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Frankfurt – Bamberg or Bamberg – Frankfurt

Fairytale towns along the Main River

Difficulty
  • Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain
  • Level 2: quite easy tours, mostly flat terrain
  • Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain
  • Level 4: for experienced cyclists, hilly terrain with climbs
Difficulty level 1
Difficulty level 1
Duration of the tour.
time
8 days
Guidance
  • Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
  • Independent cycling: No tour leader, the ships’ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling
guidance
Independent cycling

Historic old towns, charming castles, and magnificent churches draw visitors from one place to the next in the Franconia region of Germany. Surrounded by forests and often enclosed by towers and ancient walls, many of these towns have a fairytale quality. Each one also invites you on a culinary journey of discovery. It’s no coincidence that Franconia is known as a “land of indulgence.” The art of brewing beer is just as deeply rooted here as the tradition of winemaking. Local wines and beers pair perfectly with the hearty regional […]

From €1199 p.p.

Beautiful half-timbered houses

Beer and wine region

UNESCO sites Würzburg & Bamberg

Ship with max. 96 passengers

Monday to Friday
Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00
New York: 6:00AM to 7:00PM
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+1 203 814 1249 USA
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Frankfurt – Bamberg or Bamberg – Frankfurt

About this tour

Historic old towns, charming castles, and magnificent churches draw visitors from one place to the next in the Franconia region of Germany. Surrounded by forests and often enclosed by towers and ancient walls, many of these towns have a fairytale quality. Each one also invites you on a culinary journey of discovery. It’s no coincidence that Franconia is known as a “land of indulgence.” The art of brewing beer is just as deeply rooted here as the tradition of winemaking. Local wines and beers pair perfectly with the hearty regional cuisine. One thing is certain: you’ll fall in love with Franconia through both its beauty and its food!

The ship: your floating hotel
In between cycling excursions, you’ll cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You’ll dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board, if you’d like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own (only on request).

Perfect for more experienced cyclists
With a detailed map of the area and a suggested route for close-range explorations, you’ll decide where you go and how fast you ride. Each evening, the ship’s crew will explain the next day’s cycling route, pointing out any difficult parts, offering tips about places to stop for a drink or lunch, and mentioning the best things to see along the way. In case of emergencies or problems, the crew can be contacted. But – as the ship is sailing to the next port – they can only offer assistance by phone.

Day to day program Frankfurt - Bamberg

Day 1: Frankfurt am Main – Embarkation | Frankfurt – Aschaffenburg

Embarkation starts at 4:00 p.m. in Frankfurt/Main. By 5:00 p.m., it’s time to cast off! Enjoy your first dinner while you cruise toward Aschaffenburg. Nestled at the foot of the Spessart hills, this peaceful university town on the Main River (approx. 70,000 inhabitants) boasts numerous magnificent buildings. Johannisburg Palace, built from red sandstone, is one of the most important and beautiful Renaissance buildings in Germany. Even King Ludwig I called Aschaffenburg the “Bavarian Nice” thanks to its pleasant climate.

Day 2: Aschaffenburg – Freudenberg (approx. 48 km/29.8 mi.)

On today’s cycling route, just before you arrive in Bürgstadt/Miltenberg, you have the choice of cycling on either the right or left side of the Main River. The riverside forest between Nilkheim and Niedernheim offers pleasant shade in summer and is easy to ride through. From Kleinwallstadt to Erlenbach, the “Planet Cycle Path” accompanies you and offers interesting facts along the way. Benches and picnic areas can be found all along the Main, inviting you to take a break or even go for a swim.

Tonight, your ship will dock in Freudenberg, about 10 km (6.2 mi) from Miltenberg. Perched high above the Main and the town of Freudenberg, Freudenburg castle overlooks the landscape at the edge of the Odenwald.

Day 3: Freudenberg – Wertheim | Wertheim – Lohr  (approx. 40 – 45 km/ 24.8 – 28 mi.)

While you enjoy your breakfast, your ship will take you to Wertheim. This charming town has preserved the character of a traditional small Franconian village and is the starting point of today’s bike tour through the typical Main River landscape. There’s plenty to see along the way to the ship’s mooring in Lohr, with its picturesque old town full of historic buildings and Franconian half-timbered houses.

