Between Frankfurt and Bamberg on the Main River

Day 1: Bamberg - overnight dock

Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a charming and historic city and the perfect place to kick off this bike and boat tour! Please note, there is no official tour in Bamberg scheduled so we highly recommend coming a day or two early to explore the Villa Concordia, the water castle, the Baroque house on the bridge, the Klein Venedig (Little Venice), and much more!

Check-in on the Merlijn takes place between 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm, and soon after that, you'll cruise for a short distance to the docking location for the night.

Day 2: Overnight dock - Hassfurt - Schweinfurt
22 - 34 mi/35 - 55 km

After a delightful breakfast and a bicycle safety briefing, you'll get acquainted with your bike. The Main Radweg is the dedicated bike path you will use for the duration of the tour, and as the Germans say, "cycle, marvel, and enjoy!". Today's route follows the Main River, passing several vineyards, the famous Maria Limbach pilgrimage church, and lots of villages with half-timber houses. You'll make a stop in Hassfurt to enjoy the late Gothic Ritter Chapel and the late Gothic church in the market square. The Merlijn awaits at the edge of the city to take you to Schweinfurt, or the adventurous can continue pedaling until Schweinfurt to add some more miles to the route. Schweinfurt is a unique old town with plenty of cozy cafes, a historic town hall, a market square, and all adorned with playful "Schweine" (pigs).

Day 3: Schweinfurt - Marktbreit
31 - 34 mi/50 - 55 km

The Merlijn will sail on the Main River during breakfast, passing through locks and dams. After reaching the dock, you'll set off again on the Main Radweg passing delightful wine villages like Dettelbach, Sommerach, Nordheim, and Volkach. Soon, you'll leave the vineyards behind as the Main Valley begins to open up. You'll visit the pilgrimage church Maria im Weingarten, where the famous Madonna im Rosenkranz by Tilman Riemenschneider is displayed. The day's destination is the quaint village of Marktbreit.

Day 4: Marktbreit - Würzburg
19 - 21 mi/30 - 35 km

Your bike tour today leads you further along the river Main, leaving Marktbreit behind and heading towards Würzburg. Würzburg is an incredible Baroque city whose skyline is dotted with architectural gems from various periods, with the impressive towers of St. Kilian Cathedral—Germany’s fourth-largest Romanesque church—visible from a distance. You also can't miss the Würzburg Residence with its beautiful Court Gardens and Residence Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 5: Würzburg - Lohr
22 - 25 mi/35-40 km

The boat stays put this morning, giving the early birds a chance for one more glimpse at Würzburg before getting on the bikes again to enjoy the scenery of Germany. You'll pass through Karlstad, where after your visit you'll board the Merlijn again to sail to Lohr am Main. Lohr am Main is a town of fairytale castles, tall foreboding towers, and stunning churches for the devout in the countryside of Bavaria. The town’s center is filled with many half-timbered buildings built in the 16th and 17th centuries and squares decorated with sandstone fountains. There are small shops, bistros, and the chance for beer and wine sampling.

Day 6: Lohr - Miltenberg
28 - 31 mi/45 - 50 km

While you enjoy breakfast, your bikes are prepared by the crew and waiting for you to set off on another epic bike ride. At the confluence of the Main and Tauber rivers, you'll find Wertheim, a lovely little town with a castle sitting atop a mountain. You'll cycle through a vibrant landscape of abundant vineyards and forested mountain slopes, and come across historic buildings such as the Triefenstein Monastery. In the afternoon, you'll board the Merlijn once more and sail to Miltenberg. The town has a special surprise: The Zum Riesen, Germany's oldest pub! After a delicious dinner on board, you'll enjoy a beer-tasting session at the famous Faust Brewery.

Day 7: Miltenberg - Aschaffenburg
28 - 31 mi/45 - 50 km

Once again following the Main Radweg, you'll pass even more lovely villages and towns, such as Klingenberg and Groszheubach, where red wine flows freely. You'll continue onto Ashaffenburg. Aschaffenburg is a beautiful town full of playful fountains, traditional pubs, and a historical center that boasts the most beautiful classical theater in southern Germany. Dominating the old town is the splendid Renaissance Johannisburg Palace, built in 1614. Be sure to take a walk throughout the city in the evening!

Day 8: Aschaffenburg - Frankfurt
25 - 34 mi /40 - 55 km

You start with a hearty onboard breakfast to fuel your last day of cycling, departing Aschaffenburg and heading towards the charming city of Seligenstadt. First settled in the 2nd century, Seligenstadt is one of Germany's oldest towns, perched on the banks of the Main River. Be sure to check out its Benedictine Abbey. You'll continue through Klein-Krotzenburg and Steinheim before reaching Hanau, the birthplace of the Grimm brothers—where you might enjoy a "currywurst-mit-brötchen". From there, you'll pedal to Offenbach where finally, the Merlijn will take one last cruise to Frankfurt. While the majority of this tour has explored Germany's Old World charm, Frankfurt is a glimpse into a modern Germany with its incredible skyline and cosmopolitan vibe.

Day 9: Frankfurt

After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye!