NB: Prices correct on 26-Apr-2025 but subject to change.
This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure from Passau to Vienna, exploring the scenic beauty and rich history along the Danube River. This self-guided tour takes you through Germany and Austria, offering dedicated cycle routes that wind through picturesque landscapes, including the Wachau Valley's renowned vineyards. Discover the cultural treasures of Vienna, visit historic castles, ruins, and palaces, and enjoy the hospitality of charming riverside towns. Accommodation is in delightful 3 and 4-star hotels, with luggage transfers and local bike hire included. Savor all breakfasts and indulge in a wine tasting experience. This tour is perfect for those seeking a leisurely ride through stunning European scenery, with opportunities to explore local culture and cuisine along the way. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, this journey promises a blend of adventure, relaxation, and discovery.
Highlights
Discover the rich culture and historical architecture of Vienna.
Ride on dedicated cycle routes along the Danube.
Visit infamous castles, ruins, and palaces along the Danube.
Sample the fine wines of the Wachau Valley.
Explore the city of Passau, known as the city of three rivers.
Cycle through the magnificent Wachau terraced vineyards.
Visit the Benedictine abbey at Melk, stunning both inside and out.
Enjoy a wine tasting in the 1000-year-old town of Krems.
Start at your hotel in Passau, the city of three rivers. If you arrive with time to explore be sure to visit the well-known cathedral; housing the world's biggest church organ. In the evening receive your bikes and a personal welcome briefing.
Day 2
:
Free time to explore Passau; ride to the Schlogener Loop in Austria via the only Trappist monastery in Austria
Location: Schlögener Loop
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave Passau, 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 Schlogener 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
:
Cycle along country lanes passing the castle at Ottensheim and Cistercian abbey in Wilhering en route to Linz
Location: Linz
Meals Included: Breakfast
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, entering 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 enters the province of Lower Austria; follow the river to Grein
Location: Grein
Meals Included: Breakfast
A change of scenery today as the route guides you away from the Danube, via St Florian (an Augustinian abbey) to Enns. See the town square with its 60 metre high tower, the landmark of the oldest town in Austria. Back along the Danube you reach the beautiful baroque town of Grein; with a chance to visit the oldest municipal theatre in Austria, the maritime museum or Greinburg Castle.
Day 5
:
Ride between wooded mountains, through quiet riverside towns and past the Benedictine abbey at Melk - stunning both inside and out
Location: Melk
Meals Included: Breakfast
Historically Grein marked the beginning of the river's most treacherous stretch, often feared by sailors. The cycling is through the fascinating landscape of tall and densely wooded rock formations on both sides of the Danube. The journey takes you through quiet riverside towns, with numerous examples of castles that were positioned to exert power over the area, collecting tolls from those following its path. Your journey will end as one of the most striking edifices on this whole route comes into sight, the Benedictine abbey at Melk - stunning both inside and out, you can't miss it!
Day 6
:
Pedal through the vineyards of the Wachau, past pretty villages including Weisenkirchen and Durnstein, to Krems
Location: Wachau
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you ride through the magnificent Wachau terraced vineyards, which give this area its distinct and beautiful appearance. It is one of Austria's best known wine growing regions, with centuries old tradition of wine production. The route winds between the pretty villages of Spitz, Weisenkirchen and Durnstein; castles continue to dot the landscape. In Durnstein you will find another spectacular monastry and also the ruins of a castle where King Richard the Lionheart was held for ransom. All along the route there are opportunities to experience Austian hospitality in small taverns offering local food and drink. Finish your journey in the 1000 year old town of Krems and enjoy a wine tasting to showcase some of the delightful local produce!
Day 7
:
Train to Tulln; ride into Vienna past Greifenstein castle; evening to explore.
Location: Vienna
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today starts with a train ride from Krems to Tulln, then ride past Greifenstein and Klosterneuburg.This area has always been important culturally, politically and economically with settlements in existence before the Romans moved to the area. Again you will pass many castles, including the Kreuzenstein Castle in Korneuburg. There is also the famous story of the Korneuburg Rat Catcher, a similar story to the Pied Piper. Arriving into Vienna, enjoy a cup of coffee and a piece of typical Viennese cake, 'Sachertorte', in one of the numerous coffee houses. Enjoy an evening stroll around Stephansplatz or walk along the famous shopping street Mariahilfer Strausse.
Day 8
:
End Vienna
Location: Vienna
Meals Included: Breakfast
End Vienna. The city 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. Don't miss a visit to one of the many wonderful coffee shops to enjoy the typical cake Sachertorte!
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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.
We use a mixture of charming 3 and 4 star hotels, on this trip, that are generally well located. All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration. For a solo traveller there is an additional charge to cover transfer costs. We may be able to arrange a triple room if required, and there is a small reduction for this. The reduction will need to be calculated for each booking, as we cannot guarantee availability of triple rooms on all nights. Please ask for a quote if this is your preferred option.
The tour includes local bike hire and luggage transfers between hotels. A train ride from Krems to Tulln is also part of the itinerary, allowing you to explore the scenic routes along the Danube River.
Check out our Q&As
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in a mixture of charming 3 and 4 star hotels, generally well located. Prices are based on two persons sharing, and there is a compulsory supplement for a single room if you are traveling alone or if there is an odd number of people in your party. A triple room may be arranged if required, with a small reduction, though availability cannot be guaranteed for all nights.
Are meals included in the tour package?
All breakfasts are included in the tour package. There is also one wine tasting included. Lunch and dinner are not included, but there are numerous restaurants along the route, and the route notes will provide more details to help you decide where to eat.
What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour starts at your hotel in Passau, known as the city of three rivers.
What is the final destination of the tour?
The tour ends in Vienna, a city known for its unique charm, vibrancy, and flair.
