Hamburg to Lübeck: Old Salt Road

Day 1: Arrival in Hamburg & Cruise to Geesthacht
Day 2: Geesthacht – Lüneburg, 18 or 27 mi. (30 or 45 km)
Day 3: Lüneburg – Lauenburg, 21 or 31 mi. (35 or 50 km)
Day 4: Lauenburg – Lübeck, 21 or 31 mi. (34 or 50 km)
Day 5: Lübeck – Travemünde – Lübeck, 20 mi. (33 km)
Day 6: Lübeck – Witzeeze, 19 or 27 mi. (32 or 45 km)
Day 7: Witzeeze – Lauenburg – Geesthacht – Hamburg, 15 or 39 mi. (25 or 64 km)
Day 8: Departure from Hamburg

The itinerary and cycling routes may be modified due to weather, water levels, lock operations, or other navigational and operational conditions.

Day 1: Arrival in Hamburg & Cruise to Geesthacht
Welcome to Hamburg, Germany's second-largest city and one of Europe's busiest ports. Embarkation begins at 4:00 pm, giving you time to settle into your cabin and meet the crew before the journey begins. During the welcome meeting, you'll receive an overview of the week ahead, followed by a safety briefing and information about the cycling routes. At approximately 5:00 pm, your floating hotel sets off for Geesthacht. Enjoy your first dinner on board as you cruise through changing river scenery before docking for the night in Geesthacht.

Day 2: Geesthacht – Lüneburg, 18 or 27 mi. (30 or 45 km)
After breakfast, continue by ship to the remarkable Scharnebeck Ship Lift, one of Europe's largest of its kind. This impressive feat of engineering raises and lowers vessels nearly 125 feet (38 m) between canal levels and serves as the starting point for today's ride. Choose between a shorter route directly to Lüneburg or a longer ride through the surrounding countryside. The extended option follows peaceful woodland trails, crosses the historic Bardowick Lift Bridge, and traces the scenic Ilmenau River before entering the city. Once known as the source of northern Germany's "white gold," Lüneburg prospered for centuries through its salt trade. Spend the afternoon exploring its beautifully preserved medieval center, including Am Sande square, the impressive Town Hall, and the German Salt Museum, where you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the commodity that shaped the region's history. Return to the ship in Lüneburg for dinner and the evening.

Day 3: Lüneburg – Lauenburg, 21 or 31 mi. (35 or 50 km)
Early this morning, the ship cruises along the Elbe River while you enjoy breakfast. Your ride begins amid tranquil riverside scenery, following quiet roads past half-timbered villages, open meadows, fertile farmland, and stretches of natural riverbank. Pause in the charming riverside town of Bleckede, once an important trading and administrative center along the Elbe, before continuing to Lauenburg. Overlooking the river, this picturesque town is known for its historic waterfront and beautifully preserved half-timbered buildings. Spend some time wandering its narrow streets before returning to the ship, where you'll remain docked overnight.

Day 4: Lauenburg – Lübeck, 21 or 31 mi. (34 or 50 km)
As your ship navigates the canal and passes through a series of locks this morning, cyclists begin today's route at the Witzeeze Lock. The ride leads through the forests and lakes of Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park, one of northern Germany's most scenic landscapes. Along the way, stop in the charming town of Mölln, forever linked to the legendary folk character Till Eulenspiegel. Explore its historic center, admire St. Nicolai Church, and enjoy views across the surrounding lakes before continuing along peaceful canal-side paths. Rejoin the ship in the afternoon and cruise to Lübeck, the former "Queen of the Hanseatic League." This UNESCO World Heritage city is renowned for its Brick Gothic architecture, medieval streets, and iconic Holsten Gate. Your ship remains moored here overnight, giving you a chance to soak in the atmosphere of one of Germany's most beautiful historic cities.

Day 5: Lübeck – Travemünde – Lübeck, 20 mi. (33 km)
Spend the morning discovering Lübeck, once the leading city of the Hanseatic League and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its historic Old Town, where landmarks such as the iconic Holsten Gate, St. Mary's Church, and winding medieval streets reveal the city's rich trading history. Before leaving, be sure to sample Lübeck's world-famous marzipan, a local specialty for more than two centuries. Later, cycle along the Trave River toward the Baltic Sea, passing scenic waterfronts and coastal landscapes before arriving in Travemünde, Lübeck's charming seaside district at the mouth of the river. Rejoin the ship here and enjoy a relaxing evening cruise back to Lübeck, where you'll remain docked overnight.

Day 6: Lübeck – Witzeeze, 19 or 27 mi. (32 or 45 km)
As the ship departs Lübeck this morning, today's ride begins at Donnerschleuse. Choose between a leisurely route following the historic Elbe-Lübeck Canal toward Mölln, or a longer ride through the gentle rolling countryside of the Lauenburg region. The extended route passes Gut Schloss Wotersen, an elegant manor estate set amid peaceful woodlands and farmland. Quiet roads, picturesque waterways, and tranquil scenery make this one of the tour's most relaxing cycling days. Rejoin the ship at Witzeeze Lock this afternoon, where the ship remains moored overnight.

Day 7: Witzeeze – Lauenburg – Geesthacht – Hamburg, 15 or 39 mi. (25 or 64 km)
Your final day of cycling follows the Elbe River through broad meadows, fertile marshlands, and peaceful riverside landscapes. Choose a shorter, more leisurely ride or a longer route for one last day in the saddle before returning to the ship in Geesthacht. As the ship passes through the lock and cruises toward Hamburg, the quiet countryside gradually gives way to the bustling maritime atmosphere of Germany's "Gateway to the World." Spend your final hours on deck reflecting on the week's journey before gathering with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner on board.

Day 8: Departure from Hamburg
Disembarkation is by 9:00 am, following breakfast.

• Florentina

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