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Bamberg to Aschaffenburg 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
Bamberg
Welcome to Bamberg, where you’ll board the ship from 2 pm and stay the first night. Like Rome, Bamberg was built on seven hills. After your welcome by the captain, crew and tour leaders, take a look at this picturesque town. The fishermen’s quarter of “Little Venice,” a row of residences from the 17th century, is worth seeing. With eleven independent local breweries, Bamberg is a great place for a beer to toast your upcoming adventure!
Bamberg – Haßfurt | Haßfurt – Schweinfurt (30-40 km/18-24 mi.)
On board your floating hotel, you’ll reach Haßfurt, a city that enchants with its historic old town and impressive religious buildings such as the late-Gothic Ridderkapel (“Knights’ Chapel”) and the parish church. From here you’ll start your first day’s biking, passing through Zeil am Main. This town lies exactly on the boarder between Franconian wine country and beer country. The day’s cycle route ends at the former imperial city of Schweinfurt, which lies between two nature parks and will enchant you with its history.
Schweinfurt – Stammheim – Kitzingen (32 km/19 mi. or 60 km/36 mi.)
Today your destination is Kitzingen, a city known for its wine production. You can shorten the ride, if you prefer, by staying on the ship until Stammheim. Passing through beautiful vineyard landscapes in the widening river valley, you’ll reach Kitzingen, home to the Fastnachtsmuseum (Carnival museum), where you can get an impression of the history of Carnival as well as information about 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.
Kitzingen – Würzburg (40 km/24 mi.)
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.
Würzburg – Karlstadt | Karlstadt – Lohr (30 km/18 mi.)
In the morning the ship will take you to Karlstadt, where you’ll arrive at 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.
Lohr – Wertheim | Wertheim – Freudenberg (30 km/18 mi.)
This morning you’ll cruise with the ship 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. In Wertheim you’ll start today’s bike tour to Freudenberg. There, high above the Main river and the town, you’ll see the striking ruins of Freudenburg Castle. The castle offers a spectacular view over the forest-covered foothills.
Freudenberg – Aschaffenburg (50 km/30 mi.)
The highlight of today’s bike tour is Miltenberg town, where it’s not hard to spot Mildenburg Castle, which has watched over the city since 1200. Then, while you cycle the Planeten-Radweg (Planet-Cycle Route) from Erlenbach to Kleinwallstadt, you can admire the scenery at the same time as learning about our solar system! The shady 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.
Aschaffenberg
Your boat and bike adventure ends in Aschaffenburg. After a final breakfast on board, you’ll disembark by 9:30 am.
Tours marked with are special prices.
| Start | End | Max. No. Guests | Accommodation | Price p.p. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 01 2025 | Jun 08 2025 | 35 | Single rooms | 2,729€ | ||
| Double rooms | 2,099€ | |||||
| Jun 15 2025 | Jun 22 2025 | 35 | Single rooms | 0€ | ||
| Double rooms | 2,419€ |
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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