Duration
14 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 13 nights in 3 star hotels
Meals
  • 13 Breakfasts

Price

$AUD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: SOG7573

Trip highlights


  • Cycling along the Danube through southern Germany & discovering the history of one of Europe's most important rivers
  • Experiencing the timelessness of the river landscape
  • Exploring medieval Ulm
  • Cycling at Lake Constance with the Alps as a stunning backdrop
  • Enjoying the camaraderie of your fellow travellers

The Danube is Europe's second longest river, coursing through ten countries enroute to the Black Sea. This cycling tour leads you from where the Brigach and Breg Rivers join in Donaueschingen to the medieval town of Ulm, with stunning natural vistas and numerous picturesque towns and villages along the way. The second part of the cycling tour at Lake Constance will lead you around the so-called Obersee easterly section of the Lake which nears the Alps near Bregenz. The most famous Lake Constance towns are located along the route: Constance, Meersburg, Friedrichshafen, Lindau, Bregenz and Arbon. This section is perfect for relaxing as it runs along the lakeshore and provides a constant view of the Alps.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

Individual arrival in Donaueschingen. The day is free to explore the town. The Brigach and Breg Black Forest rivers join to form the Danube in Donaueschingen, but even the Romans thought the source of the river was located in the park of the Fürstenberg castle. The castle, built in the Belle Epoch style, is a testament to the importance of the Fürstenberg family. It has an excellent natural history collection and houses many important paintings and sculptures from the modern period. Overnight stay in Donaueschingen.

Meals:  Nil

20 Sep: The first cycling stage leads you through the so-called "Baar" landscape. In Pfohren a visit to the old Entenburg castle is worthwhile. In Immendingen you will be able to visit an important natural phenomenon: the sinking of the Danube. The river disappears beneath the porous chalk rock for the majority of the year and instead of flowing to the Black Sea flows towards Lake Constance and finally into the Rhine. After Tuttlingen the valley begins to narrow and follows the path the Danube has carved through the Swabian Alb. Continue to the town of Fridingen.

Meals:  B

21 Sep: Today you will travel through the Danube opening which is one of the most beautiful sections of the trip. The river and cycle path snake between towering chalk cliffs, many of which are crowned with castles or ruins on the way to Sigmaringen, the former capital town of the principality of the same name. The castle in Sigmaringen is still inhabited and houses a large collection of weapons - you can stop and have a guided tour. Overnight in Scheer.

Meals:  B

22 Sep: Follow the course of the river until just after Hundersingen where you can take a break to visit the Heuneburg Open-air Museum, which replicates the daily life of a Celtic settlement from the Iron Age. Continue past Zwiefaltendorf Castle to reach Obermarchtal Monastery. Further along the Danube is the small town of Munderkingen with its well-preserved half-timbered houses and parish church of St Dionysius dating from the 13th century. Later you will reach the pretty market town of Ehingen.

Meals:  B

23 Sep: Leaving the modern Danube behind today you will cycle through the valley of the ancient Danube to Blaubeuren. Behind the monastery you will find the famous Blautopf, an amazing limestone spring which is the start of a large system of caves, where according to legend a beautiful nymph lived. Medieval castles and ruins accompany you along the Blau until you reach the Swabian-Bavarian double city of Ulm, with the highest church tower in the world. Here you can enjoy great shopping and the town's metropolitan flair. Overnight in Ulm.

Meals:  B

24 Sep.

Meals:  B

25 Sep: Your Danube cycle concludes after breakfast. Own arrangements to Lake Constance. On arrival make your way to the hotel in Constance.

Meals:  B

26 Sep. Constance is Lake Constance’s largest town. 600 years ago the Council of Constance took place, the only council that was held north of the Alps to elect a pope. The Rhine leaves Lake Constance here, on its way to the North Sea. Only a few minutes by foot from the medieval town centre is the Swiss town of Kreuzlingen with its lively harbour. Collect your rental bikes this afternoon or tomorrow morning.

Meals:  B

27 Sep: After breakfast you will cycle towards Wallhausen, before crossing over the Überlinger See section of the lake by boat. In Überlingen your cycle tour leads towards the lake dwelling museum. After viewing the interesting reconstructions, continue through medieval Meersburg towards Friedrichshafen. In Friedrichshafen we recommend visiting the Zeppelin Museum.

Meals:  B

28 Sep: Today you will start out cycling through Langenargen, where you can admire the inspiration for the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. You will then cycle through extensive orchards on your way to Lindau, whose protected old town is located on an island. After a few kilometres you will find yourself on Austrian soil and will cycle directly along the lakeshore to the city of Bregenz with its unique lakeshore theatre stage.

Meals:  B

29 Sep: Wander through the town of Bregenz and enjoy its beautifully preserved upper town. Once you arrive in Hard, you cross the Rhine, which flows in from the Swiss Alps. Now you are on Swiss ground, in Altenrhein, and you will see the Hundertwasser hall, the last colourful building made by the famous artist. You cycle along the banks of the lake to the old harbour town of Rorschach.

Meals:  B

30 Sep: The last day on your cycling tour Lake Constance, the Cycle Path is devoted to the Canton of Thurgau, known for its huge apple orchards. The route takes you along the banks of the lake.

Meals:  B

1 Oct: Your Lake Constance ride concludes after breakfast. Own arrangements to France and Decize for your Nivernais ride (starting 2 Oct).

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 13 breakfasts
  • 13 nights accommodation - Danube stage in 3 star hotels, at Lake Constance in 3-4 star hotels, all on a double/twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • e-bikes throughout (change for Lake Constance)
  • Luggage transfer (max 20kg per piece)
  • Entrance to: Sigmaringen Castle including guided tour and the Mobile Museum in Ingolstadt
  • Entrance to Rosgarten museum Constance, 1 coffee pp included
  • Information packs with route notes and maps per room booked per stage, GPS Tracks available on request
  • Emergency hotline - 7 days 8am to 8pm
  • Boat trip Wallhausen / Dingelsdorf – Überlingen incl. bike

  • Travel to Donaueschingen and from Constance
  • Lunches, dinners and drinks
  • Entrance to sights not listed in the itinerary
  • Tour guide - this is a self guided tour
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Travel insurance
  • City or visitor's tax (where applicable)
  • Helmet

Bike information


Grading

introductory to moderate  

This trip involves 8 days cycling, generally for 40-50km per day. The Danube route is mostly along paved paths across generally flat terrain, with a few sections on quiet or quite busy roads. The villages are often located in elevated positions safe from the river floodwaters. At Lake Constance the path runs partially along the lakeshore and partially along lakeside roads. Sporadically there are short, unsealed sections. Around Friedrichshafen the cycle path runs parallel to the highway. The lakeshore is mostly open to the public. In order to prepare for this trip you will need to be comfortable cycling for extended periods, sometimes with traffic around you (sometimes unavoidable going in to and leaving towns).*For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list. You need only carry your requirements for the day, eg camera/rain gear and water bottle, as luggage transfers are included.


Departure dates


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

$AUD

Options & Supplements*
    *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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