Day 4: Lohr – Karlstadt |  Karlstadt – Würzburg (approx. 30 km / 18.6  mi.)

In the early morning, your ship will take you past Gemünden to Karlstadt, where you’ll disembark to start your day’s cycling. Karlstadt offers both old-town charm and rural idyll. Discover buildings over 800 years old in the historic town center, surrounded by walls, towers, and gates. From here, enjoy a relaxed ride to Würzburg, where you’ll rejoin your ship in the afternoon. Be sure to visit the Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, or enjoy the stunning views from Marienberg Fortress.

Day 5: Würzburg – Kitzingen or Martkbreit (approx. 30 – 40 km/ 18.6 – 24.8 mi.)

Today’s bike route takes you along the Main Cycle Path from Würzburg through the fertile Ochsenfurt region to the charming town of Ochsenfurt, known for its distinctive turreted gate. From there, continue to the historic town of Marktbreit, with its splendid townhouses, and on to Kitzingen. Alternatively, your ship may dock in Marktbreit, shortening today’s bicycling distance by approx. 10 km (6.2 mi).

Day 6: Kitzingen or Martkbreit – Volkach – Schweinfurt (approx. 40 – 60 km/ 24.8 mi.-37.3mi.)

From Schwarzach am Main, you’ll first cycle to Volkach (or you’ll have the option to shorten the route today). A visit to the pilgrimage church St. Maria im Weingarten is well worth it. The route then takes you to Fahr, where a welcome sign in the shape of a bocksbeutel (the iconic Franconian wine bottle) greets you. From there, continue through the scenic Volkacher Mainschleife – where the valley narrows and vineyards become more frequent – until you reach Schweinfurt.

Day 7: Schweinfurt – Haßfurt – Bamberg (approx. 35 – 40 km/ 21.7 – 24.8 mi.)

In the morning, your ship will take you to Haßfurt. From there, you’ll cycle via Zeil am Main – located right on the border between Wine Franconia and Beer Franconia – to Bamberg. Bamberg, like Rome, was built on seven hills and is often referred to as the “Franconian Rome.” This UNESCO World Heritage Site is charming! Don’t miss the picturesque fishermen’s quarter known as “Little Venice,” a row of 17th-century riverside houses. And no visit to Bamberg is complete without a cold beer; the city is still home to eleven independent breweries!

Day 8: Bamberg

After breakfast checkout until 9:00 a.m. Have a safe journey home!

Good to know
  • Cycle tours: The daily cycling tours are non-guided, independent tours. You will ride individually with the help of the GPS tracks in the GUIBO-App. The on-board tour manager will provide you with all necessary tour information during the daily briefings. The on-board tour manager will not cycle along with you, but can always be reached via cell phone.
  • Profile: Almost all this tour’s cycling routes can be classified as easy.
  • Excursions: We offer a small excursion program that can be booked directly on board at the cruise director only. You’ll receive a brief description together with your travel documents. Depending on the number of participants, some excursions could be carried out in two languages: German and English.
  • Schedule and itinerary changes: We reserve the right to make changes in the routing and/or the itinerary. In case of flood or low tide, the shipping company reserves the right to bridge parts of the route by bus. In extreme situations, the shipping company reserves the right to cancel the journey on short notice. No legal rights shall be constituted in either situation. The same applies for officially-ordered, last-minute repair work on locks or bridges.
  • Notes: Please be aware that the ship is not only your hotel but also a machine, using the engine’s power during the night as well as when it’s on the move. In particular, going through locks or bridges – and the preparation work – may cause noise. If you are sensitive, please bring your own ear plugs.
  • Luggage: We recommend that you bring rainwear, a bicycle helmet, a sunhat and sneakers.
  • Digital travel documents and roadmaps: In the interest of sustainability and climate protection, please choose our digital route book instead of printed travel documents. The GUIBO app is your constant companion during your trip. A glance at your smartphone is enough to keep you safe and worry-free, with all the important information at hand. Travel information, ship and contact details and your bike routes are available digitally in the route book, available offline once you download it, and thus accessible at any time. The app is available for free and works on all standard smartphones. You will receive the information to download and log into your booked trip via email before your journey begins.
  • Travel documents: EU-citizens (without special situations like dual citizenship, main residence abroad or a limited-validity passport) are required to have a valid passport or ID-card, not expiring within six (6) months of the return of your trip. We kindly ask non-EU citizens, EU-nationals with multiple citizenships or anybody who has to respect special legal entry requirements to visit the country, to inquire about visa and entry documents at the relevant embassy.
  • This trip is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.
  • We recommend that you take out a travel health insurance with repatriation coverage as well as baggage, accident and travel cancellation insurances.

