Bike and Barge: Frankfurt/Main to Bamberg (MS Casanova)

Your Bike & Barge holiday begins with embarkation at 4:00 p.m. in Frankfurt am Main. By 5:00 p.m., it’s time to cast off! Settle in and enjoy your first dinner cruise, as your floating hotel heads down the Main River towards the charming town of Aschaffenburg.

Nestled at the foot of the Spessart Hills, Aschaffenburg is a peaceful university town of around 70,000 residents. It’s renowned for its impressive architecture and vibrant cultural heritage. A true highlight is the Johannisburg Palace, built from striking red sandstone—one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Germany.

With its mild climate and elegant atmosphere, Aschaffenburg was once described by King Ludwig I as the “Bavarian Nice.” It’s the perfect first stop on your relaxing and scenic cycling holiday along the Main and Neckar Rivers.

As your cycling holiday along the Main River continues, you’ll approach Bürgstadt and Miltenberg, with the option to ride along either the right or left bank of the river—both offering scenic and well-maintained paths. Between Nilkheim and Niedernheim, a tranquil riverside forest provides a shady, easygoing ride—perfect for warm summer days.

From Kleinwallstadt to Erlenbach, the unique “Planet Cycle Path” enhances your ride with fascinating facts about our solar system, making it an engaging route for cyclists of all ages. Along the way, numerous benches and picnic spots invite you to rest, refuel, or even enjoy a refreshing swim in the Main River.

This evening, your floating hotel will moor in Freudenberg, approximately 10 km from Miltenberg. Overlooking the river and the picturesque town below, the medieval Freudenburg Castle crowns the edge of the Odenwald Forest, offering breathtaking views and a dramatic end to the day’s ride.

As you enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board your floating hotel, the ship cruises toward Wertheim—a charming town where the Main and Tauber rivers meet. With its narrow lanes, half-timbered houses, and hilltop castle, Wertheim perfectly captures the spirit of a traditional Franconian village and serves as the ideal starting point for today’s cycling adventure.

Your bike tour takes you through the heart of the Main River Valley, a region defined by gentle hills, vineyards, and meandering waterways. Along the way, you’ll pass through peaceful villages and fertile countryside—perfect for relaxed pedalling and photo stops.

The day’s destination is Lohr am Main, known for its beautifully preserved medieval town centre, complete with cobbled streets, ornate half-timbered houses, and historic architecture.

As your floating hotel cruises quietly past Gemünden in the early morning, you’ll disembark in Karlstadt to begin today’s cycling stage. This picturesque town blends rural tranquillity with medieval charm, offering an ideal start to your day in the saddle. Take a moment to explore Karlstadt’s well-preserved old town, where 800-year-old buildings, historic gates, towers, and fortified walls create a truly authentic atmosphere.

From Karlstadt, your cycling route follows the scenic Main Cycle Path through gently rolling countryside and along the peaceful riverbanks—ideal for a relaxed and enjoyable ride.

Your destination is Würzburg, a vibrant city steeped in history and culture. Be sure to visit the Würzburg Residence, a magnificent Baroque palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its grand staircase and frescoes. Or climb to Marienberg Fortress for panoramic views across the Main Valley and the city skyline

Your cycling tour follows the scenic Main Cycle Path from Würzburg through the fertile Ochsenfurt region to the charming town of Ochsenfurt, famous for its distinctive turreted gate and historic charm.

From Ochsenfurt, continue onwards to the historic town of Marktbreit, known for its splendid townhouses and picturesque streets. Your route then leads you to Kitzingen, a delightful town with a rich wine tradition.

Alternatively, your ship may dock in Marktbreit, allowing you to shorten your bike ride by approximately 10 km—a convenient option for a more relaxed cycling day.

Today, you have several cycling options to choose from: You can ride the full route along the Main Cycle Path from Marktbreit to Schweinfurt (approx. 69 km), choose an alternative route that occasionally leaves the Main Cycle Path but still follows suitable paved roads and paths to Schweinfurt (approx. 62 km), or opt for a shorter cycling tour and enjoy a morning cruise to Volkach. There, you will disembark and continue by bike to Schweinfurt (approx. 30 km).

Tip: Visit the pilgrimage church of St. Maria im Weingarten near Volkach.

The route then continues to Fahr, where you are welcomed by a sign in the shape of a Bocksbeutel, the distinctive wine bottle typical of the Franconian wine region. From there, follow the famous Mainschleife (Main Loop), where the valley becomes narrower and the vineyards become more abundant, before arriving in Schweinfurt.

In the morning, your ship will cruise to Haßfurt, where your cycling adventure resumes. From here, follow the scenic route via Zeil am Main, a unique town situated on the border between Wine Franconia and Beer Franconia—a delightful region celebrated for both its vineyards and breweries.

Your destination is Bamberg, famously built on seven hills like Rome, earning it the nickname “Franconian Rome.” Explore the enchanting streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture.

Be sure to visit the picturesque fishermen’s quarter, known as “Little Venice,” with its charming row of 17th-century riverside houses. And no visit to Bamberg is complete without sampling a cold beer from one of its eleven independent breweries—a true highlight of this historic city.

Every journey draws to an end. Departure from Bamberg is about 09:00 am.

Ship name: MS Casanova
Built: 2001
Registry: Switzerland
Length: 103 m
Width: 9.7 m
Height: 4.6 m
Draft: 1.55 m
Passengers: Maximum 96

A touch of Rococo and an elegant atmosphere welcome you aboard the MS Casanova. Lovingly designed details, playful ornaments, and reproductions of famous paintings give the ship its unique charm. In the stylish restaurant, the attentive crew takes care of your culinary needs. The spacious panorama lounge, with its royal flair, invites you to relax — whether over a glass of wine, a cocktail, or a pleasant chat at the bar.

