Aschaffenburg to Bamberg
Germany Bike + Boat Tours
Cycling in Bavaria!
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length8 days
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Prices from€1630 Rates
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Overview
This bike and boat tour in Germany showcases Northern Bavaria, the heart of old Germany and the ancient kingdom of Franconia.
The bike path along the Main River is rated 5-stars by the German Federation of Cyclists and showcases all the history, culture, art, and architecture along this peaceful river.
Climbing vineyards and half-timbered houses, once-majestic castles and small villages complete your trek through this gentle valley.
Highlights
- Würzburg and the castle gardens
- Bamberg and visit to the Duomo
- Fishermen's quarter of "Little Venice"
- Franconian wine (or beer!)
- Cycling the Main River bike path
- BEER!
Don't forget to check out all our bike tours in Germany!
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Itinerary
Aschaffenburg to Bamberg
Day 1: Aschaffenburg - Miltenberg
Day 2: Miltenberg - Freudenberg - Marktheidenfeld, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Marktheidenfeld - Karlstadt, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Karlstadt - Würzburg, 16 mi. (25 km)
Day 5: Würzburg - Kitzingen, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Kitzingen - Volkach - Hassfurt, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Hassfurt - Konigsberg in Bayern - Bamberg, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 8: BambergDay 1: Aschaffenburg to Miltenburg
Embarkation at 1:30 pm followed by immediate departure to Miltenberg. For this reason, it is recommended to book an extra night before your tour to visit the Johannisburg Castle. The massive four-winged complex, built from 1605 to 1614 under Archbishop-Elector Johann Schweikard von Kronberg, is one of the most important examples of palace architecture from the German Renaissance era. You can also visit the Pompejanum, an idealized replica of a Roman Village, build in the 19th century. As the boat navigates toward Miltenberg, you will have a welcome speech and tour presentation, including crew introductions, a safety presentation, and welcome drink. Dinner will be enjoyed as you sail. After the boat moors in Miltenberg, you can join the guide for a city walk. This city has a certain charm due to its meandering streets and alleys, old restored half-timber houses, and the monumental market square. Here, you can enjoy a local beer in one of the cozy pubs or on the terraces.Day 2: Miltenberg - Freudenberg - Marktheidenfeld, 31 mi. (50 km)
During a relaxing breakfast, the barge brings you to Freudenberg. First, you bike through the typical landscape of the Main to Wertheim, where the character of an old Frankish is preserved. There is much to see on the route to Marktheidenfeld, a beautiful old town with historic buildings and Franconian timbered houses.Day 3: Marktheidenfeld - Karlstadt, 31 mi. (50 km)
Today you bike through a very beautiful part of the Main valley first to Lohr am Main and its Gothic and Baroque buildings. Then the bike tour goes to Gemünden, another charming village along the river. Today's destination is the Romantic old town of Karlstadt. Explore the more than 800-year-old buildings in the by walls, towers and Gates surrounded old town.Day 4: Karlstadt - Würzburg, 16 mi. (25 km)
Today offers a shorter bike tour, which gives ample time to visit the town of Würzburg. Würzburg's famous landmarks are the UNESCO World Heritage Residenz Palace, with its palace gardens and square, the Marienberg Citadel, and the 180-meter-long Old Main Bridge, which is lined with impressive statues of saints. Straddling the banks of the Main river amid idyllic vineyards, the location alone is reason enough to visit Würzburg. Another reason is the local wine served in Bocksbeutel bottles, whose characteristic flattened round shape has become a trademark for the entire region. Today there is no dinner on board. You can select one of the local restaurants of Würzburg.Day 5: Würzburg - Kitzingen, 37 mi. (57 km)
Today you will cycle along the Main cycle track from Wurzburg through the fruitful Ochsenfurt district to Ochsenfurt with its lance tower that is definitely worth seeing. Cycle through the historic village Marktbreit with its fine residences to Kitzingen.
