Aschaffenburg to Bamberg

Bamberg to Aschaffenburg 

Day 1: Bamberg
Day 2: Bamberg - Haßfurt - Schweinfurt, 21 or 34 mi. (35 or 55 km)
Day 3: Schweinfurt - Wipfeld - Kitzingen, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4:  Kitzingen - Würzburg, 25 mi. (40 km) 
Day 5: Würzburg - Gemünden - Lohr, 33 mi. (53 km)
Day 6: Lohr - Lengfurt - Miltenberg,  29 mi. (47 km)
Day 7: Miltenberg - Aschaffenburg, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 8: Aschaffenburg

Day 1: Bamberg
The Quo Vadis will be waiting for you in Bamberg. Embarkation begins at 3 pm. Once you are settled in, you will still have time to explore the city. The official greeting with complimentary cocktails will begin at 6:00 pm, followed by your first dinner on board.

Day 2: Bamberg - Haßfurt - Schweinfurt, 21 or 34 mi. (35 or 55 km)
We leave Bamberg and cycle after a city visit along the Main, past the famous pilgrimage church Maria Limbach and the city of Eltmann. We reach our destination of today, Haßfurt, famous for the late Gothic chapel and the late Gothic church on the market square with its valuable paintings (John the Baptist and Maria with child) by Tilmann Riemenschneider. From Haßfurt we go to Schweinfurt with its old town full of cozy places, the town hall, the tower and the market square, the museums and galleries and much more, including all artificial pigs.

If you want to cover the entire trip to Schweinfurt by bike, you need about 20 km more.

Day 3: Schweinfurt - Wipfeld - Kitzingen, 28 mi. (45 km)
During breakfast, you navigate through villages such as Fahr, Hirschfeld, Röthlein, and Grafenrheinfeld.  Your cycling begins in Wipfeld, pedaling through villages that are known to wine connoisseurs such as Dettelbach, Sommerach, and Nordheim, In and Volkach, the pilgrimage church Maria im Weingarten and the famous Madonna in the Rosary 'by Tilmann Riemenschneider is a cultural highlight. You overnight in Kitzingen, which is famous for its "crooked" tower. Legend has it that it was constructed with mortar mixed with wine instead of water and that the builders imbibed as well! The center of the historic old town is the market square, which is framed by Franconian half-timbered houses, imposing townhouses, and the Renaissance town hall. Architectural highlights are the city church Petrini with its mighty Franconian baroque portal, the late Gothic church St. Johannes with its impressive exterior sculptures, and the famous cross chapel by Balthasar Neumann.

Day 4:  Kitzingen - Würzburg, 25 mi. (40 km) 
Today's bike tour leads via Ocksenfurt and Sommerhausen to Würzburg.

The historic old town of Ocksenfurt is framed by an almost intact fortification with numerous city gates and towers, the half-timbered house row, and the new town hall from the 15th century with a unique figure and moon clock in the lance tower, as well as the Old Main Bridge, which as Germany's second oldest stone bridge applies.

Sommerhausen is located on the right bank of the Main,13 kilometers south of Würzburg. The place, nestled in the valley of the Main amidst vineyards, has been the figurehead of Franconian romanticism for decades. The medieval city wall has been preserved and all the buildings in the town center lining the narrow, winding streets look back on several hundred years of history. The town hall dates from the 16th century. The winery Schloss Sommerhausen in the main street is worth seeing. Continuing on, after a stop in Randersacker, you arrive at the  Würzburg Residence for a guided tour.

The beautifully landscaped courtyard garden includes an orangery, a kitchen garden, and an English garden, the perfect place for relaxing!

Day 5: Würzburg - Gemünden - Lohr, 33 mi. (53 km)
Your cycling route will first lead through Karlstadt and then continues along the Main via Zellingen and Erlabrunn. The hills full of vineyards and charming wine villages such as Eibelstadt and Sommerhausen will be your backdrop. On board, you navigate from Gemünden to Lohr while enjoying a sailing dinner. Overnight stay in Lohr am Main.

Day 6: Lohr - Lengfurt - Miltenberg,  29 mi. (47 km)
Your bike tour begins near the Lengfurter Schleuse, just a short traverse by water from Lohr. Featured today are historical monuments such as the Triefenstein Monastery and the half-timbered castle Homburg, the varied landscape with vineyards and afforested mountain slopes with bizarre rocks, Lohr am Main and its Gothic and Baroque buildings. You reach Wertheim - exactly where the Main and Tauber meet - a city that invites you to visit the old town and the mountain ruins. After your visit to Wertheim, your bike tour continues to the historic city of Miltenberg. It is enchanting because of its winding streets and alleys, the old restored half-timbered houses and the historic market square. You might want to have a drink in Germany's oldest pub. Tonight you have the opportunity to visit one of the many breweries in this region and try the local beer. Overnight stay in Miltenberg.

Day 7: Miltenberg - Aschaffenburg, 26 mi. (42 km)
Along the river (sometimes right and then left again), you cycle through quaint little towns and villages, such as Groszheubach and Klingenberg, famous for their fine red wines. Then via Bürgstadt to Freudenberg and on to your day's destination, Aschaffenburg with its museums, churches, and of course the castle on the river bank.

Day 8: Aschaffenburg
Departure after breakfast by 9:30 a.m.

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.