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Day 1, Sunday: transfer to Trier - Germany's oldest city We welcome you at the airport or railway station (depending on your arrangements) and bring you to our hotel in the heart of Trier. The Romans founded the city at the Moselle around 16 B.C. Many buildings from that time are still standing and open for you to enjoy: the impressive city gate Porta Nigra, the Emperor Thermal Springs and the amphitheatre, to mention but a few. In the evening we gather at the restaurant where you will meet your companions, and together be able to try the local wines a first time.
Day 2, Monday: Meeting a Roman patrician for a walk, start cycling After a restful night we will explore Trier's history by taking a guided city walk in the morning. Soaked up with local tales and history, you can enjoy yourself at the historic sites or one of the many cosy cafés afterwards. In the afternoon we will start cycling down the Moselle. An easy 34 km to Leiwen should be enough for the first day. (21 miles/34 km)
Day 3, Tuesday: guided vineyard tour with a vintner From the start of today's ride we pass by the local vineyards. A good time to take a tour with a winegrower through the hillsides. We will see how to distinguish the different types of grapevine and what makes the local vines so special. Later on we cycle through typical Moselle wine villages; see the remains of the Roman period at Neumagen-Dhron, Germany's oldest wine village, and the half-timbered houses of Bernkastel-Kues. (25 miles/40 km)
Day 4, Wednesday: cycling through charming small Moselle villages The river winds through the countryside and we follow it to reach Zell. The town is known for its vineyard Zell's Black Cat. In 1863 three merchants, about to purchase local wine, were very uncertain on which cask to buy. So the tasting went on and on. Finally, the winegrower's black cat leapt onto one of the casks, arched its back threateningly and hissed at anyone who came closer. Taking this as a sign, the decision was made and a famous name born. Nowadays, 80% of this wine production is sold outside Germany. (21 miles/34 km)
Day 5, Thursday: cycling to Reichsburg castle, Moselle river cruise to Koblenz From Zell to Cochem is again a winding ride through very romantic scenery - impressive strongholds and rocks covered with steep vineyards. After a break in Cochem, we board a ferry to Koblenz, enjoying the landscape from a different and equally relaxing perspective. (23 miles/37 km)
Day 6, Friday: a restful day with walking and cycling the Rhine In the morning we will enjoy a city walk through Koblenz, visiting the old town's dreamy alleys and squares. Over lunch you will have time to do more sightseeing or stroll through the pedestrian area with its countless shops and snack bars. Probably a bit tired from all these activities we only have to make it to Boppard today. A delightful accommodation and a mouth-watering dinner will finish the day perfectly. (13 miles/21 km)
Day 7, Saturday: the romantic Rhine between Boppard and Rudesheim Our last stage takes us past the famous Loreley rock. An old myth says that Lady Loreley sits on the rock singing and luring sailors and their ships to her. Many skippers lost their lives in the swirling waters below while bewitched by her song. In Rudesheim we will give the Drosselgasse a visit. For more than 200 years people have gathered at the narrow lane's taverns to drink wine, exchange news and have a good time. (17 miles/27 km)
Day 8, Sunday: shuttle service to the airport Sadly, it is time to depart. We really hope to see you again, but we have to say "Good bye". Our shuttle service will get you to the train station or airport of your choice.
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