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Along the Blue Danube
10 days Hotel Cycling the Famous Danube Bike Trail
CYCLE GRADE A
Why not join us and follow the Danube between Passau and Vienna, cycling one of Europes most famous bike routes? With such a diverse range of landscapes, cultural and historical sites this route covers, without doubt, the most interesting stretch of this great river. Pretty farms, imposing castles, glorious abbeys, steep vineyards and fertile plains all line the banks and provide wonderful contrasts as we pedal on from one hotel to the next.
From Passau to Linz From Passau, the City of Three Rivers and one of Germanys most beautiful cities, our first ride takes us along the north bank of the Danube and into Austria. In this region the Danube flows through a narrow valley of
densely-wooded slopes until reaching Schlögen. Here we encounter the famous Schlögener Schlinge (Great Loop) as the river does a U-turn and initially flows back west, blocked by a granite mountain. Passing Aschach and the 11th century Cistercian monastery at Wilhering, we cycle onto Linz and tour its historic centre. Benedictine Abbey at Melk Travelling on downstream, the next part of our journey takes us through green and fertile countryside to Grein. En route theres an option to make a detour to visit Burg Clam one of the best preserved castles in the country. Next we cross the melancholy Strudengau, a much-feared narrows where the Danube turns and races, to arrive at the old trading town of Ybbs. Arriving in Melk we enjoy a two-night stay and a rest day, allowing time to visit the world-famous Benedictine abbey with its impressive ceiling frescos and huge library. Through the Romantic Wachau Leaving Melk, we cycle on through the Wachau, one of the best-known wine-growing regions in Austria and an area which offers some of the most beautiful landscapes along the entire length of the Danube: steep south-facing slopes are intricately terraced with vineyards, quiet country lanes lead to
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Vienna; train or bus to Passau (Germany). 2 Cycle through Engelhartszell to Schlögen (Austria). 3 Cycle via Aschach and Wilhering to Linz; tour Linz. 4 Cycle via castle of Burg Clam to Grein. 5 Pass through the Strudengau, Ybbs and Maria Taferl en route to Melk. 6 Free day in Melk; optional visit to Benedictine monastery and cycle ride. 7 Cycle through famous Wachau via vineyards and romantic villages to Krems. 8 Continue from Krems to Stockerau. 9 Final ride into Vienna via castle of Greifenstein; cycle tour of Viennas highlights. 10 Fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 9nts hotel; 9 breakfasts included. See p45. Bicycles: 21-gear Unibike touring bikes with a rear pannier bag for carrying day things and water bottle holder. Daily distances day 01 day 02 day 03 day 04 day 05 day 06 day 07 day 08 day 09 day 10 Rest days or optional rides Grade & Terrain: Grade A 340km/7 days (average 48km/cycling day). A great easy-paced introduction to cycle touring as the route mostly runs alongside the Danube (in the valley) and is almost completely flat. 95% asphalt cycle path, 5% well-maintained gravel path. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader/guide cycles with the group on each day. Luggage is transferred from point to point by hotel vehicles. On this trip vehicle back-up is not provided whilst cycling as we follow cycle paths. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16.
44km 53km 65km 46km 20km 40km 45km 40km
Danube bike trail/German National Tourist Board
romantic villages, and medieval towns provide an interesting place to rest. We overnight in Krems and Stockerau before finally arriving in Vienna, Austrias charming capital city.
GERMANY
PASSAU
Train/bus from Vienna Engelhartszell
CZECH REPUBLIC Schlögener Schlinge The Great Loop Aschach Wilhering
Along the Blue Danube Ref CBD
Medieval city
KREMS
Strudengau Burg Clam Castle Maria Taferl Ybbs Wachau
STOCKERAU
Greifenstein Castle
SCHLÖGEN
Historic D a n u town centre
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Extend your Cycling Holiday
If you wish to spend more time in Vienna, please speak to our sales staff about flying out early or returning later than the group flights.
LINZ
MELK
Benedictine Monastery
VIENNA
City of culture
GREIN
Greinburg Castle
be
km
Optional cycling
Melk Monastery/Ann Tubb
0
AUSTRIA
DATES & PRICES in £s per adult 10 days from London (Fri-Sun) 2008 deps 13 Jun-22 Jun 11 Jul-20 Jul 08 Aug-17 Aug 05 Sep-14 Sep 2009 deps 12 Jun-21 Jun 10 Jul-19 Jul 07 Aug-16 Aug 04 Sep-13 Sep Flight Incl 915 915 915 915 Flight Incl 945 945 945 945 Land Only 715 715 715 715 Land Only 735 735 735 735
Land Only tour: 10 days - start Vienna day 1 (Fri), end Vienna day 10 (Sun) Plus Local Payment: ¬80 (approx £55) payable Passau Single Room Option: £165* These are guide prices, see p46 for full details
The Great Loop, Schlogen
Essential information about our tours see pages 45-51
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