Prague to Aschaffenburg

Day 1: Arrival in Prague
Day 2: Transfer to Bamberg & Embarkation
Day 3: Hassfurt – Schweinfurt – Volkach
Day 4: Volkach – Kitzingen – Eibelstadt
Day 5: Eibelstadt – Würzburg
Day 6: Karlstadt – Marktheidenfeld
Day 7: Marktheidenfeld – Wertheim – Miltenberg
Day 8: Miltenberg – Aschaffenburg
Day 9: Departure from Aschaffenburg

*Daily mileage is between 25 and 30 miles a day. Itinerary is subject to last-minute changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as wind, weather, changes in mooring locations, etc.

Day 1: Arrival in Prague
Arrival in timeless Prague, a city of Gothic spires and cobblestone streets, begins with an airport shuttle transfer directly to the hotel, followed by an afternoon welcome from a friendly local guide; check-in is available from 3 pm, allowing time to relax or take a short walk. This evening, enjoy a scenic dinner cruise along the Vltava River, where illuminated bridges, historic buildings, and fairy-tale towers glide past, creating a magical first impression (note: the stay in Prague is for one night only, but additional nights and airport transfers can easily be arranged on request).

Day 2: Transfer to Bamberg & Embarkation
An early transfer leads to Bamberg, one of Germany’s most extraordinary towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A guided walk introduces this former seat of imperial and religious power, including the Imperial Cathedral with the famous Bamberg Horseman, baroque palaces, rose gardens, tiled rooftops, church spires, and the remarkable town hall built directly over the river. Free time allows for individual exploration and perhaps tasting the city’s renowned smoked beer before boarding the barge IRIS in the harbor, meeting the crew and guides, settling into cabins, and beginning the cruise along the River Main with the first dinner served on board.

Day 3: Hassfurt – Schweinfurt – Volkach
Cycling begins with a choice between a scenic hill route through forests and valleys to the beautifully preserved medieval town of Königsberg in Bayern or a flatter riverside route passing wine villages and fruit gardens, both offering rewarding landscapes. The day includes time in Schweinfurt, a modern town with museums and galleries, before returning to the barge for a relaxed evening sail and dinner on board, arriving in Volkach, one of the most picturesque wine villages along the Main River.

Day 4: Volkach – Kitzingen – Eibelstadt
The route leads deep into Franconian wine country, with vineyards climbing the hillsides and panoramic views of the river’s dramatic oxbow bend near the pilgrimage church Maria im Weingarten, famous for its medieval carvings and photo-worthy vistas. Cycling continues to Kitzingen, known for its leaning tower and wine culture, before following the Main past Ochsenfurt and Marktbreit to the peaceful riverside town of Eibelstadt, where the barge docks for the night.

Day 5: Eibelstadt – Würzburg
A short and leisurely ride brings the journey to Würzburg, crowned by the imposing Marienberg Fortress overlooking the river and terraced vineyards that have flourished since the Middle Ages, producing wines once favored by Goethe. A guided visit to the magnificent Würzburg Residence reveals grand staircases, lavish frescoes, and baroque splendor that place it among Germany’s finest palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The evening offers time to enjoy the lively riverside atmosphere.

Day 6: Karlstadt – Marktheidenfeld
After a morning sail to Karlstadt, cycling continues through the Spessart Forest, a landscape of ancient beech and oak trees once used as imperial hunting grounds and long associated with traders, poachers, and legends, often likened to Germany’s Sherwood Forest. The route passes medieval villages, castle ruins, and striking rock formations before reaching Lohr am Main, a town linked to fairy-tale lore and dramatic history. The day ends in the welcoming town of Marktheidenfeld, where a cozy riverside setting awaits for the night.

Day 7: Marktheidenfeld – Wertheim – Miltenberg
The final full cycling day winds along the river past vineyards and watchtowers toward Miltenberg, one of the most photogenic towns in Germany, characterized by crooked alleys, half-timbered houses, and a medieval townscape that feels unchanged for centuries. Highlights include views of a 14th-century abbey across the river, local Faust beer, and the historic inn Zum Riesen, Germany’s oldest continuously operating guesthouse, which has hosted notable figures such as Napoleon and Elvis Presley.

Day 8: Miltenberg – Aschaffenburg
The day begins with a stop at Kloster Engelberg, founded in the Middle Ages to care for pilgrims and still offering welcoming views and refreshments. The journey continues past St. Anna’s Chapel and the Beggar’s Tower, and enjoying a stroll through Schönbusch Park, the oldest English-style landscape garden in Germany. Arrival in Aschaffenburg is marked by the striking red-sandstone Johannisburg Palace, one of Germany’s most important Renaissance buildings, restored after WWII, and the nearby Pompejanum, a 19th-century recreation of a Roman villa, with riverside terraces providing the perfect setting for a celebratory drink.

Day 9: Departure from Aschaffenburg
After a final breakfast on board the IRIS, it is time to say farewell and depart with lasting memories of Prague and the Main River, as Frankfurt Airport is easily reached by direct train from Aschaffenburg, with the station located conveniently within the airport terminal, and taxi transfers to the railway station available if desired.

• Iris

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  Touring Bicycle

  Giant (LIV series) Lightweight, low-maintenance, and equipped with a belt drive, this touring bike is ideal for both daily and recreational use. Combining a synthetic belt and internal gearing with a… Read More

  Touring Bicycle

  Sensa … A sporty, performance-oriented touring bike designed for more experienced cyclists. With a derailleur system and a wide gear range, it’s perfect for riders looking for more control and speed… Read More

  Electric Bicycle

  Gazelle Ultimate C8 … • Stable and rigid step-through frame … • Integrated 500 Wh battery … • Bosch Active Line Plus motor … • Nexus hub and Gates belt drive … • Hydraulic disc brakes … • Front fork… Read More

  In 2005, the Iris was transformed from a cargo ship to a passenger ship. Her owner, Lenny Versteeg, has lovingly updated and maintained her throughout the years. The interior is fresh, tasteful, and comfortable. Read More