Difficulty Rating : 7 Start : Nuremberg Finish : Nuremberg Terrain : Mainly cycle paths along rivers Daily Average : 30-65km Weekly Average : 325km Tour Type : Self Guided Teaser : You cycle through the region with the highest density of breweries in the world! Enjoy the rustic atmosphere in beautiful beer gardens
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On the Bavarian beer tour through romantic Franconia, you will learn a lot about the brewing tradition, and you can taste your way through the most diverse of varieties. Among other things, you will cycle along the Beer Cycle Route through the region with the highest density of breweries in the world - on average one brewery per square kilometer! During your Bavarian beer tour, enjoy the rustic atmosphere in beautiful beer gardens with hearty
delicacies. You will get to know famous cities such as Nuremberg, Bamberg and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which impress with their medieval cityscapes. You cycle part of the way along the Burgenstraßen cycle path. The name itself says it all: numerous mighty castles and palaces can be seen on the hills, sometimes even from a distance. The congeniality of the Franconians and their excellent beer characterizes this Bavarian beer tour, which
is one of our most popular cycling tours.

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Itineraries

Day 1

Arrival in Nuremberg

Welcome to Franconia! Your Bavarian beer tour starts in Nuremberg. Known as the city of Dürer, for the Christkindl market, the delicious gingerbread and as the city of toys, the former Free Imperial City looks back on a history of more than 1000 years. On a walk not only will you discover contemporary witnesses from the Middle Ages and early modern times, but also of the reconstruction after the Second World War and the modern age.

Day 2

Nuremberg - Erlangen, approx 30 km

A relaxed start: You cycle along the river Regnitz from Nuremberg to Erlangen. In the 19th century Erlangen was the leading exporter of Bavarian beer. Thanks to the cooling rock cellars of the Erlangen castle on the mountain the “Burgberg”, beer could be kept fresh longer and thus sold all year round. With the invention of the refrigeration machine, however, Erlangen's brewing industry began to decline, but the enjoyment of beer in Erlangen's beer gardens and taverns remained. Treat yourself to a cool beer and hearty Franconian delicacies.

Day 3

Erlangen - Bamberg, approx 55 km

Along the Main-Danube Canal you cycle on today's stage of your Bavarian beer tour to Bamberg. The city was once built on seven hills which earned it the name Franconian Rome. Either by the impressive cathedral, the Old Town Hall, the New Residence or the numerous churches, the image of the old imperial and episcopal city is shaped by more than 1000 years of architecture. Bamberg also looks back on a long beer tradition. Particularly famous is the Rauchbier (smoked beer), which you can taste extensively in the many breweries.

Day 4

Bamberg – Hochstadt – Neustadt an der Aisch, approx. 55 km + train ride (not incl.) or approx. 65 km

You cycle towards Hirschaid and reach the romantic Aisch valley. Alternatively, you can shorten the stage with a train ride (not included) from Bamberg to Hirschaid. Take a break in Höchstadt to try the famous mirrored carp. The crispy fried fish is a specialty of the region! In your stage destination Neustadt an der Aisch, a wooden billy goat makes its rounds on the town hall every noon, bleating and jumping - a grandiose spectacle.

Day 5

Neustadt an der Aisch - Rothenburg ob der Tauber, approx. km

Today Bad Windsheim and the impressive Franconian Open Air Museum are on your way. It offers insights into 700 years of Franconian everyday history. Various historical buildings have been reconstructed on the extensive grounds to illustrate this, taking you back to the living and working environment of Franconia's rural population. Continue on your Bavarian beer tour to the medieval-style town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The town offers a wonderful atmosphere to enjoy the sunny evening hours with delicious delicacies.

Day 6

Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Wolframs-Eschenbach, approx. 65km

Today you can opt for a diversion and go to the spring of the river Altmühl before taking your first break in Colmberg. The mighty, well-preserved castle towers over the town – the climb is steep, but worth it! The Franconian Rezat then leads you into the heart of Ansbach with its stately rococo-style residence. Your internship destination is in Wolframs-Eschenbach. Since 1917, the medieval town has borne the name of its great son, the Parzival poet Wolfram von Eschenbach

Day 7

Wolframs-Eschenbach - Nuremberg, approx. 65km

The Bavarian beer tour takes you further along the German Castle Road past the star-shaped fortress of
Lichtenau. In Roth you should definitely pay a visit to the hunting lodge. Afterwards you will reach Nuremberg again. At the end of your Bavarian beer tour, several breweries vie for your favour.
Combined with the enjoyment of an original Nuremberg grilled sausage, a cozy evening is calling out for you.

Day 8

Departure

Your Bavarian beer tour already ends after breakfast. We would be happy to extend your stay with an additional night in one of the overnight destinations.

