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Bicycling Secret Bavaria

Back roads of Bavaria on a guided bike tour in Germany
  • Length 8 days
  • From USD$4295
  • Style/Level Classic 2.0
  • Countries Germany
  • Begin/End Würzburg / Augsburg
See related tours
We’ll bicycle along Germany’s famous Romantic Road which stretches from central Germany to the Austrian Alps. This route provides a link back in time, extending from the Roman occupation of Transalpine Gaul into the medieval & Renaissance periods. Today some of the best-preserved towns and villages from the 15th through the 18th century are strung out like pearls throughout Bavaria. You’ll bicycle through the fairy tale landscape of the brothers Grimm and gain a better understanding of this historic part of central Europe.

***If this sounds great, but you prefer a longer tour, join us on our 11-day Bicycling Secret Bavaria Plus! the Austrian Alps tour.***

Highlights

  • Bad Mergentheim

  • Augsburg

  • Würzburg

  • Rothenburg on the Tauber

  • Dinkelsbühl

  • Landsberg

Includes

  • 8 days, 7 nights’ accommodation

  • meals as noted in itinerary

  • wine and beer tasting

  • and the usual (see below).

  • “The usual” (see Classic tour includes)

Keep in mind

We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.

Some small sections of dirt paths but easily rideable on any style of bike.

We use charming and modern hotels but A/C or fans may not always be available since they haven’t been needed traditionally. Read more on the use of air conditioning in Europe here.

We use charming and modern hotels but A/C or fans may not always be available since they haven’t been needed traditionally. Separated twin beds are rare in many places; instead there will be two mattresses together that sit on the same base.

We gather today in Würzburg, a historic medieval center (dating back as early as the 7th century) that sits on the banks of the Main River. Come a day early to explore the exquisite Baroque palace, churches and gardens dating to the 18th century. After fitting bikes this afternoon we’ll gather for introductions and dinner together.

Meals : Dinner
 Lodging : Hotel Walfisch

Our ride today takes us through the hills of central Germany to the medieval town of Mergentheim. In the early 20th century the name was changed to Bad Mergentheim in honor of the discovery, a century before, of natural mineral springs in the area. Today the village is dominated by the castle complex on the edge of the historic town. Take time this afternoon to explore this wonderfully preserved medieval town. Our hotel tonight has one of the best restaurants in the city so be sure to save your appetite for dinner.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
 Lodging : Hotel Bundschu

Today we continue through the rolling hills of central Germany to the medieval village of Rothenburg. Perched high above the meanders of the Tauber River, Rothenburg looks perfectly preserved but the town center surrounded by its 14th and 15th century walls was rebuilt after WWII. This afternoon we will visit a special cellar with a beautiful collection of rare varietals. After which we’ll continue our wine education and meet one of the last vintners in Rothenburg, who just so happens to own our hotel.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
 Lodging : Hotel Glocke

Take your time to enjoy this fabulous medieval city and the views it offers of the Tauber valley. For those who want some cycling we have a relaxing ride towards Bad Windsheim, another opportunity to explore Bavaria’s picturesque countryside. We’ll suggest a fascinating open-air museum which will transport you to the last 700 years of Franconian life. After the ride, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the market center and the streets lined with Gothic and half-timber houses, and take a tour on the walls of the city, or explore them on your own.

Meals : Breakfast
 Lodging : Hotel Glocke

We ride over undulating farmlands from one fairy tale village to another today. In contrast to Rothenburg on the Tauber, Dinkelsbühl is indeed nearly perfectly preserved from the middle ages. As early as the 11th century, the town was a major center at the intersection of two medieval trade routes. Tonight is another opportunity to enjoy the rewards of a good handcrafted German kitchen at our top rated hotel restaurant.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
 Lodging : Hotel Deutsches Haus

The landscape changes today as we pedal across the 12-17 mile wide, nearly circular Ries Basin. Unlike most of the areas we bike, which are a mixture of forests and farmlands, the geology of this area doesn’t allow rich forest lands. We are back in the “typical” landscape of Bavaria as we approach historic Donauwörth on the banks of the Danube, western Europe’s longest river.

Meals : Breakfast
 Lodging : Hotel zur Promenade

Our ride today takes us up the Lech River valley to Augsburg, which was founded by the Roman emperor Augustus in 15 BC. As you might expect, there is plenty to see here this afternoon. We will visit the award-winning Riegele Brauerei brewery and taste some of their modern beers before a traditional Bavarian dinner.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
 Lodging : Hotel Dom

Your tour ends this morning after breakfast. Munich is less than an hour away by train and Frankfurt is just over 3 hours away. Gute Reise!

Meals : Breakfast

Visit our Tour Level page to learn more about terrain levels and how we dermine day and tour levels.

Date Price Private room fee Note
Aug 27-Sep 3, 2023 USD$3995 USD$550  Departure confirmed to go!
Book it
DateAug 27-Sep 3, 2023
PriceUSD$3995
Private room feeUSD$550
Note Departure confirmed to go!
Book it
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Download itinerary for Aug 27, 2023
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Aug 27, 2023

Pre-trip planning checklist

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  • Great trip. Great tour leaders. Great bikes. Wonderful German scenery, medieval towns, countryside, people.

    William W., Mt Pleasant, SC

  • Riding in Bavaria on the last day in Heidi and Sound of Music country. I felt like I was in a post card. Days like this are why I cycle.

    Linda M., Livermore, CA

  • We had a great time. Finished up in Munich with a fine Bavarian beer to celebrate my birthday. Our best to all of you until we ride together again!

    Mike H., Sewell, NJ
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