Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path

8-days / 7 nights - 6 biking days

Self-guided individual tour

Length 300 km / 180 miles

Grade of difficulty: Easy
the cycling path is completely paved f rom one end to the other, flat, almost always directly along the riverbank, very suitable for beginners and children.

General Information

Alongside of the "blue" Danube lies the renowned and most famous cycling path in Europe. Passau to Vienna is an absolute cycling classic. Discover the enchanting river landscape,
picturesque villages, lush vineyards and countless cultural sites from the time of the Romans and Nibelungengau. As you cycle comfortably along the banks of the mighty river, enjoy the wooded forests and the magical meadows of the Schlögener Loop, Strudengau, Nibelungengau and Wachau, as each region offers its own impressive and unique attractions. Art and cultural features convey myths and stories of the past while quaint accommodations and taverns invite you to relax in the culinary world of Austria. The welcoming Austrian hospitality and the scrumptious Austrian cuisine add to this absolutely remarkable experience.

TRAVEL DATES in 2012
Daily

Season 1: April 14 – April 20 + September 29 - October 13, 2012
Season 2: April 21 – May 11 + September 1 – September 28, 2012
Season 3: May 12 – August 31, 2012

Accommodation:
Category A: Comfort rooms in 4-star hotels, the best 3-star hotel in town
Category B: Comfort rooms in 3 & 4-star hotels
Category C: Comfort rooms in typical Austrian inns; 3-star category, sometimes satisfactory 2-star inns

PRICES 2012

INCLUDED SERVICES
- 7 nights in chosen category, rooms with private facilities
- Breakfast or 6 x half-board for an extra charge (in Vienna breakfast only)
- Daily luggage transport (1 suitcase per Person/ max. 20 kg)
- Welcome drink at the arrival hotel in Passau
- 1 bottle of wine (Wachau) per/room
- A tasting of regional products
-1 x train Krems/Traismauer – Tulln incl. bike
- Train ride Vienna – Passau (transfer own bikes not incl.)
- Service-hotline (also accessible on weekends)
- Handlebar bag with travel book, maps and informational material included with room

EXTRA NIGHT – Price per person

OPTIONAL SERVICES

RENTAL BIKES & EQUIPMENT
7-gear-UNISEX-touring bike with coaster brake (back pedal) or 21-gear women/gents bikes
Electric bikes, children’s bikes and other specialized equipment for children upon request.
All rental bikes are equipped with a pannier (saddle bag) and an odometer.

Standard Tour Programme

Day 1: Passau
Individual arrival. Use the remaining time for a city tour or get to know the “City of Three
Rivers” on a boat cruise (not included) or simply go for a walk through the picturesque old part
of town. Between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. bike hand over – for late arrivals on the next morning.

Day 2: Passau – Schlögener Loop, approx. 44 km
Start the first cycling route through the Upper Danube Valley to Schlögen. In Engelhartszell,
you can visit the one and only “Trappist“ monastery in Austria and you can even sample some
delicious liqueurs straight from the convent. Continue the journey to the impressive
“Schlögener Loop”, where the river makes a complete 180-degrees turn.

Day 3: Schlögener Loop – Linz, approx. 53 km
Between the banks of the Danube there are small passenger ferries waiting for you to take
them. Next, you cycle through the slowly widening fertile basin of Eferdinger and on into Linz,
the capital of Upper Austria and European Culture Capital of 2009. Enjoy the magical summer
evening doing some shopping around the lovely main square of the city.

Day 4: Linz – Region Grein, approx. 60 km
An excursion to Enns, the oldest town in Austria is highly recommended and worthwhile in any
case. This leg guides you through beautiful meadows and tranquil hinterland while passing the
Celtic village Mitterkirchen, rolling by the majestic church in Baumgartenberg and on to the
romantic castle of Clam. Toward the end of the day, you reach the gorgeous Baroque village of
Grein. There is the oldest theatre in Austria, which is awaiting your royal visit.

Day 5: Region Grein – Region Melk, approx. 51 km
Today’s tour is enjoyed by cycling through the fascinating landscape of tall and densely
wooded rock formations on both sides of the Danube. High above the Danube is the Pilgrimage
Church of Maria Taferl. From there, you are greeted from afar by the marvellous Benedictine
Monastery of Melk.

Day 6: Region Melk – Krems/Traismauer, approx. 40/55 km
Another highlight of this tour is the chance to cycle through the magnificent Wachau. A
landscape where you will find terraced vineyards, apricot groves interspersed with castles,
palaces and monasteries. There is also the possibility to take a break off your bike and relax
on a short boat excursion. On your way to Krems you cycle through the winery villages of
Spitz, Weißkirchen and Durnstein. Through these charming villages you will see quaint alluring
taverns, which are just waiting to present Austrian hospitality at its best. Something you have to experience first hand.

Day 7: Krems/Traismauer – Vienna, approx. 39 km + Train
By train you will depart from this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage region. After arriving in
Tulln, you will ride your bike for the last time on this tour directly through the Vienna Woods
(Wiener Wald) and pass through “The Gates of Vienna”. Along the way don’t forget to stop in
and visit the impressive monastery in Klosterneuburg and then continue on to “The City of
Music”: Vienna.

Day 8: Vienna
Some say that one must personally experience this great city. A few of the must-sees include
the famous Naschmarkt (international food/goods market), the City Opera, the Ringstrasse, (a
beautiful boulevard with imposing buildings which bear witness to ancient times) and of course
the gorgeous imperial castle Schönbrunn. Train ride back to Passau (included) or extension in
Vienna. Comfortable is also to return to Passau by bus or cruise ship (not included –
surcharge).

Suggestion:

If you have more time you continue to Budapest.

You can take this route also as combination Bike and Boat - ask for details.

AVE reserves the right to change the daily programs and places of accommodation according to hotel capacities and the size of the group. Visits to the sites above and outlined daily bike routes are guaranteed.