Romantic Road Bike Tour Germany | 7 days - 6 nights | from $2,898
Trip Summary:
Dust off your ideas about old folklore and get ready for an exciting visit to southern Germany's famed Romantic Road. You'll be delighted by one of Europe's most scenic areas, where pretty medieval towns – one gem after the other - line our route. Pedal quiet bike paths and country roads, explore wonderful churches and castles, and meet the charming locals that bring this region to life.
www.austinadventures.com | 800-545-1540 1 THE DAY TO DAY
Day 1: Nordlingen
We meet in the morning at Hotel Excelsior in Munich and are transferred to the medieval town of Nördlingen (or meet at Hotel Klösterle in Nördlingen at 11 a.m.) • After arrival in Nördlingen, explore this picture-perfect town, renowned for its half-timbered houses, its labyrinth of cobblestone streets, and the intact town wall dating to the 14th century • After lunch, mount your bike and enjoy an easy bike ride through the countryside of the ‘Ries’, as Nördlingen’s surroundings are called • This evening, the group gathers for a lovely welcome dinner at a restaurant serving local specialties • (L, D) Overnight at Hotel Klösterle
Day 2: Dinkelsbuhl
Follow the enchanting Romantic Road as you coast through small towns, pastures, and past bright sunflower fields • Take a break from your ride for a savory group lunch in a tiny village • The bike ride is stress-free and the route well marked all the way to Dinkelsbühl • A funny name for a town, and you'll find its colorful streets and inhabitants delightful • Explore the nooks and crannies of this town as you have the evening all to yourself • (B, L) Overnight at Hotel Deutsches Haus
Day 3: Rothenburg
Leisurely cycle on quiet bike paths, as your route winds from village to village, through pastures and woodlands • Stop for ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’ at a mouth-watering pastry shop in Feuchtwangen • See a falcon show at the Schillingsfürst Castle before a scenic ride into Rothenburg, the prized jewel in the string of romantic towns • Where else can you find cliffside gardens with jaw-dropping views, a criminal museum, an amazing Christmas shop and inspiring artwork all within the town walls? • Your hotel’s quaint dining room will serve up a savory meal for you, prepared by the hotel owner/chef himself • (B, L, D) Overnight at Hotel Markusturm www.austinadventures.com | 800-545-1540 2
Day 4: Rothenburg
Spend the entire day in town, or be transferred to the fortified hilltop town of Langenburg to visit the castle and the interesting German automobile museum, and then ride your bike back through fertile landscapes • After dinner on your own, step back in time as we follow the night watchman in his footsteps while listening to his century-old Rothenburg tales • (B) Overnight at Hotel Markusturm
Day 5: Bad Mergentheim
Today the bike path clings to the Tauber River, providing an idyllic backdrop for a leisurely ride • Visit riverside towns and tour the magnificent gardens and castle at Weikersheim • Avid cyclists can opt to cycle into the hills • Reward yourself with a wine tasting in Markelsheim • Unwind at your comfortable hotel, then share a marvelous dinner with the group • (B, D) Overnight at Hotel Victoria
Day 6: Wertheim
Forests and deep gorges carved by the Tauber River make for magnificent cycling • Explore the castle in Tauberbischofsheim and the cloister in Bronnbach, then stop for a lunch of bratwurst and homemade salads and foaming Weizenbier • Stroll through Wertheim’s pretty Altstadt along the banks of the Main River, with shops, museums and a hilltop castle • This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner of local specialties • (B, L, D) Overnight at Hotel Schwan
www.austinadventures.com | 800-545-1540 3
Day 7: Frankfurt
After a hearty breakfast, you will be transferred to Frankfurt for your departure • Alternatively, you can consider spending a day and night in magical Heidelberg • (B)
**Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.
Cycling: Day 1: 4-17 miles; Day 2: 24-36 miles; Day 3: 30-37 miles; Day 4: 24-35 miles; Day 5: 31-45 miles; Day 6: 31-36
Discovery: Each village in this enchanted southern-German region is miraculously preserved and meticulously maintained, sharing its rich history through art, architecture and local lore. In Rothenburg, follow the night watchman as he makes his round and shares with you wonderful tales from the past. The Criminal Museum gives you insight into the medieval system of justice with all its serious and funny aspects. One hotel owner brews his own beer - in four varieties - and loves to share his secrets about the techniques he uses.
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They take the time to explain the local history and daily sightseeing and route options. Each route has been carefully planned to include options to please each traveler’s interests. Austin Adventures guides are available to help you select the distance that’s right for you and to offer advice and assistance as you desire.
www.austinadventures.com | 800-545-1540 4 DISTINCTIVE ACCOMMODATIONS
Night 1: NH Hotel Klosterle
Attached to the historic wing of the 13th century monastery church, the NH Klösterle Nördlingen is located in the center of the old town on the Romantic Road, and its façade is one of the most photographed in town. The Klösterle offers modern accommodations and it is very well appointed with artwork. It has an outdoor terrace, and a wellness area complete with cardio machines, sauna and steam room.
Night 2: Deutsches Haus
This 15th century hotel is located on the famous Weinmarkt square and breathes Franconian charm, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy your vacation. The spacious rooms included wooden furniture, antiques and classic decorations, and the modern conveniences and accommodating staff will ensure that you have a wonderful stay.
Nights 3 & 4: Hotel Markusturm
Romantikhotel Markusturm sits on a picturesque location in this medieval town. A toll house back in 1264, it has provided shelter for travelers for more than 500 years, and has now been in the Berger family for four generations. It is a hotel for visitors from around the world. Its rooms are individually furnished in a range of modern or antique styles.
Night 5: Hotel Victoria
Dating back to 1927 and located in the center of town, Hotel Vict oria is a legendary hotel. Its exclusive ambiance, stylish rooms with bathrooms in marble and wood, and award-winning cuisine spoil the most discerning guests. The spa park is a 5- minute walk away.
www.austinadventures.com | 800-545-1540 5 Night 6: Hotel Schwan
The Hotel Schwan was built against the former city walls, next to the old city gate of the medieval town of Wertheim. The sunny terrace invites to have a drink. Combine this with the gorgeous scenery and you are sure to have a very personal experience in its recently renovated rooms.
Arrival and Departure
On Day 1 meet in the lobby of Hotel Excelsior in Munich at 8:30 a.m. or in the lobby of our hotel in Nördlingen at 11:00 a.m. After a briefing, the biking begins. After breakfast on Day 7, we take you to the airport, train station, or hotel of your choice in Frankfurt (1 hour transfer).
2015 Trip Price Trip Length Host City from 7 days/6 nights Munich / Dates $2,898 / adult Frankfurt, 6/14 - 6/20 ($480 single Germany 7/5- 7/11 supplement) Airport Code: 7/26 - 8/1 MUC / FRA 8/23 - 8/29 9/20 - 9/26
Reservations & Availability 1-800-575-1540 [email protected]
What Our Guests Say
“We thought Bavaria was lovely and the Romantic Road was perfect for biking. The hotels on this trip were all very nice!”– Jacqueline S., Alamo, CA
“The biking route was outstanding! Gorgeous area and our tandem bike was great!” – Duane R., Oldsmar, FL
“Beyond perfect – absolutely no room for improvement! Both guides were positive all the time and your support staff are top notch.” – Mary A., Ontario, Canada www.austinadventures.com | 800-545-1540 6