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A panoramic view of the Luxembourg City old town at twilight with glowing streetlights and a colorful sunset sky.
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Luxembourg/Germany/France

Castles & Vines: A Bike & Barge Journey on the Moselle

Program No. 25707RJ
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
12 days
11 nights
What's Included
20 meals ( 10B, 10D )
4 expert-led lectures
23 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; riding 10 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking over 1/2 mile, standing for approximately 1 hour.
Morning:
Join your Group Leaders and fellow Road Scholars at Frankfurt Airport to board a motorcoach for the drive north to Cologne. Upon arrival, the hotel will store your luggage so you can enjoy a leisurely walk around the city.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leaders will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
We’ll meet our Group Leaders at the hotel at 2:00 p.m. for an orientation to Cologne before joining local experts for a walking exploration of Cologne’s Old Town. We will discover the city’s rich history, from its Roman beginnings to its medieval importance and postwar reconstruction. Selected sites highlight Cologne’s political, religious, and commercial development over two millennia, offering insight into the city’s present-day identity. The Group Leaders will accompany us and help connect the experience to the broader themes of the program.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Orientation. The Group Leaders will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from the Group Leaders as well as local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. When we are not cycling, program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Meals will feature local cuisine in a variety of settings. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leaders will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 36 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Walking over 1 mile, standing for approximately 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll depart by motorcoach for a drive south along the Rhine to Bonn, one of Germany’s oldest cities. Founded as a Roman settlement in the first century BCE, Bonn later developed as a residence of the Electors of Cologne and served as the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany from 1949 to 1990. Today, it remains an important cultural and academic center. Upon arrival, we will begin at Beethoven-Haus, the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven in 1770. An expert lecture introduces his early life in Bonn, his musical education and his lasting influence on Western music. Following the lecture, we’ll participate in an expert-led exploration of the historic house, connecting these themes to the spaces and artifacts of his formative years. The program concludes with a concert featuring his work. Following the program, we’ll enjoy some down time to explore Bonn’s historic center independently and select a location for lunch.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We’ll take a short motorcoach ride to the Haus der Geschichte (House of History), a museum dedicated to Germany’s political, social and cultural development since 1945. We’ll begin with an expert lecture examining post–World War II Germany, including division, reconstruction, the Cold War era, and reunification. Following the lecture, we’ll explore the museum’s permanent exhibition independently, using its documents, media installations, and artifacts to deepen your understanding of Germany’s recent history and its continuing impact on contemporary society. We’ll then return to the hotel via motorcoach.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
We’ll meet our Group Leaders in the hotel lobby and take a short walk to a local Brauhaus, where we’ll learn from a brewing expert about Cologne’s brewing traditions and the cultural significance of Kölsch beer while enjoying regional cuisine in a historic setting. This shared dinner provides further insight into Rhineland social customs and daily life. Returning to the hotel, prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 71 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking over 1 mile, standing for approximately 1 hour.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Checking out of the hotel, we’ll depart Cologne by motorcoach and travel through the Rhine and Moselle regions toward Burg Eltz. Along the way, we’ll observe river valleys, vineyards, and historic towns that have shaped the region’s cultural and economic development. We’ll arrive at Burg Eltz, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval castles. Set in a wooded valley above the Elzbach stream, the castle dates to the 12th century and has remained in the possession of the same noble family for more than 800 years. During a docent-led field trip, explore its towers, timber-framed houses and fortified rooms while learning about the architecture and daily life of the medieval German nobility. Afterwards, we’ll continue by motorcoach to the nearby town of Cochem, where we will have some time to explore and find lunch on our own.
Lunch:
On your own in Cochem.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll enjoy time to stroll through Cochem, a charming town along the Moselle River known for its half-timbered houses, narrow streets, and scenic riverside setting. Once an important medieval trading center, the town remains closely connected to the surrounding Moselle wine region. Later in the afternoon, we’ll walk to the dock to board the Princess Royal barge and settle into our cabins. The Group Leaders, barge captain, and crew will welcome everyone and lead introductions, followed by a review of the program schedule, roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, and emergency procedures. Bicycles will then be fitted for each participant, followed by a short test ride to ensure everyone can safely start, stop, and control their bike.
Dinner:
On the barge.
