Bike and Barge: Koblenz to Saarburg (MS Olympia / MS Switzerland)
The history of this region dates back to the Roman Era, around 2,000 years ago. Beautiful timbered houses, vineyards, the Porta Nigra in Trier, the “German Corner” (where the Moselle and Rhine converge) in Koblenz, and Saarburg (also known as “Little Venice”) are just a few of the highlights of this trip.
The Moselle, stretching 544 km, is the Rhine’s longest tributary and the second most important shipping route in Germany. The Saar, with the greatest abundance of water and a length of 246 km, is the Moselle’s longest tributary.
The quality of the cycle paths along this route is excellent. Most of the paths along the Moselle are paved or asphalted and have no significant gradients, making the trip suitable even for relatively inexperienced cyclists.
2027 cabins are available to book now. all dates and prices shown below…
Itinerary
Embarkation between 4 and 5 p.m. You will spend the evening and first night in Koblenz. On the 24th April only, this tour starts in Bonn.
Embarkation in Bonn instead of Koblenz. Departure from Bonn at 5 p.m. Arrival in Andernach on 25.04.2027 at 10 p.m. Departure from Andernach on day 2 at 6 a.m. Arrival in Alken at 10 a.m. The remainder of the itinerary follows the timeline.
By ship to Alken, where your bike tour starts. You are cycling to Moselkern and then on to Cochem. Cochem is a lovely little town with historical half-timbered houses and a picturesque Old Town.
The bike tour will take you to Beilstein first, which you can explore during a short tour on your own. Pass Europe’s steepest vineyard at Bremmer Calmont. Today´s tour ends in the wine village of Zell on the Moselle. You should take the time to enjoy the popular wines.
You are cycling from Zell to romantic Traben-Trarbach, where Jugendstil architecture shows its best side. After that, the middle-aged marketplace of Bernkastell-Kues invites you for a rest. You will reach the ship in Kues after a tour through town.
Cycle tour to Piesport, the oldest wine-growing community along the Moselle. Visit the Roman cellars and the vineyards on your own. Further on, you are going to Neumagen-Dhron, which is the oldest wine city in Germany. After lunch break, the tour continues to Mehring.
You will cycle via Pfalzel to Trier, where MS Olympia is already waiting for you. Trier is one of the oldest cities in Germany, and its Roman roots are still visible in impressive buildings such as the Porta Nigra, the Konstantin Basilica and the Amphitheatre.
Today you will be cycling along the river from Trier via Wasserbillig in Luxembourg to Saarburg, also called “little Venice”. In its centre, you will find a waterfall 20 metres deep as well as many baroque buildings and fisher houses.
Disembarkation after breakfast until 9:00 a.m. Individual journey home.
Embarkation: 4.00 p.m.
Disembarkation: From 9.00 a.m.
Minimum number of participants: 75 guests (must be reached within 21 days before departure).
Bring your own bike: On request only, due to lack of space on the sun deck. E-bikes exclusively with removable battery packs. We exclude any liability for loss, theft, and damage, including damage caused by transportation from shore to ship or vice versa.
Excursions: We offer a small excursion programme that can be booked directly on board with the cruise director only. You will receive a brief description together with your travel documents. Depending on the number of participants, some excursions may be conducted in two languages (German/English).
Schedule and programme changes: We reserve the right to make changes to the routing and programme. If there is low or high water and a route cannot be navigated, the captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety (this cannot be accepted as a reason for free withdrawal). The same applies to previously unknown administrative orders of lock or bridge repairs.
Digital Travel Documents and Route Maps: In the interest of sustainability and climate protection, opt for our digital route book instead of printed travel documents. The GUIBO app is your constant companion during your SE-Tours original journey. A glance at your smartphone is all you need to travel safely and worry-free, with all important information at your fingertips. Travel information, ship details, contact information, and your bike tours are available digitally in the route book, accessible offline and at any time. The app is available for free and works on all standard smartphones. You will automatically receive access details to download your booked trip via email before your trip begins. If you still prefer to receive all documents from us in printed form beforehand, an additional fee will apply. We will send you all travel information in advance via email, and the maps for your bike tours will be available exclusively on board.
Travel documents: EU citizens (without special situations like dual citizenship, main residence abroad, or a limited-validity passport) are required to have a valid passport or ID card, not expiring within six (6) months of the return of your cruise. We kindly ask non-EU citizens, EU nationals with multiple citizenship, or anybody who has to respect special legal entry requirements for the country to visit, to seek information about visa and entry documents at the competent embassy.
This trip is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility. We recommend that you take out travel health insurance with repatriation coverage, as well as baggage, accident, and travel cancellation insurance.
