Aschaffenburg to Bamberg

Aschaffenburg to Bamberg

Day 1: Embarkation in Aschaffenburg
Day 2: Aschaffenburg - Freudenberg, 29 mi. (48 km) 
Day 3: Freudenberg -  Wertheim | Wertheim - Lohr, 24 - 27 mi. (40 - 45 km) 
Day 4: Lohr - Karlstadt |  Karlstadt - Wurzburg, 18 mi. (30 km)
Day 5: Wurzburg -  Kitzingen, 24 mi. (40 km) 
Day 6: Kitzingen -  Dettelbach | Kitzingen - Dettelbach - Schweinfurt, 24 - 36. mi. (40 - 60 km) 
Day 7: Schweinfurt - Haßfurt | Haßfurt - Bamberg, 21 - 24 mi. 
Day 8: Disembarkation in  Bamberg

Day 1: Embarkation in Aschaffenburg
Individual arrival and embarkation at 4 p.m. in Aschaffenburg, your overnight mooring location. After a welcome by the captain, crew, and tour leader there is time for a walking tour of the town. The tranquil university city is located at the foot of the Spessart and offers numerous magnificent buildings. Johannisburg Castle, build with red sandstone, is one of the most important and most beautiful Renaissance buildings in Germany. The lively center with narrow streets offers many half-timbered houses and numerous wine bars and cafes.

Day 2: Aschaffenburg - Freudenberg, 29 mi. (48 km) 
Your first bike ride leads from Aschaffenburg along the river. Shortly before you reach Bürgstadt/Miltenberg, you can cycle either on the right or left side of the Main River. The floodplain forest between Nilkheim and Niedernheim is pleasant to ride through. You cycle on the “planet-cycle track” from Kleinwallstadt to Erlenbach. Along this track, you will find information about the universe. All along the river, you will find benches or rest areas where you can rest or even take a swim. You spend the night on board the ship in Freudenberg, located about 10 km from Miltenberg. High above the Main river and the town of Freudenberg, the castle is situated at the foot of the Franconian Odenwald forest.

Day 3: Freudenberg -  Wertheim | Wertheim - Lohr, 24 - 27 mi. (40 - 45 km) 
During a relaxing breakfast, the ship brings you to Wertheim, which has a castle with the same name as a landmark. The historic marketplace, with what probably is the narrowest house of the Franconian land, is the center of town.  From here, your bike tour starts through the typical landscape of the Main. There is much to see on the route to Lohr. Typical for the beautiful old town are the historic Franconian timbered buildings. Lohr am Main is the gateway to the lower Spessart mountains. Some people say it was the place where Snowwhite used to live. Buildings like the Lohr Castle (Kurzmainer Schloss) emphasize the enchanting character of the city.

Day 4: Lohr - Karlstadt |  Karlstadt - Wurzburg, 18 mi. (30 km)
In the morning you will join the barge to Karlstadt first and start biking from there. The romance of an old town and the idyll of a village – Karlstadt has both. Explore the more than 800-year-old buildings within the walls, towers and gates surrounding the old town. Enjoy the relaxing bike tour to Wurzburg, where you will meet the ship again in the afternoon. You will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Residenz Palace, with its palace gardens and square. But there is much more to see and do. You may also enjoy the magnificent view from the fortress Marienburg and don’t forget to walk the 180-metre-long Old Main Bridge, which is lined with impressive statues of saints.

Day 5: Wurzburg -  Kitzingen, 24 mi. (40 km) 
Today you will cycle along the main cycle track from Wurzburg through the fruitful Ochsenfurt district to Ochsenfurt with its lance tower that is worth seeing and through the historic village Marktbreit with its fine residences to Kitzingen. In this city, wine growing is a big thing. In Kitzingen you will also find the German Fastnachtsmuseum (carnival museum). Here you will get an impression of the history of carnival; you will also find information about medieval Franconian customs. In Kitzingen, the old and former beer breweries have changed to wine production, as the historic cellar equipment will show you.

Day 6: Kitzingen -  Dettelbach | Kitzingen - Dettelbach - Schweinfurt, 24 - 36. mi. (40 - 60 km) 
In the morning the Allure sails to Dettelbach, you can join the ship on this stage or you can start the bike tour from Kitzingen. From Dettelbach your bike tour goes through the vineyards to Volkach. Here it is worth visiting the pilgrimage church of St. Maria in Weingarten. Then it is onward to Fahr, via the Volkach loop in the Main River  the valley becomes narrower and narrower and the vineyards more and more numerous until you reach Schweinfurt.

