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Germany

Germany: Aschaffenburg – Bamberg or Bamberg – Aschaffenburg

Main river and Bavaria
Aschaffenburg One way tour. Possible in both directions. Bamberg
From €1199 p.p.
Aschaffenburg-Bamberg
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Germany: Aschaffenburg – Bamberg or Bamberg – Aschaffenburg

Highlights of this tour

The Main valley tour is a friendly, gentle bike tour along the flat land of the river through the ever changing countryside of the Bavarian region, famous for the good wines and many historic towns and villages. Absolute highlight of the tour is the city of Bamberg a UNESCO World Heritage City that not only embodies a thousand years of art and culture, but also remains vibrant and young at heart. The bike tour follows the river, encountering many traditional half-timbered houses within the various small villages. The region of […]

Biking in River Main’s idyllic vineyards

Visit UNESCO-listed Bamberg & Würzburg

Taste fine Bavarian wines

Barge with max. 20 passengers

Guidance
  • Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
  • Independent cycling: No tour leader, the ships’ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling
guidance Independent cycling
Difficulty
  • Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain
  • Level 2: quite easy tours, mostly flat terrain
  • Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain
  • Level 4: for experienced cyclists, hilly terrain with climbs
Difficulty level 1 Difficulty level 1
Duration of the tour.
tijd2 Created with Sketch.
8 days

About this tour

The Main valley tour is a friendly, gentle bike tour along the flat land of the river through the ever changing countryside of the Bavarian region, famous for the good wines and many historic towns and villages. Absolute highlight of the tour is the city of Bamberg a UNESCO World Heritage City that not only embodies a thousand years of art and culture, but also remains vibrant and young at heart. The bike tour follows the river, encountering many traditional half-timbered houses within the various small villages. The region of Bavaria will impress you with its wealth of idyllic vineyards as you sail to the tranquil town of Hassfurt, where many 15th and 16th century monuments are of note. The lively little town of Kitzingen is a wine trade center. It has a reputation for producing some unique and flavorful white wines. The trek to the wine town of Volkach is filled with picturesque rolling vineyards, orchards and quiet river meadows. Historic Marktbreit is one of the region’s most beautiful villages with splendid houses and narrow alleys. The tour will also bring you to Würzburg, Germany’s Baroque city where you will visit the Residenz Palace and gardens in rococo style, listed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. And then there is Aschaffenburg where you can visit the famous Johannisburg.

The ship – Your sailing hotel
In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own if you mention it when booking (on request).

Prepare yourself for this tour with our Travel Prep-tips

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Day to day program Aschaffenburg to Bamberg

Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.

Schedule/timetable: the schedule and programme are always subject to change. • If a certain route cannot be taken due to high or low tides, the Skipper retains the right to change the route for reasons of safety without this constituting any legal entitlement to a claim.

Day 1: Embarkation: Aschaffenburg

Individual arrival and embarkation from 4 p.m. in Aschaffenburg, where you will stay for the night. After a welcome by the captain, crew and tour leader there is time for a walking tour town. The tranquil university-city is located at the foot of the Spessart and offers numerous magnificent buildings. Johannisburg Castle, build with red sandstone, is one of the most important and most beautiful Renaissance buildings in Germany. The lively center with narrow streets offers many half-timbered houses and numerous wine bars and cafes.

Day 2: Aschaffenburg – Freudenberg (Approx. 48 km/28.8 mi)

Your first bike ride leads from Aschaffenburg along the river. Shortly before you reach Bürgstadt/Miltenberg, you can cycle either on the right or left side of the river Main. The floodplain forest between Nilkheim and Niedernheim is pleasant to ride on in the summer. You will cycle on the “planet-cycle track” from Kleinwallstadt to Erlenbach. Along this track you will find information about the universe. All along the river you will find benches or rest areas where you can rest or even take a swim. You spend the night on board the ship in Freudenberg, located about 10 km/6 mi. from Miltenberg. High above the Main river and the town of Freudenberg, Freudenburg Castle is enthroned at the foot of the Franconian Odenwald forest.

Day 3: Freudenberg – Wertheim | Wertheim – Lohr (Approx. 40 – 45 km/24-27 mi)

During a relaxing breakfast, the ship brings you to Wertheim, which has a castle with the same name as a landmark. The historical market place, with what probably is the narrowest house of the Franconian land, is the center of town.  From here, your bike tour starts through the typical landscape of the Main. There is much to see on the route to Lohr. Typical for the beautiful old town are the historic Franconian timbered buildings. Lohr am Main is the gateway to the lower Spessart mountains. Some people say it was the place where Snowwhite used to live…. Buildings like the castle Lohr (Kurzmainer Schloss) emphasize the enchanting character of the city.

