Classic Danube Cycle Path: Passau to Vienna Cycling Holiday

Classic Danube Cycle Path: Passau to Vienna

8 Days & 7 Nights 4.6 Read 77 reviews

Enjoy relaxed, easy-going cycling on dedicated paths along the Danube River
Explore the wonderful, culture-filled cities of Passau and Vienna
Stop along the route for wine tastings as you cycle through the Wachau Valley
Visit charming towns, beautiful churches and superb scenery every day
Tuck into the excellent Austrian food and wine

Cycle along the renowned Danube Cycle Path from Passau to Vienna, alongside the Blue Danube. The Danube Cycle Path from Passau to Vienna is an absolute cycling classic and Europe’s most popular cycle holiday. As you cycle through Austria you will discover the enchanting river landscape, picturesque villages, lush vineyards and countless cultural sites from the time of the Romans and Nibelungengau. The Danube Cycle Path is completely traffic-free so you can relax and enjoy the wooded forests and the magical meadows of the Schlögener Loop, Strudengau, Nibelungengau and Wachau regions. As you follow the Danube you will discover that each region offers unique attractions. Gourmets will enjoy the Wachau Wine Valley. Numerous museums, exhibitions, galleries and the beautiful towns and cities along the way will tell you the story of this fascinating region. The Danube Cycle Tour is perfectly suited to families and beginners as the cycling is flat or gently downhill as you follow the Danube downstream. The route is well way-marked, paved and traffic free. What more could you ask for on a cycling holiday?

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What To Expect

Travel Restrictions

This tour is graded easy. Each cycling day covers between 40-60km along dedicated cyclepaths and through the towns and villages along Europe's most famous waterway. Predominantly traffice free means this trip is perfect for beginners, those that love to explore by bike or a group with mixed abilites. With plenty of opportunities to sample local dishes and admire centuries old towns, every pedal stroke is completed in your own time.

Trip Style:

Self Guided | Go at your own pace on an independent holiday.

Activity:

Inn to Inn Cycling, E-Biking | A classic point to point cycling holiday, staying in a different location each night, E-Bikes with electronic motors to assist available to hire on this holiday (subject to availability), to make things easier

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Multi-Generational, Mixed Abilities, First Timers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Historical Journeys

Inspiration:

Classic

Grade & Terrain

This cycling holiday is graded easy to moderate and the daily rides follow mostly flat and largely traffic-free routes. The Wachau Valley in Austria can be described as slightly more undulating in comparison to the other sections of the path. The Danube Cycle Path is a dedicated, paved and well-marked route. There will be a mixture of cycle paths and roads, so please be mindful of other road users at all times, especially on routes shared with traffic.

Navigation

The Danube Cycle Path is one of Europe's most popular cycling routes and it is very well maintained and waymarked throughout. Following the waymarking along the banks of the river would be sufficient, but we will also be supplying you with a trip information pack, and access to the GPX tracks via the Macs Adventure smartphone App. You will also receive a printed, personalised tour book on arrival at your first hotel. This tour book contains everything you need including personalised route notes and maps, as well as your hotel list with directions and vouchers. This book will also include recommended side visits and more information about points of interest that you will pass along the route. Rest assured that you will have no trouble finding your way!

Please note that due to popular demand we aim to get your personalised itinerary with hotel confirmations to you 3 to 4 weeks prior to departure. There may be a slight delay in receiving your personalised information when booking last-minute or during the high season.

Accommodation Information

Our Classic Danube Cycle Path trip includes accommodation in standard ensuite double/twin rooms in traditional hotels and authentic inns, which are normally 3* standard.

We work with a number of accommodations along the cycle path, so all distances are an approximation of the recommended routes. You may be accommodated 5-10km away in the surrounding area, which may add or reduce the distance you cycle each day.

If you're traveling with friends or family but prefer your own room, single rooms are subject to availability and a supplementary payment. This trip is also available to solo cyclists and is perfect as the route is popular, so there are plenty of people to chat with every day.

