Cycling Danube

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Tour information
From Passau to Linz
From Passau, the 'City of Three Rivers' and one of Germany's 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. cycling danube

Benedictine Abbey at Melk
Travelling on downstream, the next part of our journey takes us through green and fertile countryside to Grein. En route there's 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 romantic villages, and medieval towns provide an interesting place to rest. We overnight in Krems and Stockerau before finally arriving in Vienna, Austria's charming capital city.

Accommodation and Meals
9nts hotel; 9 breakfasts included.
Transport
21-gear 'Unibike' touring bikes with a rear pannier bag for carrying day things and water bottle holder.

Comments
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.
Group Size
Approx. 12 to 16.

Tour Staff
Our 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.

• PASSAU One of Germany's most
  beautiful cities.
• DONAULEITEN NATURE RESERVE Cycling
  through a wooded wildlife haven.
• SCHLÖGENER SCHLINGE Dramatic bend
  on the Danube.
• LINZ Capital of Upper Austria.
• GREIN Pretty town with picturesque castle.
• MELK Benedictine Abbey.
• WACHAU Lovely wine growing region.
• KREMS Medieval city with varied
  architectural styles.
• VIENNA Austria's wonderful capital.

Day 1 Fly London/Vienna; train or bus to Passau (Germany).

Day 2 Cycle through Engelhartszell to Schlögen (Austria).

Day 3 Cycle via Aschach and Wilhering to Linz; tour Linz.

Day 4 Cycle via castle of Burg Clam to Grein.

Day 5 Pass through the 'Strudengau', Ybbs and Maria Taferl en route to Melk.

Day 6 Free day in Melk; optional visit to Benedictine monastery and cycle ride.

Day 7 Cycle through famous 'Wachau' via vineyards and romantic villages to Krems.

Day 8 Continue from Krems to Stockerau.

Day 9 Final ride into Vienna via castle of Greifenstein; cycle tour of Vienna's highlights.

Day 10 Fly London.