Cycling The Danube: Passau To Vienna
Austria & Germany
Summary
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. 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. If you have
time, this trip is possible to combine with LSH (Vienna to
Budapest) on which you can experience a very different side to the
Danube.
5
8 DAYS
8 DAYS
LSV
MIN AGE
FLIGHT INC.
LAND ONLY
TRIP CODE
At a glance
6 days cycling with luggage transfers
99% cycle path, 1% road
Mainly flat cycle paths with some
gentle hills
Self‐guided holiday. Min age 5 yrs
7 nights family‐owned and tourist class
hotels
All breakfasts included
Highlights
Discover the rich culture and historical
architecture of Vienna
Ride on dedicated cycle routes
Visit infamous castles, ruins and
palaces along the Danube
Sample the fine wines of the Wachau
Valley
Austria & Germany • Cycling The Danube: Passau To Vienna
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Families
Self‐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.
Cycling Conditions
Classification: Self‐Guided
Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)
Average daily distance: 47km (29 miles).
All ascents, descents and distances listed below have been
measured by our local partners or tour leaders. Please note that
different GPS measuring devices can give differing results
dependent on the barometric pressures at the time.
Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to
help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will
encounter.
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.
The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the meals
included.
Day 1 ‐ Start Passau.
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 ‐ Passau to Schlögen region
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 Schlögener 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.
Cycle approx. 40km (Breakfast)
Day 3 ‐ Schlögen region to Linz
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
Austria & Germany • Cycling The Danube: Passau To Vienna
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.
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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!
Cycle approx. 50km (Breakfast)
Cycle approx. 40km (Breakfast)
Day 4 ‐ Linz to the Grein region
Day 7 ‐ Krems to Vienna
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.
Cycle approx. 60km (Breakfast)
Day 5 ‐ Grein region to the Melk region
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!
Cycle approx. 50km (Breakfast)
Day 6 ‐ Melk region to Krems
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
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.
Cycle approx. 40km (Breakfast)
Day 8 ‐ End Vienna
End Vienna. (Breakfast)
We use a mixture of charming 3 and 4‐star hotels on this trip,
generally family owned and well located. For those who would
like to treat themselves, it is possible to upgrade to a night in the
grand 5‐star Hotel Schloss in Durnstein, which features an outdoor
pool in a private courtyard lined with roses, with background
views of the monastery and ruins.
Single Accommodation
The price is based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd
number of people travelling in your party, one person will need to
take a single room, and a single supplement
Austria & Germany • Cycling The Danube: Passau To Vienna
of £190 (approx. US$370) will be charged. For clients travelling
alone, there is a compulsory single room supplement of £190 (or
approx. US$370).
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.
Extra Accommodation
Extra accommodation can be booked, subject to availability, in
Vienna and Passau. Please ask our sales team for details.
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in the UK and rainfall, although relatively low, is possible
throughout the year.
If you want to extend your holiday at the start or end, we offer 4
nights in a 4‐star superior hotel and have prepared route notes for
two cycling excursions and a hike through and around the
vineyards of Vienna. Your accommodation is conveniently located
and with your included 'Vienna Card' you will be able to use the
excellent public transport system to access the city centre in no
time at all. The card also offers discounted admission fees, food
and drink for many places in the city. Your hire bikes will remain
with you at no additional cost, and there will be bottle of fine
regional wine waiting for you in your room.
Food
All breakfasts included.
8 days starting in Passau , ending in Vienna
Breakfast: Buffet style breakfast will usually consist of fresh
bread, cheese, ham, croissants, butter, jam, tea or coffee.
The start point for this trip is our hotel in Passau which can be
reached easily from many transport hubs, including Linz, Munich
and Vienna.
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.
Transport
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.
From Vienna Airport, there are numerous trains travelling to
Passau. The trains depart hourly and a ticket can be purchased in
advance. The prices start from €19 and the train journey takes
approximately 3 ‐ 3.5 hours. Please visit http://www.oebb.at/en/
for more information and to purchase your tickets.
Alternatively, we offer a daily transfer by minivan from Central
Vienna to Passau. The cost of this is approx. £40 per person. The
transfer departs from Hotel Arcotel Kaiserwasser daily at 2pm and
the transfer takes 3.5 hours. If you are coming directly from the
airport we recommend that you take the train, or we can organise
a private taxi for you (price tbc).