Is bike hire included in the tour?
Yes, local bike hire is included in the tour package.
Are luggage transfers provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfers between hotels are included in the tour package.
Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
What kind of cycling routes can be expected on this tour?
The tour features dedicated cycle routes, with cycling along country lanes, through vineyards, and past historical sites such as castles and monasteries. The routes are well sign-posted and mostly away from motor traffic, making it suitable for beginners.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Reviews of this operator
Jane Holdaway (Google Reviewer)
Had an exceptional holiday with...
24-Mar-2025
Had an exceptional holiday with Exodus during which we travelled extensively around Sri Lanka and got a real taste of the country and the people who live there. The itinerary was packed with interesting trips and activities and all of the hotels were very comfortable. We had an excellent local guide who looked after our group brilliantly and became a friend by the end of the tour. This was not the cheapest tour we looked at but we don't regret a penny spent on it because of the quality and attention to detail. Would thoroughly recommend Exodus!
Gergana Racheva
Very helpful and prompt service
06-Jan-2023
Very helpful and prompt service.
I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team
Trustpilot
Tim Hardy
Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast
04-Nov-2021
This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!
paul green (Google Reviewer)
Went on a tour of...
14-Jan-2022
Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year
Sheila Richards (Google Reviewer)
Just back from Jordan trip...
22-Apr-2025
Just back from Jordan trip to Wadi Rum, Amman and Petra. Interesting well organised trip with 11 participants.
Fascinating history; great walking; stunning rock formations; experience of wild camping and Bedouin camps. Wonderful food. Camp fires and herbal tea.
Paul Green
It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.
08-Oct-2021
This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!
Roger Wells (Google Reviewer)
We have just returned from...
12-Feb-2025
We have just returned from a 2 week Exodus trip to Egypt, Alexandria to Aswan. We had a great time, enjoyable company, with an excellent guide, Sayed. All worked out as described. The 3 day Red Sea extension was relaxing. Even the train journey, Cairo to Aswan, was a great part of the experience
Sian Anstey (Google Reviewer)
I have just returned from...
31-Mar-2025
I have just returned from the most fabulous cycling holiday to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. It was without doubt the best holiday you could ever wish for. Excellent in every possible way. Thank you Exodus. I just can’t decide which holiday to do next.
Damian Cannon (Google Reviewer)
We've been on several group...
21-Mar-2025
We've been on several group trips with Exodus to destinations such as India and Jordan where we'd rather let some one else do the organising. In all cases these trips have been excellent with wonderful guides and well designed itineraries. We have always returned with happy memories.
In cases where things have gone wrong Exodus have never disappointed us with their service. During one case our plane was diverted at the start and we joined the tour 3 days late. But despite this Exodus organised everything, including a driver, required to let us catch up. Equally during the pandemic our trip was cancelled twice and in the end we decided to take a full refund which Exodus handled properly.
Having just returned from our latest trip we're already considering where we can go next. It's possible that we wouldn't bother to use Exodus in Europe because we can organise everything ourselves but further afield we'll definitely be travelling with Exodus again.
Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)
I've done 8 trips in...
17-May-2023
I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday.
The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that.
I remain a loyal customer.
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 90 days before departure.
Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of
25%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 120 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 89 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Not what you're looking for?
People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:
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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.","lat":"48.426753","lng":"13.871904"},{"title":"Day 3: Cycle along country lanes passing the castle at Ottensheim and Cistercian abbey in Wilhering en route to Linz","name":"Linz","description":"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, entering 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.","lat":"48.30691","lng":"14.285918"},{"title":"Today's ride enters the province of Lower Austria; follow the river to Grein","name":"Grein","description":"A change of scenery today as the route guides you away from the Danube, via St Florian (an Augustinian abbey) to Enns. See the town square with its 60 metre high tower, the landmark of the oldest town in Austria. Back along the Danube you reach the beautiful baroque town of Grein; with a chance to visit the oldest municipal theatre in Austria, the maritime museum or Greinburg Castle.","lat":"48.228219","lng":"14.860193"},{"title":"Day 5: Ride between wooded mountains, through quiet riverside towns and past the Benedictine abbey at Melk - stunning both inside and out","name":"Melk","description":"Historically Grein marked the beginning of the river's most treacherous stretch, often feared by sailors. The cycling is through the fascinating landscape of tall and densely wooded rock formations on both sides of the Danube. The journey takes you through quiet riverside towns, with numerous examples of castles that were positioned to exert power over the area, collecting tolls from those following its path. Your journey will end as one of the most striking edifices on this whole route comes into sight, the Benedictine abbey at Melk - stunning both inside and out, you can't miss it!","lat":"48.227913","lng":"15.350674"},{"title":"Day 6: Pedal through the vineyards of the Wachau, past pretty villages including Weisenkirchen and Durnstein, to Krems","name":"Wachau","description":"This morning you ride through the magnificent Wachau terraced vineyards, which give this area its distinct and beautiful appearance. It is one of Austria's best known wine growing regions, with centuries old tradition of wine production. 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Again you will pass many castles, including the Kreuzenstein Castle in Korneuburg. There is also the famous story of the Korneuburg Rat Catcher, a similar story to the Pied Piper. Arriving into Vienna, enjoy a cup of coffee and a piece of typical Viennese cake, 'Sachertorte', in one of the numerous coffee houses. Enjoy an evening stroll around Stephansplatz or walk along the famous shopping street Mariahilfer Strausse.","lat":"48.20807","lng":"16.37131"},{"title":"Day 8: End Vienna","name":"Vienna","description":"End Vienna. The city 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. Don't miss a visit to one of the many wonderful coffee shops to enjoy the typical cake Sachertorte!","lat":"48.20807","lng":"16.37131"}]
