Elin’s Experience on the Medieval Germany: Bavaria & the Romantic Road River Cruise
Back at the end of August, I had the opportunity to sail on the 8-day Riviera Travel river cruise itinerary titled Medieval Germany: Bavaria & the Romantic Road, which journeys along the scenic Main River and via the Main-Danube Canal towards Nuremberg and beyond.
The route winds through medieval towns and baroque cities, and I had so much fun exploring each stop. Every day brought something different, whether it was wandering cobbled streets, trying local treats or soaking up the views from the ship.
MS George Eliot
The MS George Eliot feels more like a stylish little boutique hotel than a river ship, which makes sailing on her a real pleasure. She’s modern, bright and beautifully finished, with a relaxed atmosphere that suits long, easy days on the river. The lounge is a lovely spot to settle in with a drink while watching the scenery drift by, and the restaurant serves great food without feeling formal. Cabins are surprisingly spacious, with everything you need for a comfortable stay, and the upper-deck suites offer brilliant views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Up on the sun deck, there’s plenty of space to unwind, whether you prefer a shady seat or a lounger in the sunshine. Overall, the ship strikes a great balance between comfort and laid-back elegance, making it an enjoyable base for exploring Europe’s rivers.
What made this itinerary so special?
From the outset, the cruise delivered a rich combination of history, culture and relaxed river elegance. The smaller scale of the ship along the Main meant we could dock right in central towns, giving our guests easy access to old town squares, half-timbered houses and riverside cafes. The variety of destinations ranged from wine-growing Mainz to the preserved medieval splendour of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, and onward to the grand elegance of Würzburg.
Highlights
Mainz & the Rhine: A lovely place to kick things off, with the cathedral and riverside setting giving the trip a great first feel.
Miltenberg & Wertheim: These stops felt like walking into storybook villages, with quiet squares, pretty buildings and castles watching over everything.
Würzburg: The Residenz was even more impressive in person, and the riverside made it easy to take things at a gentler pace.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber: This was one of my favourites, full of cobbled lanes, medieval walls and a proper fairy-tale atmosphere.
Bamberg: A beautiful mix of history, winding streets and riverside views that made exploring really enjoyable.
Nuremberg: A brilliant final stop, with plenty to see and a lively centre that brought the whole journey together.
On-board Experience & Service
The ship offered full-board dining, guided excursions and seamless transfers. The pace was comfortable, with time built in for lounge-side relaxing and on-deck views of the riverbanks. Later in the cruise, navigating the low bridges and locks of the Main-Danube Canal reminded me of the distinct logistics of river cruising—which I found really interesting!
A Smooth and Stress-Free Gluten-Free Experience On Board
I was really impressed by how well Riviera handled my gluten allergy during the trip. The crew quickly learned what I needed, and they always checked in with me before each meal. Options were explained clearly, which made everything feel straightforward rather than awkward. There were always several gluten-free dishes available, so I never felt limited or like I was missing out. Their attention to detail made dining on board much easier and far more enjoyable.
This trip really reminded me why the Main and Danube region is such an enjoyable place to explore. The mix of relaxed river days, fascinating towns and great service made the whole journey feel effortless. Experiencing it first-hand gave me a much better sense of what the holiday offers!
