Stylish and elegant interior
Comfortable outside cabins
Castle-like panorama saloon
Spacious sun deck with sun loungers
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 […]
Beautiful half-timbered houses
Beer and wine region
UNESCO sites Würzburg & Bamberg
Ship with max. 96 passengers
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 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!
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!
To view the availability of this tour and/or book online please click on the button below. A new screen will open.
Stylish and elegant interior
Comfortable outside cabins
Castle-like panorama saloon
Spacious sun deck with sun loungers
Biking in River Main’s idyllic vineyards
Visit UNESCO-listed Bamberg & Würzburg
Taste delicious Bavarian wines and beers
Premium barge with max. 31 passengers
Explore three beautiful rivers by bike
Taste fine regional wines
Visit medieval castle Burg Eltz
Ship with max. 31 passengers
Frankfurt – Bamberg or Bamberg – Frankfurt
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