Franken Wine and the Romantic Road

Day 1:

Arrival at Frankfurt airport. Transfer by train and minibus or taxi to our base hotel in Volkach.

Day 2:

Volkach. After breakfast, we personally equip you with your bicycles ensuring a perfect fit for everyone. The rest of the day is yours to explore Volkach and the surrounding countryside. Volkach is a picturesque walled market town in the heart of the Franken wine-growing region. Although many of Germany’s finest wines are produced here, few Franken wines are exported to Britain as there is scarcely enough to satisfy eager German connoisseurs. Ambling along peaceful lanes through the vineyards, you’ll explore pretty villages and sample the region’s exclusive wines direct from the local vintners.

Day 3:

Volkach to Frickenhausen. Both villages lie on the banks of the meandering River Main. The route traverses the gently undulating countryside east of the river, with vineyards on the south facing slopes and arable farmland and forest occupying the shadier slopes. The wine-growing centre of Iphofen is well placed for a midday break - this attractive village is part surrounded by an ancient wall with many spectacular timbered gate towers, on the edges of the Steigerwald Nature Park. 18 miles.

Day 4:

Frickenhausen. An immaculate historic village, Frickenhausen exudes an atmosphere of prosperity that is testament to the excellent wines produced around here. Fortunately, your hotelier is a well reputed wine-maker so you’ll get the chance to sample some fine vintages. We also recommend a circular ride that visits some of the most beautiful wine-producing villages nearby.

Day 5:

Frickenhausen to Weikersheim. “Franconia is like a magic chest; a never-ending series of drawers open to reveal sparkling coloured gems, and there is no end to it. To enjoy Germany’s most secret, unspoilt attractions, you must travel to Franconia” wrote the German poet, Karl Immermann, during the 19th century. Today, it’s still easy to appreciate the simple pace of life in Franconia. The fertile land here supports arable farming and the villages are less ornate, perhaps reflecting the friendly, rugged character of the local farmers. Each village has a tangible personality and a rustic charm shaped over centuries. 20 miles.

Day 6:

Weikersheim. Taking a brief sojourn across to the neighbouring state of Baden Wurttemberg, Weikersheim is the ancestral seat of the House of Hohenlohe. In the centre of town, a lavish palace features surprisingly expansive gardens that are among Germany’s finest. Situated on the River Tauber, the valley here is well known throughout Germany as a cyclists’ paradise. We thoroughly recommend a scenic day trip exploring parts of the ‘Liebliches Taubertal’ (‘Lovely Tauber Valley’) as it is affectionately known.

Day 7:

Weikersheim to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Both the Romantic Road and the ‘Liebliches Taubertal’ link these two towns. Our route follows the quiet lanes and byways which meander down the valley, hopping banks over old stone bridges. The south-facing slopes feature numerous small vineyards with a sprinkling of vintners en route. Several ancient villages punctuate the wonderful ride through this stunning valley. Today is a real treat! 20 miles.

Day 8:

Rothenburg ob der Tauber/Detwang. Your hotel is located in the tiny hamlet of Detwang, less than a mile from the magnificent medieval town of Rothenburg. Without any modern buildings and entirely encircled by its original wall, Rothenburg is a perfectly preserved town. Despite its inevitable popularity, this great town retains its dignity and is truly unmissable. To perfectly capture the town’s unique atmosphere, we recommend an early morning or late evening stroll. Rothenburg is set in the Frankenhohe Nature Park and the surrounding countryside is ideal for both cycling and walking.

Day 9:

Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Dinkelsbühl. The route continues to follow the Romantic Road, weaving a path along quiet lanes and tracks through the Frankenhohe Nature Park. The baroque palace at Schillingsfurst and the medieval town of Feuchtwangen provide interesting diversions during an enchanting day pedaling through the beautiful Franconian countryside. 26 miles.

Day 10:

Dinkelsbühl. Steeped in history, this lovely old town has a softer, more lived-in feel than Rothenburg with its atmospheric timbered houses and narrow cobbled streets. Above all, this relatively quiet town is a real pleasure to explore during the day. Throughout the summer, a lively programme of festivals and musical and theatrical presentations takes place. The cultural highlight of the year is the ‘Kinderzeche’ (Children’s Festival) which commemorates the saving of Dinkelabühl from marauding Swedish hordes in 1632 - the mayor, fearing the surrounding forces were about to take the town, dispatched the town’s children, bearing flowers, to the Swedish leader who spared the town. Today, all that surrounds Dinkelsbühl is idyllic rolling countryside, perfect for cycling.

Day 11:

Today we say “Auf Wiedersehen”. We will transfer you directly to Frankfurt airport by minibus or taxi and train, and look forward to welcoming you back next year!