7-Day Bavaria Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Bavaria tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaBavaria travel expert at TourRadar

• 6 Day Germany Christmas Markets Itinerary, incl. Frankfurt and Nuremberg

  Sail the Main River aboard an Avalon Suite Ship for 6 days, visiting 4 historic German cities during their Christmas market season. See Würzburg's baroque Bishop's Residence with the world's largest ceiling fresco, then tour UNESCO-listed Bamberg's life-size nativity scenes and Nuremberg's famous Christkindlesmarkt.

  

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  • Day 1

    Frankfurt

    Get to Frankfurt before 3 PM to board your river ship and settle in. If you arrive early, visit the city's Christmas market at Römerberg square, which features over 200 stalls. If you have luggage, take a taxi from the airport to the dock instead of public transport - Frankfurt's stations can be tricky to navigate.

    
  • Day 2

    Main River Village

    Start your day with a guided walk through a traditional Main River village (usually Miltenberg). You'll see half-timbered houses decorated for the holidays. Wear shoes with good grip since the cobblestone streets can be slippery in winter. In the afternoon, find a good spot by the window in the lounge to watch festively decorated villages as you cruise by.

    
  • Day 3

    Würzburg

    Würzburg, the "Pearl of the Romantic Road," offers an excellent Christmas market experience. Visit the UNESCO-listed Residenz palace early in the morning to beat the crowds - you won't want to miss the stunning ceiling fresco in the staircase. The market runs from 10 AM to 8 PM. As one visitor shared: "Don't miss trying the local Franconian glühwein served in blue and white pottery mugs - it's spicier and more complex than regular mulled wine."

    
  • Day 4

    Bamberg

    Start with an onboard lecture about Christmas traditions before arriving in UNESCO-listed Bamberg. The town features a special nativity scene route with over 40 displays - get a map from the tourist office. While the Christmas market in Maxplatz square is smaller, it feels very authentic. Make sure to try the local smoked beer (Rauchbier). Note that market stalls begin closing around 7 PM, so plan your dinner timing carefully.

    
  • Day 5

    Nuremberg

    Nuremberg has Germany's most famous Christmas market. Spend your morning at the Nazi Rally Grounds or medieval castle, then head to the main market after 2 PM when crowds start thinning out. Look for traditional ornaments and toys in the authentic crafts section. For the famous Nuremberg bratwurst, check the stands on the market's edges to avoid long lines.

    
  • Day 6

    Nuremberg Departure

    The cruise ends after breakfast. If you have time before your flight, store your bags at the train station and enjoy a final morning at the market, which opens at 10 AM. Regular direct trains run to Frankfurt Airport (2.5 hours) or Munich Airport (2 hours).

    

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• 7 Days in Bavaria, incl. Treuchtlingen and Beilngries

  Historic towns dot this 7-day route from Treuchtlingen to Beilngries. Daily treks of 14-26km reveal Pappenheim Castle, Solnhofen's fossils, and Buchenhüller Mammoth Cave, with selected hotels providing comfortable stays.

  

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  • Day 1

    Treuchtlingen

    Your journey starts in Treuchtlingen, set in Germany's second-largest nature park. Visit the Altmühltherme thermal baths to prepare your muscles for the upcoming trek. If you want to avoid crowds, plan your thermal bath visit for late afternoon.

    
  • Day 2

    Treuchtlingen to Pappenheim (14 km)

    Your first hiking day includes a climb to the "Devil's Pulpit" viewpoint, with beautiful views of the Altmühl River below. Bring extra water for the exposed sections, which get hot between 11 AM and 3 PM. End your day in medieval Pappenheim, where you can explore its impressive castle.

    
  • Day 3

    Pappenheim to Mörnsheim (15 km)

    The "Twelve Apostles" limestone formations are the star attraction today. Get an early start to catch the best morning light for photos. You'll pass through Solnhofen, known for its ancient fossils dating back 140 million years. Good hiking boots are essential here as limestone can be slippery after rain.

    
  • Day 4

    Mörnsheim to Eichstätt (25 km)

    This is your longest day, taking you through forests and mountain paths to baroque Eichstätt. Pack plenty of snacks since you won't find many stops between towns. A recent hiker shared: "The climb to Willibalds Castle is steep but worth every step—the panoramic views of Eichstätt's red roofs and the surrounding valley are incredible."

    
  • Day 5

    Eichstätt to Kipfenberg (26 km)

    Prepare for some climbing today with 720m elevation gain. You'll see the Buchenhüller mammoth cave and Roman fort Vetoniana. Take a break in the shaded Gugoldinger Wacholderheide nature reserve. Plan to reach the Limes watchtower in late afternoon for the best photo opportunities.

    
  • Day 6

    Kipfenberg to Beilngries (24 km)

    Your final hiking day shows off the Altmühl Valley's best features. Stop for lunch in Kinding at a traditional inn to refuel. The trail down to Beilngries is steep, so consider using hiking poles if you have sensitive knees. Take time to see where the Main-Danube canal meets the Altmühl and Sulz rivers.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from Beilngries

    Before leaving, take a leisurely walk around Beilngries' historic center if your legs are up for it. The train station is 15 minutes from town center, so factor in extra time with your luggage.

    

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• Main River biketour | Würzburg to Frankfurt

  Rolling vineyards and medieval towns mark this 236km journey from Würzburg to Frankfurt over 7 days. UNESCO sites and historic Miltenberg highlight the route, with 3-4 star hotels providing comfortable accommodations.

  

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  • Wurzburg Germany

    19 mi

  • Wertheim Germany

    12 mi

  • Miltenberg Germany

    19 mi

  • Aschaffenburg Germany

    22 mi

  • Frankfurt-am-Main Germany

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