Those who wish to enjoy the scenery outside will find comfortable loungers and seating on the partially covered sun deck (accessible via steep stairs) — the perfect place to take in the passing river landscapes.

Cabins

The MS Casanova offers 48 modern outer cabins, each about 10.5 m², with the following amenities:

• All 48 cabins are located on the outside of the ship and are equipped with a shower/WC, hairdryer, TV, safe (deposit required), onboard telephone, and an individually adjustable ventilation system.In cabins with two single beds, one bed can be converted into a sofa during the day for added comfort. Cabins with a double bed (160 × 200 cm) feature separate mattresses. All twin-bed cabins are approximately 12 m² in size.

Main Deck:

• A total of 22 cabins with panoramic windows that cannot be opened.16 twin-bed cabins: eight with two single beds and eight with a double bed.
  Four Eco twin-bed cabins* with two single beds are located at the rear of the ship.
  Two additional, more spacious Deluxe cabins with a double bed are located at the front of the ship.

Upper Deck:

• A total of 26 cabins with French balconies (= floor-to-ceiling windows that can be opened).22 twin-bed cabins: 14 with two single beds and eight with a double bed.
  Four Eco twin-bed cabins* with two single beds are located at the rear of the ship.Engine and generator noise may be noticeable.

Embarkation: from 4 pm
Disembarkation: until 9 am

Minimum number of participants: 75 guests (must be reached at least 21 days before departure).

Bringing your bike:
Available on request only due to limited space on the sun deck.
E-bikes are accepted exclusively if they have removable battery packs.
Please note, we exclude all liability for loss, theft, or damage — including damage caused during transportation between shore and ship or vice versa.

Excursions:
A small excursion programme is available and can be booked directly on board with the cruise director. A brief description will be provided with your travel documents. Depending on the number of participants, some excursions may be conducted in two languages (German/English).

Luggage recommendations:
We suggest packing rainwear, a bicycle helmet, a sunhat, and comfortable sneakers.

Schedule and programme changes:
We reserve the right to make changes to the route and programme as needed. In cases of flooding or low water levels, the shipping company may arrange bus transfers for certain sections. In extreme situations, the company reserves the right to cancel the trip at short notice. No legal claims arise from these circumstances. This also applies to unannounced official repair works on locks or bridges.

Notes:
Please be aware that a cruise ship is not only your hotel but also a working machine, operating with engines during the night. Activities such as crossing locks and bridges — including their preparation — may cause noise. If you are sensitive, we recommend bringing earplugs.

Digital travel documents and route maps:
In support of sustainability and climate protection, we encourage you to choose our digital route book instead of printed documents. The GUIBO app will be your constant companion throughout your SE-Tours trip. With a glance at your smartphone, you can access all important information—travel details, ship contacts, and your bike tours—available offline anytime. The app is free and compatible with all standard smartphones. You will receive login details by email before your journey begins.

Travel documents:
EU citizens (excluding special cases such as dual citizenship, residence abroad, or passports with limited validity) must hold a valid passport or ID card, valid for at least six months beyond the end of the cruise.
Non-EU citizens, EU nationals with multiple citizenship, or anyone subject to specific legal entry requirements should check visa and entry regulations with the relevant embassy.

Accessibility:
This trip is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.

Insurance recommendations:
We strongly advise obtaining travel health insurance with repatriation coverage, as well as baggage, accident, and travel cancellation insurance.

All times are subject to change. Please book your travel according to the scheduled arrival and departure times.

• • 
  • • 
      Ship name: MS Casanova
    • Year of construction: 1999
    • Registry: Switzerland
    • Length: 103 m
    • Width: 9.7 m
    • Draft: 1.55 m
    • Passengers: max. 96

    A touch of Rococo and an elegant atmosphere welcome you aboard the MS Casanova. Lovingly designed details, playful ornaments, and reproductions of famous paintings lend the ship its very own charm. In the stylish restaurant, the attentive crew takes care of your culinary needs. The spacious panorama lounge, with its regal flair, invites you to relax — whether over a glass of wine, a cocktail, or a pleasant chat at the bar. Those who wish to enjoy the scenery outside will find comfortable loungers and seating on the partially covered sun deck — the perfect place to take in the passing river landscapes.

    All 48 cabins are located on the outside of the ship and are equipped with a shower/WC, hairdryer, TV, safe (deposit required), minibar, onboard telephone, and individually adjustable air conditioning. In cabins with two single beds, one bed can be converted into a sofa during the day for added comfort. Cabins with a double bed (160 x 200 cm) have separate mattresses. All twin-bed cabins are approximately 12 m² in size.

    Main Deck:
    
    A total of 22 cabins with panoramic windows that cannot be opened.

    • 16 twin-bed cabins: eight with two single beds, eight with a double bed.

    • Four Eco* twin-bed cabins with two single beds are located at the rear of the ship.

    • Two more spacious Deluxe cabins with a double bed are located at the front of the ship.

    Upper Deck:
    
    A total of 26 cabins with French balconies (floor-to-ceiling windows that can be opened).

    • 22 twin-bed cabins: 14 with two single beds, eight with a double bed.

    • Four Eco* twin-bed cabins with two single beds are located at the rear of the ship.

    Please note: engine and generator noise may be noticeable in Eco cabins.

Arrival: Frankfurt

Departure: Bamberg

Nearest arrival airport(s): Frankfurt

Nearest departure airport(s): Frankfurt, Nuremberg or Munich

We also recommend travelling by train to all of our cycling holiday starting and departure points. We can help you plan your journey to Frankfurt by rail. Car parking is available on all tours at the first hotel or a nearby public parking location. Full details are available on request.

Please do not book travel until an official invoice confirms the details of your cycling holiday.