Frankfurt to Stuttgart

Day 1: Arrival in Frankfurt/Main - Cruise to Nierstein
Day 2: Nierstein - Mannheim, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 3: Mannheim - Heidelberg, 16 mi. (26 km)
Day 4: Heidelberg - Eberbach, 21 mi. (34 km)
Day 5: Eberbach - Bad Wimpfen, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 6: Bad Wimpfen - Lauffen, 19 mi. (30 km); Cruise to Stuttgart/Bad Cannstatt
Day 7: Stuttgart/Bad Cannstatt  
Day 8: Departure from Stuttgart/Bad Cannstatt

Day 1: Arrival in Frankfurt/Main - Cruise to Nierstein  
Embarkation begins at 4:00 p.m. in Frankfurt/Main. At 6:00 p.m., the ship casts off for your first scenic dinner cruise along the Main and into the Rhine. Enjoy views of the Frankfurt skyline before reaching the peaceful wine village of Nierstein, where the boat moors overnight.

Day 2: Nierstein - Mannheim, 37 mi. (60 km)
Start the day in Nierstein, one of the Rhine’s largest wine-growing communities, known for its historic town square and noble estates. Cycle along the Rhine to the imperial city of Worms, home to one of Germany’s oldest cathedrals, then continue through the quiet Friesenheimer Island nature reserve. The final stretch leads you to Mannheim, where the Neckar meets the Rhine. Don’t miss the chance to explore Mannheim’s Baroque palace or its unique “City of Squares” layout.

Day 3: Mannheim - Heidelberg, 16 mi. (26 km)
Follow the Neckar River through vineyards and small villages to the charming Roman town of Ladenburg. Continue to Heidelberg, one of Germany’s most romantic cities. Visit the famous Heidelberg Castle, stroll the cobbled streets of the Old Town, and cross the historic sandstone bridge for perfect river views.

Day 4: Heidelberg - Eberbach, 21 mi. (34 km)
Cycle through the forested Odenwald hills and riverside towns such as Neckarsteinach and Hirschhorn—each crowned with medieval castle ruins. Arrive in Eberbach, a picturesque old town filled with half-timbered houses, cozy cafés, and a cheerful Franconian atmosphere.

Day 5: Eberbach - Bad Wimpfen, 28 mi. (45 km)
Today’s ride follows one of the most beautiful stretches of the Neckar Valley. You may stop to visit Hornberg Castle, home of the knight Götz von Berlichingen, before arriving in Bad Wimpfen. This fairytale medieval town once served as an imperial residence under Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, and its half-timbered skyline is unforgettable.

Day 6: Bad Wimpfen - Lauffen, 19 mi. (30 km); Cruise to Stuttgart/Bad Cannstatt
A leisurely ride through vineyards and river valleys takes you to Lauffen am Neckar, birthplace of the poet Friedrich Hölderlin. Sample local wines or relax at a riverside café before rejoining your ship for an evening cruise to Stuttgart’s Bad Cannstatt district.

Day 7: Stuttgart/Bad Cannstatt 
Spend the day exploring Stuttgart, the vibrant capital of Baden-Württemberg. Visit Schlossplatz and the Königsstraße shopping boulevard, or tour the world-famous Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums. For more cycling, the nearby vineyards and hills offer scenic routes with panoramic views of the Swabian countryside.

Day 8: Departure from Stuttgart/Bad Cannstatt
Disembark by 9:00 a.m. and depart at your leisure.

Day 1: Arrival in Stuttgart/Bad Cannstatt - Cruise to Lauffen
Day 2: Lauffen - Bad Wimpfen, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 3: Bad Wimpfen - Eberbach, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Eberbach - Heidelberg, 21 mi. (34 km)
Day 5: Heidelberg - Worms, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 6: Worms - Nierstein, 23 mi. (37 km); Cruise to Mainz
Day 7: Mainz - Frankfurt/Main, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 8: Departure from Frankfurt/Main

Day 1: Stuttgart/Bad Cannstatt - Cruise to Lauffen
Arrive in Bad Cannstatt, a historic district of Stuttgart known for its mineral springs and relaxed atmosphere. Embarkation begins at 3:00 p.m., and at 5:00 p.m., the ship departs along the Neckar River. Enjoy dinner on board as you sail through the vine-covered hills of Swabia to Lauffen am Neckar, the hometown of the poet Friedrich Hölderlin. This charming wine town, rich in tradition and history, sets the tone for your journey through southern Germany’s scenic heartland.

Day 2: Lauffen to Bad Wimpfen, 19 mi. (30 km)
Your first ride offers a gentle introduction to cycling in Germany’s Neckar Valley, following well-marked paths through rolling vineyards and riverside villages. Stop in small wine towns where you can enjoy local specialties in rustic taverns or taste regional Rieslings. End your ride in Bad Wimpfen, one of Germany’s most beautiful medieval towns. Its blue tower, half-timbered houses, and imperial past under Emperor Frederick Barbarossa make it a highlight of the tour.

Day 3: Bad Wimpfen to Eberbach, 28 mi. (45 km)
Today’s route takes you deeper into the Odenwald, a forested region full of medieval towns and riverside charm. Arrive in Eberbach, a well-preserved Staufer-era town known for its historic walls, narrow alleys, and peaceful Neckar promenade. For those seeking adventure, hike part of the Neckarsteig Trail toward the Katzenbuckel, the highest peak in the Odenwald, for sweeping views of the valley.

Day 4: Eberbach to Heidelberg, 21 mi. (34 km)
Cycle through the romantic Neckar Valley past Hirschhorn, the “Pearl of the Neckar,” and Neckarsteinach, home to four castle ruins that line the hillsides. Your destination is Heidelberg, a jewel of German Romanticism. Visit Heidelberg Castle, cross the Old Bridge, and explore the lively university quarter. The Scheffel Terrace offers one of the best views in the region — the red rooftops of the Old Town beneath the castle ruins and the Neckar winding below.

Day 5: Heidelberg to Worms, 31 mi. (50 km)
Follow the Neckar Cycle Path through Ladenburg, one of Germany’s oldest Roman towns, then continue to Mannheim, the “City of Squares,” where the Neckar joins the Rhine. Your journey blends nature with history as you pass both quiet river landscapes and the modern industrial skyline of the BASF complex. End your ride in Worms, legendary city of the Nibelungenlied and home to one of Europe’s oldest cathedrals. Worms is steeped in myth, Reformation history, and medieval splendor.

Day 6: Worms to Nierstein, 23 mi. (37 km); Cruise to Mainz
Follow the Rhine Cycle Route north to Nierstein, the largest wine-growing community along the Rhine. Explore its medieval market square and baroque estates, or enjoy a local wine tasting overlooking the “Red Slope” vineyards, known for producing top-quality Rieslings. In the evening, the ship cruises to Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, where the Rhine and Main rivers meet.

Day 7: Mainz - Frankfurt/Main, 28 mi. (45 km)
Your final cycling day follows the Main River Cycle Path through tranquil nature reserves like Schwanheimer Düne toward the city of Frankfurt. Known as Germany’s financial capital, Frankfurt combines modern architecture with historic character. Discover its restored Old Town, the Römerberg square, and the riverside Museumsufer district — a fitting end to your journey through Germany’s landscapes, history, and culture.

Day 8: Departure from Frankfurt/Main
After breakfast, disembark by 9:00 a.m. and begin your onward travels.