Aschaffenburg to Bamberg
Germany Bike + Boat Tours
Cycling in Bavaria!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€1630 Rates
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!
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 Aschaffenburg
Day 1: Arrival in Bamberg, sailing to Hassfurt, 9 mi. (15 km)
Day 2: Hassfurt - Schweinfurt-Volkach, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 3: Volkach - Kitzingen - Eibelstadt, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Eibelstadt - Würzburg, 6 mi. (10 km)
Day 5: Würzburg - Karlstadt - Marktheidenfeld, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 6: Marktheidenfeld - Wertheim - Miltenberg, 35 mi. (57 km)
Day 7: Miltenberg - Aschaffenburg, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 8: Disembarkation before 10 amDay 1: Arrival in Bamberg, sailing to Hassfurt, 9 mi. (15 km)
Boarding on board is between 1 pm and 2 pm. After settling into your cabin, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea as you meet your fellow travelers, 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. During dinner on board the ship, the guides will discuss the weekly program and give Instructions on cycling and safety procedures.Please note that visiting Bamberg is NOT part of our program. It’s recommended that you plan to spend time in this UNESCO listed city before the start of the tour.
Day 2: Hassfurt - Schweinfurt-Volkach, 19 mi. (30 km)
Two options are possible today. Cycle the beautiful route through the hills to Konigsberg in Bayern. This medieval and romantic Franconian town looks like it’s right out of a picture book. Its 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. Board the boat and enjoy a sailing dinner to Volkach, a quaint and beautiful little village on the Main river.
Day 3: Volkach - Kitzingen - Eibelstadt, 31 mi. (50 km)
Cycling begins in Volkach, deep in the heart of Franconian wine country. Set on the hilltop is a precious church called ‘Mary in the Vineyard’ (St. Maria im Weingarten). Inside features hand-carvings by Riemenschneider. Outside you’ll view phenomenal vistas over the river valley and the river’s famed Oxbow. Its u-shape makes it the perfect site for growing grapes. You arrive in Kitzingen, known for its leaning watchtower. One silly legend (every village has one) recalls the tower built with a mixture of mortar and wine. This region is the largest wine producer in Bavaria. After a stroll through Kitzingen, continue to cycle along Ochsenfurt and Marktbreit to Eibelstadt, a quiet place to dock for the night!Day 4: Eibelstadt - Würzburg, 6 mi. (10 km)
The destination today is Würzburg, which is only 10 km from Eibelstadt. The imposing landmark of this city is the Marienburg fortress on the hill. Vineyards slope down to the city providing wealth and good libation for this ancient archdiocese, dating as early as the Middle Ages. When the old fortress was thought to be outdated, the rulers built themselves an entirely new residence in the 1700s. 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, 31 mi. (50 km)
An early morning sail brings you to Karlstadt. Once on the bike, you ride from one medieval village to another, following the sweeping S-curves. The Main river weaves past Germany’s great beech and oak forest known as Spessart Woods or “woodpecker hills”. Bandits and poachers roamed here for centuries looting travelers on old salt and glass trade routes. Germans revere their forests. The route leads to Lohr am Main, a town with a colorful and dark past which includes the 1666 plague and witch hunts. There will be a lot to see as you bike past castle ruins and dramatic rock formations. Overnight is spent in Marktheidenfeld where you’ll find exceptionally good ice cream and of course, beer!Day 6: Marktheidenfeld - Wertheim - Miltenberg, 35 mi. (57 km)
Today's beautiful destination Miltenberg comes into sight. You’ll discover 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 the ancient guesthouse, Zum Riesen, including Napoléon and Elvis Presley! They would have eaten the famous sausage, dumplings, and potato salad prepared here. The beer to wash it down comes from the brewery next door, fresh and local.Day 7: Miltenberg - Aschaffenburg, 25 mi. (40 km)
The Main River path leads you to Kloster Engelberg, a monastery that is currently still functioning. One must climb many stairs to visit this monastery that sits on a hilltop. The reward is a Gastwirtschaft at the top and a great view on the river. At Park Schoenbusch, you will find a classic English-style garden. Your final destination of the tour is Aschaffenburg. The most fascinating buildings in town are the Stiftsbasilika, and the unique Pompejanum. This Roman villa was built in the mid-19th century for Louis I of Bavaria in accordance with the excavation plans of the villa “Castor and Pollux” in Pompeii, and now houses important exhibits from the Bavarian antique collection. The Johannisburg castle in Aschaffenburg is one of the most important Renaissance castles of the western world.Day 8: Disembarkation before 10 am.
