Frankfurt to Bamberg

Day 1: Frankfurt/Main to Aschaffenburg
Day 2: Aschaffenburg to Freudenberg, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 3: Freudenberg to Wertheim to Lohr, 25–28 mi. (40–45 km)
Day 4: Lohr to Karlstadt to Würzburg, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 5: Würzburg to Marktbreit or Kitzingen, 19–25 mi. (30–40 km)
Day 6: Kitzingen or Marktbreit to Volkach to Schweinfurt, 25–37 mi. (40–60 km)
Day 7: Schweinfurt to Haßfurt to Bamberg, 22–25 mi. (35–40 km)
Day 8: Departure from Bamberg

Routing and program adjustments may be required under certain conditions. In the event of low or high water levels that prevent navigation the captain may alter the route to ensure passenger safety. These changes are not considered grounds for free cancellation. The same applies in cases of unforeseen administrative orders requiring lock or bridge repairs.

Day 1: Arrival in Frankfurt/Main to Aschaffenburg
Embarkation begins at 4:00 p.m. in Frankfurt/Main. At 5:00 p.m., the ship departs and you enjoy your first dinner on board as you cruise along the Main. The destination is Aschaffenburg, a town at the foot of the Spessart hills. Its most prominent landmark is Johannisburg Palace, built from red sandstone and considered one of the most important Renaissance buildings in Germany. King Ludwig I once referred to Aschaffenburg as the 'Bavarian Nice' for its mild climate.

Day 2: Aschaffenburg to Freudenberg, 30 mi. (48 km)
Today you cycle along the Main River through quiet landscapes and shaded riverside forests. Between Kleinwallstadt and Erlenbach, the Planet Cycle Path provides educational stops about the solar system with benches and picnic areas inviting you to pause. You pass Miltenberg, a historic town famous for its half-timbered houses and long tradition of winemaking. The day ends in Freudenberg, where the ruins of Freudenburg Castle rise above the river valley and mark the transition to the Odenwald region.

Day 3: Freudenberg to Wertheim to Lohr, 25–28 mi. (40–45 km)
During breakfast, the ship carries you to Wertheim, located at the confluence of the Main and Tauber rivers. Wertheim preserves the layout of a medieval town and is known for its castle remains on the hillside. The cycle route then continues through the Main Valley to Lohr am Main, a town with a historic core of Franconian half-timbered buildings. Lohr has often been associated with the origins of the Snow White legend, adding a layer of folklore to your journey.

Day 4: Lohr to Karlstadt to Würzburg, 19 mi. (30 km)
In the early morning, the ship reaches Karlstadt, where the cycle tour begins. Karlstadt’s old town is enclosed by walls, towers, and gates, with many buildings dating back more than 800 years. From there, the route leads to Würzburg, a city that combines wine culture with significant architectural heritage. The Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered one of the most important baroque palaces in Europe, and its gardens are a highlight. The Marienberg Fortress on the opposite hillside offers panoramic views across the Main Valley.

Day 5: Würzburg to Marktbreit or Kitzingen, 19–25 mi. (30–40 km)
Leaving Würzburg, the cycle path follows the Main through fertile agricultural land known as the Ochsenfurt region. In Ochsenfurt, you will see the distinctive turreted town gate and medieval structures. Continuing on, you reach Marktbreit with its elegant Renaissance townhouses and riverside squares. The day ends in Kitzingen, a wine town on the Main that is part of Franconia’s famous Silvaner growing region. Depending on the ship’s docking point, the stage may end in Marktbreit, which shortens the ride.

Day 6: Kitzingen or Marktbreit to Volkach to Schweinfurt, 25–37 mi. (40–60 km)
From Schwarzach am Main, the cycle route leads into the heart of Franconian wine country. Volkach lies within the Volkacher Mainschleife, a dramatic loop in the river bordered by vineyards that have been cultivated for centuries. Here you can visit the pilgrimage church St. Maria im Weingarten, which houses Riemenschneider’s famous Madonna in the Vine Arbour sculpture. In the village of Fahr, a giant Bocksbeutel monument, shaped like the region’s traditional wine bottle, greets visitors. The route then continues through vineyard landscapes before reaching Schweinfurt, a city that once prospered as a free imperial city and later became known for its industry and art collections.

