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Duration
8 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in 3 star hotels
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

$1290USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: BEE

Trip highlights


  • Cycling along the Beer Cycle Route in the Aisch Valley
  • Experiencing the various beer gardens en route
  • Exploring medieval towns and delving into the fascinating history of the region
  • Enjoying the hospitality of the family run hotels

Beer brewing traditions are an art form in Bavaria and the region of Franconia in the north of the state is home to a third of Germany's breweries. Following the Beer Cycle Route in the Aisch Valley - which has an average of one brewery per kilometre, making it the area with the highest concentration of breweries in the world - there is ample time to take in the laid-back atmosphere in lively beer gardens. However there is much more to the region than beer. UNESCO heritage listed Bamberg with its half timbered houses lining the river, Rothenburg which was spared bombings during WWII by the US Secretary of War and is the most medieval city in Germany, and Nuremberg with its colourful history are all explored along the way. The stages on this circular route can be shortened by using trains, and electric bikes can be hired for a supplement. After the cycle day, sample a smoky beer, experience the hospitality of your Franconian hosts and try a variety of sausages for which the region is famous.

Trip Grading

moderate to challenging

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Arrive in the city of Nuremberg and make your way to the first hotel. It is well worth taking some time to visit the sites of this fascinating city. The castle, which has accommodated numerous emperors and kings, overlooks the imperial city majestically. Nuremberg was once the preferred residence of many German kings and is full of architectural wonders. It was the birthplace of artist Albrecht Dürer and site of the Nuremberg Trials. Your bike will be available at the hotel either this afternoon or first thing in the morning.

Meals:  Nil

There is time this morning to see more of Nuremberg before you set out on your cycle trip. The Regnitz cycle path begins directly in the old town of Nuremberg - the largest city in Franconia. The route takes you north through green meadows and shady floodplain forests. On the sandy meadows, typical of the Regnitz valley, you roll into the Huguenot, university and industrial city of Erlangen.

Meals:  B

Todays route continues along the Regnitz valley through beautiful landscapes with impressive weirs. On your left is the hills of the Steigerwald while on your right is Franconian Switzerland, aptly named by poets and writers, and part of the northern Jura mountains. The Strullendorf lock and the Hirschaid hydroelectric power station are interesting sites on the route which also crosses the Main-Danube Canal. Continue to Bamberg, with its numerous sights that shouldn't be missed. Visit the imperial cathedral and wander through the beautiful old town with its town hall, located on an artificial island in the middle of the Regnitz river. A guided visit through one of the many local breweries is also very interesting, as is the brewery museum.

Meals:  B

At first you cycle a few kilometres back along the path from yesterday. If you want to shorten today's section you can take the train to Hirschaid (ticket not included, payable locally). Next, follow the valley of the little river Aisch to Neustadt, with its quaint town hall clock.

Meals:  B

This morning cycle to Bad Windsheim, where you can admire the beautiful old town as well as the Franconian Open-Air Museum with its reconstructed historic buildings. In the pub or the town's several beer gardens you can taste the locally brewed beer. Continue to Rothenburg, where there is time to explore the attractions before a tour with the Night Watchman. The medieval city of Rothenburg (or Rothenburg ob der Tauber), was immortalised by artists such as Spitzweg and Richter. Take the time to walk through the historic centre with its impressive town hall, massive fortifications, towers, churches and patrician houses to gain an appreciation of the town's rich history. There are a number of good museums including the Imperial City Museum, the Craftsman's house, the Crime Museum and the Historical Vaults and the Doll and Toy Museum. Later this evening, if you have room for dessert you should try a Schneeball (snowball - a traditional pastry).

Meals:  B

You leave the romantic Taubertal valley and follow the 'Burgenstrasse' (Castle Route) cycle path. In Colmberg, the mighty castle towers over the town. From here you follow the Franconian Rezat river to Ansbach, a splendid margrave (nobleman) residential town. Continue along the Burgenstrasse to Wolframs-Eschenbach, a lovely medieval town with a lot to see.

Meals:  B

Today you continue along the Burgenstrasse cycle path, passing the moated castle in Lichtenau, and reach the town of Roth. Here you can visit the the Ratibor castle before following the Main-Danube Canal to return to Nuremberg.

Meals:  B

The trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts. Breakfast us generally buffet style with cereals, bread, cheese, meats, yoghurt, tea, coffee and juice, but will change from hotel to hotel.
  • 7 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • 27 speed bike rental with pannier and handlebar bag (electric bikes available on request - supplement applies).
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Information pack including route notes and maps per room booked
  • Entrance to Franconian open air museum Bad Windsheim (closed Mondays)
  • 4 vouchers for 500ml of beer - per person (18yrs+, to be used in Bamberg)
  • Guided tour Rothenburg with the night watchman
  • Emergency hotline - 8am to 8pm, 7 days

  • Travel to and from Nuremberg
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Helmets, not available to rent or purchase
  • E-bike, supplement applies
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess Luggage
  • Optional trains to shorten stage: Bamberg to Hirschaid (allow EUR12pp including bike) (prices subject to change)
  • Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information


Grading

moderate to challenging  

During the 7 days of cycling a total of approximately 325km is covered with daily routes of between 30 and up to 65 kilometres, with options to take the train to shorten the trip. The route has hilly stretches with lots of small ascents, mostly along quiet rural roads, sometimes along forest and agricultural tracks. In order to prepare for this trip you will need to be comfortable cycling for extended periods, sometimes with traffic around you (sometimes unavoidable going in to and leaving towns).


Departure dates

Daily from 31 Mar to 19 Oct

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
Note:
High season is from 1 May to 14 Sep. Mid season is from 20 to 30 Apr and 15 Sep to 5 Oct, supplement applies
Note:
We suggest adding a rest day in Bamberg to explore the sights - extra night rate applies. Must be requested at the time of booking.
Note:
It is possible to start and end your tour in any of the overnight locations - this must be requested at the time of booking.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1290USD

Options & Supplements*
  • E-Bike SupplementUSD$190
  • Single SupplementUSD$320
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

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With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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