Discovering what travel is really about: Special moments and slow travel

A perk of working for Boat Bike Tours is that we all get to take a “study trip” so that we can better understand what it is we do. Our Sales Development Manager, Kristen, took the Metz to Cochem tour, and wrote this report about her experience and about what most impressed her:

My recent Boat Bike Tour from Metz to Cochem was an experience like no other, not just for the beautiful places we visited that were rich in history, art and culture, but for the rhythm of the days. 

I have traveled by bike since childhood, but it had been some years since I did so with any regularity. This tour brought back all the feelings of joy and freedom in a way that you simply can only experience by bicycle.

As my first Boat Bike Tour, I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect, but I couldn’t have been more pleased with the experience. Taking this tour also reaffirmed something I’ve always believed: travel isn’t only about where you’re going, it’s also about how you get there and every step of the journey along the way. On my tour I was truly able to fully immerse myself in the present and take it all in, knowing I was in safe hands with the captain, the crew and the tour leaders who made everyone and everything feel special.

Special moments

I remember a very distinct moment on the first day’s bike ride, when I found myself quietly – yet quite literally – laughing out loud to myself! In that moment, an overwhelming sense of childlike joy took over. Here I was, on a bike path in France with a group of strangers (who quickly became friends). Everything felt new, but all of us were eager and excited. It was a “pinch me” moment and I knew without a doubt that this was exactly why I was sent on this study trip, and I was exactly where I was meant to be. And honestly, it could not have been a more perfect introduction to Boat Bike Tours.

One of my favorite times on the tour was in the very early hours of the morning, before sunrise. In the quiet of the dark, I would head to the lounge area, make myself an espresso and step outside on deck to breathe in the cool morning air. It became my morning ritual to take a moment for reflection and practice gratitude for the day’s journey ahead.

Another favorite moment for me was dinner. Every evening, we sat at a long family-style table that was set beautifully. The chef prepared wonderful meals and the wine pairings were delightful, but the best part was talking with my fellow travelers on board. We spent the meal conversing: sharing stories not just about our day but about our lives back home, our work, our families, our hobbies and more. There was a lot of laughing, celebrating and even singing and dancing at times! It was an unexpected bonus to connect through this shared experience with such a diverse group of people that I otherwise would never have met.

Slow travel

From the moment I stepped on board the Magnifique I and throughout the journey, the days were full, but they weren’t about racing to the next stop or checking landmarks off a list. The guided cycling was leisurely and intentional, allowing space to notice the extraordinary landscapes and architecture as well as the small details: the sound of church bells in the distance, the moving water of the Moselle river, the trees rustling in the breeze, and at times, the sound of gentle rain on the bike path.

Our “floating hotel” instantly became a warm and friendly gathering space not only to rest after a day of cycling, but also to trade stories, reflect, and connect with both my fellow passengers and the crew. The tour leaders were incredibly knowledgeable and happy to answer all of our questions, whether about the bikes, the sights, or the local culture.

The perfect balance

The ship’s crew made everything feel easy, comfortable and inviting, making it seem effortless as they took care of every detail for us. The French-trained chef prepared extraordinary meals using local, organic ingredients. And with genuine hospitality and care, the captain of the ship made us all feel at home.

I found out firsthand that Boat Bike Tours truly does captures the magic of slow travel with the perfect balance of active exploration, comfort, and connection. I am forever and always a huge fan!

I highly recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys nature and culture as well as anyone looking for active travel, while also having plenty of time to relax. And of course, It would appeal to anyone looking to explore Europe differently and more authentically to the culture and community of the places they visit.

Inspired to book your own trip?

Does the Cochem-Metz tour that Kristen took strike your interest? Or would you like to know more about any of our other tours? If so, feel free to call or email us and we’ll gladly answer any questions you have!

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