Cycling The Danube - Passau To Vienna

8 days - from $1013

Cycle beside one of Europe's longest rivers through the lush green valleys of Northern Austria
Follow the curves and bends of the Danube as it flows through steep-sided valleys and wide riverside woods towards beautiful Vienna. From Passau onwards the slopes of the valley become steeper and rockier until we reach the Schlogener Loop. Here, blocked by a granite mountain, the Danube does a U-turn round a sharp curve before changing the direction of its flow twice, providing spectacular views from the surrounding hills. Cycling along the riverbank, you will pass many delightful castles, ruins and abbeys whilst visiting historic places such as Linz, Melk and Krems. The final destination of Vienna is one of Europe's most beautiful cities, the perfect place to explore, enjoy some great food and perhaps take in a concert.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Vienna; make your own way to the railway station and on to Passau, just across the German border. 2 Free time to explore Passau, the city of three rivers. Ride to the famous Schlögener loop in Austria through forested hills via the only trappist monastery in Austria. 3 A day of river crossing and cycling along country lanes passing the beautiful castle at Ottensheim and Cistercian abbey in Wilhering en route to Linz. 4 Today's ride passes the former Nazi concentration camp at Mauthausen and enters the province of Lower Austria; follow the river to Grein, historically the beginning of the river's most treacherous stretch. 5 Ride between wooded mountains, through quiet riverside towns and past one of the most striking edifices on this whole route, the Benedictine abbey at Melk - stunning both inside and out. 6 Pedal through the vineyards of the Wachau to Krems, past pretty villages including Weisenkirchen and Durnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was supposedly imprisoned after the Third Crusade. 7 Ride into Vienna past Greifenstein castle and Klosterneuburg. Return bikes. An evening stroll around the central Stephansplatz is recommended. 8 End Vienna.

Mode of travel: Average daily distance: 55km (34miles) No. of cycling days: 6 Vehicle support: none whilst cycling, luggage is transferred between hotels for you. Terrain and route: a great introduction to cycling abroard using mostly cycle paths and tracks.
Group size: Self-guided. Luggage is transferred, route notes and maps are provided.
Accommodation: 7 nights inns and hotels.
Food: All breakfasts included.
Compulsory Single Supplement: from $262.50
Trip Reference: LSV
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Notes: Start any Saturday from 14 April to 13 October 2012 Departing 21 April to 05 May and 01 September to 22 September GBP659 Departing 12 May to 25 August GBP679 All other dates GBP579 Prices are land only and do not include travel from London Return flights from London, prices from GBP135 Low cost flights to Vienna available with Easyjet Local Bike Hire: KTM touring bikes GBP60, paid on booking
Trip Reference: LSV