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Follow the winding route of the Danube and discover the lively history of one of Europe's most important rivers. Cycle past Austrian castles, Benedictine monasteries and ancestral vineyards en route to Vienna. From Germany, follow the Danube eastward into Austria, across the fertile plains of the Wachau Valley, where vineyards climb the slopes to imposing medieval monasteries perched atop hills between Melk and Krems. Wind past castle ruins and apricot orchards before reaching the capital of Austria, where you can take in a performance of the "Blue Danube" waltz, the melody that evokes Vienna the world over. At night stay in a range of 4-5 star hotels from modern charm to historic properties specially handpicked for their location and character.
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25kg of CO2-e PP per day
(197kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Passau (Germany)
Check into your 4 star hotel located directly on the Danube and receive your travel documents. The remainder of the day is free to explore the town. Located at the junction of three rivers, the Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau has a number of interesting sites including the Fortress “Veste Oberhaus” built in 1219 where there is an observation tower for a good view of the town and the river and St. Stephens Cathedral with the world’s largest church organ. At 4.00pm there will be a bike handover. If you are arriving after this time, a bike handover will occur tomorrow morning.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle through countryside to Engelhartszell and on to Schlögen (45km/28mi)
Following breakfast at your hotel, cycle along the Danube through the Austrian border town of Engelhartszell which is home to a former Cistercian abbey (1293-1786) and since 1925 the only Trappist monastery in Austria. From here you continue to Schlögen. The famous Schlögener Blick provides a wonderful view of the surrounding Austrian countryside. The usual hotel this evening is right on the Schlögen Loop with impressive views from the terrace.
Meals: B
Day 3
Cycle past Aschach and Wilhering to Linz (55km/34mi)
On the southern bank of the Danube you pass Aschach and the monastery Wilhering until you reach the capital of Upper Austria, Linz. The city has a lively arts and music culture. In 1783 Mozart wrote his Symphony No. 36 here, now known as the Linz Symphony. The modern “Lentos” museum, situated on the Danube and illuminated at night, is worth a look. The Brucknerhaus has an extensive program in 2024 celebrating Upper Austria's famous composer.
Day 4
Cycle to Grein/Bad Kreuzen (55km/34mi)
The cycle continues along the Danube cycle path passing the Mauthausen concentration camp. It is possible to visit the camp which has an interesting museum, although the detour requires a steep uphill climb. Meandering away from the river the route takes you through fields of wheat, corn and sunflowers. Detour to nearby Enns, to visit the main square with it’s 60 m high tower built in the 16th century! The cycle route continues through the "Strudengau" region, until you reach the old town of Grein, dominated by the castle of “Greinburg”. In Grein you will find the oldest Austrian theatre which is open to visitors.
Day 5
Through Strudengau to Melk with its imposing Benedictine Monastery (53km/33mi)
The trail takes you through the Strudengau region to Ybbs, a former trading centre on the Danube, and past Maria Taferl to Melk with its imposing Benedictine Monastery. Well before you reach the town you can see the huge monastery and there will be ample time in the afternoon to explore the museum, abbey and absorb the sweeping view from its balcony. Overnight in a delightful 4 star hotel in Melk.
Day 6
Cycle through Wachau and on to Durnstein (35km/22mi)
Today, you pedal through the renowned Wachau, with its truly romantic scenery of vineyards and quaint villages, enroute to Durnstein. You will pass several fantastic sights (abbeys, castles, ruins). Alongside the cycle path and in Durnstein you will find the so called “Heurigen” (typical Austrian wine taverns) where you can taste wine or regional foods. Overnight you are in for a treat staying at the 5 star Schloss Durnstein (if unavailable at the time you book a hotel of similar standard will be used).
Day 7
Continue to the Roman town of Tulln (49km/30.5mi)
Leaving the vineyards behind you, you cycle through the expanse of the “Tullnerfeld” at a leisurely pace. You arrive at the Roman town Tulln in the afternoon. Enjoy this small city and wander through its' parks to see why it is known as the city of flowers.
Day 8
To Vienna, the Austrian capital and city of Waltz (35km/22mi)
Leaving Tulln you come closer to Vienna. As soon as you can see the edge of the Vienna Woods (Wiener Wald) and it’s rolling foothills, look and you will find the castle of Greifenstein and the sharply pointed spires of the Klosterneuburg monastery. Just after Klosterneuburg, you will reach the Austrian capital city and city of Waltz, Vienna, a metropolis with a heart full of charm. Overnight in a superb historic hotel in the heart of Vienna.
Day 9
Trip concludes in Vienna
Make sure you visit the famous sights such as the ‘Naschmarkt’ and the beautiful castle Schönbrunn. Trip concludes after breakfast.
What's included
What's not included
The accommodations for this trip include a carefully selected mix of 4-star hotels and one 5-star hotel. These properties offer a blend of modern comfort, historic charm, and excellent locations along the Danube. Guests can expect en-suite facilities, elegant design, and a range of amenities, from wellness centers to gourmet dining options. The hotels have been handpicked to enhance your experience with their unique character and proximity to the cycling route.
You’ll be provided with a 21-speed touring bike fitted with hand brakes. Each bike comes with a pannier for your daily gear, plus a handlebar bag, bike computer, lock and a repair kit (per room). Helmets are mandatory on all cycling tours so please bring your own well-fitted helmet. Alternatively, you can pre-book and pre-pay to purchase one through us. In the event of a puncture, it’s expected that you’ll carry out the repair yourself. A puncture repair kit is included with your equipment to help you quickly get back on the road.
A limited number of electric bikes are available for an additional supplement. These must be requested at the time of booking or in advance. These are 8-speed KTM or Flyer models that increase your pedalling power and allows cyclists of different athletic conditions to book a bike tour together. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Note: Frame sizes 43/45/50cm - minimum height 153cm. E-bikes are not fitted with odometers.
The Danube Cycleway from Passau to Vienna features a mostly flat, well-maintained, and smooth trail surface, with large sections paved, making it ideal for all skill levels and types of bicycles, including e-bikes. While the primary path is smooth and easy, you may encounter some sections with varied surfaces. You will mainly cycle on paved bike paths or quiet country roads. There will be road cycling where you will encounter traffic mostly when entering and exiting cities, towns & villages.
GRADE 2 - This trip involves 7 days cycling between 35 and 55km (22-35mi)per day usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain. The terrain is almost exclusively on the Danube cycle path. In and out of the cities there will be some traffic. You need only carry your camera/rain gear and water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels/inns. The trip is graded introductory to moderate and is considered suitable for beginners and children who have a good level of fitness. A limited number of children’s bikes are available (minimum height 120cm), as are bike seats (max 18kg) and trailers (2 children, maximum 40kg). *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
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