Bamberg to Frankfurt

Day 1: Arrival in Frankfurt
Day 2: Overnight dock - Aschaffenburg, 22 - 25 mi. (35 - 40 km)
Day 3: Aschaffenburg - Miltenberg, 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 km)
Day 4: Miltenberg - Karlstad, 31 - 34 mi. (50 - 55 km)
Day 5: Karlstad - Würzburg - Marktbreit, 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 km)
Day 6: Marktbreit - Schweinfurt, 31 - 34 mi. (50 - 55 km)
Day 7: Schweinfurt - Bamberg 31 - 34 mi. (50 - 55 km)
Day 8: Departure from Bamberg

Day 1: Arrival Frankfurt
Welcome aboard Merlijn! Check-in and wave ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to Frankfurt from the back terrace as the boat heads out on the river Main, passing through the first lock. You’ll be greeted with a welcome drink, an introduction to the crew, information on the tour, the ship, and some safety tips. You'll then enjoy your first dinner on board while cruising to this night's docking location.

Day 2: Overnight dock - Aschaffenburg, 22 - 25 mi. (35 - 40 km)
After a tasty breakfast and a quick bike safety briefing, the crew will get you set up with your bike. Once everyone’s ready, you’ll kick off your first bike tour, taking you through Bürgel, Mühlheim, and Hanau, the hometown of the famous Grimm brothers. Make sure to grab a ‘currywurst-mit-brötchen’ along the way—a delicious German sausage topped with curry ketchup!

You’ll also ride through Steinheim with its charming historic center and Klein-Krotzenburg by the river Main, heading towards the picturesque city of Seligenstadt. There, you’ll explore its winding streets, cute half-timbered houses, and the Basilica. After crossing the Main on a small ferry, you’ll continue to your final stop, Aschaffenburg, where the Merlijn will be waiting for you.

Day 3: Aschaffenburg - Miltenberg, 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 km)
Hop on your bike in the morning and set off! You’ll follow the river, passing through some beautiful small towns and villages like Klingenberg and Großheubach, both known for their great red wines. You’ll wrap up the day in Miltenberg, a very charming village with winding streets, cute alleyways, old half-timbered houses, and a historic market square. Be sure to check out ‘Zum Riesen,’ the oldest pub in Germany!

Day 4: Miltenberg - Karlstad, 31 - 34 mi. (50 - 55 km)
While you enjoy your breakfast, the Merlijn will keep cruising upstream on the Main River and passing through locks. After breakfast, it’s time for your bike ride of the day!

You’ll start by biking past Wertheim, where the Main and Tauber rivers meet. This town is perfect for exploring its historic center and checking out the old mountain ruins. From there, you’ll cycle to Lohr, riding by the unique half-timbered Homburg Castle and through a landscape of vineyards, forested slopes, and historic sites like the Triefenstein Monastery.

Once you arrive in Lohr am Main, you can explore its Gothic and Baroque buildings before hopping back on the Merlijn for the next leg of our journey to Karlstad. After a delicious dinner on board, you’ll have time for a stroll in Karlstad, where the streets are laid out in a chessboard pattern with a few twists and turns, designed that way for military reasons.

Day 5: Karlstad - Würzburg - Marktbreit, 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 km)
The bike tour along the River Main continues, leaving behind Karlstadt and its historic charm. Your next stop is Würzburg, a real highlight of the trip. This beautiful Baroque city is a must-see, especially the stunning Würzburg Residence, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

You’ll get to join a guided tour of the Residence, and then it’s back to the ship. Get comfy on one of Merlijn’s terraces for a relaxing afternoon cruise. After dinner, you’ll dock in Marktbreit for the night.

Day 6: Marktbreit - Schweinfurt, 31 - 34 mi. (50 - 55 km)
You’ll kick off the day with an early morning cruise, passing Kitzingen, known for its leaning tower. Then it’s back to cycling along the ‘Main-Radweg’ for the day—Germans call this path the “cycle, marvel, and enjoy” route, and it really lives up to that!

As you bike, you’ll pedal through wine-loving towns like Sommerach, Nordheim, and Volkach. When you reach a scenic spot where the Main River makes a big loop, you’ll check out the pilgrimage church ‘Maria im Weingarten’ and see the famous ‘Madonna im Rosenkranz’ by Tilmann Riemenschneider.

