Main River Cruises

The Main river flows through the heart of Germany from modern, densely populated Mainz to more traditional medieval Bavarian towns lined with lovely forests and small towns and dotted with hilltop castles and churches.  Choose from 2,284 river cruises along the Main river travelling with Europe's leading river cruise lines.

Quick Search

Search 2,284 river cruise departures along the Main

Popular River Cruises

23 Days Amsterdam to Bucharest

Operator: Viking River Cruises

From 16,263pp
Save 400pp

6 Days Frankfurt to Nuremberg

Operator: Avalon River Cruises

From 4,484pp
Save 750pp

8 Days Frankfurt to Nuremberg

Operator: Uniworld River Cruises

From 5,789pp
Save 2,196pp

6 Days Frankfurt to Nuremberg

Operator: Avalon River Cruises

From 4,853pp
Save 836pp

The Main River

Map of the Main River

Where does the Main River start & finish?

The Main River originates from two sources: the Red Main and the White Main, which merge near the town of Kulmbach in Germany. The river flows westward, ultimately joining the Rhine River at the city of Mainz. The Main spans a total length of approximately 525 km's (326 miles).

Architectural Timeline

Cruising the Main River offers a journey through architectural history. From the medieval structures in Bamberg to the modern skyscrapers of Frankfurt, you'll witness an evolving skyline as you sail along.

Beer & Smoked Fish

The Main passes through Bamberg, known for its smoked beer (Rauchbier) and smoked fish. Many cruises offer culinary excursions that give you a taste of these local specialities, something some of us might pass on!

Art & Culture in Würzburg

This city along the Main is home to the Würzburg Residenz, a baroque palace with the world's largest ceiling fresco. An excursion here is often a highlight, offering a glimpse into the opulence of 18th-century German nobility.

Popular starting ports for cruising the Main River

Frankfurt and Nuremberg serve as popular points of departure or arrival for a Main River cruise.

From the North Sea to the Black Sea

The Main River is that it is part of the Main-Danube Canal system, which makes it possible to travel by river from the North Sea to the Black Sea. What's surprising is that this ambitious idea dates back to Charlemagne in the early 9th century. The modern canal was only completed in 1992, fulfilling a concept that was over a thousand years in the making.

River Cruise Operators on the Main River Featured Operators

Emerald Cruises
Viking
APT

Discover

Must Do Experiences and Highlights
Miltenberg Miltenberg
Step into a storybook and journey through rich medieval history with a visit to Gothic St. Jakobus Church, Miltenberg Castle with its panoramic views, or Miltenberg's vibrant Market Square.
Würzburg Würzburg
Marvel at iconic landmarks such as Marienberg Fortress with its sweeping city vistas or UNESCO-listed Würzburg Residence. Perhaps even sample a drop of vintage from the surrounding Franconian wine region.
Rothenburg Rothenburg
With its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, Rothenberg is a Bavarian medieval gem. Visit the Crime Museum, or explore the Marktplatz, Gothic town hall and iconic clock tower.
Bamberg Bamberg
Visit Bamberg's Old Town Hall and find yourself in the middle of a bridge! Admire the fusion of architecture at Bamberg Cathedral, or wet your whistle with some 'Rauchbier' - a smoke-flavoured beer.
Nuremberg Nuremberg
Integral to our modern history, Zeppelin Field and the Palace of Justice are some noteworthy WWII sites to visit during your time in Nuremberg. Or choose to explore more medieval marvels at Nuremberg Castle.

Latest Reviews

What our clients are saying about their journeys along the Main
A wonderful holiday despite difficult circumstances European Gems , NSW, Australia, Jul 2026
We planned and booked this holiday over 12 months ago and were impressed by the quality of service provided by Tracey Standing at Global Journeys. Nothing was too much trouble even when a small war started on our route to Europe threatening to prevent our getting there. Tracey was able to book us alternate flights, taking us around the world the other read more way (via Canada), as a contingency plan then was able to get our money back when we didn't actually need them.

The Travelmarvel cruise was an excellent product too. Their staff were all highly skilled and very effective at working around difficult circumstances. Due to low water levels in the Rhine/Danube river system we were unable to make the full journey on a single ship and ended up traveling on four different ships with buses shuttling us between navigable portions of the rivers. In many ways we probably managed to see more of Europe than we would normally see just from the river. Through the efforts of our Cruise Director Bernadett we covered every one of the locations we were booked to see and there was a sound clear plan and effective control measures every time we had to relocate. (With over 150 passengers that adds up to a lot of cats to herd). I would go on a similar Global Journeys/Travelmarvel trip again in a heartbeat without any concerns about what fate throws at us. (I might wait until it rains again in Europe though.)
Emerald Rhine and Danube river cruise Splendours of Europe , New Zealand, Jul 2026
We travelled the last 2 weeks of July as river levels were dropping, but Emerald were magnificent in ensuring we completed the trip, accommodating us on 3 different ships so we missed very little of the programme. Facilities and food were top class, the organization faultless, all worked tirelessly and at considerable trouble and expense. Our cruise read more Director Patricia and Activities Manager Sophie stayed with us throughout and worked so hard to look after us, and Tracey from Global Journeys kept in touch. We have never cruised in any form before and may never again, but we certainly won't forget it.
Eastern Block and River cruise   Eastern Bloc with Magnificent Europe , QLD, Australia, Jun 2026
APT is definitely a luxury company - accommodation, meals, staff were all exceptional. Mostly Australians and New Zealanders on our 2 tours which made it easy for us to assimilate and find discussion topics with like-minded people. Our tour guides were also exceptional - very helpful, tolerant and accommodating. This was our first journey with APT and read more we would go with this travel company again.

Global Journeys provided timely updates and information and Mandy was also quick with responses to questions and provided the tactful “prod” we needed to get organized for our trip. It’s too easy to let things slide when you are flat strap with daily business but Mandy was diligent in reminding us of things that needed to be done. Loved the “check list” provided.

Name badges: I could have sworn I packed them but they weren’t in the bag when we opened them in Prague. Some travellers didn’t receive them before they left Australia. I would have preferred that APT gave us the name badges at the welcoming event in Prague. The staff on the cruise ship did prove us with one when we asked.
Fantastic River Cruise Jewels of Europe , AB, Canada, Jun 2026
The trip was everything the advertised and more. Staff was excellent, room as advertised and food and beverage service was excellent. Rita is Celiac and they took great care of her. Absolutely no complaints.
One of our very best holidays   Grand European Tour , VIC, Australia, May 2026
After doing several ocean cruises, we did our first river cruise and it will not be the last. We really enjoyed the 15 days on the Danube and Rhine, sailing from Budapest to Amsterdam. Got to know most of the 180 odd passengers on the cruise and they were very friendly, outgoing and supportive. Cruising along the scenic Wachau Valley and the Mid-Rhine read more wine growing area and castles along the rivers were spectacular. The cruise staff took good care of us and obliged to all our requests.
Jewels of Europe Jewels of Europe , AB, Canada, May 2026
Scenic Jade. Amsterdam to Budapest amazing , spectacular, 5 star service. For our very first ever cruise this five cruise was exceptional. Our tour host Richard was fantastic from organizing tours to entertaining guests answering questions. Fantastic. Everyone was friendly and accommodating with all our needs and want through our whole journey. read more Food was top notch with a different dinner selection every night. Worth every dollar spent. Highly recommend this all inclusive river cruise.