Cycling holiday Following the Footsteps of King Ludwig

Following the Footsteps of King Ludwig

From Regensburg to Bamberg

Starting at € 1.199,-
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Summary
  • 8 Days Sunday to Sunday
  • 50 km average per day
  • Arrival Nuremberg Airport
  • Departure Nuremberg Airport
Highlights
  • Altmühltal Nature Park
  • Historic Ludwig Canal
  • UNESCO World Heritage sites in Regensburg and Bamberg
  • Baroque churches and historic towns
Characteristics
  • Self-guided Tour
  • Group Tour
  • Bike & Barge
  • Cycling level 2

    You cycle along towpaths by the canals or on quiet country roads, farm tracks, and forest paths. A few longer climbs are part of the route, so a basic level of fitness is recommended.

Following the Footsteps of King Ludwig

Experience a journey through time along the Danube and the Main-Danube Canal – comfortably on board and actively on two wheels. Between Regensburg and Bamberg, a fascinating route awaits you, passing through some of southern Germany’s most beautiful and historic towns.

Explore medieval alleys, magnificent churches, baroque old towns, and vibrant beer culture – all set in a picturesque river landscape. During the day, you’ll cycle at a relaxed pace along well-maintained bike paths; in the evening, unwind aboard your floating hotel.

Join us for a varied journey full of culture, nature, and Bavarian joie de vivre!

Daily Program

  • Day 1 Regensburg - arrival

    Individual arrival in Regensburg at 16:00 PM. The largely preserved historic old town and the Stadtamhof district, with their many architectural monuments, have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2006. It is said that Regensburg boasts around 6.000 listed buildings – more than any other city in Europe!

  • Day 2 Regensburg - Riedenburg, 55 km

    The first stage takes you through idyllic landscapes and past small villages. A first highlight awaits you in Kelheim, where the Altmühl and Danube rivers meet. Towering above the town is the impressive Liberation Hall, a monumental structure commissioned by King Ludwig I, which rewards a short climb with spectacular panoramic views. Your journey continues through the Altmühltal Nature Park, winding through forested valleys, past striking rock formations and castle ruins. The day’s destination is the charming town of Riedenburg, often called the “Pearl of the Altmühl Valley.” Here, you can enjoy a medieval atmosphere and relax in one of the cozy beer gardens.

  • Day 3 Riedenburg - Beilngries, 30 km

    A relaxed ride through the heart of the Altmühl Valley: This stage follows well-developed bike paths with hardly any inclines, leading you to the charming town of Beilngries with its winding alleys and baroque parish church. Along the way, numerous information boards offer insights into the region’s history and the geological features of the Altmühl Valley. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for a coffee or simply take in the peaceful beauty of the surrounding nature.

  • Day 4 Beilngries - Roth, 55 km

    Your cycling tour first takes you to the old town of Freystadt, where you can explore the town center and visit the baroque pilgrimage church "Maria-Hilf-Wallfahrtskirche" – one of the most important baroque churches in Germany, beautifully situated in a meadow just outside the town. The destination of today’s stage is Roth.

  • Day 5 Roth - Nuremberg, 38-58 km

    Today’s ride takes you through the Rothsee Nature Park before you discover one of the oldest canals in the world: the historic Main-Danube Canal built under King Ludwig I, also known as the Ludwig Canal. With its 101 locks and scenic views, it’s a true engineering and landscape highlight.
    In the afternoon, you arrive in Nuremberg – a city rich in history with a beautifully restored medieval old town. Follow the "Historic Mile" to see the city’s most important and authentic buildings, carefully reconstructed after their destruction in World War II.

  • Day 6 Nuremberg - Erlangen, 37 km

    Today, the Regnitz Cycle Route takes you along the scenic valley route through lush greenery. As you leave the city, you’ll pass iconic landmarks like the “Kettensteg” (Chain Bridge), the “Henkersteg” (Hangman’s Bridge), and the historic craftsmen’s houses of Weißgerbergasse, before continuing through the green Hallerwiesen meadows. The ride leads you through the restored floodplains of the Pegnitz River toward Fürth – a short detour into the heart of the town is well worth it! From there, you continue along river meadows, shaded by tall oaks entwined with wild hops, through flat countryside and sandy pine forests, heading toward Erlangen.

  • Day 7 Erlangen - Bamberg, 58 km

    Your final bike tour takes you through the meadow landscapes of the Regnitz Valley, continuing along the Regnitz Cycle Route. Take a break at one of the many traditional beer gardens along the way and enjoy a refreshing beer or a slice of homemade cake.
    You’ll stop in Forchheim, a small and charming Franconian town, before cycling on to the thousand-year-old imperial city of Bamberg.

  • Day 8 Bamberg - departure

    After breakfast checkout until 9:00 am– have a safe journey home.

Cycling from Regensburg to Bamberg

Germany

Profile

You cycle along towpaths by the canals or on quiet country roads, farm tracks, and forest paths. A few longer climbs are part of the route, so a basic level of fitness is recommended.

Total distance: 285 km
Character: Individual, unguided

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regensburg
Regensburg
Nuremberg
Biergarten
Bamberg

What else do you need to know?

To see the prices for 2027, select a date and click 'Book'.