Ship name: MS Switzerland
Built: 1988
Registry: Netherlands
Length: 99.65 m
Width: 11.20 m
Draft: 1.45 m
Number of Crew: Approximately 26
Passengers: Maximum 113
A stylish and welcoming atmosphere awaits you on board. The elegantly furnished cabins and public areas create a pleasant and relaxed setting. The spacious panoramic lounge with a bar and the restaurant add to the ship’s special charm. The large sun deck, with ample seating, invites you to unwind while enjoying beautiful views of the passing scenery and offers space for bicycle storage.
Cabins:
56 outside cabins, comfortable and tastefully furnished, equipped with a shower/WC, hairdryer, TV, individually adjustable air conditioning, and a safe.
Main Deck:
- The ship features 28 two-bed cabins (approx. 11 m²), 2 single-bed cabins (approx. 11 m²), and 2 mini-suites (approx. 11 m²) with additional seating.All cabins have panoramic windows, with the upper section that can be opened. In some cabins located at the front of the ship (Category Eco), engine and generator noise may be noticeable.
Upper Deck:
- 23 two-bed cabins (approx. 11 m²) and 2 mini-suites (approx. 11 m²) with additional seating. All cabins feature French balconies (floor-to-ceiling windows that can be opened).

Ship name: MS Olympia
Built: 1984
Cabin refurbishment: 2015/2016
Registry: Switzerland
Length: 88.50 m
Width: 10.50 m
Draft: 1.50 m
Number of Crew: Approximately 21
Passengers: Maximum 96
This comfortable and cosy river ship offers a family-friendly environment. The ship was refurbished in 2015/2016. The panoramic salon, designed in a gentlemen’s club style with a bar, and the bright, friendly restaurant provide ideal spaces for relaxing. The ship also features a spacious, partly shaded sun deck and storage space for bicycles.
Cabins:
49 outside cabins, comfortable and cosy with en-suite bathroom, hair dryer, telephone, TV, individual air conditioning/heating, fridge, and safe.
Main Deck:
- 21 two-bed cabins (approx. 11m²) with panoramic windows (not opening).
Upper Deck:
- 22 two-bed cabins (approx. 11m²).
- Four larger two-bed cabins at the stern of the ship (approx. 12m²), with perceptible engine and generator noise when the ship is in motion and in locks. Three of these feature twin beds.
- Two single cabins (approx. 9m²).
- Panoramic windows can be opened.
Ship name: MS Olympia
Built: 1984
Cabin refurbishment: 2015/2016
Registry: Switzerland
Length: 88.50 m
Width: 10.50 m
Draft: 1.50 m
Number of Crew: Approximately 21
Passengers: Maximum 96
This comfortable and cosy river ship offers a family-friendly environment. The ship was refurbished in 2015/2016. The panoramic salon, designed in a gentlemen’s club style with a bar, and the bright, friendly restaurant provide ideal spaces for relaxing. The ship also features a spacious, partly shaded sun deck and storage space for bicycles.
Cabins:
49 outside cabins, comfortable and cosy with en-suite bathroom, hair dryer, telephone, TV, individual air conditioning/heating, fridge, and safe.
Main Deck:
- 21 two-bed cabins (approx. 11m²) with panoramic windows (not opening).
Upper Deck:
- 22 two-bed cabins (approx. 11m²).
- Four larger two-bed cabins at the stern of the ship (approx. 12m²), with perceptible engine and generator noise when the ship is in motion and in locks. Three of these feature twin beds.
- Two single cabins (approx. 9m²).
- Panoramic windows can be opened.
All times are subject to change. Please book your travel according to the scheduled arrival and departure times.
| Day | Port | Arrival | Dept. |
| Day 1 | Koblenz
Dep.. 24.04.27 Bonn*, Embarkation all departures 04:00 p.m. |
17:00* | |
| Day 1 | (Dep. 25.04.27)
Andernach* |
22:00* | |
| Day 2 | Only on 04.05.25 and 10.08.25
Andernach*/** All other departures: Koblenz |
06:00*/**
07:00 |
|
| Day 2 | Alken | 10:00 | 11:00 |
| Day 2 | Cochem | 14:00 | |
| Day 3 | Cochem | 09:45 | |
| Day 3 | Zell | 13:00 | |
| Day 4 | Zell | 09:45 | |
| Day 4 | Bernkastel-Kues | 15:00 | |
| Day 5 | Bernkastel-Kues | 09:45 | |
| Day 5 | Mehring | 14:00 | |
| Day 6 | Mehring | 11:00 | |
| Day 6 | Trier | 12:45 | |
| Day 7 | Trier | 10:00 | |
| Day 7 | Saarburg | 13:00 | |
| Day 8 | Saarburg, Disembarkation | ||
Arrival: Koblenz
Departure: Saarburg
Nearest arrival airport(s): Cologne or Frankfurt Hahn
Nearest departure airport(s): Luxembourg
We also recommend travelling by train to all of our cycling holiday starting and departure points. We can help you plan your journey to Koblenz by rail. Car parking is available on all tours at the first hotel or a nearby public parking location. Full details are available on request.
