Blue Danube Cycle to Vienna in Comfort
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Blue Danube Cycle to Vienna in Comfort" tour, a self-guided cycling adventure through Germany and Austria. This journey takes you along the scenic Danube bike path, starting in the charming town of Passau and concluding in the vibrant city of Vienna. Experience the timeless beauty of the river landscape, explore the historic abbey at Melk, and cycle through the romantic Wachau Valley. Enjoy the comfort of 3-4 star accommodations, with options to upgrade, and savor regional specialties with included breakfasts and dinners. The tour provides a 21-speed bike, luggage transfers, and a digital information pack to guide your way. Delight in a welcome drink, a bottle of Wachau Valley wine, and a tasting of local products. With the freedom to explore at your own pace, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and leisurely cycling. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Passau (Germany)
Location: Passau, Veste Oberhaus, St Stephens Cathedral
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Make your way to your hotel, where you will receive your travel documents. The remainder of the day is free to explore the town. Located at the junction of three rivers, the Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau has a number of interesting sites including the Fortress “Veste Oberhaus”, built in 1219 and with an observation tower that offers a good view of the town and the river, and St Stephens Cathedral which has the world’s largest church organ. Collect your bike this afternoon (4-7 pm) or tomorrow morning. Generally we provide bikes with 21 gears – if you would like a 7 speed bike please specify this on booking. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Cycle through countryside to Engelhartszell and Schlögen (41km/25.5mi)
Location: Engelhartszell, Schlögen
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
If you pick up your bike this morning, the cycle begins directly at the bike garage. Today you'll cycle through the Upper Danube Valley to Schlögen, following the river. Pass through the Austrian border town of Engelhartszell, which is home to a former Cistercian abbey (1293-1786) and since 1925 the only Trappist monastery in Austria, then continue to Schlögen. The famous Schlögener Blick provides a wonderful view of the surrounding Austrian countryside.
Day 3 : Cycle past Aschach and Wilhering to Linz (55km/34mi)
Location: Aschach, Wilhering, Linz
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Between the banks of the Danube there are small passenger ferries that you can take. On the southern bank of the Danube you pass Aschach and cycle through the slowly widening fertile basin of Eferfing. Continue past the monastery at Wilhering and reach the capital of Upper Austria, Linz. The city has a lively arts and music culture. In 1783 Mozart wrote his Symphony No. 36 here, now known as the Linz Symphony. The modern art gallery “Lentos”, situated on the Danube and illuminated at night, is worth a look, or enjoy an evening strolling around the lovely main square.
It's possible to add an extra night here (on request) if you'd like to see more of the city.
Day 4 : Cycle to Grein (or Ardagger) and Strudengau via Burg Clam Castle (50-60km/31-37mi)
Location: Enns, Mauthausen, Mitterkitchen, Baumgartenberg, Burg Clam, Grein, Strudengau, Ardagger
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The cycle continues along the Danube cycle path and you can visit Enns, the oldest town in Austria, or across the river, the Mauthausen concentration camp. It is possible to visit the camp and its interesting museum, although the detour requires a steep uphill climb. This leg takes you through beautiful meadows and tranquil hinterland, past the Celtic village of Mitterkitchen and the majestic church in Baumgartenberg, and on to the romantic castle of Clam and the town of Grein. In Grein you will find the oldest Austrian theatre which is open to visitors. Continue to Strudengau. Note that if you are staying in Category A hotels, you will overnight in Ardagger, about 10km before Grein.
Day 5 : To Nibelungengau and Melk, famous for its imposing monastery (50km/31mi)
Location: Strudengau, Ybbs, Maria Taferl, Melk
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today's cycle takes you through the fascinating landscape of tall and densely wooded rock formations on the both sides of the river. From Strudengau you soon arrive in Ybbs, a former trading centre on the Danube. High above the Danube is the pilgrimage church of Maria Taferl, and well before you reach the town of Melk you can see its huge monastery. There will be ample time in the afternoon to explore the museum and abbey and absorb the sweeping view from its balcony. Overnight in the Nibelungengau (the region surrounding Melk)
Day 6 : Cycle through Wachau and on to Krems (50km / 31mi)
Location: Wachau, Spitz, Weisskirchen, Durnstein, Krems
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you pedal through the renowned Wachau, with its truly romantic scenery of terraced vineyards, apricot groves and quaint villages. En route to Krems you cycle through the winery villages of Spitz, Weisskirchen and Durnstein and pass several abbeys, castles and ruins. There's also the possibility to take a break from your bike and relax on a short boat excursion. Alongside the cycle path you will find the so called “Heurigen” (typical Austrian wine taverns) where you can taste wine or regional foods. Overnight Krems or surrounding area.
