Main, Rhine and Neckar: MS Casanova

Be sure to arrive in Frankfurt am Main early, as there is plenty to see before you board the MS Casanova from 3pm to 4pm. At 5pm, you’ll set sail and begin your first cruise. While you enjoy your first dinner, your floating hotel will glide along the Main and Rhine rivers until you reach Nierstein at night.

After breakfast, you’ll set out on your first bike tour from Nierstein. Before you start pedaling, however, it’s worth visiting the historic town center of Nierstein with its medieval market square and magnificent noble mansions. You’ll follow the Rhine Bike Path directly along the river to the historic imperial city of Worms. The route then takes you across Friesenheimer Island, whose unspoiled landscape offers a charming contrast to the imposing BASF complex on the opposite bank of the Rhine. Soon you’ll reach the point where the Neckar flows into the Rhine, and you’ll rejoin your ship in Mannheim. In Mannheim, we recommend taking a detour to explore the famous “Quadratestadt” (City of Squares) with its impressive Baroque palace.

While you enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board, your ship will take you to Heidelberg. Even from a distance, you can see the imposing ruins of Heidelberg Castle, which towers high above the city. Once you arrive in Heidelberg, the famous Old Bridge made of sandstone, the narrow alleys, and the idyllic squares of the Old Town invite you to take a leisurely stroll. From Heidelberg, you’ll cycle along the Neckar River through Ziegelhausen and across the forested landscape of the Odenwald to Neckarsteinach. The route continues via Hirschhorn to Eberbach, where winding alleys, historic squares, and the charming atmosphere of this former Staufer town invite you to explore.

Today, a particularly charming stretch of the Neckar River awaits you. As your ship sails from Eberbach to Bad Wimpfen, wooded hills, vineyards, and impressive castles, such as Hornberg Castle and Horneck Castle, glide leisurely past you. In Bad Wimpfen, you’ll be greeted by the picturesque medieval old town with its striking towers. From here, hop on your bike and follow the Neckar River all the way to Heilbronn. This historic wine capital delights visitors with a perfect blend of historic architecture, vibrant city life, and cozy squares.

After breakfast, your boat will first take you back to Bad Wimpfen. From there, you’ll cycle through the romantic Neckar Valley along a particularly scenic section of the Neckar Valley Bike Trail. Dense forests, steep vineyards, historic castles, and charming towns like Gundelsheim and Eberbach characterize the route. Your destination for the day is Hirschhorn, whose picturesque old town and castle, perched high above the Neckar, are among the region’s most beautiful sights. In the evening, you’ll return to the ship and enjoy dinner. Late in the evening, your ship will take you to Heidelberg.

Spend the morning taking a stroll through Heidelberg’s historic old town. High above the rooftops rise the famous castle ruins, while the Old Bridge and the winding alleys invite you to wander. Afterward, choose between two varied bike tours. The shorter route leads through the former Roman town of Ladenburg with its charming old town to Mannheim. Those who want to cover more distance can follow the Kurpfalz Route to the impressive Schwetzingen Palace, whose magnificent gardens are among the most beautiful in Germany. In the evening, it’s time to “cast off” again, your ship continues on to Nierstein on the Rhine.

To conclude your bike-and-boat tour, the Main Cycle Route takes you from Mainz back to Frankfurt. The mostly flat route runs along the Main River through peaceful floodplain landscapes, past small villages and well-maintained riverside promenades. With every kilometer, Frankfurt’s impressive skyline draws closer until you reach the vibrant metropolis on the Main. Amid a backdrop of modern skyscrapers, the historic city center, and the bustling banks of the Main, your varied journey along the Main, Rhine, and Neckar comes to an end.

Unfortunately, your trip is already coming to an end. Disembarkation takes place after breakfast by 9am, followed by your individual return trip home.

Itinerary and programme changes:

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.

Fuel surcharge:

A fuel surcharge, which may apply due to the sharp rise in fuel prices, is not included in the cruise price and must be paid in cash on arrival on board the ship. We will inform you of the amount of the surcharge, if any, approx. 4 weeks before arrival.