Aschaffenburg – Bamberg or v.v.

Welcome to Aschaffenburg, where you’ll board the ship from 2 pm and stay the first night. After being welcomed by the captain, crew and tour leader, you’ll have time to discover this picturesque university town, often compared to Nice, France, because of its Mediterranean flair. A highlight is Johannisburg Castle, a Renaissance masterpiece in red sandstone. The narrow streets in the lively center of town hold many half-timbered houses; take a stroll and then end your day in one of the many cozy wine bars or cafes.

Today is your first bike ride. For part of the ride you can choose the left or right bank of the river to cycle on. In the summer, it’s a pleasure to ride in the shady floodplain forest between Nilkheim and Niedernheim. While cycling the Planeten-Radweg (Planet-Cycle Route), you can learn about our solar system at the same time as you enjoy the picturesque landscape. Stop along the river to rest on a bench or even take a swim if you’d like! Your ride ends in Freudenberg today, where you’ll see Freudenberg Castle towering over the river. From the castle, the views are fantastic!

Today you can enjoy a relaxing breakfast while the ship takes you to Wertheim, home to Wertheim Castle, to start your day’s cycling. The historical market square marks the center of town, and there you’ll see what is probably the narrowest house in the Franconian region. There’s much to see on today’s route, which leads you through idyllic Main valley landscapes to the town of Lohr, where you’ll meet the boat again. Make sure to take a stroll after dinner around this beautiful old town with its timbered houses. It’s said to be the place where Snow White lived! Buildings like the Lohr Castle (Kurzmainer Schloss) only add to its charm.

The ship continues its journey early in the morning today, taking you to Karlstadt to start the day’s cycling. Immerse yourself in the romance of the old town of Karlstadt, with buildings that are over 800 years old surrounded by walls, towers and gates. Rejoin the ship in Würzburg, where there are more sights to see. Make sure to visit the UNESCO-listed Residenz Palace, with its palace gardens, or take in the magnificent view from the Marienburg fortress. Stroll the Old Main Bridge, lined with statues of saints.

Today you’ll cycle the Main Cycle Path from Wurzburg through the fertile Ochsenfurt district to the town of Ochsenfurt. Its lance tower is worth seeing. Next you’ll continue to the historic village of Marktbreit with its magnficent residences and end the ride in Kitzingen, where wine cultivation is a proud tradition. At the German Fastnachtsmuseum (Carnival museum), you’ll get an impression of the history of Carnival as well as information about medieval Franconian customs.

Your first destination today is Dettelbach, a picturesque wine-growing town. You can either take the boat for this step – choosing less cycling for today – or cycle from Kitzingen to Dettelbach. From Dettlebach, you’ll cycle through the vineyards to Volkach, where the pilgrimage church of St. Maria in Weingarten is definitely worth a visit. From here, the valley narrows and there are more vineyards as you cycle to rejoin the ship in Schweinfurt.

Today starts with a boat trip to Haßfurt. From there, you’ll cycle via Zeil am Main, which is located exactly on the border between the Franconian wine country and beer country. Your last destination is the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg, which, like Rome, is built on seven hills. Don’t miss the fishermen’s quarter of “Little Venice,” a row of residences from the 17th century. If you like, reward yourself with a beer from one of the eleven independent breweries in the city.

End of tour. Disembarkation after breakfast, till 9:30 a.m.