Main River Cruises
To cruise the River Main is to experience quintessential Germany at its very best; a truly picture-postcard landscape of perfectly medieval villages with quaint timber-framed houses set against a backdrop of rolling hillsides, dotted with ancient castles awaits along the banks of this magical river. Quietly winding its way across Central Germany, over wide plains and through lush valleys before meeting up with the romantic Rhine at charmingly pretty Mainz in the very heart of the country’s wineland region, this is the longest river located entirely in Germany.
Although the region’s Golden Age didn’t arrive until much later, Celtic architecture dating back to 1000BC can be found along its shores and by the Roman Empire, settlements along the Main were flourishing. As time wore on it became a critical trade route for the expanding Empire and even Charlemagne himself, left his mark here, investing in canal construction and erecting the mighty 8th century cathedral in Wurzburg. During World War II, the cities along the Main were especially hard hit – by the end of the war the cities of Wurzburg, Frankfurt and Mainz were all but destroyed – Bamberg remains one of the few cities in Germany that survived the bombings because of its close proximity to an artillery factory that prevented planes from getting near it.
After decades of planning and construction, the Main-Danube Canal finally opened in 1992 which connects the Main and the Danube Rivers. Beginning in the beautiful city of Bamberg and ending in Kelheim on the mighty Danube, this engineering feat allows both passenger ships and smaller commercial vessels to travel between the North and Black Seas.
Free Superior drinks package with 2024 European river cruises
Enjoy a free Superior drinks package on all 2024 European river cruises. Fall in love with some of the world's most scenic rivers, passing charming landscapes and cityscapes. Add to that a well-timed, well-chosen glass of wine or classic cocktail (best enjoyed at sunset, up on deck) – and the temptation becomes too great to resist.
With lunch in our restaurants:
- Red, white, rosé and sparkling house wine, including non-alcoholic
- Draught beer, including non-alcoholic
- A selection of soft drinks and juices
From 6pm to midnight in our bars and restaurants, all of the above plus:
- Our cocktail and mocktail of the day
- House spirits and mixers (gin, vodka, rum and whisky)
- A recommended regional wine during dinner
- Martini & Sherry pre-dinner
- Port & Brandy after dinner
View more about our Superior drinks package.
8 days starting from $6949pp
Solo Traveller River Cruise
