Activities: Bicycle Touring , Cultural Exploration
A relaxed two week self-guided ride exploring the history and landscape of the Hapsburg Empire
For nearly 3000km the Danube flows through the heart of Central Europe. The cycle path along the river is the perfect means to explore this beautiful area. In Austria it runs through steep-sided valleys and wide riverside woods, visiting historic towns and cities such as Linz, Melk and Krems and of course the charming city of Vienna. After a few miles in Slovakia the route continues to Hungary. Riverside woodland gives way to fields and walnut avenues, wide flat landscapes and the shady hills towards the famous Danube Bend. The end point of the trip is the beautiful city of Budapest with time to soak up the wonderful atmosphere, enjoy the stunning architecture and visit Buda Castle and the Royal Palace. You have the choice of riding the two-week route all the way from Passau to Budapest, or either of the one-week sections.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1From Vienna Airport make your own way to the hotel in Passau.
Day 2
Leave behind Passau, the city of three rivers, and cycle from Germany into Austria amidst one of the most significant river landscapes of central Europe. The trail runs beside densely wooded slopes and ravine forest passing the only Trappist monastery in Austria at Engelhartszell before continuing to the famous Schlögener Loop. Here the Danube does a U-turn around a granite mountain before changing the direction of its flow twice, providing spectacular views from the surrounding hills.
Day 3
The valley narrows as it continues downstream and has a wilder appearance passing the beautiful castle of Ottensheim, also one of the oldest places in Austria. A day of river crossing and cycling along country lanes enters the fertile plains of the grand Eferdinger basin before reaching the historic Cistercian Abbey at Wilhering. The trail continues to Linz, where the central Hauptplatz is a good place to start exploring the old town.
Day 4
Today's ride passes the former Nazi concentration camp at Mauthausen and enters into the province of Lower Austria for the first time. In the afternoon follow the river as far as Grein.
Day 5
Historically Grein marked the beginning of the river's most treacherous stretch between wooded mountains. Ride 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, you can't miss it!
Day 6
Heading north through the vineyards of the Wachau, the route winds between the pretty villages of Weisenkirchen and Durnstein, which house respectively the local museum and the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned.
Day 7
Ride into Vienna past Greifenstein castle and Klosterneuburg. Navigation in Vienna can be tricky (look out for trams). A train ticket is provided for the journey from Krems to Tulln should you wish to shorten your journey. The central area around Stephansplatz is perfect for an evening stroll, and is close to most places of interest. All hire bikes are handed in on arrival in Vienna and exchanged for a new bike for the second part of the trip.
Day 8
Full day sightseeing in the wonderful city of Vienna, also described as Europe's cultural capital. It is a metropolis with unique charm, vibrancy and flair. It boasts outstanding infrastructure, is clean and safe, and has all of the culture, architecture and inspiration that you could wish for in this wonderful part of Europe. Highlights that you may consider include visits to the grand Schonbrunn Palace, Sigmund Freud Museum and a tour in the Vienna State Opera House.
Day 9
Follow the Donauinsel, a long, thin island and continue to one of Austria's most important archaeological sites, the Roman remains at Petronell-Carnuntum. Much of the track is gravel/grit but is comfortable to ride on.
Day 10
Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, not bad for a day's ride! It is worth making a short detour into the old city of Bratislava. The route moves away from the water to follow roads through villages and woods on the way to Mosanmagyarovar, a good introduction to the complexities of the Hungarian language.
Day 11
The route continues through rural villages, then from Dunaszeg a riverside gravel track leads to the historic city of Gyor (you may prefer the longer road route).
Day 12
Follow a rural route to Tata and the first hills on the described route. The ascent is not too difficult, and affords better views across the countryside. There are longer routes via Komarom or Pannonhalma.
Day 13
Cycle towards the beginnings of the famous Danube Bend at historic Esztergom with a longer variant heading north to rejoin the river or a more direct route passing over the hills (2 notable climbs and long descents).
Day 14
Ride around the Danube Bend past Visegrad, once the corner of the Roman empire, to the artists' town of Szentendre. Arriving in Budapest, you are greeted by the impressive parliament building. Try to arrive in time to return your bike and have a few hours to explore the city.
Day 15
End Budapest.
Departure Dates
17/04/2010
24/04/2010
01/05/2010
08/05/2010
15/05/2010
22/05/2010
29/05/2010
05/06/2010
12/06/2010
19/06/2010
26/06/2010
03/07/2010
10/07/2010
17/07/2010
24/07/2010
31/07/2010
07/08/2010
14/08/2010
21/08/2010
04/09/2010
11/09/2010
18/09/2010
25/09/2010
Prices
10/04/2010: £999
17/04/2010: £999
24/04/2010: £999
01/05/2010: £999
08/05/2010: £1099
15/05/2010: £1099
22/05/2010: £1099
29/05/2010: £1099
05/06/2010: £1099
12/06/2010: £1099
19/06/2010: £1099
26/06/2010: £1099
03/07/2010: £1099
10/07/2010: £1099
17/07/2010: £1099
24/07/2010: £1099
31/07/2010: £1099
07/08/2010: £1099
14/08/2010: £1099
21/08/2010: £1099
04/09/2010: £1099
11/09/2010: £1099
18/09/2010: £1099
25/09/2010: £1099
Important Notes:
Prices are Land only and do not include travel from London Start any Saturday from 10 April to 25 September 2010 Return flights from London, prices from GBP180 Low cost flights to Vienna and Budapest available with Easyjet. Bike Hire: Austria: KTM touring bikes GBP95, paid on booking.
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
Trip Information
Average daily distance: 55km (34m) No. of cycling days: 12 Vehicle support: none whilst cycling; luggage is transferred between hotels for you. Terrain and route: a great introduction to cycling abroad using mostly cycle paths and tracks, some road riding in Hungary. Hills are very rare except for one day.
Accommodation
14 nights inns and hotels.
Food
All breakfasts included.
Group Size and Age
Self-guided. Luggage is transferred, route notes and maps are provided.