Please speak to your sales consultant for more information.
Low Cost Flights
Flights 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 (Vienna).
This may be a convenient and good value option for some clients.
Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing
income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to
protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to
responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan
and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company.
The weather here is comparatively stable, particularly during
mid‐summer. Temperatures are similar to those experienced
As a self‐guided trip you will be pedalling under your own steam
and at your own pace. You will not be part of a group so the
impact of your visit on the landscape and communities you pass
Austria & Germany • Cycling The Danube: Passau To Vienna
will be absolutely minimal. We work with local suppliers and
hoteliers to ensure that we support the communities we visit,
maximising the benefit to them and also our enjoyment of the
region. We will stay in characterful, locally run hotels and the
route notes will often give you hints and tips of local restaurants
you can try, giving you a taste of the local cuisine while helping
to support these establishments. During the wine tasting, there is
the opportunity to sample locally sourced apricot wine with a
local partner thus promoting local trade and produce.
The route follows an established cycle path (the official official
Donauradweg cycle path) which helps to avoid any environmental
damage caused by cycling on paths that are not suited to bikes.
The introductory briefing at the start of the trip is given by local
students, providing them with a source of income and making sure
you receive the best, most up‐to‐date information on where to
eat and what to see.
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Austria
No visa required for British passport holders.
Germany
No visa required for British passport holders.
Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the
current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is
required.
Vaccinations and Health
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.
There are no specific health risks on this trip.
For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit:
www.exodus.co.uk/responsible‐travel
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.
Passports and Visas
Insurance ‐ are you adequately covered?
Most nationalities, including British, require a full passport that
must be valid 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 UK 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.
You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining a
trip which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are
covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are
resident in the UK we strongly recommend Exodus travel
insurance, which is specifically designed to cover all activities on
your trip.
Certain European nationalities may be able to travel within
Europe on their national identity card. Check carefully with the
relevant authorities if you intend to do this.
Group, Staff and Support
Local Time
GMT +1hr
As this is a self‐guided holiday there is no group and no leader.
Your luggage is transferred and route
Austria & Germany • Cycling The Danube: Passau To Vienna
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.
The minimum age of clients on this trip is 5 years. Please note
that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share
accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.
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3. You must ensure that the equipment is adequately secured
when not in use. In the event of the equipment being lost or
stolen, you may be liable for the replacement value of the
equipment
4. You must not use the equipment whilst under the influence of
drink or drugs and should immediately notify the Supplier in the
event of breakdown or loss.
Bringing Your Own Bike
Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.
If you prefer the familiarity of your own bike, you may of course
bring it along. Please advise us at the time of booking and you will
receive a discount off the price of the holiday, as specified above.
Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure they have
adequate cover for loss, damage or theft under their travel, home
contents or a specialist insurance policy. If Exodus is confident
that we have taken all reasonable care to ensure the safety of
your bike, in the rare event of loss, damage or theft you will need
to claim under your own insurance policy.
ATM availability/Credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques
Extra Bike Bits
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. Credit cards are widely accepted.
You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the
seat post) or gel saddle cover to fit to the hire bikes. We
encourage this, if it is your preference. However, please note
that you are responsible for your own equipment, and removing
your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot guarantee
the return of any bike parts left behind.
Currency Information
The national currency of the countries visited on this itinerary is
the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate at the time of publication
of approximately 1.2 to the UK£ and 0.9 to the US$.
Extra Expenses and 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.
Local Bike Details
KTM touring bike, included in the trip price. Supplement for
electric E‐bike ‐ £70. Discount for bringing your own bike ‐ £90.
A quality local hire bike is now included in the overall price of our
cycling holidays. At the time of booking we will take your height
in order to reserve equipment. There may on occasions be
insufficient bikes available in the correct size; we will endeavour
to find suitable alternative equipment but this cannot be
guaranteed. We will tell you before you book whether suitably
sized bikes are available.
Conditions
1. The equipment remains the property of the supplier and you
may not sell, hire out or part possession with the equipment.
2. You must not misuse the equipment and must return it in the
same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear
excepted). The supplier is entitled to charge for any damage
caused to the equipment during the period of hire.
