Your Itinerary
The Beer Tour Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Self-Guided | Individual | 9 days | 8 nights | From £669 per person
Full holiday prices by date are shown on the ‘Book Now’ tab.
Book the Beer Tour cycling holiday here >>
Cycle Tour Highlights
• Cycle through the Aischtal Valley
• An area with more breweries than anywhere else in the word!
• Visit the medieval towns of Rothenburg, Nuremberg and Bamberg
• Entry to selected museums
• Voucher for 5 × 0.5L beers per room!
Cycle Route Profile:
Hilly sections with many small inclines, usually on quiet farm roads and side roads, not much of the route is along forest or field paths. A basic level of fitness is recommended.
The approximate difficulty level for this tour
Day-by-Day Cycling Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: Individual arrival in Rothenburg
Your Bavarian Beer Tour begins in Rothenburg in Taubertal. Slim towers, timber-frame houses decorated with flowers and impressive fortifications are on the agenda today. This well-preserved old town with its many winding streets is known abroad as THE medieval German town. In the evening you can go on a night-time guided tour where you’ll learn all about the history and life in early Rothenburg.
Day 2: Rothenburg – Wolframs-Eschenbach, approx. 60 km
Today you can opt for a detour to the Altmühl spring before taking a break in Colmberg. This mighty, well-preserved castle towers over the town – the climb is steep but it’s worth it! The Franconian Rezat now takes you into the heart of Ansbach with its lovely Rococo castle – which belonged to the Brandenburg Electors. Your destination today is Wolframs-Eschenbach. Since 1917 this little medieval town bears the name of its eldest son, poet of the Romance, Parzival, Wolfram von Eschenbach.
Day 3: Wolframs-Eschenbach – Nuremberg, approx. 60 km
The Bavarian Beer Tour takes you on along the German Castle Road passing the star-shaped water castle, Lichtenau. In Roth you should definitely visit the Markgravian castle. Next you pedal to Nuremberg, which is not just known for its Lebkuchen biscuits but also for a magnificent castle. Several breweries compete for its favour. Over a beer from Barfüß brewery and an original Nuremberg sausage you have everything you need for a great evening!
Day 4: Nuremberg – Rabenstein Castle (Ahorntal valley), approx. 50 km + train ride or approx. 95 km
Today’s route is long. However, you can shorten the first part of it by train if you prefer (not included). Then you’ll have enough time to explore Forchheim, the gate to Franconian Switzerland. Next you can look forward to a few up and downhill stretches along the Castle Road cycle path amidst wonderful countryside. You cycle through the green forests and meadows of the Ahorn valley, surrounded by craggy rocks. Castle Rabenstein is also here, set in the middle of this picture-book countryside.
Day 5: Rabenstein Castle (Ahorntal valley) – Bamberg, approx. 50 km
The small village of Auseß with a population of just over 1000 is in the Guiness Book of Records. But why? This unprepossessing town has the highest number of breweries per resident. Four breweries produce the original Franconian beer – so now is a great time to have a taste. And then you’re off, cycling through the quiet, rural countryside. The streets get busier as does the surrounding area – a sign that Bamberg is no longer far.
Day 6: Sightseeing in Bamberg
Bamberg has a lot to offer – so you should take a whole day to do see it! Visit the Imperial Cathedral and walk through the little windy streets of this well-preserved old town. This is where you’ll also find the town hall, which was built on an artificial island in the middle of Regnitz. In the evening, fortify yourself in an old brewery guesthouse with Franconian specialties and a freshly brewed beer.
Day 7: Bamberg – Neustadt, approx. 55 km + train ride or approx. 70 km
You cycle towards Hirschaid and reach the romantic Aisch valley. Or you shorten the stage with a train journey from Bamberg to Hirschaid (not included). Take a break in Höchstadt and try the well-known dish of mirror carp. The crispy fried fish is a specialty here. In Neustadt, your destination today, at the town hall clock a goat comes out and bleats at every hour – it’s quite a spectacle.
Day 8: Neustadt – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, approx. 60 km
Today, Bad Windsheim and the impressive Franconian open air museum are on your route. This is where many historic buildings have been rebuilt. In the guesthouse and in several beer gardens you can try their home-brewed beer. The medieval backdrop of Rothenburg offers a wonderful atmosphere – perfect for enjoying sunny evenings with some tasty bites to eat.
Day 9: Journey home or extension of stay
Your Bavarian Beer Tour ends after breakfast. We would be happy to extend your stay in Rothenburg if you wish.
Map & Route Information
Route profile
Hilly routes with lots of small climbs. Most of the times you cycle on calm farm routes.
Where is the starting point of the holiday?
Tour Route Map
Tour Information
Tour Information
The Beer Tour tour stays in 3* hotels carefully chosen for their location, hospitality and proximity to your tour route.
Your stay includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and permanent assistance in case of problems.