Day 4: Lohr – Karlstadt |  Karlstadt – Wurzburg (Approx. 30 km/18 mi)

In the morning your will join the barge to Karlstadt first and start biking from there. The romance of an old town and the idyll of a village – Karlstadt has both. Explore the more than 800 year old buildings in the by walls, towers and Gates surrounded old town. Enjoy the relaxing bike tour to Wurzburg, where you will meet the ship again in the afternoon. For sure you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Residenz Palace, with its palace gardens and square. But there is much more to see and do. You may also enjoy the magnificent view from the fortress Marienburg and don’t forget to walk the 180-metre long Old Main Bridge, which is lined with impressive statues of saints.

Day 5: Wurzburg – Kitzingen (Approx. 40 km/24 mi)

Today you will cycle along the main cycle track from Wurzburg through the fruitful Ochsenfurt district to Ochsenfurt with its lance tower that is worth seeing and through the historic village Marktbreit with its fine residences to Kitzingen. In this city wine growing is a big thing. In Kitzingen you will also find the German Fastnachtsmuseum (carnival museum). Here you will get an impression of the history of carnival; you will also find information about the medieval Franconian customs. In Kitzingen, the old and former beer breweries have changed to wine production, as the historic cellar equipment will show you.

Day 6: Kitzingen – Dettelbach |  (Kitzingen -) Dettelbach – Schweinfurt (Approx. 40 – 60 km/24 – 36 mi)

In the morning the Allure sails to Dettelbach, you can join the ship on this stage or you can start the bike tour from Kitzingen. From Dettelbach your bike tour goes through the vineyards to Volkach. Here it is worth visiting the pilgrimage church of St. Maria in Weingarten. Then you go on to Fahr, where a welcome notice in the form of a wine bottle greets you, via the Volkach loop in the Main river – here the valley becomes narrower and narrower and the vineyards more and more numerous – to Schweinfurt.

Day 7: Schweinfurt – Haßfurt | Haßfurt – Bamberg (Approx. 35 – 40 km/21 – 24 mi)

First you will cruise with the ship to Haßfurt.  Afterwards you cycle via Zeil am Main, unique, exactly located on the borderline between the Franconian wine and beer country – to Bamberg. Like Rome, the city was built on seven hills and one therefore likes to call it the “Franconian Rome”. Experience the fascinating heritage of world culture. The fishermen’s quarter of “Little Venice”, a row of residences from the 17th century, is also worth seeing. If you like beer, you have to drink a nice cool beer here. There are still eleven independent breweries in the city!

We advise you to stay in Bamberg one or more extra days, so that you will have plenty of time to discover this UNESCO World Heritage City that not only embodies a thousand years of art and culture, but also remains vibrant and young at heart.

Day 8: Disembarkation: Bamberg

Disembarkation after breakfast until 9 a.m. End of your trip.

Good to know
  • Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
  • On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
  • If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
  • The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
  • On the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11.00 am.

Day to day program Bamberg to Aschaffenburg

Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.

Schedule/timetable: the schedule and programme are always subject to change. • If a certain route cannot be taken due to high or low tides, the Skipper retains the right to change the route for reasons of safety without this constituting any legal entitlement to a claim.

Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.

Schedule/timetable: the schedule and programme are always subject to change. • If a certain route cannot be taken due to high or low tides, the Skipper retains the right to change the route for reasons of safety without this constituting any legal entitlement to a claim.

Day 1: Embarkation: Bamberg

Individual arrival and embarkation as from 4 p.m. in Bamberg, where you will stay for the night. Like Rome, the city was built on seven hills and one therefore likes to call it the “Franconian Rome”. If you arrive early, you may still have the time to experience the fascinating heritage of world culture. The fishermen’s quarter of “Little Venice”, a row of residences from the 17th century, is also worth seeing. If you like beer, you have to drink a nice cool beer here. There are still eleven independent breweries in the city!

Day 2: Bamberg – Haßfurt | Haßfurt – Schweinfurt (30-40 km/18-24 mi.)

Today you will start sailing to Haßfurt with it’s beautiful historic inner town. It is situated between two nature area’s and you will find several interesting religious buildings over here, like the late Gothic “Ridderkapel” (Knight’s chapel) and the parochian church with paintings of Tilman Riemenschneider. From here, you will continue cycling. The tour will take you to the former emperor’s city of Schweinfurt.