Kitzingen has a reputation for producing some unique and flavorful white wines. Producers in the area use a distinctive wine bottle called a Bocksbeutel, which has a short neck and a wide body.Day 6: Kitzingen - Volkach - Hassfurt 31 mi. (50 km)
Via the wine-growing areas of Dettelbach and Schwarzach am Main you cycle first to Volkach. Here it is worth visiting the pilgrimage church of St. Maria in Weingarten. Then you go on Fahr via the Volkach loop in the Main river. Here the valley becomes narrower and narrower and the vineyards more and more numerous. From Schweinfurt, you will join the barge for a sailing dinner to Hassfurt.Day 7: Hassfurt – Bamberg, 22 mi. (35 km)
Hassfurt is famous for the late gothic Ritter chapel and the church full of valuable paintings such as ‘John the Baptist’ and ‘Maria with Child’ by artist Tilmann Riemenschneider. The easy option today follows the bike path along the river again to Bamberg. You can take the beautiful route through the hills to Konigsberg in Bayern. This medieval town is a romantic Franconian town right out of a picture book. It’s protected historic center with half-timbered houses is a hidden gem, embedded in a countryside of forests, valleys, and hills. From Zeil am Main you will follow the river again to the final destination, Bamberg.
Bamberg often referred to as Little Venice, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its authentic medieval appearance. It is home to such wonders as the Bamberg Cathedral, a late Romanesque building with four impressive towers. This houses the world-famous Bamberg Horseman, an equestrian statue that inspired such poets as Stefan George and Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg. Bamberg is also famous for brewing the best beer in Germany.
Day 8: Bamberg
Departure after breakfast.Bamberg to Aschaffenburg
Day 1: Bamberg - Hassfurt
Day 2: Hassfurt - Schweinfurt -Volkach
Day 3: Volkach - Kitzingen - Eibelstadt
Day 4: Eibelstadt - Würzburg
Day 5: Karlstadt - Marktheidenfeld
Day 6: Marktheidenfeld - Wertheim - Miltenberg
Day 7: Miltenberg - Aschaffenburg
Day 8: Aschaffenburg*Daily mileage is between 25 and 30 miles a day.
Day 1: Bamberg - Haßfurt
Wow, Bamberg! The entire old town is a UNESCO site. After exploring, you might need to quench your thirst. Take your pick from 9 breweries and 50 beer varieties in Bamberg alone. Once the seat of temporal and religious power in the 11th century, both an emperor and a pope are entombed here. The Imperial Cathedral showcases a wealth of art including the Bamberg Horseman, a medieval stone monument that (700 years later) inspired WWII resistance fighters like Claus von Stauffenberg, Hitler’s would-be assassin. Stop and smell the roses at the prince-bishops palace. There’s a lovely outdoor café overlooking the baroque gardens, tiled rooftops, and city church spires. The “island district” features the only town hall in the world straddling a river. For centuries, Bamberg cultivated and traded licorice root, the sweet plant that flavors candy. But even more famous are the city suds. Try the “smoked beer” from Schlenkerla Brewery. You’ll never forget your first sip.The IRIS will be waiting for you in the harbor at 1 pm. You will meet up with other travelers, your guide(s) and the crew on the barge and start sailing at approximately 3 pm. As you sail the River Main, you will enjoy your first dinner on board. Enjoy & settle in your home for the week!
Please be aware that visiting Bamberg is NOT part of our Program. We strongly recommend spending time in Bamberg before the start of your tour.
