Frankfurt to Bamberg

Day 1: Arrival in Frankfurt.
Day 2: Offenbach - Aschaffenburg, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 3: Aschaffenburg - Miltenberg, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 4: Miltenberg - Gemünden, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 5: Gemünden - Marktbreit, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 6: Marktbreit - Schweinfurt, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 7: Schweinfurt - Bamberg, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 8: Departure from Bamberg 

*All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, etc.

Day 1: Arrival in Frankfurt, 22 mi. (35 km)
Check-in officially begins at 3:30 pm.  You can bring your luggage on board at 10 am and explore Frankfurt at your leisure. You are greeted on board the Merlijn with a welcome cocktail and while you enjoy, you will be introduced to the crew, hear about your tour, the boat, the bikes, and safety.  At 4:30 pm, the boat will navigate to Offenbach.

Day 2: Offenbach - Aschaffenburg, 28 mi. (45 km)
Today’s tour leads you to Bürgel, Mühlheim and Hanau, the town where the famous Grimm brothers were born. Via Steinheim, with its charming historic center, and Klein-Krotzenburg, you bike along the Main River to the small and romantic city Seligenstadt with its meandering alleys, half-timber houses and the basilica. After crossing the Main River on a small ferry, you continue to today’s destination, Aschaffenburg. In the evening there will be an opportunity for you a stroll through the old city center to see the churches and of course the castle that is situated at the riverbank.

Day 3: Aschaffenburg - Miltenberg, 25 mi. (40 km)
Following the river, you pass lovely small towns and villages, such as Obernberg, and further on Klingenberg and Groszheubach, both famous for their fine red wines. The day ends in Miltenberg, a charming village with meandering streets and alleys, old restored half-timber houses, and the historic market square. You may want to go for a drink in the oldest pub in Germany. Tonight you will enjoy a brewery tour and beer tasting.

Day 4: Miltenberg - Gemünden, 31 mi. (50 km)
While you enjoy your sailing breakfast, the Merlijn takes you from Miltenberg to Wertheim, situated right there where the rivers Main and Tauber meet. It is a town that invites you to come and visit its historic center and the mountain ruins.

From here you will bike to Gemünden, passing the half-timber castle Homburg, biking through the varying landscape with both wine mountains and forested mountain slopes with bizarre rocks and historic monuments, like the Triefenstein monastery. Further on, there is Lohr am Main and its Gothic and Baroque buildings. In Gemünden am Main is the confluence of three rivers: Sinn, Saale, and Main.

Day 5: Gemünden - Marktbreit, 28 mi. (45 km)
Today the bike tour will lead you further on along the river Main passing Karlstadt, Zellingen, and Erlabrunn. Afterwards, you will reach Würzburg, the Baroque town on the river Main. Take the opportunity to explore this beautiful city and hike to the fortress that offers a magnificent view on the historic center of Würzburg with its many towers.

After your visit of Würzburg, you will board the Merlijn and cruise to the charming village of Marktbreit. Along the way, passing vineyards and hills full of vines and charming wine villages like Sommerhausen, Eibelstadt, and Ochsenfurt.

Day 6: Marktbreit - Schweinfurt, 34 mi. (55 km)
The day begins with a morning cruise, passing Kitzingen, famous for its leaning tower. The story goes that it is leaning because the builders mixed mortar with wine instead of water (due to a water shortage), and also enjoyed too much wine in the process! Begin biking in Wipfeld, close to Schwarzach, further along, the bike path, pass villages such as Sommerach, Nordheim, and Volkach - where the Main eddies. These villages are all very well known to wine connoisseurs. Here you can admire a cultural highlight: the pilgrimage church, 'Maria im Weingarten’, and the famous ‘Madonna im Rosenkranz’ by Tilmann Riemenschneider. The boat docks in the city of Schweinfurt, with its old center full of cozy little spots, the town hall, the tower and the market place, the museums and galleries and much more. This evening you can enjoy your dinner in a local restaurant at your own expense. Overnight stay on the barge as usual.

Day 7: Schweinfurt - Hassfurt - Bamberg, 22 mi. (35 km)
The day begins with breakfast as the boat cruises to Hassfurt. Here you can explore the famous late gothic Ritter chapel and the late gothic church at the market square with its valuable paintings, John the Baptist and Maria with child, by Tilmann Riemenschneider. From here, cycle to the town of Eltmann and further on the Main river, passing the famous pilgrimage church, Maria Limbach. You reach Bamberg, a very charming historic bishops town with Villa Concordia, the historic lock 100, the water castle, the baroque house on the bridge, and the former fishing settling Small Venice all emphasizing the tight connection between town and river.

Day 8: Departure from Bamberg
Individual departure after breakfast.

BAMBERG TO FRANKFURT

Day 1: Arrival in Bamberg
Day 2: Bamberg - Schweinfurt, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 3: Schweinfurt - Marktbreit, 35 mi. (56 km)
Day 4: Marktbreit - Gemünden - Lohr, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 5: Lohr - Miltenberg, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 6: Miltenberg - Aschaffenburg, (40 km)
Day 7: Aschaffenburg - Frankfurt, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 8: Departure from Frankfurt 

Looking for more?  View all of our featured bike and boat tours, or our full list of bike trips.

You will be accommodated onboard the Deluxe class vessel, the Merlijn

• Merlijn

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  Deluxe Class Barge

  Touring Bicycle

  The Merlijn prides itself on the top quality bikes offered. Although only your own helmet provides the best fit, bicycle helmets are available to borrow on board for the week. These are good… Read More

  Electric Bicycle

  The Merlijn has unisex e-bikes available to rent. You may reserve them in advance. The cost is €30 per day, payable on board, advanced reservation is required. Visa and MasterCard accepted for… Read More

  "The Divine Miss M" as we lovingly call the Merlijn is a diva, for sure. What can we say? Is it the luxurious cabins with the most comfortable beds you have ever slept in? Is it the lovely dining area with the large windows and skylight that let the air, light, and sun pour in? Or perhaps it is the sun deck, where you can relax with newfound friends, sharing good wine and good conversation. We think you will find it is the entire divine package! Step on board and discover for yourself! Read More