Cycling on the Danube from Passau to Vienna

Experience Overview

Follow the curves and bends of the Danube as it flows through steep-sided valleys and wide riverside woods towards beautiful Vienna. The densely wooded slopes and ravine forests help to create the setting for one of the most significant river landscapes of Central Europe; with the largely flat landscape perfectly suited to self-guided cycling. You will pass many delightful castles, ruins and abbeys whilst visiting historic towns such as Linz, Melk and Krems. The final destination of Vienna is the perfect place to explore, enjoy some great food and perhaps take in a concert.
Profile
— 7 nights family-owned and tourist class hotels — 6 days cycling — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies) — 99% cycle path, 1% road — Mainly flat cycle paths with some gentle hills — Self-guided holiday. Min age 5 yrs
At a Glance
— 7 nights family-owned and tourist class hotels — 6 days cycling — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies) — 99% cycle path, 1% road — Mainly flat cycle paths with some gentle hills — Self-guided holiday. Min age 5 yrs
Trip For You
Cycling ConditionsClassification: Self-GuidedActivity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)Average daily distance: 47km (29 miles). No. of days cycling: 6 Terrain and route: A great introduction to self-guided cycling abroad using mostly cycle paths and quiet roads. The valley is particularly steep on either side of the river but hills are only encountered if you choose some of the optional visits available. Occasionally the hotels you stay in are located further up a hill but these hotels offer a pick up for those who wish to arrange it.Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodation, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. FamiliesSelf-guided cycling holidays are also a great option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. Our local partner is able to offer a range of bikes that suit children and carrying options for parents, these are all subject to availability, therefore we ask that you enquire about these on booking. As a guide we have suggested that 5 years is the minimum age for this departure, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes with a description of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. On many of the days on this trip it is possible to substitute cycling with taking the boat down the river. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The routes notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number, available daily from 08.00-20.00. In case of emergency, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts and one wine tasting included.Breakfast: Buffet style breakfast will usually consist of fresh bread, cheese, ham, croissants, butter, jam, tea or coffee.Lunch and Dinner (not included): there are numerous restaurants along the route with a selection of menus of two or more courses and the route notes will provide more details to help you decide. Self-guided cycling also lends itself really well to picnics. You can stop wherever you please, in a spot that suits you and eat your lunch taking in your chosen view.
Transportation
Your luggage will be transported between the hotels by a minibus. Please leave your luggage at the reception by 8:30AM on the first day and 9:00AM on subsequent days.
Joining Instructions
Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Passau on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start hotel are confirmed in the Final Joining Instructions. Full joining instructions including route notes, hotel list, map and local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. Flights from the UKFlights from London are available with British Airways. Low cost airline Easyjet flies from London Luton and Gatwick to Vienna and Budapest. Ryanair flies from Edinburgh, Liverpool, Dublin, Birmingham, Bristol and London Stansted to Bratislava. This may be a convenient and good value option for some clients.
Transfer Details
From Vienna Airport, there are numerous trains travelling to Passau. Please speak to your sales consultant for more information.
Weather Information
The weather here is comparatively stable, particularly during mid-summer. Temperatures are similar to those experienced in the UK and rainfall, although relatively low, is possible throughout the year.
Spending Money
— Visits to all the places mentioned in the itinerary are optional. Entrance fees are not included and are usually around €4 to €8 each. Lunches and dinners are not included - allow about €20-25 per day; costs will depend on the standard of restaurant chosen. You may need extra to buy wine each evening.

Highlights