Day 7: Schweinfurt - Haßfurt | Haßfurt - Bamberg, 21 - 24 mi. (35 - 40 km)
First you will cruise with the ship to Haßfurt.  Afterwards you cycle via Zeil am Main, unique, exactly located on the borderline between the Franconian wine and beer country – to Bamberg. Like Rome, the city was built on seven hills and one therefore likes to call it the “Franconian Rome”. Experience the fascinating heritage of world culture. The fishermen’s quarter of “Little Venice”, a row of residences from the 17th century, is also worth seeing. If you like beer, you have to drink a nice cool beer here. There are still eleven independent breweries in the city!

Day 8: Disembarkation in  Bamberg
Disembarkation at 9 am. We advise you to stay in Bamberg one or more extra days, so that you will have plenty of time to discover this UNESCO World Heritage City that not only embodies a thousand years of art and culture, but also remains vibrant and young at heart.

Bamberg to Aschaffenburg

Day 1: Embarkation in Bamberg
Day 2: Bamberg  - Haßfurt | Haßfurt -  Schweinfurt, 18 - 24 mi. (30 - 40 km) 
Day 3: Schweinfurt - Stammheim -  Kitzingen, 19 or 36 mi. (32 or 60 km)
Day 4: Kitzingen - Würzburg, 24 mi. (40 km) 
Day 5: Würzburg - Karlstadt | Karlstadt – Lohr, 18 mi. (30 km) 
Day 6: Lohr - Wertheim | Wertheim - Freudenberg, 18 mi. (30 km) 
Day 7: Freudenberg - Aschaffenburg, 30 mi. (50 km)
Day 8: Disembarkation in Aschaffenberg

Aschaffenburg to Bamberg 

Day 1: Aschaffenburg - Miltenberg
Day 2: Miltenberg - Freudenberg - Marktheidenfeld, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Marktheidenfeld - Karlstadt, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Karlstadt - Würzburg, 16 mi. (25 km)
Day 5: Würzburg - Kitzingen, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Kitzingen - Volkach - Hassfurt, 31 mi.  (50 km)
Day 7: Hassfurt - Konigsberg in Bayern - Bamberg, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 8: Bamberg

Day 1: Aschaffenburg to Miltenburg
Embarkation at 1:30 pm followed by immediate departure to Miltenberg. For this reason, it is recommended to book an extra night before your tour to visit the Johannisburg Castle.  The massive four-winged complex, built from 1605 to 1614 under Archbishop-Elector Johann Schweikard von Kronberg, is one of the most important examples of palace architecture from the German Renaissance era. You can also visit the Pompejanum, an idealized replica of a Roman Village, build in the 19th century. As the boat navigates toward Miltenberg, you will have a welcome speech and tour presentation, including crew introductions, a safety presentation, and welcome drink. Dinner will be enjoyed as you sail. After the boat moors in Miltenberg, you can join the guide for a city walk. This city has a certain charm due to its meandering streets and alleys, old restored half-timber houses, and the monumental market square. Here, you can enjoy a local beer in one of the cozy pubs or on the terraces. 

Day 2: Miltenberg - Freudenberg - Marktheidenfeld, 31 mi. (50 km)
During a relaxing breakfast, the barge brings you to Freudenberg. First, you bike through the typical landscape of the Main to Wertheim, where the character of an old Frankish is preserved. There is much to see on the route to Marktheidenfeld, a beautiful old town with historic buildings and Franconian timbered houses.

Day 3: Marktheidenfeld - Karlstadt, 31 mi. (50 km)
Today you bike through a very beautiful part of the Main valley first to Lohr am Main and its Gothic and Baroque buildings. Then the bike tour goes to Gemünden, another charming village along the river. Today's destination is the Romantic old town of  Karlstadt. Explore the more than 800-year-old buildings in the by walls, towers and Gates surrounded old town.

Day 4: Karlstadt - Würzburg, 16 mi. (25 km)
Today offers a shorter bike tour, which gives ample time to visit the town of Würzburg. Würzburg's famous landmarks are the UNESCO World Heritage Residenz Palace, with its palace gardens and square, the Marienberg Citadel, and the 180-meter-long Old Main Bridge, which is lined with impressive statues of saints. Straddling the banks of the Main river amid idyllic vineyards, the location alone is reason enough to visit Würzburg. Another reason is the local wine served in Bocksbeutel bottles, whose characteristic flattened round shape has become a trademark for the entire region. Today there is no dinner on board. You can select one of the local restaurants of Würzburg.

