Blue Danube Cycle

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~~$1205~~

$1151

Blue Danube Cycle

8 Days Starting in Passau and ending in Vienna

Visiting: Germany, Austria

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

DBC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 15

Physical rating:

introductory to moderate

From:

$1205

$1151 (USD) Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$54

NB: Prices correct on 16-May-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

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.

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

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Join Passau (Germany)

Meals Included: D

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 (these have back pedal brakes) please specify this on booking. Or optional bike delivery to the hotel available. - supplement applies and must be requested on booking. An extra night in Passau before the trip can be added on request.

Day 2 : Cycle Through Countryside To Engelhartszell And Schlögen (41Km/25.5Mi)

Meals Included: B, 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.

Day 3 : Cycle Past Aschach And Wilhering To Linz (55Km/34Mi)

Meals Included: 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.
It's possible to add an extra night here (on request) if you'd like to see more of the city.

Day 4 : Cycle To Grein (Or Ardagger) And Strudengau Via Burg Clam Castle (50-60Km/31-37Mi)

Meals Included: 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.

Day 5 : To Nibelungengau And Melk, Famous For Its Imposing Monastery (50Km/31Mi)

Meals Included: 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)

Day 6 : Cycle Through Wachau And On To Krems (50Km / 31Mi)

Meals Included: 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. Overnight Krems or surrounding area.

Day 7 : To Vienna Including Train Journey (40Km/25Mi)

Meals Included: B

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)

Day 8 : Trip Concludes In Vienna

Meals Included: 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.

What's Included

Accommodation
3-4 star hotels
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 specialiti
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 23kg 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 supp
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
Maps, route information and tourist information, and handlebar bag per room, GPS Tracks are available on request
Train ride Krems (or Traismauer) to Tulln (including bike)
Emergency hotline
Note: Children’s prices are available on request – excellent discounts apply.
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 sup
2023: 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)
2024: 7 nights accommodation in rooms with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis, Cat B accommodation: 3-4 star hotels (optional upgrade to Cat A: 4 star hotels - supplement applies). For Cat C accommodations see trip code: DCV
7 nights accommodation in rooms with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis, Cat B accommodation: 3-4 star hotels (optional upgrade to Cat A: 4 star hotels - supplement applies). For Cat C accommodations see trip code: DCV
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 23kg, supplement applies for excess
Digital information pack plus printed route information locally: maps, tourist information and handlebar bag (per room), GPS Tracks are also available
Train ride Krems (or Traismauer) to Tulln - including the rental bike

What's Not Included

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
Hotel taxes payable locally (approx. € 1 - 2,5 per person/night)
bike 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.
e-bike 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. (not available for standard b
Hotel taxes payable locally (allow up to EUR 5 per person per night)
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
Excess luggage
E-bike 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. (not available for standard b
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Entrance fees not listed as included
Transfers not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you wish to skip a stage
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder - to follow the route using the GPX files, or you can store your phone in the handlebar bag.

Accommodation

3-4 star hotels
There are two categories of accommodation available:
CATEGORY B: A combination of 3-4 star hotels and cosy inns
CATEGORY A: (supplement applies) 4 star hotels (or the best 3 star in town). Free wifi is available at these hotels
In Austria note that a twin room is not always associated with having two beds! Quite often a twin bed has one or two mattresses on the same bedframe but with two separate duvets. Sometimes there might be two beds positioned together, but they cannot be separated because of constraints of the room. Please accept our apologies for this, but having inspected many hotel rooms, there are not many twin rooms which have two separated beds, except in more modern or international style hotels.
*Additional nights can be booked in Passau (pre tour), Vienna (post tour) and Linz (rest day) for an additional cost. Please ensure you advise us of any rest days you require at time of booking as any changes after booking will incur additional fees.
Pre and post tour accommodation can be added on or after booking. Please see our terms and conditions or contact us for more details.

Grading

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
ain 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.

What You Carry

During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

B. Parker(Athabasca, Canada)

Blue Danube Cycle

The Blue Danube cycle path is the most beautiful I

The Blue Danube cycle path is the most beautiful I could ever imagine. The paved path is an easy ride, almost all along the river. When it veers away, it is through quaint towns/villages, country farms, orchards & vineyards or trees areas. The accommodations and meals are great. Luggage delivery is seamless. I highly recommend this tour with UTracks!

G. Alder(Hawthorn, South Australia)

Blue Danube Cycle

First class arrangements, info, accommodation, equ

First class arrangements, info, accommodation, equipment and service, would recommend to anyone.

M. Byrnes(Milton, United States)

Blue Danube Cycle

This trip was great. It was extremely well-organiz

This trip was great. It was extremely well-organized, and the tour operator provided plenty of very useful information. Highly recommended.

A. Roxburgh(Kirribilli, Australia)

Blue Danube Cycle

In spite of constant rain and cold weather we very

In spite of constant rain and cold weather we very much enjoyed our cycle from Passau to Vienna. The Danube scenery is beautiful; the towns and cities varied and interesting and the interaction between cafe staff and our group particularly warm and welcoming. Our bikes were of a high standard though the odometers prone to falling off! Directions were good other than to our hotels; this was especially a problem in pouring rain. The hotels themselves were of a very high standard, offering delicious and large meals. Overall I highly recommend UTracks and this experience, not least because as well as the aforementioned it is very good value.

C. Walkley(Palmerston North, New Zealand)

Blue Danube Cycle

We thoroughly enjoyed our Blue Danube ride. The b

We thoroughly enjoyed our Blue Danube ride. The bikes were comfy and well maintained, there were no issues at all. The accommodation was very good and close to the trail and the meals were excellent.

Bonnie Johnson(Salmon Arm, BC, Canada)

Blue Danube Cycle

One of the best vacations I’ve ever had. Very well

One of the best vacations I’ve ever had. Very well organized. Saw places “off the beaten path” and felt I really experienced local culture. I was not a regular cyclist so did use an e-bike which gave me comfort of mind! (Even though pedal assist not often used on Danube trek). Would highly recommend.

A. Cross(Dunedin, New Zealand)

Blue Danube Cycle

I loved the ride, amazing countryside incredible h

I loved the ride, amazing countryside incredible helpful people if you were lost. The accommodation was fantastic. The meals were always plenty...breakfast was always great.

G. Rose(Glen Iris, VIC)

Blue Danube Cycle

The Blue Danube bike ride is an excellent option f

The Blue Danube bike ride is an excellent option for anyone looking for an active travel option to explore this lovely corner of the world. The standard of the bike facilities is excellent and with a number of punts taking cyclists and walkers across the river there is always a lot of flexibility about which side of the river you ride. We travelled independently but the route was very easy to follow and having the luggage transferred each day to the next hotel worked perfectly.

J. Nickloy(Merritt Island, United States)

Blue Danube Cycle

Fantastic bike ride with a well-maintained asphalt

Fantastic bike ride with a well-maintained asphalt path in a beautiful setting with lots of cool towns and churches to visit along the way. Recommend the higher level package for accommodations as the lower level package was a mixed bag. Worth the trip!

L Johnson(Santa Cruz)

Blue Danube Cycle

Very satisfied.

Read all 27 reviews

Dates & Availability

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May
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2024

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

May 19, 2024 - May 26, 2024

~~$1497~~ $1430 (USD)