Main River from Prague to Aschaffenburg

Day 1: Arrival in Prague

Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel, where you’ll meet your local guide later in the afternoon. After check-in, there’s time to rest or take a short walk before an evening cruise on the Vltava River. The cruise offers views of Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the city’s Gothic skyline. Prague has been a political and cultural center of Central Europe for over 1,000 years, and even a short visit gives a sense of its scale and history. Overnight in Prague.

Day 2: Prague

Today is free to explore Prague at your own pace. The guide will be available throughout the day to provide advice and recommendations, but it is also worth planning ahead and considering which sights and experiences are of most interest. Popular options include strolling across Charles Bridge, visiting Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, exploring the historic streets of the Old Town, watching the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square, or relaxing in one of Prague’s many historic cafés. The day concludes with an included group dinner. An early night is recommended, as the following day will begin with an early start. Overnight in Prague.

Day 3: Transfer to Bamberg & Embarkation

After breakfast, transfer to Bamberg in northern Bavaria. Often referred to as the "Rome of Franconia," Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage city with one of Germany’s best-preserved historic centers. A guided walk introduces some of its highlights, including the Imperial Cathedral, home to the famous Bamberg Horseman statue, and the Old Town Hall, uniquely positioned on an island in the middle of the Regnitz River. There will also be some free time to explore the city’s streets, squares, and cafés at your own pace. Bamberg is also known for its brewing traditions, particularly its distinctive smoked beer, which has been produced here for centuries. Those interested may wish to sample this local specialty before continuing the journey. In the afternoon, board the IRIS and meet the crew who will accompany you throughout the week. At approximately 5:00 pm, the vessel begins sailing along the Main River. Settle into your cabin and enjoy your first dinner on board as the cruise gets underway.

Day 4: Hassfurt – Schweinfurt – Volkach

Today marks the start of the cycling along the Main River. There is a choice between a route through the hills to Königsberg in Bayern or a flatter riverside option. Königsberg is one of Franconia’s best-preserved medieval towns, known for its half-timbered houses and setting among forests, valleys, and vineyards. Those following the river route will cycle through a landscape of fruit orchards, vineyards, and traditional wine villages that have shaped the region for centuries. The route continues to Schweinfurt, a town that combines its industrial heritage with museums and galleries. Rejoin the IRIS in the afternoon and enjoy dinner on board while sailing towards Volkach, a wine town in the heart of Franconia.

Day 5: Volkach – Kitzingen – Eibelstadt

Today’s ride begins in Volkach, in the center of Franconian wine country. Surrounded by vineyards, the region is known for producing some of Bavaria’s finest wines. A short climb leads to the pilgrimage church of Maria im Weingarten, home to late medieval wood carvings by the sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider. From here, there are views across the Main Valley and the river’s distinctive oxbow bend. The route continues to Kitzingen, a historic wine town known for its leaning Falterturm tower. Like many towns in the region, Kitzingen reflects a long wine-making tradition, and vineyards remain a constant feature of the landscape throughout the day. After time to explore Kitzingen, continue cycling along the Main River through the towns of Ochsenfurt and Marktbreit before reaching Eibelstadt. Surrounded by vineyards and located directly on the river, Eibelstadt provides a quiet setting for the evening’s overnight stay.

Day 6: Eibelstadt – Würzburg

Today’s route is a short one, covering approximately 10 km to Würzburg. Dominated by the hilltop Marienberg Fortress, the city was once ruled by powerful prince-bishops who oversaw both the region’s religious and political affairs. Vineyards have covered the surrounding slopes since the Middle Ages and remain an important part of the local culture. A guided visit is included to the Würzburg Residence, one of Germany’s finest Baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 18th century, the palace reflects the wealth and influence of the prince-bishops and is regarded as a masterpiece of European architecture. Connected by the historic Old Main Bridge, Würzburg stretches across both sides of the river and combines its heritage with the lively atmosphere of a university town.

Day 7: Karlstadt – Marktheidenfeld

Following a morning sail to Karlstadt, today’s cycle path continues through the Spessart region, an area of rolling hills and extensive beech and oak forests that once served as imperial hunting grounds. The route follows the curves of the Main River, passing through a series of historic towns and villages. Along the way is Lohr am Main, a town often associated with the legend of Snow White due to a local noblewoman who may have inspired the famous fairy tale. Castle ruins, forested landscapes, and dramatic rock formations add variety to the day’s scenery before arriving in Marktheidenfeld, a relaxed riverside town where the barge awaits for the evening.

Day 8: Marktheidenfeld – Wertheim – Miltenberg

The ride follows the Main River towards Miltenberg, one of Bavaria’s best-preserved medieval towns. Along the way, there is an opportunity to visit Wertheim, known for its hilltop castle ruins overlooking the confluence of the Main and Tauber rivers. Miltenberg is famous for its timber-framed buildings, narrow cobbled streets, and historic market square, all of which reflect its importance as a trading center in the Middle Ages. The town is also home to the renowned Faust Brewery and Zum Riesen, one of Germany’s oldest inns, which has welcomed travellers since the early 15th century. This evening offers a chance to enjoy the atmosphere of one of the most picturesque towns along the route.

Day 9: Miltenberg – Aschaffenburg

The final day of cycling begins with a stop at Kloster Engelberg, a former pilgrimage site that continues to welcome visitors today. The route then passes several local landmarks, including the Beggars’ Tower and the Chapel of St. Anna, before continuing through Schönbusch Park, Germany’s oldest English-style landscape garden. The journey concludes in Aschaffenburg, where the impressive Johannisburg Palace dominates the riverfront. Built between 1605 and 1614, it is considered one of the most important Renaissance buildings in Germany. Nearby stands the Pompejanum, a 19th-century reconstruction of a Roman villa inspired by the archaeological discoveries at Pompeii.

Day 10: Departure from Aschaffenburg

After breakfast on board, the tour concludes. Aschaffenburg has frequent direct trains to Frankfurt International Airport, about 30–40 minutes away, making onward travel straightforward.