Included

  • Seven nights in outside cabins with private facilities in the booked cabin category
  • Program according to routing
  • All charges for harbours, bridges and locks
  • Room cleaning every day, changing of towels and bed cloths as necessary
  • Welcome-Drink
  • Full board consisting of 7x breakfast, 6x lunch snack on board (non-cyclists) or lunch package for cycle tours,
    6x coffee or tea in the afternoon, 7x 3-course-dinner
  • Daily meeting for the cycle tours
  • Digital travel documents via GUIBO-App incl. GPS tracks for bike tours
  • Tour guide on board (does not cycle)

Not Included

  • Reservation fee
  • Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund (Insolvency Protection)
  • Arrival and departure
  • Parking fees and shuttles
  • Bike rentals  (Regular bike € 99,- / Ebike € 219,-) - Bike insurance included
  • Local visitor’s tax may apply during cycle tours
  • Entrance fees and excursions,
  • City maps
  • Ferry fees
  • Travel insurances
  • Tips for the crew and captain
  • Drinks on board 

Special details

  • This tour is operated by our local partner
  • As our local partner is situated in Germany, this tour has a mix of German and international participants.
  • Please take good notice of our Terms & Conditions
  • This program is subject to change without notice
  • All bike tours are unescorted.
  • All kilometers are approximate distances of recommended routes.
  • Please be aware that the cabin storage space is limited. 
  • In case of flood or low tide, the shipping company reserves the right to bridge parts of passages by buses. In extreme situations, the shipping company reserves the right to cancel the journey on short notice. No legal right shall be constituted of both situations. (Water level is force majeure). The same applies for officially ordered – previously not announced – repair work on locks or bridges or in case of breakdown of engine or power unit through no fault of shipping company or tour operator.
  • Basically, we reserve the right to make changes of routing and program. If there is low or high water and a route cannot be shipped, the captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety (this cannot be accepted as a reason for free withdrawal). Same applies to previously unknown administrative orders of lock or bridge repairs.
  • Please be aware that a cruise ship on the Oder is not only your hotel but also a machine that works with engine power that may cause noise during the night, when passing locks and bridges and during preparation work.
  • Minimum of participants: 75 guests (has to be reached at the latest 21 days before cruise start)

Embarkation Regensburg

Embarkation: on Sunday from 4 PM
Mooring place MS Casanova: to be anounced 

Airport

The nearest international airport to the embarkation point in Regensburg is Nuremberg Airport (NUE).

Public transport

From Nuremberg Airport to Regensburg Hbf by train will take around 1,5 hours.
German railway

Car + parking

Passenger car parking options in Regensburg:

Car parks in Regensburg

End of the tour

Disembarkation will take place after breakfast (9.00 AM) on Sunday.
Return by train from Bamberg to Regensburg approx. 2 hours/ €40,- per person.

Bicycle equipment:

  • 7-gear-Unisex-trekking bikes und 8-gear-E-Bikes
  • With hand brake and pedal brake or hand brakes only (subject to availability, please indicate as a non-binding customer request by the booking)
  • Pannier bag and rental bike insurance included.
  • E-Bikes on a limited number only
  • Please indicate your body height by the booking

Travel safe and secure: We recommend to wear a bike helmet.


Onboard Selling (limitid quantity):
Bicycle helmet UVEX I-VO: € 45.-  
Phone holder: €10,- per item
 

On this tour you can rent the following bikes:

  • Rental e-bike 8th gears

    8-gear e-bike with Bosch motor

  • Rental bike Unisex

    7-gear Unisex trekking bikes
     

Embarkation: Sunday at 4:00 PM

Disembarkation: Sunday at  approx. 09:00 AM

Minimum number of participants: 75 guests (must have been reached within 21 days prior to departure)

To bring your own bike On request only – due to lack of space on sun deck. E-bikes exclusively with removable battery pack. We exclude any liability for loss, theft and damage - this also applies to damage caused by transportation from shore to ship or vice versa.

Travel safe and secure: We recommend to wear a bike helmet. Onboard Selling: UVEX I-VO € 45.- per helmet, limited number. 

Excursions: We offer a small excursion program, that can be booked directly on board at the cruise director only. You will get a brief description together with your travel documents. Depending on the number of participants some excursions could be carried out in 2 languages (German/ English)

Luggage: We recommend: rainwear, bicycle helmet, sunhat and sneakers.

Digital Travel documents and roadmaps: In the interest of sustainability and climate protection, opt for our digital route book instead of printed travel documents. The GUIBO app is your constant companion during your journey. A glance at your smartphone is all you need to travel safely and worry-free, with all important information at your fingertips. Travel information, ship details, contact information, and your bike tours are available digitally in the route book, accessible offline and at any time. The app is available for free and works on all standard smartphones (exept Huawei). You will automatically receive the access details to download your booked trip via email before your trip begins.

Guibo App: To navigate safely throughout the day using the Guibo app, you will need a phone holder and a power bank to recharge your phone. If you do not bring these with you, both items are available for purchase on board in limited quantities.

Schedule and program changes: Basically, we reserve the right to make changes of routing and program. If there is low or high water and a route cannot be shipped, the captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety (this cannot be accepted as a reason for free withdrawal). Same applies to previously unknown administrative orders of lock or bridge repairs. Notes: Please be aware that a cruise ship on the Danube is not only your hotel but also a machine, working with engine power also during the night. Especially crossing locks and bridges - and the preparation work - may cause noise. If you are sensitive please bring your own ear plugs

Travel documents: EU-citizens (without special situations like dual citizenship, main residence abroad or a limited-validity passport) are required to have a valid passport or ID-card, not expiring within six (6) months of the return of your cruise. We kindly ask non-EU citizens, EU-nationals with multiple citizenship or anybody who has to respect special legal entry requirements for the country to visit, to inform about visa and entry documents at the competent embassy.

This trip is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.

We recommend that you take out a travel health insurance with repatriation coverage as well as baggage, accident and travel cancellation insurances.