Bicycling Bavaria's Back Roads - Cycling The Romantic Road, View Medieval Towns & Castles

Bicycling Bavaria's Back Roads - Cycling The Romantic Road, View Medieval Towns & Castles BY EXPERIENCEPLUS! BICYCLE TOURS www.experienceplus.com

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UPDATED 6 months ago DURATION 8 Days/7 Nights SEASON Jul 2-9 & Jul 30-Aug 6 RATES USD 3,850.00 per person EXPIRES Dec 31, 2017
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DESCRIPTION

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 fairytale landscape of the brothers Grimm and gain a better understanding of this historic part of central Europe.

ADDITION RATE INFORMATION

Single Supplement: $550.00

*We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the single supplement rate. This fee will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available this fee will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive In Würzburg

Highlights: Bicycle fitting, Test ride, Würzburg baroque architecture

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.

Distance: Test Ride. Meals: D

Lodging: Hotel Novotel Wuerzburg

Day 2: Bicycle From Würzburg To Bad Mergentheim

Highlights: Hill rides and castles

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.

Distance: 58 km (36 miles). Meals: B, D

Lodging: Hotel Bundschu

Day 3: Ride From Bad Mergentheim To Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber

Highlights: Rothenburg's market and architecture

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. Enjoy exploring 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. Distance: About 50 km (31 miles). Meals: B

Lodging: Hotel Glocke

Days 4 & 5: Pedal From Rothenburg To Dinkelsbühl

Day 4: Rest Day

Highlights: Rothenburg, wine tasting

Take your time to enjoy this fabulous medieval city and the views it offers of the Tauber valley. This afternoon we will take a tour of a special vineyard 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 happens to own our hotel, and enjoy some of his wines.

Distance: Optional loop ride. Meals: B, D

Lodging: Hotel Glocke

Day 5: Pedal from Rothenburg to Dinkelsbühl

Highlights: Medieval towns of Feuchtwangen and Dinkelsbühl

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 a the rewards of a good handcrafted German kitchen at our top-rated hotel restaurant.

Distance: 45 km (28miles). Meals: B, D

Lodging: Hotel Deutsches Haus

Day 6: Bicycle From Dinkelsbühl To Donauwörth

Highlights: Ries Basin meteor impact crater, medieval town of Donauwörth, Danube River

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.

Distance: 75 km (47 miles). Meals: B

Lodging: Hotel zur Promenade

Day 7: Ride From Donauwörth To Augsburg

Highlights: Lech River, the Cassian Way, Augsburg, brewery visit

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.

Distance: 62 km (39 miles). Meals: B, D

Lodging: Hotel Dom

Day 8: Tour Ends Today In Augsburg

Highlights: Landsberg, the "Bavarian Gate"

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:B

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Use of a quality 27-30 speed bicycle; 8 days, 7 nights' accommodation; 5 dinners with wine, 7 breakfasts; wine and beer tasting, van support; 2 to 3 bilingual tour leaders plus "The Usual".

NOTES

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