Tour of the Mosel and Rhine River Valleys
Road extended tour / Saturday, July 19 through Sunday, August 03, 2008
This is our fifth time to visit these two river valleys in France and Germany. It is our easiest tour—other than optional climbs out of the river valleys to see castles and vineyards, almost the entire tour follows bike paths along the river banks and can be ridden in a single gear. Despite the easy terrain, the tour still passes through excellent scenery. You’ll see some of the most historic towns in all of Germany and France, ending in Heidelberg, one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe.
The Mosel River Valley (known as Moselle while in France) has retained its charm because its residents have worked hard to keep the valley rural, not industrial. Riding along the Mosel feels like a trip through time, with farmholds and villages seemingly unchanged for 100 years. The Rhine is a central transportation link in Germany and its valley is more developed, but even here the ever-present castles brooding on the ridge tops remind you that this land remembers its past.
Wine is the most famous export of the Mosel valley, a product of over 1000 years of grape production. Many days while riding beside the Mosel you will be surrounded by vineyards as far as the eye can see.
Beer is the German national beverage, and while in the Rhine region you’ll have a chance to sample more than a few of the brews produced by the over 1200 breweries throughout the country. All told, if you like history, castles, fine food, wine and beer, you can’t help but enjoy this tour!
An itinerary of the tour is available.