passau to vienna self-guided cycling trip notes to vienna self-guide… · today, dozens of farms...

Passau to Vienna Self-Guided Cycling Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Self-Guided

Destinations: Germany, Austria

Programmes: Cycling

Trip Code:

C10PA Leisurely

11 Days Land only

Min age: 12

Trip Overview

The route from Passau, on Germany's eastern border, to Vienna is one of the most popular cycle paths in Europe, and it's no wonder!

This stretch of the Danube carves its way through a thousand years of history; 60 dramatic castles and palaces lie along the river and

the ever-changing landscape is a kaleidoscope of fertile plains, narrow gorges, lowland forests, bird-rich marshland and acres of

picturesque vines.

At a Glance

Trip Highlights

10 Nights, hotel-to-hotel

6 Days cycling

Departs every 2 days

High quality bikes provided

Luggage transfers between hotels

Countries visited: Germany, Austria

Gentle cycling on dedicated cycle paths alongside the Danube, one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe

Hilltop castles, Baroque palaces, historic abbeys, ornate monasteries

Sunflower fields, vineyards, peach and apricot orchards

Masses of culture: art galleries, Roman remains, 23,000-year-old sculptures

Eclectic mix of hotels from 15th century convents to riverfront mansions

Current as of: July 4, 2019 - 14:44

Valid for departures: From April 18, 2018 to December 31, 2030

Is This Trip for You?

Classification: Self-Guided

Much of the cycling is on the old river towpath which is now lovely, flat and surfaced; previously up to 60 horses strained to drag

heavy cargo boats upstream against the powerful current! Today, dozens of farms and cafes offer waterfront lunch stops as you cycle

between sun-baked villages and wayside stalls piled high with apples, peaches and plums. Most cycling days are completely flexible, as

local boat and train services are excellent, cheap and cater brilliantly to cyclists.

Group

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the

beginning of the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route

directions and maps are provided. Please note: the luggage transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum of 2 people (in

total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if

only 1 person travelling on a departure date.

Adult min age: 18

Child min age: 12

Child max age: 17

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Passau

End City: Vienna

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Passau

Arrive at your riverfront hotel and then enjoy dinner in the heart of the old town tonight.

Comfortable Hotel

Day 2

Passau to Schlogen

After receiving your bike and welcome brief, pedal east to Obernzell, famous for pottery, before popping into the Keramicmuseum

in a riverside castle. The scent of wood smoke and grilled trout may tempt you into lunch as you cross into Austria where the

valley is steeper and cloaked with oak woods. On reaching the hotel, relax in the pool before dinner on the terrace watching

passenger boats sparkling with fairy lights cruise past.

Cycling distance either 23km/14.5mi or 47km/29.5mi

Comfortable Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 23 km / 14.5 miles

Day 3

Schlogen to Aschach (Linz)

Spot kingfishers today in the Donauschlinge Nature Reserve. Stop and enjoy the views at the picnic tables that dot the

waterfront before you reach Aschach's frescoed waterfront. Catch the Linz ferry, or follow the towpath through reed marshes to

Ottensheim beach for a swim. Hop on the train here and in no time you'll arrive at your hotel, an ancient convent, in Linz's

extravagant town square.

Cycling disctance either 27km/17mi or 46km/29mi

Comfortable Hotel


Distance covered: 27 km / 17 miles

Day 4

At Linz

Linz's ornate Baroque architecture in the Hauptplatz leads to boutique shops on Landstrasse, and to the old Schlossmuseum,

creaking with ancient armour. Browse the Lentos Art Museum before, perhaps, catching the train to explore tiny 12th century

Enns, Austria's oldest city. Or, for a poignant history lesson on the Holocaust, visit the WW2 Nazi camp at Mauthausen.

Comfortable Hotel


Day 5

Linz to Melk

After a 30 minute transfer (included) to 16th century Grein, you'll pedal through orchards as the Danube Valley becomes more

fertile, before stopping for lunch in Ybbs, home to a quirky collection of penny-farthing bicycles. The hilltop twin towers of Maria

Taferl appear and Melk's monastery looms high above as you pedal towards Margaret Ebner's welcoming family hotel in Melk.

Cycling distance either 29km/18.5mi or 48km/30mi

Comfortable Hotel



Day 6

At Melk

Melk's massive Benedictine monastery was rebuilt in 1683 and the interior abbey is as breathtaking as the countryside views

from the rooftop terrace. For a day trip, cycle to Schloss Schallaburg (8km return), one of the finest Renaissance castles north of

the Alps, where you can stroll in the magnificent rose gardens and enjoy acclaimed cultural exhibitions. After dinner, enjoy

wandering Melk's atmospheric cobbled streets.

Comfortable Hotel


Day 7

Melk to Krems

Today you coast along the UNESCO Wachau Valley, a necklace of villages and vineyards, anchored by pretty churches along the

north bank. Each is charming, especially Durnstein where Richard the Lionheart was held for ransom in the craggy hilltop castle.

Admire the statuette, Venus of Willendorf, dating back to 23,000BC, before arriving in Krems for a splash in the pool, and

candlelit dinner on the terrace overlooking the valley.

