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Day 1 (Saturday): Arrive in Metz.
With the new TGV Est-Européen train line in France, the beautiful city of Metz in Lorraine is just 80 minutes away from Paris. The Mirabelle plum is a Lorraine delicacy, and it seems as though the people of Metz will put it into anything, whether it’s brandy, jam or little sweets. Join your guide for a pre-prandial drink and then a walk through the town after dinner.
Day 2 (Sunday): Metz to Konigsmacher, 31 miles (50 km).
As you partake of your breakfast the Sailing Home will cruise to your departure point for the day. You will cycle through lovely French countryside and also visit the Hackenberg fort, part of the Maginot line. You will rejoin the barge in Konigsmacher.
Day 3 (Monday): Konigsmacher via Sierck-les-Bains to Remich, 31 miles (50 km).
The route today leads you via the beautiful valley of the Mosel across the French border into Luxembourg. But first you will visit the castle of Sierck-les-Bains, beautifully situated on the banks of the Mosel River. On top of the hill there is a castle that dates from the 11th century, which was at stake in the battle between the duke of Lorraine and the archbishop of Trier in the 12th century. You spend the night in Remich, where the Mosel forms the border between Germany and Luxembourg. If time permits you may visit the small village of Nenning, where you can visit an old roman mansion. The nearly undamaged mosaic floor in the hall is extremely beautiful.
Day 4 (Tuesday): Remich to Saarburg, 28 miles (45 km).
Today you follow the valley of the Mosel and Saar to the north and visit charming Saarburg. On the way there is a visit to a wine cellar, to taste the fresh Mosel white wine. Saarburg is an interesting old town situated in the most beautiful part of the Saar valley. Here the banks of the river are densely forested. The castle of Saarburg was built here in the middle of the 10th century. In the middle of town there is a 20 meters high waterfall. At the foot of this waterfall there is an old mill, which is driven by the small river. In this part of town most of the old houses date from the 17th and 18th century, which makes Saarburg so picturesque.
Day 5 (Wednesday): Saarburg to Trier, 22 miles (35 km).
Today the group cycles on to Trier, an interesting, lively city and the oldest in Germany.
According to the Romans, Caesar Augustus founded Trier around 15BC under the name of Augusta Trevorum.
As a trading town and administrative centre, Trier flourished during the late imperial age. This Roman golden age has left us with a respectable number of monuments. Most authentic is the city gate Porta Nigra, which was built around 18AD.
Day 6 (Thursday): Trier to Bernkastel-Kues, 31 miles (50 km).
From Trier downstream lovely vineyards stretch out in many places. The white Mosel wine is a household word in many countries. Today you will cruise past Trittenheim and Piesport, both big wine names, producing a number of beautiful white wines. Especially the ‘Piesporter Goldtröpfchen enjoys great fame. Trittenheim lies in a sharp hairpin turn in the Mosel, which is surrounded by mountains covered with extensive vineyards. Our destination is Bernkastel-Kues. Bernkastel is a frequently visited, old and picturesque town, with the best wine regions of the Mid-Mosel and you will visit a wine cellar to relish the wine. Pride of the town is the market square, with its picturesque timber-framed houses.

Day 7 (Friday): Bernkastel-Kues to Cochem, 28 miles (45 km).
As you follow the Mosel downstream you cycle throughTraben-Trarbach and Zell. Traben-Trarbach is surrounded by woods and extensive vineyards and is the major centre of wine trade in the Mosel region. Zell is beautifully situated on the Mosel, where the river meanders through the hills in many loops. The Hoherott (452 m) and the Corrayer Berg (425 m) are the best-known wine regions. Your final destination is Cochem, a cosy and characteristic Mosel town, with steep wine mountains, wooded hills, mediaeval fortresses and a picturesque centre with beautiful timber-framed houses. The fortress houses a museum.
Day 8 (Saturday): Depart from Cochem.
Time to swap addresses and photos, say goodbye to the crew and to make your way home.
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