Included:

  • 7 nights with breakfast, national 3* level
  • Luggage transportation from hotel to hotel, no limit on the number of pieces, max. 20 kg / piece
  • Vouchers for 4 x 0.5 l beer per person (from 18 years), redeemable in Bamberg
  • Admission to the Franconian open-air museum in Bad Windsheim (closed on Mondays)
  • Guided tour of Rothenburg with the night watchman
  • Travel documents with maps (1 per room)
  • Hotline service (7 days, 8 am - 8 pm)

Not included:

  • Teenager bike: 60
  • Hybrid bike: 110
  • E-bike: 285
  • City or visitor's tax (if payable)
  • Train ride Bamberg - Hirschaid (approx. €10 per person incl. bike)
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2025
( Season A) 05.04- 12.10
( Season B ) 06.04. - 11.04 - 21.04. - 25.04. - 04.05. - 09.05 - 21.09. - 11.10
( Season C )  12.04. - 20.04 - 26.04 - 03.05 - 10.05. - 23.05- 22.06. - 04.07- 24.08 - 20.09
( Season D )24.05. - 21.06 - 05.07. - 23.08

Due to the more challenging sections, we recommend this tour only for young people in good physical condition.

Prices 2025

€870 per person sharing ( Season A) 05.04- 12.10

€1000 per person sharing ( Season B ) 06.04. - 11.04 - 21.04. - 25.04. - 04.05. - 09.05 - 21.09. - 11.10

€1120 per person sharing ( Season C )  12.04. - 20.04 - 26.04 - 03.05 - 10.05. - 23.05- 22.06. - 04.07- 24.08 - 20.09

€1200 per person sharing ( Season D )24.05. - 21.06 - 05.07. - 23.08

€315 Single room supplement

Self Guided Tour Information

Arrival daily from 05.04.2025 to 12.10.2025 

There is an airport in Nuremberg but there are also very good train transfers from Munich and Frankfurt

ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER - Hotel Rappen

Hotel Rappen welcoming guests since 1603. A stone's throw from the old town and the historic centre. The rooms are spacious with all the amenities you may need ( image to left )

Romantikhotel Markusturm in the heart of the medieval town and welcoming guests for more than 500 years, their rooms are spacious and styled in a mode way. There is a real air of history in the hotel with many of the old wooden beams and stone walls still intact ( image to  )

ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER - Hotel Rappen image 1ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER - Hotel Rappen image 1

WOLFRAMS-ESCHENBACH

Hotel Alte Vogtei  is in the centre of the old part of the town. The rooms are stylish and have a relaxed feel to them. There are plenty of cafe and restaurants nearby for you to explore. 

WOLFRAMS-ESCHENBACH image 1WOLFRAMS-ESCHENBACH image 1

NUREMBERG

Hotel Prinzregent  a stylish hotel overlooking the meadow and the river. With a spacious room with a warm atmosphere this a very easy place to spend an evening ( image to the left ) 

Hotel Elch is a Boutique hotel in the historic centre of the town with a bright and stylish room. Along with a friendly welcome and the beautiful area you are sure to enjoy your stay ( image to the right ) 

NUREMBERG image 1NUREMBERG image 1

RABENSTEIN CASTLE (AHORNTAL VALLEY)

Hotel Burg Rabenstein straight out a fairy tale this hotel is one of a kind. The rooms are styled in a medieval way and make from a unique stay. The Castle is surrounded by forest and a lovely garden.

RABENSTEIN CASTLE (AHORNTAL VALLEY) image 1RABENSTEIN CASTLE (AHORNTAL VALLEY) image 1

BAMBERG -  Hotel Europa 

Hotel Europa  is a new and mode building with stylish rooms and all the amenities you need. Located in the heart of the town this is a great place to set off from and explore the town  ( image to the left )

Hotel Tandem is a small family run hotel on the backs of the river regnitz. This stylish hotel is only a stones throw away from all the towns attractions. ( image to the right ) 

BAMBERG -  Hotel Europa  image 1BAMBERG -  Hotel Europa  image 1

NEUSTADT

Allee Hotel  this historic hotel is styled in a mode way and close to all the attractions in the town. With a warm and friendly welcome this is the perfect place to set of from to explore the town.  

NEUSTADT image 1NEUSTADT image 1

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Insurance

We require you to have Travel Insurance when you book the tour. It is important that you are covered in case of cancellation due to injury as the deposit is non refundable

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Payment Information

If you have been on a previous tour, there is a €50.00 discount on our week long tours in Ireland (unfortunately this discount does not apply to other European trips)

A €300.00 non refundable deposit is required for each person booking on a holiday. The balancing payment is required two months prior to the starting date. The deposit is forfeited in the event of a cancellation of your booking. The full payment is also non-refundable in the event of the cancellation occuring within 14 days of the tour starting date. All transactions are taken in Euro.

We will contact you to confirm your booking and payment details.

Please ensure that you have read the terms and conditions before proceeding.

