Main River Cruises

The Main River (pronounced like "mine"), winds through central Germany and is the most significant eastern tributary of the Rhine River, meeting at the town of Mainz.

With the use of locks, the Main River has also been joined with the Danube River through the Main-Danube Canal since 1992. This important 106-mile long waterway makes travel from the North Sea to the Black Sea possible, creating a link through 15 countries.

The Main River flows west through the German states of Bavaria, Baden-Wurttemberg and Hesse. The largest cities along the Main are Frankfurt, Offenbach, Wertheim and Wurzburg.

Cruise the Main from modern Mainz and Frankfurt to traditional medieval Bavarian towns among shorelines of wooded forests, vineyards, picturesque castles, and quaint villages that produce wine and leather goods.

Frankfurt, Germany, often called the world's "smallest metropolis," is Germany's financial center and known for its skyline of 50 skyscrapers. Sever bombing during World War II left most of the city in ruins, and modern Frankfurt was slowly rebuilt. Frankfurt can be visited on a Rhine, Danube and Main River cruise.

Founded in the 10th century, Wurzburg served as the home of powerful prince-bishops for many centuries. It is also home to one of the oldest churches in Germany, built in the 8th century. The city was virtually destroyed during World War II but most of the historic buildings have been restored.

Along the way, explore storybook villages with captivating history and breathtaking views. A Main River cruise displays the area's natural beauty, rich history and enduring culture.