Germany: Aschaffenburg – Bamberg or vice versa

The adventure begins with check-in at 4pm in Aschaffenburg, after which the captain, tour leader and crew will welcome everyone. With our tour leader leading the charge, we’ll enjoy a walking tour of the town, a tranquil university-city that offers numerous magnificent buildings and narrow streets flanked by half-timbered houses and numerous wine bars and cafés. However, the most impressive of these is Johannisburg Castle, which is built from red sandstone and stands as one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in Germany.

A host of intriguing experiences await you as you set off on your first bike ride along the river toward Bürgstadt where you have the option of cycling on either side of the river Main. From there it’s on to the emerald floodplain forest between Nilkheim and Niedernheim which you’ll cycle through before switching to the “planet-cycle” track along which you’ll find information about the universe as you make your way from Kleinwallstadt to Erlenbach. Feel free to rest on the many benches provided along the track or even take a swim in the cool river waters. In Miltenberg you’ll visit one of Germany’s oldest hotels, the “Zum Riesen”, which was built in 1590. Or, if you fancy a visit to a marketplace that backs directly into the woods, pay a visit to the Schnatterlochturm. You’ll sleep aboard the ship, which will be docked in Bürgstadt for the night.

Day three starts with a leisurely breakfast as you drift into Wertheim, best known for its landmark castle and historical market place in which you will find what some have called the narrowest house in the entire Franconian region! Your bike tour will kick off from here as you cycle through to Lohr, known for its historic Franconian timbered buildings. If you fancy a flight into fairy-tale fantasy, some say that Lohr am Main, the gateway to the Spessart mountains, is where Snow White once lived. This myth is brought to life by the castle Lohr (Kurzmainer Schloss) which brings the enchanting character of the city to life.

At daybreak we set sail to Karlstadt, which perfectly combines the romance of an old town with the idyllic charm of a village. Some of the buildings here have stood for over 800 years, as have the towers, walls and gates surrounding the town. Our cycle tour continues to Wurzburg where you’ll re-join the ship in the afternoon, but not before visiting the palace gardens and square of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Residenz Palace. Time allowing, you should also take in the awe-inspiring view from the Marienburg fortress or have a stroll over the 180 meter long Old Main Bridge, which is lined with several statues of saints.

The main cycle track from Wurzburg takes you to Ochsenfurt district. Be sure to stop by the lance tower of Ochsenfurt before we head on through the ancient village of Markbreit on to Kitzingen, home of the German Fastnachtsmuseum (carnival museum), which celebrates the history of German carnivals and ancient Franconian customs. Wine production is taken very seriously in Kitzingen, so much so that all the former beer breweries have been converted to wineries, making this an ideal place to overnight for wine lovers!

On day six you’re faced with a choice – stay on the ship as it sails on to Dettelbach or hop back in the saddle from Kitzingen as you wind through the vineyards to Volkach. Once here, be sure to visit the pilgrimage church of St Maria in Weingarten, the oldest parish in the region. From there, it’s onward to Fahr where a welcome sign in the shape of a wine bottle both greets you, and sets the tone for the evening as you make your way on to Schweinfurt.

After cruising with the ship to Haßfurt, you’ll cycle via Zeil am Mein along the borderline between Franconian wine and beer country to our final stop at Bamberg. Just like Rome, Bamberg was built on seven hills, which is how it got the name “Franconian Rome”. Be sure to check out “Little Venice”, the fisherman’s quarter of the city. Beer lovers will be spoiled for choice in this city which boasts no less than eleven independent breweries!

We strongly advise staying on in Bamberg. It’s well worth spending an additional two or three days exploring this UNESCO World Heritage City with its rich history of art and culture and vibrant energy.

As the final day of our epic journey dawns, we’ll enjoy a final breakfast together with disembarkation continuing through until 9:30am.