Evening:
We’ll join our Group Leaders in the salon for an informative session on safety and road rules.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bicycle; riding 24 miles, approximately 2.5 hours, on flat-to-rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths. Walking or standing for approximately 1 hour.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
After breakfast, we’ll set out by bicycle along the Moselle River. Ride to the village of Beilstein, one of the best-preserved historic settlements along the Moselle, where narrow streets and half-timbered houses reflect its medieval origins. Above the village stand the ruins of Castle Metternich, which you will have time to explore. Lunch today is independent in the village of Ediger-Eller, allowing time to explore the town and choose from one of its local cafés. We will continue cycling through the Moselle valley, passing Bremmer Calmont, home to some of Europe’s steepest vineyards, with slopes rising to nearly 60 degrees. These dramatic hillsides illustrate the long tradition of viticulture in the region and the challenges of cultivating grapes on such terrain.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
The afternoon’s ride concludes in the wine village of Zell, known for its historic connection to the Moselle wine trade and the well-known wine Zeller Schwarze Katz. Here, we will take time to learn more about and taste the wines of the Moselle Valley with a local expert.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bicycle; riding 27 miles on flat-to-rolling terrain, approximately 3 hours, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths. Walking or standing for approximately 1 hour.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
We will continue biking along the Moselle through the wine town of Kröv, long associated with the production of regional wines. The ride follows quiet river paths and vineyard landscapes that illustrate the long agricultural traditions of the Moselle Valley. We will take a biking break in Traben-Trarbach where the Group Leaders will take us on a field trip to the “Unterwelt” of one of Germany’s most important wine trading towns. Under the streets of Traben-Trarbach lie wine cellars over 100 yards long.
Lunch:
On your own in Traben-Trarbach.
Afternoon:
Our destination is Bernkastel-Kues, one of the most picturesque towns along the river. Its historic marketplace is surrounded by elaborately carved half-timbered houses dating from the Middle Ages. Along the way, we will take a biking break at the 12th-century castle ruins of Kunibertsburg.
Dinner:
At a local winery.
Evening:
We will gather at the historic Deinhard winery, where a winery expert introduces us to the Moselle’s winemaking traditions, discusses practical food and wine pairing, and explains the winery’s distinctive collection of wine-inspired modern art. Following this presentation, we’ll enjoy dinner featuring regional cuisine in a setting closely connected to the area’s wine heritage.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bicycle; riding 18 miles, approximately 1.5 hours, on flat-to-rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths. Walking or standing for approximately 1 hour.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
Departing Bernkastel, the Moselle Valley gradually widens and the vineyards extend across the surrounding hillsides. This stretch of the river passes through several renowned wine villages, including Brauneberg, Piesport, and Trittenheim, long associated with some of the Moselle’s most respected vineyards. In Piesport, wines produced on the steep slopes above the river have been celebrated for centuries, while nearby Trittenheim sits within a dramatic bend of the Moselle surrounded by vineyard-covered hills. Around midday, we’ll arrive in Neumagen, a settlement known since Roman times as an important center of wine production along the Moselle. From here, we may each choose to return to the barge or continue the bicycle field trip to the town of Schweich, where the barge awaits.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
After rejoining the barge, we will cruise along the Moselle to Trier, widely regarded as Germany’s oldest city. Founded around 15 BCE by the Roman emperor Augustus under the name Augusta Treverorum, Trier flourished as a major administrative and trading center of the Roman Empire. This period left a remarkable legacy of monuments, including the Porta Nigra, an imposing Roman city gate constructed in the late 2nd century CE and one of the best-preserved Roman structures north of the Alps. Upon arrival in Trier in the late afternoon, we will be met by a local historian who will discuss the importance of Trier during the Western Roman Empire and its role as a ”frontier city” during the Cold War and subsequent reunification of Germany. We’ll then head out on a walking field trip in the town of Trier. Trier preserves an exceptional collection of Roman monuments that reflect its importance as a major administrative center of the Roman Empire.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
At leisure. Here is a chance to further experience Trier’s historic center and public squares at one’s own pace.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 65 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking over 1 mile, standing for approximately 1 hour.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
We will leave our bicycles parked on the barge today and depart by motorcoach for Luxembourg City, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and an important political and financial center in Europe. Situated in a dramatic landscape of deep river valleys and cliffs, the city has long held strategic importance. Its extensive fortifications, developed over several centuries by Spanish, French, and Austrian rulers, earned it the nickname “Gibraltar of the North.” Upon arrival, we will be met by a local expert who will take us on a walking field trip to examine the city’s strategic location, extensive fortifications and role as the capital of one of Europe’s smallest nations. Highlights include the Grand Ducal Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Corniche, which offers panoramic views of the UNESCO-listed fortress landscape. Discussions throughout the walk explore Luxembourg's evolution from a fortified stronghold to a modern European capital.