Day 2: Hassfurt - Schweinfurt -Volkach
You can opt for a beautiful route through the hills to Konigsberg in Bayern. This medieval town is a romantic Franconian town right out of a picture book. It’s protected historic center with half-timbered houses is a hidden gem, embedded in a countryside of forests, valleys, and hills. If you opt for staying along the river bike path, you will pass little wine villages and fruit gardens. Schweinfurt is a modern little town, with museums and galleries. The IRIS will be waiting there for another sailing dinner, the destination being one of the most attractive little villages on the Main river: Volkach.Day 3: Volkach - Kitzingen - Eibelstadt
You begin biking from Volkach, deep in the heart of Franconian wine country. Set atop the hill is a precious pilgrimage church called Maria in the Vineyard. Inside more hand-carvings by Riemenschneider and outside phenomenal photo-ops of the river valley and the river’s famed Oxbow, a great u-shape and perfect pitch for growing grapes. You arrive in Kitzingen with its cock-eyed watchtower. One silly legend (every village has one) recalls the tower built with a mortar and wine mixture. This region is the largest wine producer in Bavaria. After a stroll through Kitzingen, you will continue to cycle along Ochsenfurt and Marktbreit to Eibelstadt, a quiet place to dock for the night!Day 4: Eibelstadt - Würzburg
The destination today is Würzburg at only 10 km distance. Anytime you see the word “Burg” after a city name, it’s going to be good. Burg = fortress. The imposing landmark of this city is the fortress (Marienburg) on the hill. Home of the once-powerful prince-bishops with monumental views over their ecclesiastic fiefdom. Vineyards slope down to the city ever since the Middle Ages providing wealth and good libation for this ancient arch-diocese. Famous writer Goethe preferred white wines from Würzburg. When the old fortress was deemed out-modish, these religious overlords built themselves an entirely new Residenz in the 1700s. All the big names around Europe were called in to collaborate. Here you will enjoy a guided tour. Imagine puffy powdered wigs, corsets and cleavage, birdcage hats, pastel tones, and gilded excess. This palace is considered one of the finest examples in Germany and UNESCO-approved. Connected by a bridge of saintly personalities, Würzburg spans both sides of the river where a festive mood lingers into the night. It might have to do with being surrounded by grapevines and a university.Day 5: Würzburg - Karlstadt - Marktheidenfeld
An early morning sail brings you to Karlstadt, while having breakfast. Once on the bike, you skip from one medieval village to another, following the sweeping S-curves as the river weaves past Germany’s great beech and oak forest known as Spessart Woods “woodpecker hills” and Charlemagne’s imperial hunting grounds. Bandits and poachers roamed here for centuries looting caravans traveling on old salt and glass trade routes. It’s the Sherwood Forest of Germany. And it is magical. Germans revere their forests. The route leads to Lohr am Main, a town with a colorful past; the plague in 1666 and witch hunts... the legendary home of real characters in Grimm’s fairy tale Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. There will be much to see as you bike, castle ruins and dramatic rock formations. Overnight in Marktheidenfeld, in which, among other things, there’s good ice creamDay 6: Marktheidenfeld - Wertheim - Miltenberg
Today's destination is quintessential Miltenberg comes into sight. You’ll discover crooked cobblestone alleys, medieval watchtowers and a village that looks like an Advent calendar lit up at night. The view across the river is a 14th-century abbey cloaked in vineyards. Miltenberg is also home to Faust Beer and one of the oldest (continuously-operating) guesthouses in Germany. Since 1411, big names have stayed at Zum Riesen. Two of them are Napoléon and Elvis Presley! They would have eaten sausage, dumplings, potato salad too. The beer to wash it down comes from the brewery next door. Fresh and local. You’re in the heart of Germany and this is why you travel!Day 7: Miltenberg - Aschaffenburg
The Main River path leads you along to Kloster Engelberg, a still-functioning monastery, visited by walking quite some stairs…..with a Gastwirtschaft at the top and a great view on the river. At Park Schoenbusch you will find a classical English style Garden before you reach your final destination on this great tour: Aschaffenburg.Aschaffenburg was mentioned in a charter drawn up by Emperor Otto II in 974 BC, and bygone centuries have fortunately lived on in its architecture to this day. The most fascinating buildings are the Stiftsbasilika, which was first documented in the 10th century, and the unique Pompejanum. Built in the mid-19th century for Ludwig I of Bavaria in accordance with the excavation plans of the “Castor and Pollux” villa in Pompeii, this Roman villa now houses important exhibits from the Bavarian antique collection. Archbishop and elector Johann Schweikard von Kronberg bequeathed Johannisburg castle to Aschaffenburg, which is one of the most important Renaissance castles of the western world. Empress Maria-Theresia, Napoleon Bonaparte and many heads of state appreciated and enjoyed their hospitality of the castle’s owners.
