The Danube River, Wachau Valley
Cycling with trailer in the Wachau Valley, Austria | Kate Baker
A family riding together through the Wachau region | Richard Tulloch
Cyclists enjoying wine tasting in the Wachau Valley, Austria | Kate Baker
Melk Monastery
The delightful city of Passau
2
introductory to moderate
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in 2-3 star hotels
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 7 Breakfasts

Overview

Trip Code: SOG7017

Trip highlights

  • Cycling along the Danube bike path
  • 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 romantic Wachau Valley

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.

Countries:

Germany, Austria

Starting Point:

Passau

Finishing Point:

Vienna

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

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.

Meals:  B,D

Between the banks of the Danube there are small passenger ferries that you can take. On the southern bank of the Danube you pass Aschach and cycle through the slowly widening fertile basin of Eferfing. Continue 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 and illuminated at night, is worth a look, or enjoy an evening strolling around the lovely main square.

Meals:  B,D

The cycle continues along the Danube cycle path and you can 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. Note that if you are staying in Category A hotels, you will overnight in Ardagger, about 10km before Grein.

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. There will be ample time in the afternoon to explore the museum and abbey and absorb the sweeping view from its balcony. Overnight in the Nibelungengau (the region surrounding Melk)

Meals:  B,D

Today you pedal 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. There's also the possibility to take a break from your bike and relax on a short boat excursion. Alongside the cycle path you will find the so called “Heurigen” (typical Austrian wine taverns) where you can taste wine or regional foods.

Meals:  B,D

This morning you take the train to Tulln, where you cycle 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. (Dinner is not included tonight)

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. Also highly recommended is the Kunsthistorisches Museum. We can assist with extra night bookings if you'd like to stay longer in Vienna.

Meals:  B

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 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
  • 7 nights accommodation in rooms with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis, according to the chosen hotel category (Cat C: 2-3 star hotels is standard, or upgrade option to Cat B: 3-4 star hotels or to Cat A: 4 star hotels - supplement applies)
  • Transfer of luggage from hotel to hotel (1 suitcase of max 20kg per person)
  • 21 speed bike rental equipped with 2 panniers (7 speed bikes on request or if 21speed 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). Lock and repair kit including pump.
  • Welcome drink at your arrival hotel in Passau
  • 1 free bottle of wine per room from a vineyard in the Wachau Valley
  • A tasting of regional products
  • Train ride Krems (or Traismauer) to Tulln (including bike)
  • Maps, route information and tourist information, and handlebar bag per room, GPS Tracks are available on request
  • Emergency hotline
  • Note: Children’s prices are available on request – excellent discounts apply.

  • Travel to Passau and from Vienna
  • Dinner in Vienna, lunch and drinks
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tour guide – this is a self guided cycling trip
  • Entrance fees
  • Ferries
  • Transfers
  • Travel insurance
  • Helmets - bring your own or you can purchase through UTracks to have them provided locally (must be pre-booked and pre-paid) - please ask for our rates
  • Train or bus Vienna back to Passau - we can book this if required, please ask for our rates

Bike information

Rental Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 21 speed bike with handbrakes. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a handlebar bag, bike computer, lock and repair kit (per room). Helmets are not supplied locally but are mandatory on all bike tours, so you will need to bring your own well-fitted helmet. Alternatively you can purchase one for an additional cost (must be pre booked and prepaid). If you would like a 7 speed bike (with backpedal brake) you need to book this in advance. You should specify which bike is required at the time of booking.

Electric Bike

A limited number of electric bikes are available for an additional supplement. These must be requested at the time of booking or in advance. Our specially made 8-speed KTM or Flyer models increase your pedaling power 3 fold and allows cyclists of different athletic conditions to book a bike tour together. E-bikes are not fitted with odometers.

Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

This trip involves 6 days cycling between 40 and 60km / 25 and 37mi 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), and tag-a-long bikes (minimum height is 120cm/3ft 11.3in). *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

Departure dates

Daily from 3 Apr to 23 Oct

Notes

DN1
A high season supplement applies for departures from 25 Apr to 18 Sep 2020, 1 May - 24 Sep 2021. A mid season supplement applies for departures from 4 to 24 Apr and 19 Sep to 2 Oct in 2020 and from 3 Apr to 30 Apr, 25 Sep to 8 Oct in 2021.

Trip reviews

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Personal Experience

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Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

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We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.