Day 5: Würzburg - Kitzingen, 37 mi. (57 km)
Today you will cycle along the Main cycle track from Wurzburg through the fruitful Ochsenfurt district to Ochsenfurt with its lance tower that is definitely worth seeing. Cycle through the historic village Marktbreit with its fine residences to Kitzingen.
Kitzingen has a reputation for producing some unique and flavorful white wines. Producers in the area use a distinctive wine bottle called a Bocksbeutel, which has a short neck and a wide body.

Day 6: Kitzingen - Volkach - Hassfurt 31 mi.  (50 km)
Via the wine-growing areas of Dettelbach and Schwarzach am Main you cycle first to Volkach. Here it is worth visiting the pilgrimage church of St. Maria in Weingarten. Then you go on Fahr via the Volkach loop in the Main river. Here the valley becomes narrower and narrower and the vineyards more and more numerous. From Schweinfurt, you will join the barge for a sailing dinner to Hassfurt. 

Day 7: Hassfurt – Bamberg, 22 mi. (35 km)
Hassfurt is famous for the late gothic Ritter chapel and the church full of valuable paintings such as ‘John the Baptist’ and ‘Maria with Child’ by artist Tilmann Riemenschneider. The easy option today follows the bike path along the river again to Bamberg. You can take the beautiful route through the hills to Konigsberg in Bayern. This medieval town is a romantic Franconian town right out of a picture book. It’s protected historic center with half-timbered houses is a hidden gem, embedded in a countryside of forests, valleys, and hills. From Zeil am Main you will follow the river again to the final destination, Bamberg.
Bamberg often referred to as Little Venice, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its authentic medieval appearance. It is home to such wonders as the Bamberg Cathedral, a late Romanesque building with four impressive towers. This houses the world-famous Bamberg Horseman, an equestrian statue that inspired such poets as Stefan George and Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg. Bamberg is also famous for brewing the best beer in Germany.

Day 8: Bamberg 
Departure after breakfast. 

Bamberg to Aschaffenburg 

Day 1: Bamberg - Hassfurt
Day 2: Hassfurt - Schweinfurt -Volkach 
Day 3: Volkach - Kitzingen - Eibelstadt
Day 4: Eibelstadt - Würzburg
Day 5: Karlstadt - Marktheidenfeld
Day 6: Marktheidenfeld - Wertheim - Miltenberg
Day 7: Miltenberg - Aschaffenburg
Day 8: Aschaffenburg

*Daily mileage is between 25 and 30 miles a day.

The itinerary is subject to last-minute changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as wind, weather, mooring locations, etc.

Day 1: Bamberg - Haßfurt 
Wow, Bamberg! The entire old town is a UNESCO site. After exploring, you might need to quench your thirst. Take your pick from 9 breweries and 50 beer varieties in Bamberg alone. Once the seat of temporal and religious power in the 11th century, both an emperor and a pope are entombed here. The Imperial Cathedral showcases a wealth of art including the Bamberg Horseman, a medieval stone monument that (700 years later) inspired WWII resistance fighters like Claus von Stauffenberg, Hitler’s would-be assassin. Stop and smell the roses at the prince-bishops palace. There’s a lovely outdoor café overlooking the baroque gardens, tiled rooftops, and city church spires. The “island district” features the only town hall in the world straddling a river. For centuries, Bamberg cultivated and traded licorice root, the sweet plant that flavors candy. But even more famous are the city suds. Try the “smoked beer” from Schlenkerla Brewery. You’ll never forget your first sip.

The IRIS will be waiting for you in the harbor at 2 pm. You will meet up with other travelers, your guide(s) and the crew on the barge and start sailing at 3 pm. As you sail the River Main, you will enjoy your first dinner on board. Enjoy & settle in your home for the week!

Please be aware that visiting Bamberg is NOT part of our Program. We strongly recommend spending time in Bamberg before the start of your tour.

Day 2: Hassfurt - Schweinfurt -Volkach 
You can opt for a beautiful route through the hills to Konigsberg in Bayern. This medieval town is a romantic Franconian town right out of a picture book. It’s protected historic center with half-timbered houses is a hidden gem, embedded in a countryside of forests, valleys, and hills. If you opt for staying along the river bike path, you will pass little wine villages and fruit gardens. Schweinfurt is a modern little town, with museums and galleries. The IRIS will be waiting there for another sailing dinner, the destination being one of the most attractive little villages on the Main river: Volkach.