Day 8: Aschaffenburg
Departure after breakfast.Bamberg to Aschaffenberg
Day 1: Bamberg
Day 2: Bamberg - Haßfurt | Haßfurt - Schweinfurt, 18 to 24 mi. (30-40 km)
Day 3: Schweinfurt - Stammheim - Kitzingen, 19 to 36 mi. (32 km to 60 km)
Day 4: Kitzingen - Würzburg, 24 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Würzburg - Karlstadt | Karlstadt - Lohr, 18 mi. (30 km)
Day 6: Lohr - Wertheim | Wertheim - Freudenberg, 18 mi. (30 km)
Day 7: Freudenberg - Aschaffenburg, 30 mi. (50 km)
Day 8: Aschaffenberg
Day 1: Bamberg
Welcome to Bamberg! Boarding begins at 2 pm and the boat stays in Bamberg overnight. Like Rome, Bamberg was built on seven hills. After being welcomed by the captain and crew, you have the opportunity to participate in a guided walk through the city. Worth seeing is the fishermen’s quarter of “Little Venice,” a row of residences from the 17th century. Bamberg, boasting of eleven independent local breweries, is a great place for a beer to toast your upcoming adventure!Day 2: Bamberg - Haßfurt | Haßfurt - Schweinfurt, 18 to 24 mi. (30-40 km)
The boat takes you to Haßfurt, an enchanting city with a historic old town and impressive religious buildings such as the late-Gothic Ridderkapel (“Knights’ Chapel”) and the parish church. From here, begin your first bike tour, passing through Zeil am Main. This town lies right on the boarder between Franconian wine country and beer country. The day’s cycle route ends at the former imperial city of Schweinfurt, located between two nature parks.Day 3: Schweinfurt - Stammheim - Kitzingen, 19 to 36 mi. (32 km to 60 km)
Kitzingen, a city known for its wine production, is today's destination. If you'd like to shorten today's bike ride, you can stay on the ship until Stammheim. Passing through beautiful vineyard landscapes in the widening river valley, you’ll reach Kitzingen, home to the Carnival Museum or Fastnachtsmuseum. Here you'll learn about the history of Carnival as well as medieval Franconian customs. The museum is in the Falterturm, whose leaning tower is a city landmark. The old beer breweries in Kitzingen are now wine producers, but the traces of the breweries are still visible in the historic cellars.Day 4: Kitzingen - Würzburg, 24 mi. (40 km)
Today's destination, Würzburg awaits you at the end of today’s route past fertile agricultural lands and historic villages. In Würzburg, visit the UNESCO-listed Residenz Palace, with its palace gardens, and take in the magnificent view from the Marienburg fortress. Visit St. Kilian’s Cathedral and stroll the Old Main Bridge, lined with statues of saints. Würzburg is a lively student town – soak in the atmosphere over a drink in the evening.Day 5: Würzburg - Karlstadt | Karlstadt - Lohr, 18 mi. (30 km)
During breakfast, the boat will cruise to Karlstadt. Arrival time is planned for around 10:30 am. Karlstadt welcomes you with its picturesque old town surrounded by towers, gates and walls. They date back to about 1200 AD. Leaving Karlstadt, you’ll take to the bike and make your way to the town of Lohr am Main, with its typical half-timbered architecture. It is said that Snow White lived here. The turrets of Lohr Castle (Kurzmainer Schloss) reinforce that impression.Day 6: Lohr - Wertheim | Wertheim - Freudenberg, 18 mi. (30 km)
This morning the boat takes you from Lohr to Wertheim, home to Wertheim Castle. The historical market square in the center of town includes what is probably the narrowest house in the Franconian region. Cycling begins in Wertheim and leads to Freudenberg. The ruins of the Freudeburg Castle can be seen high above the Main river and the town. The castle offers a spectacular view over the forest-covered foothills.Day 7: Freudenberg - Aschaffenburg, 30 mi. (50 km)
Today's highlight is Miltenberg town. The Mildenburg Castle, which towers above and has watched over the city since 1200, can be seen from a distance. which has watched over the city. While you cycle the Planeten-Radweg (Planet-Cycle Route) from Erlenbach to Kleinwallstadt, you can admire the scenery while also learning about our solar system! The shaded floodplain forest between Niedernheim and Nilkheim is a pleasant ride in the summer. The ship will be waiting for you in Aschaffenburg, where the magnificent Renaissance-period Johannisburg Castle and many cozy wine bars and cafes await you.Day 8: Aschaffenberg
Your adventure comes to a close in Aschaffenburg. Disembarkation by 9:30 am after a final breakfast on board.All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, etc.