You’ll end up in Schweinfurt, where you can explore the charming old town with its cozy spots, the town hall, the tower, and the market place. Don’t miss the quirky little pig sculptures scattered around the city!

Day 7: Schweinfurt - Bamberg 31 - 34 mi. (50 - 55 km)
After a sailing breakfast, the Merlijn heads to Hassfurt, known for its late Gothic Ritter Chapel and church in the market square. After docking, you’ll hop on your bike and cycle over to Eltmann, continuing along the River Main. Along the way, you’ll see the famous Maria Limbach pilgrimage church and pass through several charming little towns with classic half-timbered houses.

Next up is Bamberg, a very picturesque and historic bishops’ town. There’s lots to see here, like Villa Concordia, the historic Lock 100, a water castle, the baroque house on the bridge, and the quaint fishing settlement called Klein Venedig (Little Venice). It’s a great spot to take in the town’s rich history and its connection to the river.

After exploring Bamberg, you’ll ride your bike back to the Merlijn, where you’ll end the day with a special Captain’s dinner on board.

Day 8: Departure from Bamberg
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to the Merlijn.

Day 1: Arrival in Bamberg
Day 2: Overnight dock - Hassfurt - Schweinfurt, 22 - 25 (35 - 40 km) or extend to 31 - 34 mi. (50 - 55 km)
Day 3: Schweinfurt - Marktbreit, 31 - 34 miles (50 - 55 km)
Day 4: Marktbreit - Würzburg, 19 - 22 miles (30 - 35 km)
Day 5: Würzburg - Lohr, 22 - 25 miles (35 - 40 km)
Day 6: Lohr - Miltenberg, 28 - 31 miles (45 - 50 km)
Day 7: Miltenberg - Aschaffenburg, 25 - 28 miles (40 - 45 km)
Day 8: Aschaffenburg - Frankfurt, 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 km) or extend to 31 - 34 mi. (50 - 55 km)
Day 9: Departure from Frankfurt

Day 1: Arrival in Bamberg and cruise to overnight dock 
Welcome to Bamberg! Check in on the Merlijn and prepare to set sail. Wave ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to Bamberg from the aft terrace, passing your first lock on the river Main. You’ll enjoy a welcome drink while the crew introduces themselves. You'll also be given an overview of the tour, the ship, and a safety briefing. While cruising, you'll have your first dinner onboard before the boat docks for the night. We highly recommend coming a day or two early to explore this beautiful city. Allocated a UNESCO World Heritage City, Bamberg is often compared to Rome, with a stunning mixture of religious and administrative buildings dating back to the Middle Ages. And naturally, being that Bamberg is located in Bavaria, it is also renowned for its breweries and distinctive local beer with a smoky taste. 

Day 2: Overnight dock - Hassfurt - Schweinfurt, 22 - 25 (35 - 40 km) or extend to 31 - 34 mi. (50 - 55 km)
After a delicious breakfast and a quick talk about bicycle safety, you will test out your rental bike for the first time. Soon, the first bike tour along the 'Main Radweg' (Main Bikepath) begins! The route follows the river, passing several idyllic vineyards, the enigmatic Marai Limbach pilgrimage church, and little villages filled with half-timber houses. You'll pedal towards Hassfurt, with its Gothic Ritter Chapel and church in the market square. The Merlijn waits for you on the other side of Hassfurt to take you to Schweinfurt, unless you want to continue on your bike, in which case you can extend your cycle tour until reaching this city. 

Schweinfurt is a beautiful city where you'll find historical buildings situated next to bold, modern architecture. Cozy little cafes and restaurants invite you to enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the vibrant atmosphere. Spot the ‘Schweine’ (pigs) sculptures situated throughout the city and try to guess the history of Schweinfurt!