Day to day program Bamberg - Frankfurt

Day 1: Bamberg – Embarkation

Individual arrival in Bamberg and embarkation from 4:00 p.m. onwards. Bamberg is a city full of character and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The “Island District” resembles a little Venice, the “Hill District” is often called the Franconian Rome because of its seven hills, and the “Gardeners’ District” is truly one of a kind.

Dag 2: Bamberg – Haßfurt | Haßfurt – Schweinfurt (approx. 30 – 40 km / 18.6 – 24.8 mi.)

In the morning, the ship will take you to Haßfurt with its charming historic old town. Nestled between two nature reserves, the city is home to remarkable sacred buildings such as the late Gothic Knights’ Chapel and the parish church, featuring sculptures by Tilman Riemenschneider. From here, you’ll start the day’s cycling, riding to the former imperial city of Schweinfurt.

Day 3: Schweinfurt – Volkach – Kitzing/Marktbreit (approx. 32 – 60 km / 19.9 – 37.2 mi.)

Today’s destination is either Kitzingen or Marktbreit, depending on the final mooring confirmation. The historic wine trading town of Kitzingen is home to the German Carnival Museum, offering insights into a significant aspect of Franconian tradition. The town’s landmark is the Falterturm, known for its distinctive crooked roof. In Kitzingen, a long history of brewing meets winemaking. Several local inns serve hearty Franconian specialties such as Sauerbraten with dumplings or “blue” carp. If you prefer, stay on the ship until you reach Volkach, which will shorten today’s bike tour by approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 mi).

Day 4: Kitzingen/Marktbreit – Würzburg (approx. 40 km / 24.8 mi.)

Today, Würzburg awaits, with many sights to see. One of the highlights is the Würzburg Residence, considered one of Germany’s most important palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. Other well-known landmarks include St. Kilian’s Cathedral and Marienberg Fortress. Würzburg is also a center of Franconian wine culture and, as a vibrant university town, full of life even in the evenings.

Day 5: Würzburg – Karlstadt | Karlstadt – Lohr (approx. 30 km / 18.6 mi.)

You’ll start the day on the ship, arriving in Karlstadt in the late morning. Towers, gates, and old walls surround Karlstadt’s historic center, with its half-timbered houses and narrow alleyways. From there, you’ll bike to today’s destination: the town of Lohr am Main. Its old town, characterized by typical Franconian timber-frame architecture, marks the gateway to the Spessart hills. Buildings such as the Electoral Palace add to the town’s fairy-tale charm.

Day 6: Lohr – Wertheim | Wertheim – Freudenberg (approx. 30 km / 18.6 mi.)

This morning, your will first take you to the city of Wertheim, with its impressive castle as its landmark. This historic town, featuring a charming market square and what is said to be the narrowest house in Franconia, marks the starting point of today’s bike ride to Freudenberg. Perched high above the Main River and the town, Freudenburg Castle sits at the edge of the Franconian Odenwald forest.

Day 7: Freudenberg – Aschaffenburg (approx 50 km / 31mi.) | Aschaffenburg – Frankfurt/Main

The highlight of today’s bike tour is Miltenberg, home to Miltenburg Castle, built in 1200. From Erlenbach to Kleinwallstadt, you’ll follow the “Planet Cycle Path,” which offers interesting facts about the planets along the way. The riverside forest between Niedernheim and Nilkheim provides a pleasantly shaded route during summer. All along the Main River, you’ll find benches and picnic spots that invite you to take a break, or even go for a swim.

