Rhine & Moselle
Castles, vineyards, and the world's finest Riesling.
The Rhine Gorge is one of Europe's most dramatic cycling landscapes. Steep vineyard slopes, medieval castles on every bend, and wine towns that have barely changed in 500 years.
Two rivers, one unforgettable trip
The Rhine and Moselle are Germany's two great wine rivers — and both are spectacular by bike and boat. The Rhine offers drama: the Lorelei, Marksburg Castle, and the vineyards of the Rheingau. The Moselle is quieter and more intimate, winding through steep slate slopes planted with Riesling vines. Many tours combine both rivers in a single itinerary.
What you'll see along the way
The Rhine Gorge
A UNESCO World Heritage stretch between Bingen and Koblenz — 65 km of castles, vineyards, and the legendary Lorelei rock.
Cochem & the Moselle
Cochem's fairy-tale castle towers above a bend in the Moselle. The surrounding slopes produce some of Germany's most elegant Rieslings.
Cologne
Start or finish in Cologne — the Gothic cathedral, the old town, and the Kölsch beer halls are all within walking distance of the river.
Rüdesheim & the Rheingau
The Drosselgasse, the Niederwald Monument, and the vineyards of the Rheingau — Germany's most celebrated white wine region.
A sample 8-day Rhine & Moselle tour
Day 1
Cologne — embark
Board your barge in Cologne. Evening welcome dinner and orientation from your guide.
Day 2
Cologne to Bonn
Cycle south along the Rhine past Bonn — Beethoven's birthplace — and into the Siebengebirge hills.
Day 3
Bonn to Koblenz
The Rhine begins to narrow and the first castles appear. Arrive in Koblenz at the Deutsches Eck — the confluence of Rhine and Moselle.
Day 4
Koblenz to Cochem (Moselle)
Leave the Rhine and follow the Moselle upstream. Arrive in Cochem beneath its hilltop castle.
Day 5
Cochem to Bernkastel-Kues
The heart of the Moselle wine country. Bernkastel's half-timbered market square is one of Germany's most photographed.
Day 6
Bernkastel to Trier
Trier is Germany's oldest city — Roman gates, an amphitheatre, and the Porta Nigra all within cycling distance of the river.
Day 7
Return to Rhine — Bingen
Rejoin the Rhine at Bingen and cycle the famous Gorge section past the Lorelei and Marksburg Castle.
Day 8
Rüdesheim — disembark
Final morning in the Rheingau wine region. Farewell lunch on board before disembarking in Rüdesheim.
Itineraries vary by operator and departure. Bob can walk you through the specific options available for your dates.
Good to know before you go
How difficult is the cycling?+
Rhine only, or Rhine and Moselle combined?+
What's the wine like?+
When is the best time to go?+
Ready to ride the Rhine?
Bob can compare operators, itineraries, and cabin grades — and tell you which departures are worth the premium.
Talk with Bob