Meals

Breakfast is included each morning. Packed lunches are not included but are in most cases available at your accommodation (please order the night before!) or you can stop on the way for a traditional "wurst" or bowl of "goulash". Travelling through several regions means your tastebuds are also on an incredible journey! You will find suggestions of where to dine in your route notes. Your accommodation hosts are also happy to advise of the local places to eat.

Included

7 nights in rooms with private facilities
Breakfast
Luggage transfers (1 bag of max. 23kg per person)
1 bottle of wine in Wachau Valley (per room)
A tasting of regional products
Train journey from Krems area to Tulln (including bike)
Train (or bus) journey from Vienna central station to Passau (depending on season)
Handlebar bag with personalised tourbook (on arrival)
Information pack and access to the GPX tracks in the Macs Adventure smartphone app
Emergency support from our local partners and our office

Excluded

Bike hire
Lunch, Dinner, Snacks and Drinks
Travel to Passau and from Vienna
Helmet and personal equipment
Local tax (€1 - €2,5 p.p.n) payable locally
Transfer of your own bike on train/bus journey from Vienna Train Station to Passau
Travel Insurance (required)

Extras

E-bike hire
Hybrid bike hire
Helmet purchase (must be reserved at time of booking)

When To Go

This trip is available to start on any day from April to October.

May to September are the busiest months, and in July and August, the days are wonderfully long for exploring and making the most of the historic towns that you will visit.

The summer months generally do not become unbearably hot and temperatures are often pleasantly warm, especially for cycling. Do keep in mind that some days will be hotter than others and it is important to make sure to always carry plenty of water, avoid cycling at noon and wear sunscreen while cycling even on cloudy days. We suggest that you contact us as soon as possible if you are considering a departure during peak season.

Getting to the Start

Passau is located in Germany, close to the Austrian border. It doesn't have an airport but it easily accessible by rail from nearby cities such as Munich, Linz, Salzburg, and Vienna.

By Air

Passau has direct train connections to Linz (1h30), Salzburg (2h45), Munich (2h30) and Vienna (3h30), which are the most convenient airports. Please visit the DB Bahn website to check the times.

If you are arriving at Vienna Airport rail or bus transfers to Passau are included in the price. If you would like to arrange this please let us know at the time of booking. These cannot be arranged on the day of arrival.

By Train

Visit the DB Bahn website to check train times and book tickets to Passau from European destinations. You may also wish to try Rail Europe for European rail tickets and passes.

By Car

Parking is available in Passau from between €30 and €60 per week. Contact us for details.

Getting from the End

Vienna Airport has extensive connections to most major international cities. The airport is only a 20-minute bus journey from the center and has regular airport shuttle buses leaving every 20 minutes from central Vienna.

If you would like to return to Passau this is possible. We can arrange a train ticket for you which is included in the price of your trip. Central Vienna train station has several services throughout the day to Passau. Journey time is around 2hrs 45mins to 3hrs. For full information on fares and times please click here. Train transfers from either Passau to Vienna or Vienna to Passau must be confirmed prior to travel.

Baggage Transfer

Daily door to door baggage transfer is included in the price of your trip. We ask you to keep your baggage to a maximum of 1 bag per person (maximum weight 23kg).

Equipment

Rental Bikes: 7-speed bikes with coaster brake (backpedal) or 21-speed bikes (unisex) are available to rent, these are not included in the tour package but can be booked as an extra. Electric bikes (unisex), children’s bikes, and other specialized equipment may be available upon request.

All rental bikes are equipped with a pannier (saddle bag) and an odometer (except for the electric bikes). Please note that helmets are not included as part of the rental package, but can be bought locally (€39). Please remember that your own helmet is likely to be a better fit. If you would like to buy a helmet, this must be reserved at the time of booking.

If you’d like to hire a bike, please let us know the height and frame size you currently ride. If you would prefer to bring your own bicycle please ensure it is thoroughly serviced and is an appropriate bike for this trip.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

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