Day 7: Schweinfurt to Haßfurt to Bamberg, 22–25 mi. (35–40 km)
In the morning, the ship carries you to Haßfurt, the starting point of your final cycle stage. The route leads through Zeil am Main, a town marking the boundary between Franconia's wine and beer producing regions. The journey ends in Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built on seven hills. Highlights include the cathedral, the old town hall constructed on a bridge, and the riverside district known as Little Venice with its fishermen’s houses from the seventeenth century. Bamberg is also famous for its beer culture and remains home to eleven independent breweries, including those producing the city’s distinctive smoked beer.

Day 8: Departure from Bamberg
After breakfast, disembarkation takes place until 9:00 a.m. for your onward journey.

Day 1: Arrival in Bamberg
Day 2: Bamberg – Haßfurt – Schweinfurt, 19–25 mi. (30–40 km)
Day 3: Schweinfurt – Volkach – Kitzingen or Marktbreit, 20–37 mi. (32–60 km)
Day 4: Kitzingen or Marktbreit – Würzburg, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Würzburg – Karlstadt – Lohr, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 6: Lohr – Wertheim – Freudenberg, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 7: Freudenberg – Aschaffenburg, 31 mi. (50 km), evening cruise to Frankfurt/Main
Day 8: Departure from Frankfurt/Main

Routing and program adjustments may be required under certain conditions. In the event of low or high water levels that prevent navigation the captain may alter the route to ensure passenger safety. These changes are not considered grounds for free cancellation. The same applies in cases of unforeseen administrative orders requiring lock or bridge repairs.

Day 1: Arrival in Bamberg
Individual arrival in Bamberg with embarkation beginning at 4:00 p.m. Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built on seven hills and often called the 'Franconian Rome'. The old town includes the cathedral, the picturesque Island District with its Little Venice of seventeenth century fishermen’s houses, and the Gardeners’ District, unique in Europe for its traditional urban farming.

Day 2: Bamberg – Haßfurt – Schweinfurt, 19–25 mi. (30–40 km)
In the morning the ship arrives in Haßfurt, a town located between two nature parks and known for sacred buildings such as the late Gothic Knights’ Chapel and the parish church with sculptures by Tilman Riemenschneider. From here, the cycle route leads to Schweinfurt, once a free imperial city and today home to both industry and art museums.

Day 3: Schweinfurt – Volkach – Kitzingen or Marktbreit, 20–37 mi. (32–60 km)
Today’s route continues through Franconian wine country. In Volkach, located on the famous river loop of the Volkacher Mainschleife, vineyards have been cultivated for centuries. The stage then leads toward Kitzingen, a historic wine trading town whose landmark Falterturm is notable for its crooked roof. Kitzingen also hosts the German Carnival Museum, reflecting an important local tradition. Depending on the ship’s mooring, the day may end in Marktbreit with its Renaissance townhouses.

Day 4: Kitzingen or Marktbreit – Würzburg, 25 mi. (40 km)
The cycle path continues to Würzburg, a cultural and historic center of Franconia. The Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered one of the most significant baroque palaces in Europe. Other highlights include St. Kilian’s Cathedral and the Marienberg Fortress overlooking the river. Würzburg is also at the heart of the Silvaner wine region and is a vibrant university city.

Day 5: Würzburg – Karlstadt – Lohr, 19 mi. (30 km)
In the late morning, the ship arrives in Karlstadt, where cycling begins. Karlstadt’s historic core is enclosed by medieval walls, gates, and towers, with many half timbered houses preserved. From there the route continues to Lohr am Main, often linked with the origins of the Snow White legend. The town features Franconian timber frame architecture and the Electoral Mainz Castle, marking the gateway to the Spessart hills.

Day 6: Lohr – Wertheim – Freudenberg, 19 mi. (30 km)
The day begins with a short cruise to Wertheim, where the river Tauber meets the Main. Wertheim is noted for its hillside castle and narrow medieval streets. From here, the cycle tour continues to Freudenberg, a small town overlooked by the ruins of Freudenburg Castle at the edge of the Franconian Odenwald.

Day 7: Freudenberg – Aschaffenburg, 31 mi. (50 km), evening cruise to Frankfurt/Main
The final cycle stage leads along shaded riverside paths and through small towns along the Main. In Miltenberg, highlights include Miltenburg Castle and one of Germany’s oldest inns. Between Erlenbach and Kleinwallstadt the Planet Cycle Path offers information boards about the solar system, and the forest between Niedernheim and Nilkheim provides a pleasant shaded route. The stage ends in Aschaffenburg, where Johannisburg Castle dominates the skyline. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner on board while the ship sails back to Frankfurt/Main.

Day 8: Departure from Frankfurt/Main
After breakfast, disembarkation is by 9:00 a.m.