Your destination today is the charming university town of Aschaffenburg, known for its impressive Renaissance palace, Johannisburg Castle, built from red sandstone. The town also offers plenty of wine taverns, cafés, and traditional inns to enjoy. In the evening, a farewell dinner awaits you on board as your ship sails back to Frankfurt/Main.

Day 8: Frankfurt/Main

After breakfast checkout until 9:00 a.m. Have a safe journey home!


Prices & availability

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Prices & information

Included in this tour
  • 8 days/7 night’s accommodation
  • Outside cabin with private facilities in the booked cabin category
  • Program according to itinerary
  • Welcome drink
  • 7 x breakfast
  • 6x light lunch on board (non cyclists) or packed lunch for cyclists
  • 6x afternoon coffee/tea break
  • 7 x dinner
  • Use of bed linen and towels; change when required
  • Daily cleaning of the cabin
  • Daily briefings by multilingual (German/English) on board tour manager
  • Independent cycling tours (on board tour manager can be reached on his cell phone)
  • Digital travel documents via GUIBO-App incl. GPS tracks for cycle tours
Excluded from this tour
  • Drinks
  • Coffee and tea on board other than the afternoon tea/coffee break
  • Bicycle rental or e-bike rental incl. pannier bag
  • Helmet
  • Personal insurances
  • Gratuities (at your discretion)
  • Entrance fees and excursions
  • City maps
  • Fees for ferries
  • Transfers to/from the docking place
  • Shuttles
  • Parking fees
  • SGR Insolvency protection
SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person - will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)
Bicycles/e-Bikes
  • Rental bikes on board: smooth-running 7-speed unisex tour bikes made by Velo de Ville (custom built) with hand- and back pedal brakes or freewheel (subject to availability, please indicate when you book) and equipped with pannier.
  • E-Bikes with hand- and back pedal brakes or freewheel (subject to availability, please indicate when you book, limited number – early booking required). Please provide your height measurements upon booking.
  • Bring your own bike: by request only, due to lack of space on the sundeck. E-bikes only permitted if fitted with a removable battery pack. We exclude any liability forloss, theft and damage. This also applies to damage caused by transportation from shore to ship or vice versa.
Additional options & information - 2026
  • Rental bicycle: €99 per week
  • Rental E-Bike: €219 per week (only on request, limited number available)
  • To bring your own bike/E-bike: €49 per week (on request only, limited number)
  • Bike helmet: We recommend to wear a bike helmet. Please bring your own bike helmet. Onboard selling (limited quantities; brand: UVEX I-VO): €45 a piece, payment: cash only
  • Optional Excursions: We offer a small excursion program that can be booked directly on board at the cruise director only. You will get a brief description together with your travel documents. Depending on the number of participants some excursions could be carried out in 2 languages (German/ English)

 

Parking possibility:

  • Frankfurt: details will follow
  • Bamberg: Underground parking “Zentrum Nord,” approx. €15/day, or Park & Ride on the outskirts of the city with low parking fees, affordable tickets, and quick bus connections to the city center (e.g., P&R Heinrichsdamm).

 

Minimum number of participants: 75 guests (must have been reached within 21 days prior to departure).

Partner tour: Legal notice: Boat Bike Tours is not the organizing operator, but the travel agent for this tour; this is a so called ‘partner tour’, available on request. Tour operator is: SE Tours, Bremerhaven, Germany.

Loyalty discount

Explore our Loyalty Discount!

After your tour, you’ll receive an exclusive discount code:

  • You get 3% on your second tour with us.
  • From the third tour onwards, you will receive a 5% discount.
  • Enjoy savings on any of our upcoming trips.

 

Check your post-tour email for details. You can combine this discount with other promotions for additional savings. Join us again for another adventure by boat and bike!

Discover more

From the Rhine and Moselle to the Main and Saar, you’ll cycle through fairytale towns, medieval fortresses and rolling hills while enjoying authentic German hospitality. Savor world-class wines and hearty beer gardens along the way, and discover more tours in Germany.



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Available ships for this tour

Cycling cruise ship Casanova Germany

Stylish and elegant interior

Comfortable outside cabins

Castle-like panorama saloon

Spacious sun deck with sun loungers

max. 96 passengers
48 cabins
3 tours available with this ship

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Frankfurt – Bamberg or Bamberg – Frankfurt

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