Please do not book travel until an official invoice confirms the cycling holiday.
Route overview
Route information: Most of the stretches are paved or asphalted without any gradients of note along the Moselle and Saar cycle paths.
Total distance (approx): Approx: 225 km
Starting point: Koblenz
- Bike hire options
The rental bikes on this cycling holiday use only components from reputable brand manufacturers. Both our regular bicycles and e-bikes (pedelecs) feature saddles from Selle Royal. You can choose between coaster brake and freewheel systems from Shimano. The frames, developed by the leading German manufacturer, Velo de Ville, are also designed for comfort. With low step-throughs, they provide a secure feeling, even for occasional riders. All bikes are additionally equipped with tyre pumps, repair kits with tools, and spare inner tubes. For extra storage room, most bikes are fitted with panniers and/or handlebar bags. To help you find your perfect bike aboard the ships, we offer three frame sizes: 45, 50, and 55.

Standard Unisex Bike 7-gear (Handbrake and pedal brake or hand brake only)
Sizes: 45 / 50 / 55 cm (heights approx. 150 cm to 200 cm)

Unisex Electric Bike
All Velo de Ville pedelecs are equipped with Bosch mid-drive motors and fully integrated 500 Wh Bosch rechargeable batteries. The innovative construction makes the batteries almost invisible, providing cyclists with a well-balanced bike that is easy to operate.
Sizes: 45 / 50 / 55 cm (heights approx. 150 cm to 200 cm)
All rental bikes include bike insurance. This covers both, theft and accidental damages. If required, we will provide a replacement as soon as possible. Negligence or willful destruction are not covered.
What’s included
- Seven nights in cabins with private facilities on the Main Deck
- Program according to the routing from/to Koblenz
- All charges for harbours, bridges and locks
- Room cleaning every day, changing of towels and bedding
- Welcome drink
- Full board consisting of 7x breakfast, 6x lunch, and snack on board (non-cyclists) or lunch package for cycle tours,
6x coffee or tea in the afternoon, 7x 3-course dinner - Daily meeting for the cycle tours
- Printed instructions and detailed maps for daily individual bike tours (1 per cabin)
- GPS tracks
- Tour guide on board
- CONTACT US FOR SINGLE CABIN AVAILABILITY
Not included
- Travel to/from the start and finish (Flights/Trains)
- Helmets (Please bring your own cycle helmet with you)
- Shuttles
- Entrance fees
- Excursions
- City maps
- Waterbus fees
- Parking fees
- Tips
- On board drinks
- Water bottles
- Travel insurance
- Bike hire
- Transfers (unless included)
-
Bike Hire Options
- Bringing your own bike: £59
- 7-gear unisex/men’s inc. rental bike insurance: £99
- Electric bike inc. rental bike insurance: £219
You can select your bike hire options in the ‘Book Now’ section.
Check Availability
2026/27 Self-Guided cycling holidays
All prices shown are per person, based on sharing a double or twin room, and exclude flights and bike hire.
Special Offer: £50 per person off all 2027 departure dates!
Contact us for more information, a special price, or call 017687 71700. Offer valid on new bookings only.
NEW FOR 2027
To make a booking, simply use the filter to select the day of the week on which the tour operates. You’ll then see all available tour dates and prices. No payment is taken at this stage.
For all bookings, we require a 20% deposit, with the final balance due 56 days before arrival. An invoice and online payment link will be generated once the tour has been confirmed.
Sat 10 Oct 2026 - Sat 17 Oct 2026
Saturday to Saturday
FROM £1129 P/P
Sat 24 Apr 2027 - Sat 01 May 2027
Saturday to Saturday (Start in Bonn)
FROM £1239 P/P
Sat 08 May 2027 - Sat 15 May 2027
Saturday to Saturday
FROM £1429 P/P
Sat 31 Jul 2027 - Sat 07 Aug 2027
Saturday to Saturday
FROM £1429 P/P
Sat 14 Aug 2027 - Sat 21 Aug 2027
Saturday to Saturday
FROM £1429 P/P
Sat 28 Aug 2027 - Sat 04 Sep 2027
Saturday to Saturday
FROM £1429 P/P
Sat 11 Sep 2027 - Sat 18 Sep 2027
Saturday to Saturday
FROM £1429 P/P
Sat 25 Sep 2027 - Sat 02 Oct 2027
Saturday to Saturday
FROM £1429 P/P

