Main, Rhine and Neckar: MS Casanova from Frankfurt

Arrive in Frankfurt am Main early, as there is plenty to see before you board the MS Casanova at 4 p.m. At 6 p.m., you will set sail and begin your first cruise. While you enjoy your first dinner, your floating hotel will glide along the Main and Rhine rivers to Nierstein.

After breakfast, you will set off on your first bike tour from Nierstein. Before you start cycling, however, it is worth visiting the historic town centre of Nierstein with its medieval market square and magnificent noble houses. Follow the Rhine Cycle Route directly along the river to the traditional imperial city of Worms. The route continues across Friesenheimer Insel, whose unspoilt landscape offers a charming contrast to the imposing Rhine front of BASF on the opposite side. Soon you will reach the point where the Neckar flows into the Rhine and meet your ship again in Mannheim. In Mannheim, we recommend a detour to the famous ‘city of squares’ with its impressive baroque palace.

Today's stage takes you along the picturesque Neckar River to Heidelberg. On the way, it is worth stopping in the Celtic town of Ladenburg with its beautiful half-timbered houses, where the historic old town still bears witness to its Roman heritage. Stroll through the picturesque old town, enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere of this small town and treat yourself to a break in one of the many nice cafés. Continue along the Neckar Cycle Route and you will see the imposing ruins of Heidelberg Castle towering above the town from afar. Once you arrive in Heidelberg, the famous Old Bridge made of sandstone, narrow streets and idyllic squares in the old town invite you to take a leisurely stroll.

Today, your route first takes you through Ziegelhausen and the densely wooded landscape of the Odenwald to Neckarsteinach. From there, you cycle on to picturesque Hirschhorn, a real gem in the Neckar Valley. Hirschhorn Castle, the former Carmelite monastery and the historic market church are particularly worth seeing here. Your destination for today is the Staufer town of Eberbach. A stroll through the winding alleys and across the small squares conveys the lively flair of this historic town.

First enjoy your breakfast before hopping on your bikes. Today you will cycle via Ziegelhausen to Neckarzimmern. A short detour to Hornberg Castle is well worth it. Hornberg Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in the Neckar Valley. After 1259, it was the seat of the bishops of Speyer and in the 16th century it became the property of Götz von Berlichingen. Today's destination, Bad Wimpfen, enchants visitors with its medieval flair and is one of the most beautiful towns on the Neckar. Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa chose this place as his residence in 1182.

Today, your bike tour takes you on a leisurely ride along the Neckar River on well-maintained paths through gentle river valleys, past sunny vineyards and picturesque wine-growing villages. Take a break along the way in one of the idyllic villages, where cosy taverns and hospitable restaurants invite you to linger. The destination of your bike tour is Lauffen am Neckar – the home of the poet Friedrich Hölderlin and a real gem of the region. The charming old town with its half-timbered houses and lively wine tradition exudes a special charm. A stage that harmoniously combines nature, culture and enjoyment and invites you to relax and cycle in the heart of the Neckar Valley. During the evening and night, the MS Casanova will take you to Stuttgart Bad Cannstatt.

Today, the focus is on Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg, and its surroundings. Discover the diverse surroundings of Stuttgart: rolling vineyards, green parks and charming suburbs characterise the landscape.
Those looking for a sporting challenge can climb the heights of the Stuttgart basin and be rewarded with magnificent views over the city, the Remstal valley and as far as the Swabian Alb. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride along the Neckar or an active tour through the vineyards, a bike tour around Stuttgart has something for everyone and shows the city from its green and enjoyable side.

For those who prefer to leave their bikes behind, a tour of the city is well worth it: visit Schlossplatz, the lively heart of Stuttgart, stroll along Königsstraße or admire the works in the Staatsgalerie. Technology enthusiasts, on the other hand, can go on a journey of discovery at the Mercedes-Benz or Porsche Museum (not included).

Disembarkation after breakfast by 9:00 a.m. and individual journey home.

The planned route is always subject to possible changes due to nautical, meteorological or organisational reasons. If, for example, a route cannot be travelled due to low water, high water, bad weather or construction work, the captain reserves the right to change the route for your safety. This is not a legally valid reason for cancelling the trip free of charge. The same applies in the event of officially ordered lock or bridge repairs or in the event of engine or propulsion damage to the ship through no fault of the captain.

As your ship usually sails to the next harbour on the same day, your time frame for your own activities and sightseeing is limited. On some bridges, the clearance height is so low that the sun deck is closed for your safety.