley to reach Lehman’s lock. In Moselkern, you bike a short section uphill through the Elzbach valley to the beautiful 12th-century hilltop castle of Eltz, one of the most famous of its kind in Germany. The last part of today’s ride takes you via Moselkern and Müden to the wine-growing village of Treis-Karden.
LODGING:
Ship Arkona
CYCLING OPTIONS:
29 Miles
39 Miles
Day 5
While you are enjoying breakfast, the ship sails via Cochem to Beilstein. Your ride today from Beilstein takes you through a beautiful region of the Moselle Valley – the Cochemer Krampen. You cycle between vineyards and through small villages to the picturesque town of Traben-Trarbach. Traben lies on the relatively flat north bank of the river at the foot of the former Mont Royal fortress, while Trarbach is elongated on the steep south bank of the Moselle.
LODGING:
Ship Arkona
CYCLING OPTIONS:
30 Miles
Day 6
The boat stays in Traben-Trarbach this morning. You can bike to Bernkastel-Kues and back or explore Traben-Trarbach on foot. The ship leaves Traben-Trarbach for Cochem in the late afternoon. You can relax on board and sail to Cochem. Otherwise, bikers can ride from Traben-Trarbach to Cochem. The famous Reichsburg castle rises high above this wellknown town. Soaring over Cochem on a mighty crag, the largest castle on the Mosel charms the eye with its delicate bays and imposing battlements. The medieval castle, which was heavily damaged while in the possession of the electoral princes of Trier during a war of succession, was bought and lovingly restored in the neo-gothic style associated with German castle romanticism in the 19th century by the Counselor of Commerce Louis Ravené. Guests will be delighted by the impressive interiors of rooms such as the Knight’s Hall, the Dining Hall, the Trophy Room and the Bower.
LODGING:
Ship Arkona
CYCLING OPTIONS:
26 Miles
28 Miles
32 Miles
Day 7
While you have breakfast, the ship sails from Cochem to Winningen, where it makes a short stop before continuing on to Koblenz around 11: AM for the last short leg. You can cover the last few kilometers to Koblenz on board or by bike. You will then spend and enjoy the afternoon in the historic old town of Koblenz. The Romans first built a fortified urban settlement at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine and called it Confluentes (“confluence”).
LODGING:
Ship Arkona
CYCLING OPTIONS:
6 Miles
24 Miles
Tour Accommodations
Barge - Arkona
The Arkona is a very well equipped river cruise ship and was completely refurbished during the winter of 2017/2018. The modern and elegant atmosphere aboard the vessel will make your journey a relaxed experience. In recent years, the vessel has been operated for river cruises in Germany.
Travel & Tour Quick Facts
| TOUR START | 2:00pm Sunday (Day 1) – Board and check in at the Barge in Koblenz. |
| TOUR CONCLUSION | 9:30am disembarkation in Koblenz. |
| TRAVEL TO/FROM TOUR | Fly in and out of Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) Frankfurt International Airport is an hour and 15 minutes from Koblenz by train. |
| DAYS/NIGHTS | 8 Days/7 Nights |
| INCLUDED MEALS | All breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners. |
| ACTIVITIES | Cycling, local attractions in the Rhine and Mossel River Valleys. |
| RATING | Easy - this tour offers more natural options for someone who is ac- tive but doesn’t cycle often. Daily rides average around 10-30 miles over mostly level terrain. |
IMPORTANT ENTRY REQUIREMENT FOR EUROPE
Much of Europe is open to Americans, including more than two dozen countries without any restrictions at all. However, it’s important to double-check before traveling in case requirements change. Starting in 2024, American passport holders traveling to 30 European countries will need authorization via the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Please check the prevailing travel requirements for entry into Europe.
What’s Included?
| EQUIPMENT | Road or hybrid bike, helmet, rear light, seat bag for road bike or rack bag for hybrid, map case, water bottle, and jersey. Bring clipless pedals, seat, or helmet for a more personalized fit. |
| VAN SUPPORT | Rides supported by a Sojourn van as well as a tour leader on a bicycle. |
| TOUR LEADERS | Two experienced tour leaders guide each trip from start to finish. |
| RIDE NOURISHMENT | A selection of snacks and refreshments are supplied throughout all rides. |
| RIDE INFORMATION | Detailed route directions, maps, downloadable GPS routes, and a daily briefing are provided. |
| OFFICE SUPPORT | At your service 9:00am – 6:00pm EST, Monday – Friday. 802-425-4771 |
| DETAILED INFORMATION | A full complement of detailed trip and travel information will be provided upon confirmation of reservation. |
| E-BIKES & TANDEMS | Limited Electric Assist Bikes are available on all tours. Tandems are also available on on our US and Canada tours for an additional fee. Call us at 1-802-425-4771 for details |
Weather
| Koblenz Germany | July | Sep |
|---|---|---|
| High °F | 77° | 69° |
| Low °F | 58° | 52° |
WE’RE HAPPY TO CHAT!
Call: 802.425.4771
Write: info@gosojourn.com
Visit: GoSojourn.com
PRICES & SCHEDULE
All prices and schedules are subject to change at any time.
Click HERE to view the latest departure dates & prices.