Day 3: Schweinfurt – Stammheim – Kitzingen (32 km/19 mi. or 60 km/36 mi.)

Today’s cycling tour will take you to Kitzingen. In this historical wine trading city you will also find the German Fastnachtsmuseum (carnival museum). Here you will get an impression of the history of carnival; you will find information about the medieval Franconian customs too in this museum. In Kitzingen, the old and former beer breweries have changed to wine production, as the historic cellar equipment will show you. Some of the Kitzinger restaurants serve typical Franconian dishes like Sauerbraten mit Kloß (beefstew and potatoes) or Karfpen Blau (fish). If you prefer to cycle a short tour, you can sail till Stammheim and start cycling from there.

Day 4: Kitzingen – Würzburg (40 km/24 mi.)

Würzburg, homing several points of interest, is awaiting you at the end of today’s tour. Visit the Würzburg Residenz, considered one of Germany’s most important castles, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage since 1981, enjoy the magnificent view from the fortress Marienburg or visit the Sint-Kilianusdom. Würzburg is the center of Franconian wines and is, due to the presence of several universities, also lively in the evening.

Day 5: Würzburg – Karlstadt | Karlstadt – Lohr (30 km/18 mi.)

In the morning the Allure cruises  to Karlstadt, where you will arrive around 10.30 hr. The romance of an old town and the idyll of a village – Karlstadt has both. Explore the more than 800 year old buildings in the by walls, towers and Gates surrounded old town. From Karlstadt you will cycle to Lohr am Main, your goal of today. Typical for the beautiful old town are the historic Franconian timbered buildings. Lor am Main is the gateway to the lower Spessart mountains. Some people say it was the place where Snowwhite used to live…. Buildings like the castle Lohr (Kurzmainer Schloss) emphasize the enchanting character of the city.

Day 6: Lohr – Wertheim | Wertheim – Freudenberg (30 km/18 mi.)

In the morning you will cruise with the ship from Lohr tot Wertheim, which has a castle with the same name as a landmark. The historical market place, with what probably is the narrowest house of the Franconian land, is the center of town. Here starts today’s bike tour to Freudenberg. High above the Main river and the town of Freudenberg, Freudenburg Castle is enthroned at the foot of the Franconian Odenwald forest. Freudenburg is well known among castle connoisseurs for its striking keep.

Day 7: Freudenberg – Aschaffenburg (50 km/30 mi.)

The highlight of today’s bicycle tour is Miltenberg with its 1200 built Mildenburg. You will cycle on the “Kosmosradweg”(planet-cycle track) from Erlenbach to Kleinwallstadt. Along this track you will find information about the universe. The floodplain forest between Nilkheim and Niedernheim is pleasant to ride on in the summer. All along the river you will find benches or rest areas where you can rest or even take a swim. Your destination for today is the beautiful and quiet university city of Afschaffenburg, which offers numerous magnificent buildings. Johannisburg Castle, built with red sandstone, is one of the most important and most beautiful Renaissance buildings in Germany. The lively center with narrow streets offers many half-timbered houses and numerous wine bars and cafes.

Day 8: Disembarkation: Aschaffenberg

After breakfast: disembarkation till 9 a.m. and end of the tour.

Good to know
  • Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
  • On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
  • If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
  • The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
  • On the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11.00 am.

Prices & availability

To view the availability of this tour and/or book online please click on the button below. A new screen will open.