Comfortable Hotel



Day 8

At Krems

Krems has one of the most beautiful historic centres in Europe and is packed with interest, from the Wine Museum housed in a

restored Dominican monastery to the 13th century abbey that exhibits paintings of Martin Johann Schmidt. You can cycle out to

Schloss Grafenegg (14km away), a gargoyle-encrusted Gothic castle set in 85 acres of parkland, perfect for picnics, or just relax

in the fabulous hotel spa and pool.

Comfortable Hotel


Accommodation

Hotels

Our hotels are all individually charming with those at Passau, Schlogen and Tulln on the riverbank, and range from a quirky, 15th

century convent in Linz, to magnificent 4-star luxury in Krems, with two pools and a world-class spa! We have included two nights in

Linz, Melk and Krems to allow time to explore at leisure. It's easy to add nights before or after the tour to enjoy time in Passau and

Day 9

Krems to Tulln

Freewheel down river to Tulln, known as the 'Town of Roses'. Pop into the Roman museum which is packed with artefacts, and

dine out tonight amid the fountains, statues and ornate buildings that crowd the pretty centre before returning to your

waterfront hotel.

Comfortable Hotel


Distance covered: 41 km / 26 miles

Day 10

Tulln to Vienna

Coast along the last stretch and relax over lunch in imperial Klosterneuburg. Then cycle along Danube Island before continuing to

your hotel, right in the heart of the city. Enjoy dinner out in Vienna's lively centre which is breathtakingly floodlit at night!

Cycling distance either 22km/13.5mi or 41km/26mi

Comfortable Hotel



Day 11

Leave Vienna

Leave Vienna


Vienna.

Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single only guarantees a room for single use. It does not always mean a twin or

double room will be provided for sole occupancy.

Accommodation - Pre trip

Stay extra nights, pre-trip in the 4* Hotel Residenz in Passau - please call us for details and a quote.

Accommodation - Post trip

Stay extra nights, post-trip in the centrally located 3* Hotel Austria in Vienna, or head on to Munich to the 4* Hotel Opera.

Single supplement from $496.00 USD

Food & Transport

Eating & Drinking

All breakfasts included

Weather & Seasonality

Joining InstructionsFull joining instructions including 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.

Transfers Details

Transfers from Passau train station (pay locally, allow approx 8 euro), return to Vienna airport, taxi (pay locally, transfer can be pre-booked inquire for details and prices).

Location start: PassauLocation end: Vienna

What to Take

Essential Equipment

Please note that cycling helmets are compulsory in Austria for all customers under 12 yrs. As we are unable to providethese, we strongly recommend that you bring your own.

Waterproofs

Warm jumper/fleece

Suncream

Water bottle (1 litre) you will be able to refill each day at the accommodation.

Practical Information

Passport

Germany

Most nationalities, including US, require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is

your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for US passport holders, and other nationalities should

check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs

officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.

Austria

Most nationalities, including US, require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is

your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for US passport holders, and other nationalities should

check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs

officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.

Visa

Germany

No visa required for US passport holders.

For further travel advice please visit U.S. State Department at https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Austria

Weather Charts

No visa required for BUS passport holders.

For further travel advice please visit U.S. State Department at https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

Vaccination

Germany

There are no specific health risks.

Austria

There are no specific health risks.

Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way

to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly

recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date

information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of North America or Australasia are not considered

to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary.

For additional information please visit: Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Insurance - are you adequately covered?

It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include

repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be

asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

If you are resident in the US we recommend the Travelex Travel Select travel insurance policy, this is specifically designed to cover all

activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip,

optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude

of the trip.

Local Time

Germany's Timezone: Europe/Berlin CEST (GMT +02:00)

Austria's Timezone: Europe/Vienna CEST (GMT +02:00)

ElectricityGermany's Electricity: European plug - 2 round pins. 230 Volts AC.

Austria's Electricity: European plug - 2 round pins. 230 Volts AC.

Money

Germany's Currency

The national currency of Germany is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate at the time of publication (September 2018) of

approximately 0.86 to the USD, 0.66 to the CAD, 0.61 to the AUD and 0.56 to the NZD.

Austria's Currency

The national currency of Austria is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate at the time of publication (August 2017) of approximately

0.84 to the USD, 0.67 to the CAD, 0.67 to the AUD and 0.63 to the NZD.

ATM Availability

ATMs are widely available, but we recommend taking some Euros cash with you in case you can't get to a bank at the start of the trip.

Cards are widely accepted.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

You will need spending money for meals not included in the itinerary and all drinks. We suggest €25 per day to cover a few drinks if not

then €10 per day. On the days where lunch or dinner is not included expect to spend €10-€15 for lunch and €15-€35 for dinner.

Important Information

On all guided trips

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorize them to take necessary action which, in some

circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 5 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders

have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative

options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

On all trips

In booking this trip you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability you should call the Breakaway office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +44 (0) 844 326 7041.

Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you

approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier

please contact our office or your travel agent.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or

website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy

them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow

the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make

the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

TRAVEL AWARE –STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD

The U.S. State Department has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Advice can change so check regularly for updates.

For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Safety Advice page.

How to Book

Ready to book? Please contact Breakaway Adventures on Tel: 1-800-567-6286; International Tel: +1-843-856-9771.

https://www.breakaway-adventures.com

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passau to vienna self-guided cycling trip notes to vienna self-guide… · today, dozens of farms...

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