CYCLING THE DANUBE - PASSAU TO VIENNA

Day 1
From Vienna Airport make your own way to the hotel in Passau

Day 2
Cycle to Schlögen (Ride approx 43km)
Leave behind Passau, the city of three rivers, 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

Day 3
Cycle to Linz (Ride approx 57km)
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 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.

Day 4
Cycle to Grein (Ride approx 67km)
Today's ride passes the former Nazi concentration camp at Mauthausen and enters into the province of Lower Austria for the first time. In the afternoon follow the river as far as Grein.

Day 5
Cycle to Melk (Ride approx 46km)
Historically Grein marked the beginning of the river's most treacherous stretch between wooded mountains. Ride through quiet riverside towns and past one of the most striking edifices on this whole route, the Benedictine Abbey at Melk - stunning both inside and out, you can't miss it!

Day 6
Cycle to Krems (Ride approx 36km)
Heading north through the vineyards of the Wachau, the route winds between the pretty villages of Weisenkirchen and Durnstein, which house respectively the local museum and the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned.

Day 7
Cycle to Vienna (Ride approx 40km/82km)
Ride into Vienna past Greifenstein castle and Klosterneuburg. Navigation in Vienna can be tricky (look out for trams). A train ticket is provided for the journey from Krems to Tulln should you wish to shorten your journey. The central area around Stephansplatz is perfect for an evening stroll, and is close to most places of interest. All hire bikes are handed in on arrival in Vienna.

Day 8
End Vienna.