Day 1: Frankfurt - overnight dock
Welcome to Frankfurt, a city that blends tradition with modernity on the banks of the river Main. The Merlijn is ready for check-in between 3:30 pm 4:30 pm, and soon thereafter you'll bid Auf Wiedersehen to this bustling city for your first overnight. Upon boarding, you'll be greeted with a welcome drink while the crew introduces themselves. You'll also hear details on the tour, the ship, and a safety briefing.

Day 2: Overnight dock - Aschaffenburg (22 - 25 mi/35-40 km)
After a tasty breakfast and a quick bike safety briefing, get acquainted with your bike. Once everyone is ready, the first bike tour begins through Bürgel, Mühlheim, and Hanau—the birthplace of the famous Grimm brothers. Be sure to try a "currywurst-mit-brötchen", a delicious German pork sausage with curry ketchup! You'll then pedal through Steinheim, known for its charming historic center, before arriving in the picturesque town 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. Afterward, a small ferry brings you to the other side of the Main where you'll continue cycling to Aschaffenburg, where the Merlijn is waiting.

Day 3: Aschaffenburg - Miltenberg (25 - 28 mi/40 - 45 km)
The morning begins with a bike ride along the river, where you'll pass through picturesque towns and villages like Klingenberg and Großheubach, renowned for their excellent red wines. The tour concludes in Miltenberg, a laid-back, charming little town that is off the tourists' beaten path. Here you'll find a castle and plenty of quirky half-timbered houses. Miltenberg is perfect for enjoying the local atmosphere and maybe grabbing a few beers from the nearby Faust brewery.

Day 4: Miltenberg - Karlstad (31 - 34 mi/50 - 55 km)
As you enjoy breakfast, the Merlijn will continue cruising upstream on the Main River, navigating through locks. Upon docking, the day's cycling adventure begins. You’ll ride through Wertheim, where the Main and Tauber rivers meet, and explore its historic center and mountain ruins. From there, pedal to Lohr, passing the picturesque half-timbered Homburg Castle and cycling through a landscape of lush vineyards, forested hills, and unique rock formations. Along the way, you'll pass historic sites like the Triefenstein Monastery. Arriving in Lohr am Main, take some time to admire its Gothic and Baroque architecture before boarding the Merlijn to sail to Karlstad, where you'll spend the night.

Day 5: Karlstad - Würzburg - Marktbreit (25 - 28 mi/40 - 45 km)
Leaving Karlstadt and its historic center behind, today's bike tour leads you further along the Main. The next stop is Würzburg. Würzburg is a charming 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. Once back on the Merlijn, enjoy the views from the sundeck as you cruise to Marktbreit.

Day 6: Marktbreit - Schweinfurt (31 - 34 mi/50 - 55 km)
A morning cruise takes you past Kitzingen, famous for its leaning tower. Once on the bikes, cycle on the Main-Radweg, a bike path that the Germans describe with the slogan "cycle, marvel, and enjoy"! You'll pedal through wine lovers' paradise with villages such as Sommerach, Nordheim, and Volkach.

A cultural highlight awaits at the turn of the Main River: the pilgrimage church Maria im Weingarten. This late Gothic church is surrounded by idyllic vineyards and houses the renowned Madonna im Rosenkranz by Tilmann Riemenschneider. The day ends in Schweinfurt, a charming old town with plenty of cozy cafes, a historic town hall, a market square, and adorned with playful "Schweine" (pigs).

Day 7: Schweinfurt - Bamberg (31 - 34 mi/50 - 55 km)
Another sailing breakfast brings you to Hassfurt, famous for the late Gothic Ritter Chapel and market square. You'll begin to pedal to the town of Eltmann, following the Main, passing the famous Maria Limbach pilgrimage church and several cute villages with half-timber buildings. Soon, you arrive to Bamberg. Bamberg, a medieval Bavarian town, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its historical charm. Built on seven hills, it is often likened to Rome for its mix of religious and administrative buildings from the Middle Ages. Known for its distinctive smoky-flavored beer, Bamberg is also celebrated for its traditional breweries. Visitors can enjoy the unique taste of the local beer in one of the historic brewery beer gardens in the old town. Tonight, you'll enjoy your last dinner aboard the Merlijn.

Day 8: Bamberg
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye or extend your cycling vacation with the Bamberg to Passau bike and boat tour!

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!

• 7 nights accommodation in a climate-controlled cabin aboard the Merlijn
• Supply of bedding, towels, facial tissues, hand soap, shampoo, sewing kit, vanity kit, bathrobe & slippers
• Complimentary welcome beverage
• 7 x breakfast buffets, 6 x packed lunches, 6 x three-course dinners
• Unlimited coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and ice water (self-service)
• A selection of sodas, wines (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and beers on tap and from the bottle (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
• English speaking-tour guide
• 11-speed bicycle rental, with waterproof pannier, towel, and helmet
• Harbour, lock, and canal fees
• Ferry fares on the bicycle route
• Guided tour at Residence Würzburg
• Beer-tasting session at the Faust Brewery

• 8 nights accommodation in a climate-controlled cabin aboard the Merlijn
• Supply of bedding, towels, facial tissues, hand soap, shampoo, sewing kit, vanity kit, bathrobe & slippers
• Complimentary welcome beverage
• 8 x breakfast buffets, 7 x packed lunches, 7 x three-course dinners
• Unlimited coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and ice water (self-service)
• A selection of sodas, wines (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and beers on tap and from the bottle (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
• English speaking-tour guide
• 11-speed bicycle rental, with waterproof pannier, towel, and helmet
• Harbour, lock, and canal fees
• Ferry fares on the bicycle route
• Guided tour at Residence Würzburg
• Beer-tasting session at the Faust Brewery