Exodus Policy on Cycling Helmets
Wearing a helmet is mandatory for anyone taking part in any
guided Exodus cycling holiday. Group members must bring their
own helmets, as they are not available for hire, even if they are
hiring a bike from Exodus.
For self‐guided cycling holidays wearing a helmet is a highly
recommended. Customers who choose to ignore our advice do so
entirely at their own risk and on the understanding that it may
affect the validity of their travel insurance. It should also be
noted that in some countries we travel to wearing a helmet is
already a legal requirement.
Cycling of all kinds has its dangers and accidents can happen from
time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for
the riding you are going to undertake.
Recommended Cycling Clothing
Padded cycling shorts (with loose 'over‐shorts' where
recommended), breathable clothing, and a lightweight
waterproof/windproof top. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are
better for biking, but are not essential unless you are cycling long
distances.
Most people want to carry certain items with them during the day
while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum‐bag or small
close‐fitting daysack.
Austria & Germany • Cycling The Danube: Passau To Vienna
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Essential Equipment and Clothing
Maps
Self‐Guided Hire Bikes
All bikes are supplied with:
‐ 1 front bar bag with a plastic folder for your route notes and
maps ‐ 1 per 2 people (if you are travelling together)
‐ 1 rear pannier
‐ 1 bike lock
‐ 1 repair kit per 2 people, which includes 1 spare inner tube
repair strips and glue and a pump.
‐ Front and rear lights
‐ Speedometer
Unfortunately the bikes are not supplied with bottle cages so you
will either need to carry your water bottles in the panniers
provided, in a small day bag, or use a camelbak or similar.
Seat and handlebar heights will have been set up in advance from
the heights you have given us on booking. However, when you
receive your bike there will be the opportunity to test and adjust.
You will be able to adjust the saddle height, tilt and handlebar
height. Unfortunately, your own saddle and pedals cannot be
attached to the bikes.
A map/guidebook is sent with your final joining instructions.
Bike Repairs
As you are riding unaccompanied, it is wise to know at least how
to repair or change an inner tube before setting off on your bike!
The bikes are serviced before being rented out so there should be
no problems but there are emergency numbers provided in the
Route Notes for more complex problems.
Please note helmets are obligatory for children under 12 in
Austria.
Reading List
Dawdling by the Danube: With Journeys in Bavaria and Poland,
Edward Enfield ‐ Detailed memoirs of his cycling journeys in 1997,
1998 and 2006.
The Danube Cycle Way, John Higginson ‐ If our guidebook isn't
enough then this is another good source of information to plan
your trip regarding facilities, excursions and every passing place is
mentioned.
Vienna (Lonely Planet), Neal Bedford ‐ Typical Lonely Planet
guide.
Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can
view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write‐ups
which have featured in the national media and take advantage of
some special deals on travel gear and equipment.
In the Community Travel Forum you'll find the Departure Lounge
where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you
depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to upload
your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps
other people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be
entered automatically into our monthly photo competition.
To make full use of the Community you'll need to join My Exodus.
It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting
for?
http://www.exodus.co.uk/community
Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can
be contacted on 0044 (0)1582 640 045.
Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to
read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or
at www.exodus.co.uk/about‐exodus/essential‐information?
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.
Austria & Germany • Cycling The Danube: Passau To Vienna
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.
As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and
airlines manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder
than ever to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we
endeavour to keep our website as accurate as possible, daily
fluctuations mean that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of
date. For accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of
our Travel Experts, or your Travel Agent.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel Advice
Service advises British tourists on the potential dangers they
might experience when travelling overseas. We liaise closely with
them and adhere to their travel advice. For up‐to‐date advice on
all countries, please visit www.gov.uk/foreign‐travel‐advice.
Should there be any change to advice prior to or during travel, we
may have to cancel or curtail a tour at short notice, or re‐route
an itinerary part way through.
Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of
publication. The most up‐to‐date prices can be found on the
Exodus website.
© Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO
1. Check availability
Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
2. Secure your place
You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for
between three and seven days.
3. Complete your booking and payment
When you're ready to book, go to www.exodus.co.uk for online
booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form
(available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major
credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque. Book with
confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour
operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number
2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association
(IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators
(FTO) and ABTA ‐ The Travel Association. This means you can
book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to
us for your trip are fully protected.
Edition No. GE 02 2017
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