24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List
Duration
8 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in 3 star hotels
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

Adult$1199USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: UFD

Trip highlights


  • Cycling along the Danube bike path
  • Visiting small villages and hilltop castles
  • Celtic open-air museum in Mitterkirchen
  • Ride on the Dragon train in Linz, visit the amusement park Prater and experience the giant ferris wheel in Vienna
  • Staying at family run inns and a farmhouse

This flat stretch of the Danube which is free of traffic and packed full of attractions, is an ideal introduction to cycle touring for all of the family. There is plenty of variety including a donkey adventure, boat rides on the Danube, historic sites such as the Melk Monastery and beautiful landscapes that will inspire children and adults alike. The path is completely paved and follows the river for most of the itinerary. The picturesque riverside region of the Wachau Valley leads you to the town of Spitz. From there you can visit Melk by boat, have some fun at the donkey farm and explore the surrounds. On arrival in Vienna there is a world of music and food for all to embrace.

Trip Grading

introductory

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

A warm welcome awaits children and adults alike. Check-in at the hotel and the rest of the day is at your leisure. You can let yourself drift away into a different world on the Dragon Train through the Land of Dwarves with a magical backdrop of the historical and stunning city of Linz.

Meals:  D

This morning you will pick up your bicycles from the bike shop (8.30-9.30am). Generally we provide bikes with 21 gears – if you would like a 7 speed bike please specify this on booking. The cycle begins directly from the bike garage, and the first stage is a cycle to the Celtic open-air museum. In this village representing the Iron Age, the museum depicts life in the past. Tonight will be spent in a cosy farmhouse in the region of Machland.

Meals:  B,D

Today's cycle takes you to Strudengau, the wooded, meandering valley of the Danube. In Grein you can visit the maritime museum with its impressive models depicting ancient ship building craftsmanship. In Ardagger you can try beach volleyball at the riverside courts. Overnight Bad Kreuzen or surrounds.

Meals:  B,D

Shortly after Pöchlarn you will enter the Wachau Valley, one of the most beautiful riverside landscapes of Europe. Through scenery of vineyards and quaint villages, you will pass the Benedictine monastery of Melk which can be seen from miles away. Cycling through the vineyards you will reach Spitz, built around the so-called "Thousand-bucket-hill”. You will pass several fantastic sights (abbeys, castles, ruins). Alongside the cycle path you will find the so called “Heurigen” (typical Austrian wine taverns) where you can taste wine or regional foods. Overnight in Marbach an der Donau or surrounds.

Meals:  B,D

Today you are free to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Wachau. You can go swimming in the pool or play in the hotel garden, or explore one of the numerous wine cellars in this wonderful wine region or walk up to a ruined castle. Overnight in Marbach an der Donau or surrounds.

Meals:  B,D

Travel by boat from Spitz to Krems* before continuing the ride through a landscape of dramatic rocky cliffs, vine terraces and blossoming orchards, picturesque villages, imposing monasteries, church steeples and castles. A day to appreciate the scenery and cycle at a relaxed pace. Overnight in Tulln. *Mid and low season departures - travel by train between Krems and Tulln - cycle distance approximately 20km

Meals:  B,D

Today you will cycle to metropolitan Vienna, the capital of Austria. En route you have a fantastic view of the skyline. The route into Vienna is mostly on a cycle path with no vehicles allowed, allowing you easy access to the main centre and your hotel (dinner not included). Vienna is a city that loves its music and food. Kids will have a great time enjoying traditional sweets and hot chocolate. You'll hear waltzes and impromptu violin concerts on street corners. When the kids need a change of pace, head to the eastern part of Vienna to ride the Ferris Wheel (ticket included) and enjoy the famous Prater amusement park.

Meals:  B

The trip concludes after breakfast or you can extend your stay in Vienna. We can assist with booking extra nights. There is a lot to see and do in Vienna including the ‘Naschmarkt’, the Schönbrunn palace, any of the many excellent museums and Albertina for Families.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts & 6 dinners - Continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will be 3 courses and include some regional specialties.
  • 7 nights in 3-4 star hotels on a twin share basis with private facilities (child-friendly hotels, eg with playroom, playground or garden)
  • Transfer of luggage from hotel to hotel (1 suitcase per person, max 23kg)
  • 21 speed unisex bike equipped with pannier and handlebar bag (7 speed bikes, electric bike, childrens bikes, trail-a-bikes and childrens trailers available on request - a supplement applies for electric bikes)
  • Information pack including route notes and maps per room (GPS Tracks available on request)
  • One Ferris Wheel ride at the Prater amusement park in Vienna
  • Children's "surprise" per booking
  • Ferry ride Spitz to Krems (except in low and mid season: train ride Krems to Tulln instead)
  • 7 day emergency hotline

  • Travel to Linz and and from Vienna
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you book a single room
  • Adult helmets can be purchased in advance to be provided locally, ask your consultant for details.
  • Child helmets are not available, please bring your own. Helmets mandatory for children under 12
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Hotel taxes payable locally (approx. € 1 - 2,5 per person/night)
  • E-bike rental insurance - covers you in case of loss or damage when the bike is properly used and secured. Excluded from this are lost keys, batteries and chargers of e-bikes, as well as purposeful damage or gross negligence. (not available for standard bikes)
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information


Grading

introductory  

INTRODUCTORY – GRADE 1 This trip involves 6 days cycling between 35 and 49km / 21.5 and 30.5mi per day usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain. You need only carry your camera/rain gear and water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels/inns. The trip is considered suitable for beginners and children who have a good level of fitness. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.


Departure dates

Daily from 23 Mar to 19 Oct

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
Note:
Mid season 23 Mar - 26 Apr and 21 Sep - 4 Oct. High season 27 Apr - 20 Sep, supplement applies.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

Adult$1199USD

Child$360USD** See below for further details.

Options & Supplements*
  • Helmet purchaseUSD$50
  • Single SupplementUSD$270
  • Child under age 9 sharing with 2 adults - low seasonUSD$360
  • Child under age 9 sharing with 1 adult (& adult pays the single supp) - low seasonUSD$380
  • Child aged 9-11 sharing with 2 adults - season supps may applyUSD$760
  • Child aged 12-14 sharing with 2 adults - season supps may applyUSD$950
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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