Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Prague
You'll arrive in Prague and get settled into your hotel with a complimentary shuttle transfer included. In the afternoon, meet up with your guide, then head out for an evening dinner cruise along the Vltava River. The boat glides past illuminated historic bridges and spires while you get to know the other travelers on the tour.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner cruise along the Vltava River)
Included Activities
- Dinner cruise on the Vltava River
Landmarks/POIs Vltava River - Day 2
Prague to Bamberg
Transfer to Bamberg and walk through the UNESCO-listed old town with your guide, taking in the Imperial Cathedral, the prince-bishops' palace with its baroque gardens, and the unique town hall that straddles the river. Try the famous smoked beer from Schlenkerla Brewery, then board the hotel barge IRIS for your first sailing dinner of the trip.
- Meals
- Dinner (First dinner on board IRIS while sailing on the River Main)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Bamberg old town
- Dinner on board IRIS while sailing
Optional Activities
- Visit the Imperial Cathedral
- Explore the prince-bishops' palace and baroque gardens
- Sample smoked beer at Schlenkerla Brewery
- Café at the prince-bishops' palace overlooking gardens
Landmarks/POIs Bamberg Old Town Imperial Cathedral Bamberg Town Hall Prince-Bishops' Palace - Day 3
Main River Cycling or Boat Route
You have two options for today: cycle on a scenic route through hills to the medieval town of Königsberg in Bayern, or stick to the bike path along the river passing wine villages and fruit gardens. Stop in Schweinfurt to check out its modern museums and galleries. After, return to the IRIS for another sailing dinner, staying overnight docked in the charming village of Volkach.
- Meals
- Dinner (Sailing dinner on the IRIS)
Included Activities
- Sailing dinner on the IRIS
Optional Activities
- Cycling route through hills to Königsberg in Bayern
- River bike path through wine villages and fruit gardens
- Explore Schweinfurt museums and galleries
Landmarks/POIs Königsberg in Bayern Schweinfurt Volkach - Day 4
Volkach to Eibelstadt Cycling
Cycle from Volkach through Franconian wine country, heading to the Maria in the Vineyard pilgrimage church perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the river valley and its famous oxbow formation. Continue through Kitzingen with its distinctive leaning watch tower, then pedal via Ochsenfurt and Marktbreit to reach Eibelstadt by evening.
Optional Activities
- Visit Maria in the Vineyard pilgrimage church
- Explore Kitzingen and its leaning watch tower
Landmarks/POIs Maria in the Vineyard Kitzingen Ochsenfurt Marktbreit Eibelstadt - Day 5
Eibelstadt to Würzburg
A short 10 km bike ride gets you to Würzburg, where the Marienburg fortress dominates the hilltop. Take a guided tour of the 18th-century Residenz palace, a UNESCO-approved baroque masterpiece built by prince-bishops and designed by some of Europe's finest architects. Spend time exploring both sides of the river connected by bridges, surrounded by vineyards and university life.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of the Würzburg Residenz
Optional Activities
- Visit Marienburg fortress
Landmarks/POIs Würzburg Residenz Marienburg Fortress - Day 6
Würzburg to Marktheidenfeld Cycling
After a morning sail to Karlstadt, hop on your bike and pedal between medieval villages following the Main River's S-curves through Spessart Woods, Germany's 'woodpecker hills' and once Charlemagne's hunting grounds. Cycle through Lohr am Main, the legendary inspiration for Grimm's Snow White tale, past castle ruins and dramatic rock formations, ending in charming Marktheidenfeld.
Landmarks/POIs Karlstadt Spessart Woods Lohr am Main Marktheidenfeld - Day 7
Marktheidenfeld to Miltenberg Cycling
Pedal your final stretch as Miltenberg comes into view, a quintessential medieval town with crooked cobblestone alleys and watch towers. It looks like an Advent calendar lit up at night. Explore a 14th-century abbey across the river cloaked in vineyards, visit Zum Riesen (one of Germany's oldest continuously-operating guesthouses), and try local Faust Beer brewed next door.
Optional Activities
- Dine at Zum Riesen guesthouse
- Sample Faust Beer from the brewery
Landmarks/POIs Miltenberg Zum Riesen - Day 8
Miltenberg to Aschaffenburg Cycling
Visit Kloster Engelberg monastery and its café, pass the Beggars Tower and Chapel of St. Anna, then stroll through Park Schönbusch, Germany's oldest classical English garden, before reaching Aschaffenburg. Explore the impressive Renaissance Johannisburg castle built between 1605 and 1614, the Pompejanium replica Roman villa, and relax on the town's lovely terraces.
Optional Activities
- Visit Kloster Engelberg monastery and café
- Coffee at Klosterschänke
- Explore Park Schönbusch
- Tour Johannisburg castle
- Visit the Pompejanium
Landmarks/POIs Kloster Engelberg Chapel of St. Anna Park Schönbusch Johannisburg Castle Pompejanium - Day 9
Departure from Aschaffenburg
Have your final breakfast on the IRIS before saying goodbye to the boat and crew. Then travel by train to Frankfurt Airport, which has a train station right at its center. Optional cab service is available if you need help getting to Aschaffenburg's railway station to start your journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Final breakfast on the IRIS)
Optional Activities
- Taxi from Aschaffenburg to railway station
Landmarks/POIs Frankfurt Airport