Services
- 8 nights with breakfast in the local 3* category
– Luggage transport from hotel to hotel, no limit on the number of pieces, max. 20 kg / piece
– Guided tour Rothenburg with the night watchman
– Coupons for 5 × 0.5 l of beer per room, redeemable in Bamberg
– Entrance to the Franconian Open-Air Museum Bad Windsheim (closed on Mondays)
– Cycle route description with maps (1 x per room)
– 7 day Service Hotline
Rental Bike Information
Quality, comfortable and sturdy bikes
We understand that well made bikes are essential for an enjoyable cycling holiday. All bikes are based on technology from leading Austrian bike manufacturer ‘KTM’ and serviced by an expert mechanic.
The bikes use good quality components to give you confidence in the bike on your holiday and comfortable riding on varied cycle paths and roads.
About the bikes
You will be given an easily identifiable, solid and sturdy aluminum trekking bike with V-brakes, solid wheels, almost puncture resistant tyres. Each bike has been built through continuous development and feedback from customers.
Each bike is also fitted with a dynamo lighting system for ease, handlebar bag, pannier, mudguards and comfortable saddle made by Selle Royal.
You can also bring your own saddle and adapter with you (diameter of seat post from 27, 2 to 31, 4 mm). We help you with the fitting of saddles and SPD shoes should you require assistance.
Gear systems
7-gear-bikes are equipped with Shimano NEXUS gear hub. Gears can be changed anytime even whilst stationary.
21-gear-bikes are equipped with Shimano ALIVIO derailleur. The ALIVIO system is robust and easy to use.
Frame sizes
The following frame sizes are available on tours with the bikes shown in the picture:
Unisex frame 21-gears with free wheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm
Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedal brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm
Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with freewheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 “sloping crossbar” cm
(Must be reserved in advance!)
We will request your heights at the time of booking to ensure correct bike sizing.
Accessories
We high-quality accessories for your holiday from well-known manufacturers:
• Waterproof rear pannier
• Waterproof handlebar bag
• Service-Set with tools and extra bicycle tube
• Bike pump
• Combination lock
About the Rental Bikes
This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes based on KTM frame technology, Selle Royal saddles, Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres to ensure that you have an enjoyable cycle tour. The bikes feature modern V-brakes, aluminium frames with mudguards, comfortable saddles and a rack for a supplied waterproof pannier.
You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation when riding your daily itinerary. Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.
Unisex Bike (Colour may vary)
Men’s Bike (Colour may vary)
Electric Bike (Colour may vary)
Rental Bike PLUS
For 2020, there is an additional bike rental option available for a supplement. The PLUS hybrid bike now available on most cycling holidays is sportier with higher quality brakes (Magura HS 11) and better specification gears (Shimano Deore XT). The riding position is designed to have a slightly sportier sitting posture and a high quality Suntour suspension fork gives smooth riding on most surfaces. All accessories are compatible with the new PLUS bike rental option.
Accessories
If you would like GPX files for a suitable device, please request them at the time of booking. Devices are not provided and please make sure that you bring along with you any fittings required to attach the Garmin (or similar) to the handlebars. You might want to download maps onto your phone to avoid data charges when roaming.
All bikes are provided with standard flat pedals. You can bring your own cycling pedals, but ensure that you have the correct tools to remove the pedals if the tour does not have a welcome meeting. You may also not be able to travel through airports with the tools if you are carrying hand luggage only.
You can rent a men’s bike with a crossbar, unisex/female bike with a sloping tube or an electric bike for a supplement.
Gears
7 speed bikes are equipped with a Shimano Nexus gear hub and 21 speed bikes have a Shimano Alivio derailleur. We request 21 speed bikes for all cycling holidays (when available).
Frame Sizing
When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Unisex frame 21-gears with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm. Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedalling brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm. Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 “sloping” cm. Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use.
We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday!
Bike Hire Insurance
This cycle tour benefits from bike insurance against rental bike theft and damage in the holiday price. Please make sure you lock up the bike, leave it where told by the hotel and treat your hire bicycle as if the bike was your own. Any negligent treatment of the bike will exempt you from cover. We advise you to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance for your cycling holiday prior to arrival.
Electric Bike Hire
Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)?
Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 120 km for each full charge depending on usage.
E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
Your Prices
The Beer Tour, 9 days, 8 nights
All prices are per person and include bike hire.
Cycling Holiday Prices:
Prices are based on seasonal date bands
Season 1: April – April | October – October
Arrival daily
Season 2: April – April | April – May | June – June | June – June. | September – September
Season 3: May. – May. | June – June | June – July. | August. – September
Season 4: May. – May | June – June. | July – August
Category A: Prices per person including bike hire
Season 1: From £669 | Book online here >>
Season 2: From £749 | Book online here >>
Season 3: From £809 | Book online here >>
Season 4: From £859 | Book online here >>
Single Room Supplement: From £219
Electric Bike Upgrade: From £119
Calculate the cost of your cycling holiday
Hotel Category Descriptions
Category: 3* Level of hotels
Extra nights are available to book on this tour!
Prices are per person per night and based on two sharing. Single supplements apply.
For extra nights, you will stay in the same hotel. Please let us know if you wish to book extra nights at the start or at the end of the tour when completing your ‘Booking Request’.
Any local tourist taxes are not included in the holiday price and are payable at the hotel.
For help and queries regarding this tour…
Contact us | F.A.Qs
Holiday Price: From £669
Single Supplement: From £219