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Map
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Boats & Bikes
Accommodations aboard the Deluxe class vessel, the Princesse Royal or the Premium class vessel, the Iris
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Iris
Premium Class Barge
In 2005, the Iris was transformed from a cargo ship to a passenger ship. Her owner, Lenny Versteeg, has lovingly updated and maintained her throughout the years. The interior is fresh, tasteful, and comfortable. Read More
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Princesse Royal
Deluxe Class Boat
This beautiful vessel features a beautiful salon with a spacious bar, a sun deck equipped with comfortable chairs, and a small whirlpool to relax in at the end of a long day of cycling. Delicious meals are served daily in the restaurant area. Read More
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Inclusions
What’s Included
Iris
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Breakfast & packed lunches
- 6 dinners served with glass of wine or beer
- Coffee & tea on board available throughout the day
- Cabins cleaned daily
- Tour guide (with 18 guests, a second guide will be added)
- 8-speed bike with hydraulic brakes, pannier, helmet, & water bottle
- Bike Protection
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Breakfast, packed lunches, & 6 three course dinners
- Coffee & tea on board
- Welcome drink
- WiFi
- Fully guided cycling tours (2 tour leaders from 22 guests)
- Touring bike, hand brakes, fixed lock, pannier, helmet, & water bottle
- Short city walking tours
- Route information
- Bike maps, 1 x per cabin
- Ferry fares on the route
- Biodegradable water bottle
- Bavarian beer tasting
- Entrance to Residenz Palace and gardens
Princesse Royale
What’s Not Included
- 1 dinner
- Entrance fees for museums, monuments, & other excursions not mentioned in the program
- Beverages (other than mentioned) and other miscellaneous expenses
- Electric bike rental available for a supplement. See pricing.
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2025
Deluxe Class
Princesse Royal
Sunday departures
Aschaffenburg to Bamberg
May 25 & June 8, 2025Bamberg to Aschaffenburg
June 1 & June 15, 2025Lower Deck - Twin $ 3716 £ 1882 $ 3,363 € 2229 Ft 939995 kr 330829 ₪ 8642 ¥ 359808 Mex$ 48554 NZ$ 4081 kr 26423 zł 9731 S$ 3211 kr 26108 CHF 2112 $ 2,390 Lower Deck - Premium Twin $ 4250 £ 2152 $ 3,846 € 2549 Ft 1074943 kr 378324 ₪ 9882 ¥ 411463 Mex$ 55524 NZ$ 4666 kr 30216 zł 11128 S$ 3672 kr 29856 CHF 2415 $ 2,733 Lower Deck - Single $ 4766 £ 2414 $ 4,314 € 2859 Ft 1205674 kr 424334 ₪ 11084 ¥ 461504 Mex$ 62277 NZ$ 5234 kr 33891 zł 12482 S$ 4119 kr 33488 CHF 2709 $ 3,066 Lower Deck - Twin for single use $ 5467 £ 2768 $ 4,948 € 3279 Ft 1382793 kr 486671 ₪ 12712 ¥ 529301 Mex$ 71426 NZ$ 6003 kr 38870 zł 14315 S$ 4724 kr 38407 CHF 3107 $ 3,516 Extra Options
2025
Electric bike $ 268 £ 136 $ 243 € 161 Ft 67896 kr 23896 ₪ 624 ¥ 25989 Mex$ 3507 NZ$ 295 kr 1909 zł 703 S$ 232 kr 1886 CHF 153 $ 173 Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
The majority of this route follows the Main River Cycle Path, rated 5-star by the German Association of Cyclists. Limited cycling along roads with traffic and necessary when entering or exiting villages and cities. The average distance is 40 km.
Airport Info
Fly to Frankfurt International Airport (FRA).
Local Travel
From the Frankfurt International Airport, you can take a train to Aschaffenburg or Bamberg depending on your tour start and then a taxi to the boat. Train travel time to Aschaffenburg is approximately 45 minutes on a direct train and to Bamberg, it is about 2 hours and 45 minutes, generally with one transfer.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival.
Day of Rest
Any day can be used as a day of rest by remaining on board.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Tour Operator
This tour is run by Bike Planet.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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