The Main winds through Franconia in great loops past vineyards, forests and small towns with half-timbered houses and castles. On this cruise we follow the river from Bamberg, whose old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the city of Frankfurt. Along the way we visit Schweinfurt, the bishops' city of Würzburg with its baroque Residence, the picturesque small towns of Wertheim and Miltenberg and the palace town of Aschaffenburg. There is plenty of time in port, several overnight stays at the quay and two full days in Frankfurt at the end. A relaxed journey through one of Germany's most beautiful river landscapes.
Highlights
- The UNESCO city of Bamberg
- Würzburg with its Residence and the Old Main Bridge
- The Main Valley towns of Wertheim and Miltenberg
- The palace town of Aschaffenburg
- Two days in Frankfurt
- 8-day river cruise on MS Leonora with all meals on board
Itinerary
Day 1Embarkation, Bamberg
After you arrive on MS Leonora, the ship's cruise manager welcomes you in the lounge and goes through safety procedures and practical information. There is time to explore Bamberg, whose old town with its cathedral and the old town hall standing in the middle of the river is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At 23:30 we sail.
Day 2Schweinfurt
We arrive in Schweinfurt at 08:00 and stay until 18:00. The town lies in the heart of Franconian wine country and is known, among other things, for the Museum Georg Schäfer art museum.
Day 3Würzburg
We arrive in Würzburg at 08:00 and stay until 14:30. The city is known for its baroque Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for the Old Main Bridge with its statues of saints and views of Marienberg Fortress. In the afternoon we sail on through the vineyards of the Main Valley.
Day 4Wertheim and Miltenberg
We arrive in Wertheim at 07:00 and stay until 13:00. The town lies where the Tauber joins the Main, with a large castle ruin above the old town. In the afternoon we sail to Miltenberg, arriving at 17:30 and staying overnight. The evening can be spent in one of the most beautiful small towns in the Main Valley, with half-timbered houses and a castle above the town.
Day 5Miltenberg and Aschaffenburg
The morning is spent in Miltenberg. At 12:30 we sail on, arriving in Aschaffenburg at 20:00, where we stay overnight.
Day 6Aschaffenburg and Frankfurt
The morning is spent in Aschaffenburg, where the large Renaissance palace of Johannisburg stands on the Main and the town has a charming old centre. At 13:30 we sail on, arriving in Frankfurt at 21:00.
Day 7Frankfurt
A full day in Frankfurt. The city is known for its skyline but also has an old town around the Römerberg square and the cathedral. Stroll along the Main promenade or visit one of the museums by the river. Overnight in Frankfurt.
Day 8Frankfurt
Disembarkation in Frankfurt at around 09:00. Our cruise along the Main comes to an end.
Please note: Sailing times are approximate and may change due to water levels, weather, locks or other conditions.
What is included?
Included
- 8 days / 7 nights on MS Leonora
- English-speaking staff on board
- All meals and selected drinks
- Entertainment on board
- All cabins are outside cabins with window, shower/toilet, hairdryer and air conditioning
- Port and passenger fees
Not included
- Most drinks on board
- Drinks package – available to purchase
- Excursions
- Transport to and from the ship
- Service charge, €8 per person per day
Prices and dates come straight from our booking system and are always up to date. We are happy to help with transfers, excursions and flights – just ask in your enquiry.