Day 7 : To Vienna including train journey (40km/25mi)
Location: Tulln, Vienna Woods, Klosterneuburg, Vienna
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you take the train to Tulln, where you cycle through the Vienna Woods (Wiener Wald) towards metropolitan Vienna, capital of Austria. Along the way, we recommend stopping to visit the impressive monastery in Klosterneuberg before continuing to the "City of Music". The route into Vienna is mostly on a cycle path with no vehicles allowed, allowing you easy access to the main centre and your hotel. (Dinner is not included tonight)
Day 8 : Trip concludes in Vienna
Location: Vienna, Naschmarkt, Vienna, Vienna State Opera, Vienna, Ringstrasse, Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip concludes after breakfast. Make sure you visit the famous sights of Vienna such as the ‘Naschmarkt’, the City Opera, the Ringstrasse with its imposing buildings and the beautiful imperial castle Schönbrunn. Also highly recommended is the Kunsthistorisches Museum. We can assist with extra night bookings if you'd like to stay longer in Vienna.
What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts and 6 dinners are included.
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Accommodation
7 nights accommodation in rooms with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis.
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Information Pack
Digital information pack plus printed route information locally: maps, tourist information, and handlebar bag (per room).
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Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer is included with a maximum of 1 piece weighing up to 23kg.
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Bike Rental
21 speed bike rental equipped with 2 panniers is included.
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Welcome Drink
A welcome drink is provided at your arrival hotel in Passau.
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Wine Bottle
1 free bottle of wine per room from a vineyard in the Wachau Valley.
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Tasting of Regional Products
A tasting of regional products is included.
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Train Ride
Train ride from Krems (or Traismauer) to Tulln, including the rental bike.
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Emergency Hotline
An emergency hotline is available.
What's Not Included
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Meals Not Included
Dinner in Vienna, lunch, and drinks are not included.
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Tour Guide
A tour guide is not included as this is a self-guided cycling trip.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees are not included unless specified.
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Transfers
Transfers not listed as included are excluded.
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Hotel Taxes
Hotel taxes payable locally (approx. €1 - 2.5 per person
ight) are not included. -
Bike Rental Insurance
Bike rental insurance is not included.
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E-bike Rental Insurance
E-bike rental insurance is not included.
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Helmets
Helmets are not included. You can bring your own or purchase through UTracks.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Solo Traveler Supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Ferries
Ferries are not included.
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Transfers by Taxi or Public Transport
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you wish to skip a stage are not included.
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Train or Bus from Vienna back to Passau
Train or bus from Vienna back to Passau is not included.
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Excess Luggage
Excess luggage is not included.
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Handlebar Phone Holder
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route using the GPX files.
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Items of a Personal Nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
Grading
GRADE 2 - This trip involves 6 days cycling between 40 and 60km / 25 and 37mi per day usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain. The terrain is almost exclusively on the Danube cycle path. In and out of the cities there will be some traffic. You need only carry your camera
ain gear and water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels/inns. The trip is graded introductory to moderate and is considered suitable for beginners and children who have a good level of fitness. A limited number of children’s bikes are available (minimum height 120cm), as are bike seats (max 18kg) and trailers (2 children, maximum 40kg). *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
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Accommodation
Stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels, with options for cozy inns or premium 4-star accommodations. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and the convenience of booking additional nights in Passau, Vienna, and Linz. Rooms come with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis, ensuring a pleasant stay throughout your journey.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes a train ride from Krems to Tulln, with rental bikes provided. Optional train or bus transport from Vienna back to Passau can be arranged. Enjoy the convenience of luggage transfer and the flexibility of cycling along the Danube bike path.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in 3-4 star hotels. There are two categories available: Category B, which includes a combination of 3-4 star hotels and cosy inns, and Category A, which includes 4 star hotels or the best 3 star in town, with a supplement applying for the upgrade. Free wifi is available at these hotels. ...more ...less
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 7 breakfasts and 6 dinners. Continental breakfasts typically consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea, and juices. Dinners are three courses and include regional specialties. However, dinner in Vienna, lunch, and drinks are not included. ...more ...less
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Is bike rental included in the tour?
Yes, bike rental is included. The standard rental is a 21-speed bike equipped with 2 panniers. 7-speed bikes are available on request, and a limited number of 8-speed electric bikes are available for hire with a supplement. Children's trailers are also available on request.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is included with a maximum of 1 piece weighing up to 23kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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What happens if I need assistance during the tour?
An emergency hotline is available for assistance during the tour.
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Are there any special activities included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a welcome drink at your arrival hotel in Passau, a free bottle of wine per room from a vineyard in the Wachau Valley, and a tasting of regional products.
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Is there a guide provided for the tour?
No, a tour guide is not included as this is a self-guided cycling trip.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling tour?
The tour is graded as introductory to moderate, suitable for beginners and children with a good level of fitness. It involves 6 days of cycling between 40 and 60km per day, usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Blue Danube Cycle to Vienna in Comfort
8 Days Starting in Passau, Germany and ending in Vienna, Austria
Visiting: Passau, Veste Oberhaus, St Stephens Cathedral, Engelhartszell, Schlögen, Aschach, Wilhering, Linz, Enns, Mauthausen, Mitterkitchen, Baumgartenberg, Burg Clam, Grein, Strudengau, Ardagger, Ybbs, Maria Taferl, Melk, Wachau, Spitz, Weisskirchen, Durnstein, Krems, Tulln, Vienna Woods, Klosterneuburg, Vienna, Naschmarkt, Vienna, Vienna State Opera, Vienna, Ringstrasse, Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DBC
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
