Germany’s oldest and most celebrated tourist route, the Romantic
Road takes the traveler through a rich heritage of Bavarian history,
art and culture. Baroque gardens, rococo churches, fairytale
castles, towers and gateways that speak of mystery and intrigue -
these are some of the hallmarks of our German tour.
The Romantic Road offers historical drama extending from Roman times
to the present day. The actors are the emperors, kings, nobles,
burghers and peasants. The set varies from magnificent residences,
monasteries, cathedrals and castles in an ever-changing landscape
from Wurzburg to the Austrian Alps. The Romantic Road personifies
“the fine art of bicycle touring.” With an incredible network of
cycling paths, you see more of the Bavarian countryside, away from
traffic. From Wurzburg to Rothenburg, the “Gem of Germany,” to the
fairy tale castles of King Ludwig II perched on the cliffs of the
Alps, we cycle through the river valleys and forests of southern
Germany. A once in a lifetime trip through one of the most beautiful
and historic areas in Europe.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Frankfurt and meet in Wurzburg via
Frankfurt AirRail system. Tour the old city and the palace of the
Prince-Bishops of Wurzburg. Bicycle fitting, wine & cheese
reception, followed by dinner.
Day 2 Cycle along the Romantic Road via bicycle path to Bad
Mergentheim. Lunch in the thriving market square. We lodge in
Weikersheim, and visit the town's world famous baroque garden and
castle. (45 miles)
Day 3 Rothenburg, the "Gem of Germany," is our destination.
The delights of this midieval city are well worth the two nights we
stay here! On our way take some time to visit Rottingen, the village
of sundials, and cross the Tauber valley. (26 miles)
Day 4 Today's ride takes you through the splendid Bavarian
countryside and back to Rothenburg; or, take the day off from riding
to enjoy Rothenburg, from its exquisitely carved alters by the
master craftsman, Tilman Riemanschneider, to the legend of the
Meistertrunk depicted by the town clock's automatons. (21 miles)
Day 5 Explore Shillingsfurst castle and witness a falconry
exhibition en route to Dinkelsbuhl, a walled city adorned by towers
and gateways. Follow the night watchmen on his rounds, an event that
dates back to medieval times. (28 miles)
Day 6 Ride to Nordlingen, largest walled city in Germany.
Visit a baroque cathedral and Rieskrater-Museum. Visit the mighty
Castle Harburg and lodge in Donauworth on the Danube River. (47
miles)
Day 7 A day off from cycling. Transfer from Donauworth to
Augsburg, the second largest city in Bavaria. Take the day to visit
the cathedrals and museums of this ancient Roman city. Afternoon
train transfer to Landsberg where your guides will meet you at the
train station. Dinner on your own tonight.
Day 8 Cycle from Landsberg to Schwangau after visiting the
famous Bavarian Gate (1425), baroque town hall, and historic old
city. We end up at the foot of the Alps with the royal castles of
Neuschwanstein and Hohenshwangau nestled in the mountains above.
Lodge in the charming alpine town of Schwangau. (44 miles)
Day 9 We follow one of the first roads through the Austrian
Alps, now accessible only to bicycles and walkers. Spend the day
visiting the castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. (13
miles)
Day 10 Morning transfer to Fussen train station. Train
leaving Fussen will arrive in central Munich approximately 12:45
p.m.
see Trip Brochure
WHAT'S INCLUDED
ZZ-CABK06