Aschaffenburg to Bamberg
Day 1: Aschaffenburg, boarding between 1 and 2 pm, sailing to Miltenberg
Day 2: Miltenberg - Freudenberg - Markheidenfeld, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 3: Marktheidenfeld - Karlstadt, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 4: Karlstadt - Würzburg, 16 mi. (25 km)
Day 5: Würzburg - Kitzingen, 36 mi. (57 km)
Day 6: Kitzingen - Volkach - Hassfurt, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Hassfurt - Bamberg, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 8: Disembarkation before 10 amAll distances are approximate. The itineraryis 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
Boats & Bikes
Accommodations aboard the Premium class vessel, the Iris
- 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
- Zwaan
Comfort Class Barge
Once a cargo boat, the Zwaan (Swan) was completely renovated and converted into a comfortable passenger barge. On board you will find seven comfortable cabins allowing a total capacity of 16 passengers. Read More
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, & 7 dinners
- Coffee & tea on board
- Limited WiFi in the lounge & on deck
- Tour guide
- 24-speed touring bike, hand brakes, fixed lock, pannier, helmet, & water bottle
- Min. 3 city walks with tour guide
- Route information
- Bike maps, 1 x per cabin
- Ferry fares on the route
Zwaan
What’s Not Included
- 1 dinner on the Iris
- 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
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
2024
Premium Class
Saturday departure
Aschaffenburg to Bamberg
*August 10 & August 24, 2024Bamberg to Aschaffenburg
**August 17 & August 31, 2024*Offered as family tour. Please contact us for more details!
**Available for full charter only.Twin/double $ 3171 £ 1653 $ 2,825 € 1890 kr 289389 ₪ 7867 ¥ 321820 Mex$ 35578 NZ$ 3471 NOK 22676 zł 8318 S$ 2811 kr 22508 $ 2,068 Twin/single-use On request Comfort Class
Aschaffenburg to Bamberg
May 27 & June 10, 2024Bamberg to Aschaffenburg
June 3 & June 17, 2024Luxury double $ 3506 £ 1828 $ 3,124 € 2090 kr 320012 ₪ 8700 ¥ 355875 Mex$ 39343 NZ$ 3839 NOK 25076 zł 9198 S$ 3108 kr 24890 $ 2,287 Twin/double $ 3137 £ 1636 $ 2,795 € 1870 kr 286326 ₪ 7784 ¥ 318414 Mex$ 35202 NZ$ 3435 NOK 22436 zł 8230 S$ 2781 kr 22270 $ 2,046 Small double/front of the boat $ 2735 £ 1426 $ 2,436 € 1630 kr 249579 ₪ 6785 ¥ 277548 Mex$ 30684 NZ$ 2994 NOK 19557 zł 7173 S$ 2424 kr 19412 $ 1,783 Small double for single-use/front of the boat $ 3959 £ 2065 $ 3,527 € 2360 kr 361353 ₪ 9824 ¥ 401849 Mex$ 44426 NZ$ 4335 NOK 28315 zł 10386 S$ 3510 kr 28105 $ 2,582 Extra Options
Electric bike $ 185 £ 96 $ 164 € 110 kr 16843 ₪ 458 ¥ 18730 Mex$ 2071 NZ$ 202 NOK 1320 zł 484 S$ 164 kr 1310 $ 120 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
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 MPS IRIS BV & CycleTours.
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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