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Aschaffenburg to Bamberg 8 Day Guided Bike and Barge Tour (Level 1)
Embark on a unique journey along the Main River valley through the picturesque landscape of the Bavarian region, famous for its good wines and many historic towns and villages.
The tour starts in the tranquil university town of Aschaffenburg, also known as a Bavarian version of Nice, France, with its sunny climate. You’ll be enchanted by the splendor of Johannisburg Castle.
Following the course of the Main River, you’ll pass through floodplain forests, idyllic vineyards, and historic towns with traditional half-timbered houses. You’ll discover Freudenburg, with its breathtaking views, and Wertheim, with its historic small-town charm.
The city of Bamberg is a particular highlight of this tour. With its plethora of historical buildings, this UNESCO World Heritage city not only embodies a thousand years of art and culture, but also remains vibrant and young at heart to this day.
Accompanied by a competent, professional and multilingual tour leader, you and the group will visit interesting sights and places on the daily cycling tours. During the bike tour, they will explain the local history and culture behind the things you encounter along the way. You can also choose to ride individually with the help of the Ride with GPS app and our cycling map (available on board). Average 40km per day on flat terrain
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).
The premium barge accommodates up to 30 guests and breathes an atmosphere of luxury and comfort. The 16 lower deck cabins are provided with box spring beds and a bathroom with shower, sink and toilet. On the main deck you’ll see that the bar is the center of attention, especially during the evening. Around are tables and comfortable chairs where you will be seated during breakfast and when the deliciously cooked dinners are served. In front there is a sitting area and outside are some seats. Last but not least: the Jacuzzi on the aft deck.
If you would like to rent a Bike (105 EUR) or E-Bike (266 EUR), please contact [email protected] when booking
Slow Tours offers a range of Bike and Barge Tours in Germany
Aschaffenburg
Welcome to Aschaffenburg, where you’ll board the ship from 2 pm and stay the first night. After being welcomed by the captain, crew and tour leader, you’ll have time to discover this picturesque university town, often compared to Nice, France, because of its Mediterranean flair. A highlight is Johannisburg Castle, a Renaissance masterpiece in red sandstone. The narrow streets in the lively center of town hold many half-timbered houses. Take a stroll and then end your day in one of the many cozy wine bars or cafes.
Aschaffenburg – Freudenberg (48 km/28.8 mi)
Today is your first bike ride. For part of the ride you can choose the left or right bank of the river to cycle on. In the summer, it’s a pleasure to ride in the shady floodplain forest between Nilkheim and Niedernheim. While cycling the Planeten-Radweg (Planet-Cycle Route), you can learn about our solar system at the same time as you enjoy the picturesque landscape. Stop along the river to rest on a bench or even take a swim if you’d like! Your ride ends in Freudenberg today, where you’ll see Freudenberg Castle towering over the river. From the castle, the views are fantastic!
Freudenberg – Wertheim | Wertheim – Lohr (40 – 45 km/24-27 mi)
Today you can enjoy a relaxing breakfast while the ship takes you to Wertheim, home to Wertheim Castle, to start your day’s cycling. The historical market square marks the center of town, and there you’ll see what is probably the narrowest house in the Franconian region. There’s much to see on today’s route, which leads you through idyllic Main valley landscapes to the town of Lohr, where you’ll meet the boat again. Make sure to take a stroll after dinner around this beautiful old town with its timbered houses. It’s said to be the place where Snow White lived! Buildings like the Lohr Castle (Kurzmainer Schloss) only add to its charm.
Lohr – Karlstadt | Karlstadt – Wurzburg (30 km/18 mi)
The ship continues its journey early in the morning today, taking you to Karlstadt to start the day’s cycling. Immerse yourself in the romance of the old town of Karlstadt, with buildings that are over 800 years old surrounded by walls, towers and gates. Rejoin the ship in Würzburg, where there are more sights to see. Make sure to visit the UNESCO-listed Residenz Palace, with its palace gardens, or take in the magnificent view from the Marienburg fortress. Stroll the Old Main Bridge, lined with statues of saints.
Wurzburg – Kitzingen (40 km/24 mi)
Today you’ll cycle the Main Cycle Path from Wurzburg through the fertile Ochsenfurt district to the town of Ochsenfurt. Its lance tower is worth seeing. Next you’ll continue to the historic village of Marktbreit with its magnficent residences and end the ride in Kitzingen, where wine cultivation is a proud tradition. At the German Fastnachtsmuseum (Carnival museum), you’ll get an impression of the history of Carnival as well as information about medieval Franconian customs.
Kitzingen – Dettelbach | (Kitzingen -) Dettelbach – Schweinfurt (40 – 60 km/24 – 36 mi)
Your first destination today is Dettelbach, a picturesque wine-growing town. You can either take the boat for this step – choosing less cycling for today – or cycle from Kitzingen to Dettelbach. From Dettlebach, you’ll cycle through the vineyards to Volkach, where the pilgrimage church of St. Maria in Weingarten is definitely worth a visit. From here, the valley narrows and there are more vineyards as you cycle to rejoin the ship in Schweinfurt.
Schweinfurt – Haßfurt | Haßfurt – Bamberg (35 – 40 km/21 – 24 mi)
Today starts with a boat trip to Haßfurt. From there, you’ll cycle via Zeil am Main, which is located exactly on the border between the Franconian wine country and beer country. Your last destination is the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg, which, like Rome, is built on seven hills. Don’t miss the fishermen’s quarter of “Little Venice,” a row of residences from the 17th century. If you like, reward yourself with a beer from one of the eleven independent breweries in the city.
Bamberg
End of tour. Disembarkation after breakfast, till 9:30 a.m.
Tours marked with are special prices.
| Start | End | Max. No. Guests | Accommodation | Price p.p. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 25 2025 | Jun 01 2025 | 35 | Single rooms | 0€ | ||
| Double rooms | 2,099€ | |||||
| Jun 08 2025 | Jun 15 2025 | 35 | Single rooms | 2,729€ | ||
| Double rooms | 2,099€ |
If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe.
Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote
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