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

Price

$899USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: PVI

Trip highlights


  • Cycling along the Danube bike path in just four days
  • Exploring the three river town of Passau and the majestic city of Vienna
  • Experiencing the timelessness of the river landscape
  • The abbey at Melk and the Danube loop
  • The rolling vineyards and wine tasting in the Wachau Valley

For fit cyclists looking for a challenging cycle on a mostly dedicated cycle way along one of Europe's most spectacular rivers, this self guided cycle has it all. Historical towns, Austrian castles, Benedictine monasteries and ancestral vineyards make up some of the numerous sites 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.

Trip Grading

moderate to challenging

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Make your way to your hotel, where you will 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 and with an observation tower that offers a good view of the town and the river, and St Stephens Cathedral which has the world’s largest church organ. Collect your bike this afternoon (4-7 pm) or tomorrow morning. Generally we provide bikes with 21 gears – if you would like a 7 speed bike please specify this on booking.

Meals:  D

If you pick up your bike this morning, the cycle begins directly at the bike garage. Today you'll cycle through the Upper Danube Valley to Schlögen, following the river. Pass 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, then continue to Schlögen. The famous Schlögener Blick provides a wonderful view of the surrounding Austrian countryside. Between the banks of the Danube there are small passenger ferries that you can take. This afternoon cross over to the southern bank of the Danube to reach Aschach before arriving at Brandstatt.

Meals:  B,D

Continue cycling past the monastery at Wilhering and 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 art gallery “Lentos”, situated on the Danube, is worth a look, or enjoy lunch in the lovely main square. Later, visit Enns, the oldest town in Austria, or across the river, the Mauthausen concentration camp. It is possible to visit the camp and its interesting museum, although the detour requires a steep uphill climb. This leg takes you through beautiful meadows and tranquil hinterland, past the Celtic village of Mitterkitchen and the majestic church in Baumgartenberg, and on to the romantic castle of Clam and the town of Grein. In Grein you will find the oldest Austrian theatre which is open to visitors. Continue to Strudengau.

Meals:  B,D

Today's cycle takes you through the fascinating landscape of tall and densely wooded rock formations on the both sides of the river. From Strudengau you soon arrive in Ybbs, a former trading centre on the Danube. High above the Danube is the pilgrimage church of Maria Taferl, and well before you reach the town of Melk you can see its huge monastery. The cycle continues through the renowned Wachau, with its truly romantic scenery of terraced vineyards, apricot groves and quaint villages. En route to Krems you cycle through the winery villages of Spitz, Weisskirchen and Durnstein and pass several abbeys, castles and 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 the 1000 year old wine city of Krems or surrounds.

Meals:  B,D

The last day of cycling takes you through the vast and beautiful Tullner Fields. After Tulln, you continue through the Vienna Woods (Wiener Wald) towards metropolitan Vienna, capital of Austria. Along the way, we recommend stopping to visit the impressive monastery in Klosterneuberg before continuing to the "City of Music". 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.

Meals:  B

Trip concludes after breakfast. Make sure you visit the famous sights of Vienna such as the ‘Naschmarkt’, the City Opera, the Ringstrasse with its imposing buildings and the beautiful imperial castle Schönbrunn.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 5 breakfasts, 4 dinners (dinner not included in Vienna). Continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses which include regional specialities
  • 5 nights accommodation in rooms with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis in 3 star hotels and inns
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • 21 speed bike rental equipped with 2 panniers (7 speed bikes on request or if 21-speed is fully booked, children trailers - max 2 children, 40kg - on request. A limited number of 8-speed electric bikes are available for hire - must be pre-booked and a supplement applies). Odometer (not on e-bikes).
  • 1 free bottle of wine per room from a vineyard in the Wachau Valley
  • A tasting of regional products
  • Maps, route information and tourist information, and handlebar bag per room + GPX Tracks
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Passau 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 are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Ferries
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Helmet purchase - supplement applies, must be pre booked and paid for before departure
  • Train or bus Vienna back to Passau - we can book this if required, please ask for our rates
  • Hotel taxes - payable locally (allow around 1-2.5 Euros per person per night)
  • 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.
  • Handlebar phone holder – to follow the route more easily using the app / GPX files
  • Excess Luggage
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information


Grading

moderate to challenging  

This trip involves 4 days cycling between 70 and 90km / 43.5 and 56mi 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 moderate to challenging due to the daily distances - the terrain is mainly flat. It is suitable for fit cyclists seeking a challenge or moderately fit cyclists using an e-bike. *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

$899USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Helmet hireUSD$39
  • Helmet purchaseUSD$50
  • Electric Bike SupplementUSD$140
  • Optional bike delivery (to the hotel) - per group (up to 10)USD$160
  • Single SupplementUSD$260
  • Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$270
*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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