Day 3: Schweinfurt - Marktbreit, 31 - 34 mi. (50 - 55 km)
Enjoy breakfast on board while the Merlijn cruises along the Main River. You'll reach Kitzigen, famous for its leaning tower. After docking, you'll get on your bike once again to enjoy the pristine Main bike path some more. You will pass several villages well-known to wine connoisseurs: Dettelbach, Sommerach, Nordheim, and Volkach. Soon, the Main Valley opens up and fewer vineyards dot the countryside. You will visit the pilgrimage church ‘Maria im Weingarten’, where the famous ‘Madonna im Rosenkranz’ by Tilman Riemenschneider is displayed. Today's destination is the charming village of Marktbreit, where Merlijn awaits you.

Day 4: Marktbreit - Würzburg, 19 - 22 mi. (30 - 35 km)
The bike tour along the Main River continues. The next port of call is Würzburg which is sure to be a highlight! Würzburg's famous landmarks are the Würzburg Residence with its Court Gardens and Residence Square (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Also notable is the nearly 600-foot Old Main Bridge, lined with formidable statues of saints. You'll make your way back to the ship to eat a delicious dinner, after which it is almost obligatory per the local tradition to have a glass of wine on the bridge. 

Day 5: Würzburg - Lohr, 22 - 25 mi. (35 - 40 km)
The Merlijn will stay docked this morning, giving the group's early birds a chance for one last peek of Würzburg before breakfast. Then you'll start pedaling, enjoying the incredible countryside and a picnic lunch prepared by the on-board chef. Reaching Karlstad, with its cobbled streets and ubiquitous half-timbered buildings, you will board the Merlijn once again. Cruising on to Lohr am Main, you'll experience more locks on the river. Lohr am Main is known for its historical castle with the Spessart Museum. A post-dinner walk will allow you to explore more of Lohr am Main with its Gothic and Baroque buildings.

Day 6: Lohr - Miltenberg, 28 - 31 mi. (45 - 50 km)
The crew will prepare the bikes so they are ready for you to set off on today's tour. Along the way, you will encounter the half-timber castle Homburg, and cycle through the ever-changing landscape of abundant vineyards and forested mountain slopes, with bizarre rocks and historic monuments, such as the Triefenstein monastery. At the confluence of the Main and Tauber rivers, you will find Wertheim. Wertheim has a historic center and mountain ruins that invite you to explore. In the afternoon, you will board the Merlijn again to set sail to Miltenberg. This little town lies on a narrow strip of land between a bend of the Main River and the forested hills of the Odenwald. Here you'll discover quaint houses, hidden alleys, and gorgeous squares. Today's highlight is a tour and beer-tasting session at the famous 'Faust' brewery.

Day 7: Miltenberg - Aschaffenburg, 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 km)
Once again, you'll cycle the Main Radweg passing lovely small towns and villages, such as Klingenberg and Groszheubach, both famous for their fine red wines. The bike ride ends in Aschaffenburg. The Johannesburg Palace dominates the skyline of this city, a breathtaking Renaissance gem from 1614. Aschaffenburg has a charming vibe everywhere you turn, with lively fountains adding a splash of flair. Rustic bars and a rich cultural scene ensure there's plenty to explore.

Day 8: Aschaffenburg - Frankfurt, 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 km) or extend to 31 - 34 mi. (50 - 55 km)
You'll enjoy another delicious on-board breakfast to fuel the day's cycling. Leaving Aschaffenburg, you'll pedal to the small, romantic city of Seligenstadt with its meandering alleyways, half-timber houses, and Basilica. Continuing via Klein-Krotzenburg along the Main River and Steinheim, you’ll head towards Hanau, where the famous Grimm brothers were born. If you're hungry, try the ‘Currywurst mit Brötchen’ along the way: a typical dish consisting of steamed, fried sausage, usually pork, cut into bite-sized chunks and seasoned with curry ketchup. After your visit, we will head towards Offenbach, passing Bürgel and Mühlheim.

In the afternoon, the Merlijn will cruise toward your final destination of Frankfurt. Frankfurt is a major city and a global hub for commerce, culture, education, tourism, and transportation. It boasts the typical German flare with half-timbered houses and traditional cuisine but is contrasted with a stunning skyline and lots of international flavors. With all there is to see and do here, Frankfurt is sure to impress! Consider extra nights in this city as you won't be able to experience everything on this tour.

Day 9: Frankfurt
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye and continue your European trip or leave for the airport.