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Booking Conditions

Irish Cycling Safaris Ltd (“the Company”) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:

  • The contract is between the Company and the client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Irish law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the company sends a confirmation. It is at this point that a contract between the company and the client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and comes into existence the company reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices. The company or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion.
  • To secure a booking the Company or their agent requires a completed booking form and the necessary deposit. (Full payment if travel within 60 days). The first named client must be over 18 years of age. Clients booking by telephone, by website/E-mail or fax will be deemed to have signed the booking form and read and accepted our terms of booking. The person signing, or being deemed to sign, the booking form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear thereon, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.
  • The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at the time, must be paid to the company or their agents not later than 60 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date the Company reserves the right to cancel your booking and cancellation charges will apply. If any cheque is dishonoured we reserve the right to charge €25 to cover administration costs.
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organised by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover.
  • An administration fee of €25 per booking plus any additional costs incurred will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred to a different departure date or tour, up to 60 days prior to departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the relevant charges. Changes are subject to availability. For an administration fee of €25 you may request a credit voucher. This must be redeemed within 12 months of issue and must be used against a new booking. The voucher is non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. In certain circumstances, which the Company considers reasonable, the booking may be transferred to another suitable person; however the tour arrangements must remain the same and will only be allowed if all suppliers agree to accept the name change. If a transfer is allowed an administration charge of €25 per person will be charged plus any extra charges levied by suppliers.
  • Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including surcharges as follows:

    > 60 days before departure – retention of deposit

    60-14 days before departure – 50%

    < 14 days before departure – 100%

  • Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid passport and any visas and vaccination certificates required for the whole of their journey. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal items etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.
  • Should the client have a reason to complain, you must immediately notify our representative and the relevant supplier. If the client’s complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily at the time, they must write to us with full details of the complaint within 28 days of the end of the tour. Failure to notify complaints entirely within accordance of this clause will diminish or extinguish the client’s ability to claim compensation.
  • The company provides all services on a “ground only” basis. The client is responsible for arranging their own travel to the designated start points of each tour. The company cannot accept any liability for any delay/cancellation in your transportation and cannot offer any refunds for lost holiday time.
  • Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company’s employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on the tour with the company. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. In the case of ill health the company may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and the Company shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If you are affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect you or affect other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will be given for any unused services.
  • The Company will use its best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised. However, it reserves the right to change any of the facilities, services, prices or itineraries described in our brochure/website. If a major change is necessary or deemed advisable, the company will advise the client as soon as reasonably possible, if there is no time before departure. A major change does not apply to a change of transport or named accommodation, but is usually considered a major change in itinerary or change in duration of a client’s holiday. If advised of a major change before departure, the client will have the choice of accepting changes (at additional cost if applicable), purchasing another available tour from the company, or cancelling the tour with a full refund.

    Provided that the major change is not as a result of situations outside the company’s control or consolidation, compensation will be paid as follows:

    Notification Period Given / Compensation Per Person

    More than 30 days: Nil

    14-30 days: €40

    Less than 14 days: €50

     
  • Force Majeure. We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reasons of circumstance amounting to “force majeure”. In these conditions “force majeure” means any event which we the supplier of services in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, epidemics or health risks and all similar events outside our control.
  • The company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 4 weeks before departure except for “force majeure”, consolidation, or the client’s failure to pay the final balance. Unless the client fails to pay the final balance, the company, upon cancellation will return all monies paid to it, or offer the client an alternative holiday of comparable standard if available (if less expensive than original we will refund the difference, if more expensive, the client will have to pay the difference). Compensation will not be payable (1) where the company is forced to cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) where an insufficient number of people book the clients chosen holiday and we notify we are cancelling for this reason not less than 28 days before departure. In all cases our liability is limited to offering the above choices and the compensation payments (where applicable) set out in clause 11. No compensation is payable if we notify you of cancellation more than 8 weeks before departure. We cannot be held responsible for any costs or expenses you may have as a result of cancellation.
  • Client’s bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours featured in our programme at their own volition. Our obligations, and those of any suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any travel arrangements you book with us, are to provide services and facilities with reasonable care and skill. Facilities will be provided to the realistic minimum standard recommended by the regulatory authorities responsible.
  • Bike Hire: The equipment including all accessories supplied is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of the company and the Client will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with the possessions thereof.

    The Client undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear accepted). The company shall be entitled to charge the client for any damages caused to equipment during the period of hire. In event of a breakdown, other than a result of the Clients misuse, the company will use its best endeavours to repair or procure repair of the equipment.

    The company will not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or other defect in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the company’s control. The Client shall indemnify the company with respect to all costs, claims, expenses and demands suffered or incurred which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of the equipment during the period of hire. The company reserves the right to charge the client for partial or full settlement of any claim. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the company reserves the right to call upon the client to indemnify the company the replacement of the equipment. However, should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the company undertakes to refund the clients indemnity within 14 days.

    The Client will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and will immediately notify the company in the event of breakdown or loss of equipment.

  • Clients bringing their own bikes do so on the proviso that their equipment is in a suitable condition for participation in a tour. Responsibility for maintenance of bicycles brought by clients rests with the client. The company will endeavour to accommodate such clients, but cannot guarantee that correct tools and spares will be available, given the wide range of possibilities that exist.