Day 3: Volkach - Kitzingen - Eibelstadt
You begin biking from Volkach, deep in the heart of Franconian wine country. Set atop the hill is a precious pilgrimage church called Maria in the Vineyard. Inside more hand-carvings by Riemenschneider and outside phenomenal photo-ops of the river valley and the river’s famed Oxbow, a great u-shape and perfect pitch for growing grapes. You arrive in Kitzingen with its cock-eyed watchtower. One silly legend (every village has one) recalls the tower built with a mortar and wine mixture. This region is the largest wine producer in Bavaria. After a stroll through Kitzingen, you will continue to cycle along Ochsenfurt and Marktbreit to Eibelstadt, a quiet place to dock for the night!

Day 4: Eibelstadt - Würzburg
The destination today is Würzburg at only 10 km distance. Anytime you see the word “Burg” after a city name, it’s going to be good. Burg = fortress. The imposing landmark of this city is the fortress (Marienburg) on the hill. Home of the once-powerful prince-bishops with monumental views over their ecclesiastic fiefdom. Vineyards slope down to the city ever since the Middle Ages providing wealth and good libation for this ancient arch-diocese. Famous writer Goethe preferred white wines from Würzburg. When the old fortress was deemed out-modish, these religious overlords built themselves an entirely new Residenz in the 1700s. All the big names around Europe were called in to collaborate. Here you will enjoy a guided tour. Imagine puffy powdered wigs, corsets and cleavage, birdcage hats, pastel tones, and gilded excess. This palace is considered one of the finest examples in Germany and UNESCO-approved. Connected by a bridge of saintly personalities, Würzburg spans both sides of the river where a festive mood lingers into the night. It might have to do with being surrounded by grapevines and a university.

Day 5: Würzburg - Karlstadt - Marktheidenfeld
An early morning sail brings you to Karlstadt, while having breakfast. Once on the bike, you skip from one medieval village to another, following the sweeping S-curves as the river weaves past Germany’s great beech and oak forest known as Spessart Woods “woodpecker hills” and Charlemagne’s imperial hunting grounds. Bandits and poachers roamed here for centuries looting caravans traveling on old salt and glass trade routes. It’s the Sherwood Forest of Germany. And it is magical. Germans revere their forests. The route leads to Lohr am Main, a town with a colorful past; the plague in 1666 and witch hunts... the legendary home of real characters in Grimm’s fairy tale Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. There will be much to see as you bike, castle ruins and dramatic rock formations. Overnight in Marktheidenfeld, in which, among other things, there’s good ice cream

Day 6: Marktheidenfeld - Wertheim - Miltenberg
Today's destination is quintessential Miltenberg comes into sight. You’ll discover crooked cobblestone alleys, medieval watchtowers and a village that looks like an Advent calendar lit up at night. The view across the river is a 14th-century abbey cloaked in vineyards. Miltenberg is also home to Faust Beer and one of the oldest (continuously-operating) guesthouses in Germany. Since 1411, big names have stayed at Zum Riesen. Two of them are Napoléon and Elvis Presley! They would have eaten sausage, dumplings, potato salad too. The beer to wash it down comes from the brewery next door. Fresh and local.  You’re in the heart of Germany and this is why you travel!

Day 7: Miltenberg - Aschaffenburg
The Main River path leads you along to Kloster Engelberg, a still-functioning monastery, visited by walking quite some stairs…..with a Gastwirtschaft at the top and a great view on the river. At Park Schoenbusch you will find a classical English style Garden before you reach your final destination on this great tour: Aschaffenburg.

Aschaffenburg was mentioned in a charter drawn up by Emperor Otto II in 974 BC, and bygone centuries have fortunately lived on in its architecture to this day. The most fascinating buildings are the Stiftsbasilika, which was first documented in the 10th century, and the unique Pompejanum. Built in the mid-19th century for Ludwig I of Bavaria in accordance with the excavation plans of the “Castor and Pollux” villa in Pompeii, this Roman villa now houses important exhibits from the Bavarian antique collection. Archbishop and elector Johann Schweikard von Kronberg bequeathed Johannisburg castle to Aschaffenburg, which is one of the most important Renaissance castles of the western world. Empress Maria-Theresia, Napoleon Bonaparte and many heads of state appreciated and enjoyed their hospitality of the castle’s owners.

Day 8: Aschaffenburg
Departure.