Lunch:
On your own in Luxembourg City.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll depart Luxembourg City by motorcoach, leaving behind the capital’s historic fortifications and modern European institutions as we travel through the rolling countryside of southern Luxembourg. En route, we’ll stop at the Luxembourg American Cemetery Memorial, the final resting place of more than 5,000 American service members who lost their lives during World War II, including General George S. Patton. During a docent-led field trip of the cemetery, we will learn about Luxembourg's role in the Battle of the Bulge and the broader Allied campaign to liberate Europe while reflecting on the sacrifices commemorated at this solemn site.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bicycle; riding about 20 miles, approximately 2 hours, on flat-to-rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths. Walking or standing for approximately 1 hour. Getting on/off a chairlift; elevation gain 2,300 feet.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
We will head out to explore Saarburg, a historic town located in one of the most scenic areas of the Saar Valley. The town developed around a castle built in the mid-10th century; its ruins still overlook the surrounding landscape. In the center of town, a small river drops nearly 20 meters in a waterfall that powers an old mill at its base. Many of Saarburg’s 17th- and 18th-century half-timbered houses remain intact, adding to the town’s distinctive charm. Together with the Group Leader, we’ll ride the Saarburg chairlift for magnificent views of the Saar Valley.
Lunch:
On your own in Saarburg.
Afternoon:
On today’s bike ride, we’ll choose between a more challenging route with some elevation and scenic viewpoints or a relaxing ride along the Saar and Moselle rivers. Both routes include a stop at a Roman village, where we can visit the impressive mosaic floor of the Roman Villa Nennig. This remarkable mosaic is one of the most important of its kind north of the Alps and one of the few still visible at its original location. Protected by a structure built around 150 years ago, the site of the former palace villa in Nennig is also one of the oldest museum presentations of archaeological discoveries in Germany. We will conclude our ride in Remich, where the Moselle River forms the border between Luxembourg and Germany, and rejoin the barge.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bicycle; riding 18 miles on flat-to-rolling terrain, approximately 1.5 hours, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths. Walking or standing for approximately 1 hour.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
We will begin today’s bicycle field trip with a ride to the village of Schengen, located where the borders of Luxembourg, Germany, and France come together. Here, the Schengen agreement was signed, creating free travel and trade between five European countries. This number later grew to 29 countries, completely ending passport controls at the inner borders of the “Schengen Area.” We will visit the Europamuseum dedicated to this topic and learn more from a local expert. After the museum, we will experience firsthand the open borders that resulted from this agreement by cycling into France. The route follows quiet roads through the French countryside and passes the fortress of Sierck-les-Bains, once associated with the powerful Dukes of Lorraine.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Around midday, we will arrive in Thionville, a town that grew into a major steel industry center during the 19th and 20th centuries. Despite its industrial past, the historic center still features medieval ramparts, gardens, narrow streets, and the Basilica of Saint-Maximin. Here we rejoin the barge and continue cruising along the Moselle toward Metz. Located on an important Roman trade route, Metz has long held strategic and cultural importance in northeastern France.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
We will enjoy an evening walk with the Group Leaders through the beautiful city of Metz as we experience our first moments in France.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 130 miles, approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Walking over 1 mile, standing for approximately 1 hour.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
After breakfast, we’ll disembark the barge in Metz and set out with a local expert for a field trip through the historic center of this important city in northeastern France. Situated at the confluence of the Moselle and Seille rivers, Metz has long been a strategic and cultural crossroads, shaped by Roman, medieval, and modern influences. During the walk, we will examine key landmarks that reflect Metz’s long and layered history, including Saint-Étienne Cathedral. One of the largest Gothic churches in France, the cathedral is renowned for its extraordinary collection of stained-glass windows — among them works by Marc Chagall — which fill the interior with light and have earned it the nickname “the Lantern of God.” Following the field trip, there will be time to explore Metz independently and find lunch on your own.
Lunch:
On your own in Metz.
Afternoon:
We will depart Metz by motorcoach and travel to Mainz, bringing us closer to the airport for the following day’s departures. Situated on the Rhine River, Mainz has long been an important center of trade, learning, and culture. After arriving at the hotel, the Group Leaders will lead an orientation walk through the city’s historic old town. Those interested in the life and work of Johannes Gutenberg—whose invention of movable-type printing in the mid-15th century transformed the spread of knowledge in Europe—may wish to visit the Gutenberg Museum to learn about the history of early printing technologies and view one of the first Bibles printed using Gutenberg’s movable type.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!