Prices & information

Pricing overview - 2024
Cabin type For all dates
Twin cabin 2 pers. € 1199 Twin cabin (French bed) for single use (only 1) 1 pers. € 1559
Included in this tour
  • 8 days/7 nights
  • Program according to itinerary
  • Full board-Plus-Arrangement:
    7 x breakfast buffet
    Packed lunches or noontime snack
    7 x 3-course dinner
    Coffee and tea on board during breakfast and in the afternoon
  • Welcome drink
  • Use of bed linen and towels
  • Daily cleaning of the cabin
  • Daily briefings by the skipper (board tour guide, German speaking)
  • Maps and information material (German) for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
  • Use of a helmet (2 per cabin)
  • Wi-Fi
  • Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit
Excluded in this tour
  • Drinks
  • Coffee and tea on board at other hours
  • Bicycle rental or E-bike rental including pannier bag
  • Personal insurances
  • Gratuities (at your discretion)
  • Entrance fees and excursions
  • City maps
  • Fees for ferries
  • Transfers to/from the docking place
  • Parking fees
  • SGR Insolvency protection
SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person - will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)
Bicycles/E-Bikes
  • The bicycles on board are touring/trekking bikes of the brand Velo de Ville with 7 speed and handbrakes, a lock and pannier bag.
  • E-Bikes: The e-bike is a Velo de Ville with Nexus 7 gears, 4 support levels and hand breaks only (or a comparable brand/model). E-bikes available on request, limited stock, pending availability.
  • Due to the limited space on the sundeck, bringing your own bike/e-bike is only possible on request and only to a limited extent.
Additional options & information - 2024
  • Rental bicycle: € 89 per week/person (with hand brakes or backpedal brakes)
  • Rental E-Bike: € 199 per week/person (with hand brakes or backpedal brakes, only on request, limited number of e-bikes available, early bookings strongly recommended.
  • Helmets: We recommend that you wear a bicycle helmet. Please bring your own bicycle helmet (not available on board).
  • Own bicycles/E-bikes: € 29 (only on request and limited available)
  • Information material cycling tours: Only available in German, but the crew speaks English and is willing to explain the tour in English. The cycling tracks are well signposted.

 

Transfer by train:
Between Aschaffenburg and Bamberg, there is a good train connection. Please visit one of the following websites for timetables, tickets or more information www.omio.com or www.trainline.eu.

Parking possibilities (subject to change, stand May 2023):

  • Aschaffenburg: Parking Luitpoldstraße: Luitpoldstraße 9, approx. €10/day
  • Bamberg: Tiefgarage Centrum-Nord/Georgendamm 2a (walking distance to docking place), approx. €15/day or Park & Ride on the outskirts of the city with low parking rates, cheap tickets and quick bus links to the center (for example: P&R Heinrichsdamm).

 

Minimum number of participants: 18 guests (must have been reached within 21 days prior to departure).

Partner tour:
Legal notice: Boat Bike Tours is not the organizing operator, but the travel agent for this tour; this is a so called ‘partner tour’, available on request. Tour operator is: SE Tours GmbH, Bremerhaven, Germany.



Reviews

based on 8 reviews on
4 Jul 2022

Marylise Ballarin-Devins

Captain, mate and waitress perfect. Always smiling and available. Boat was OK also. Sometimes the route was a bit short, but all the villages and cities were absolutely great and magnificient to visit. The route was sometimes beside the road ans this is a bit noising.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 21 Jul 2022

We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your trip! Hope to see you soon again. Team Boat Bike Tours

10 Aug 2019

Cherie Cadd

At the end of May 2019 20 cycling friends from Perth and Portland Oregon boarded the Allure in Bamberg For an 8 day trip to Aschaffenburg. The moment we boarded we were made to feel welcome by the crew. We were all in our 50’s, 60,s and 70’s and one was 80 who rode every day ! Martien the Captain, Alv our chef extraordinaire, Lea our bike guide, Angeline who helped all the crew and Krys the deckhand. Every staff member went out of their way to make our trip special. The meals that Alv prepared for us every day were outstanding and varied, in fact some of the best meals we had while travelling through Germany. Every day was fun filled cycling through the glorious German countryside with our friends and at the end of the day a welcome drink, coffee, tea and cake. The scenery of all the little towns we visited were very beautiful and the area we biked through was mostly flat. A couple of ladies didn’t ride and so we enjoyed relaxing days on the deck of the Allure reading books, enjoying the wonderful scenery we passed and even managed a few walking laps around the boat! We have now embarked on 2 trip with Eurosail with our cycling friends, this trip from Bamberg to Aschaffenberg and in 2014 from Brugge to Amsterdam. The cabins with our own en-suite are more than big enough for the short amount of time you spend in there and We can thoroughly recommend you travel with Eurosail. It’s a great way to spend quality time with family and friends without having to pack and unpack every night. Russ & Cherie, Perth, West Australia

13 Jul 2019

Eva Connell

Crew was very nice and caring that all went smooth for us passengers. Food was great too.

2 Jul 2019

Robert Bruce MacPherson

Friendly crew, great food,good itinerary.


Available ships for this tour

Boutique ship Allure Germany, Netherlands

Optional childrens’ bed

Openable windows in cabins

Reading corner

Covered sun deck

max. 20 passengers
10 cabins
3 tours available with this ship

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Germany: Aschaffenburg – Bamberg or Bamberg – Aschaffenburg

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