Cycle the Danube In Style

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling

Activity Level & Terrain

This cycling holiday is graded easy to moderate and you will follow the official Danube Cycle Path, one of Europe's most popular dedicated cycling routes. Daily distances vary approximately between 30 and 60 km (19 and 37 mi). The Wachau Valley in Austria can be described as slightly more undulating in comparison to the other sections of the path, please see the itinerary for daily distances and elevation. 

The routes are mostly flat, well-maintained, and waymarked throughout. Although you will predominately ride along paved paths, you will also cycle along country roads, through villages, towns, and cities, so please be mindful of other road users at all times, especially on routes shared with traffic. 

Navigation

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 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!

• 5 nights in 4-star hotels and 2 nights in 5-star hotels
• 7 Breakfasts
• Luggage transfers
• Train journey from Tulln to Vienna including bike (Day 7)
• First Class train journey from Vienna to Passau (Day 8)
• Access to the GPX tracks via the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
• 24/7 Emergency support from our local partner and our office

• Bike hire and helmet
• Travel to Passau and from Vienna
• Local tourist taxes (payable locally)
• Lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks
• Transfer of your own bike on train/bus journey from Vienna to Passau (Day 8)
• Travel insurance (requirement of booking)

• Hybrid bike hire
• E-bike hire
• Helmet purchase (must be reserved at time of booking)
• Private transfer from Munich city centre or Munich Airport to hotel in Passau

When To Go

This trip is available to start on any day between the beginning of April and late October.

The weather along the Danube varies depending on the region and the season, but typically the summers are warm and the winters very cold. April/May and September/October are usually most pleasant for cycling with temperatures around 15-20 degrees (60-65°F). Evenings can be much cooler so do take a warm layer or two and expect the odd rain shower. June, July, and August are beautifully warm and sunny and although it doesn't often get unbearably hot, there may be some exceptional days where the temperatures soar in excess of 30 degrees (100°F). With longer daylight hours, you may like to plan your day to avoid cycling in the midday heat or taking a longer lunch. We always recommend taking plenty of fluids and sun protection with you, even on cloudy days.

Regardless of the month, there is always a chance of a rain shower or thunderstorm (especially after a prolonged spell of heat). Always be prepared for all eventualities and pack waterproofs and check the weather forecast before setting off.

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.

Getting to the Start

Your cycling trip starts in Passau, located in Germany close to the Austrian border. It doesn't have an airport but it is easily accessible by rail from nearby cities such as Munich, Linz, Salzburg, and Vienna. Passau has direct train connections to Linz (1h30m), Salzburg (2h45m), Munich (2h30m), and Vienna (3h30m) which are the most convenient airports. Please visit the DB Bahn website for more information such as train times and tickets, or visit Rail Europe for European rail tickets and passes.

If you are arriving at Munich Airport or if you are staying in Munich city centre, it is possible to book a private transfer to your first hotel in Passau. If you are interested in booking this, please get in touch so we can organise this for you.

If you would like to return to Passau at the end of your trip, a First Class train ticket from Vienna central station is included. 

Luggage Transfer

Enjoy the ease of having your luggage transferred between hotels so you can set off each day carrying a light pack with only the provisions that you need for your ride. There is no weight limit to your luggage on this tour, so you can take as much (or as little!) as you need.

General Information

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.

Equipment

Bike rental

21-speed bikes are available to rent, these are not included in the tour package but can be booked as an extra on request. Electric bikes that are unisex as well as 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). We recommend bringing your own helmet as it 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.

Important information if you are planning on bringing your own bike: If you would prefer to bring your own bike, please ensure it is thoroughly serviced prior to travel and that it is an appropriate bike for this trip. For your own bike, you will need to supply your own bike lock and maintenance kit. If you are planning on making your way back to Passau from Vienna at the end of your trip, the cost of transferring your own bike on the train or bus is not included in the price. 

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, emergency evacuation, and hospital care. In addition to this, it is also wise to purchase travel insurance that covers possible damage to or loss/theft of the rental bike, as you can be held responsible for this.