Bamberg - Aschaffenburg

Handing out of rental bicycles in late afternoon at bicycle-depot; depending on booked category about 7 min walk from the start hotel. Start the trip with a walk of the city of Emperor Heinrich II, who dreamed of Bamberg, realised and loved it and who was interred in the dome.

At the beginning of this section, you follow the Regnitz River, which merges with the Main not far from Bamberg's city limits. When you reach the Main cycle path you'll see the first vineyards. You cycle through many small towns as you pedal through the expansive nature park, Hassberge, heading for Schweinfurt. Important inventions, including the bicycle, come from this harbour town on the Main River.

Romantic villages, expansive vineyards and extensive orchards accompany you on today's section of your cycling holiday on the Main. The river follows a huge curve between Volkach and Sommerach. Locally, people say the river liked it so much here that it didn't want to flow on any further. This is where you'll also find the Main Island. At 750 hectares, it's the largest single vineyard in Wine Franconia.

Würzburg is, without doubt, the highlight of today's section. Marienberg Castle sits high up above this Baroque town of culture. Take enough time to visit some of the many sights, such as the old Main Bridge or the Chapel of our Lady. Never far from the river banks, the well-established Main cycle path now takes you to little Veitshöchheim with its famous rococo gardens and summer residence of the Würzburg bishops.

Passing Karlstadt, with its ruined castle, you will start to notice a gradual change in the countryside: no more vineyards, instead shady forests are your companions on your cycling holiday on the River Main. We recommend taking a longer break in Lohr. It was a very pretty historic quarter. After walking through the fishing quarter and the old castle, refuel at any of the many cafes in the lively pedestrian precinct.

Today, try looking up in addition to admiring the beautiful river views. There are many castles, such as Wertheim Castle and The Henneburg in Stadtprozelten, to be spotted. Nestled between Spessart and Odenwald, you reach Miltenberg. Explore the sights here with strange-sounding names, e.g. Mikwe, Schnatterloch, Zauberhäuschen and Riesen the Giant.

With the boats on the river passing you by, you pedal the last few kilometres of your cycling holiday on the Main - to Aschaffenburg. From afar already, the four towers marking each corner of Johannisburg Castle show you the way. Use your last day to explore this town, known here as Bavaria's Nice. The convent museum, Villa Pompejanum, Schöntal Park and the Jewish Museum. You decide how you would like to spend the day. In the evening, look forward to a deliciously rustic meal and a good local wine.

After breakfast your cycling holiday on the River Main comes to an end. If you don't want to set off for home just yet, we are happy to extend your stay in Aschaffenburg.