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One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours in Europe - and Now Beyond!
Representing Overseas Bike Tour Companies
More Than 200 Tours in 40 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
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| Type of tour: | Guided |
| Level: | Leisurely |
| Duration: | 6 Nights |
| Distance: | 28 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Sundays: June 10; July 8; Aug 12, 2012 |
| Tour price: | €955 |
| Start city: | Passau, Germany |
| End city: | Vienna, Austria |
This classic cycle path starts in Passau, the “City of Three Rivers”: The German Danube is joined here by the Inn and the Ilz River. Shortly after their meeting, the Danube shows three different colors flowing at the same time.
On former tow paths through the timbered Danube valley and beside vineyards and orchards, the cycle route leads us to the charming capital of Austria, Vienna. On our way we visit the mighty Melk Abbey, travel through areas of unspoiled natural beauty and taste local wines at one of Austria’s most appreciated wine estates.
This classic cycle path starts in Passau, the “City of Three Rivers”: The German Danube is joined here by the Inn and the Ilz River. Shortly after their meeting, the Danube shows three different colors flowing at the same time.
On former tow paths through the timbered Danube valley and beside vineyards and orchards, the cycle route leads us to the charming capital of Austria, Vienna. On our way we visit the mighty Melk Abbey, travel through areas of unspoiled natural beauty and taste local wines at one of Austria’s most appreciated wine estates.
Day 1: Arrival
Our shuttle service will collect you and take you to your hotel at Passau’s historic old town. You can spend the remaining day at St. Stephen’s Cathedral listening to its famous organ, board a 3-rivers-cruise or take a shuttle bus up to Oberhaus Castle from where you can enjoy a magnificent view over the city and countryside. Your introduction with all the other group members will be at dinner, arranged at a typical Bavarian restaurant.
Overnight in Passau.
Day 2: Passau-Engelhartszell (18 miles/28 km, extra miles possible)
In the morning we start with a city tour through Passau’s wonderful old town. Our guide will present interesting anecdotes about the city and its inhabitants, for example about the meaning of a building’s color here. Before we start cycling in the afternoon you will have two hours on your own. You may relax at one of Residence Square’s cosy cafés or do some additional cycling up and down the Inn River. Our first joint ride will get us to Engelhartszell. Crossing the border shortly after leaving Passau we cycle into Austria for about 28km today.
Overnight in Engelhartszell.
Day 3: Engelhartszell-Linz (38 miles/60 km)
On our way to Linz we pass the “Schlogener Schlinge”, an impressive river bend turning the Danube’s flow 180 degrees. It is part of the Donauleiten nature reserve. Densely forested and steep hillsides on both banks are its prominent feature. We take the comfortable way directly alongside the river.
After 56km of cycling and a delicious picnic around mid-day, we reach Ottensheim where we board the ferry to Linz. 40 minutes later we are only a stone’s throw away from our hotel.
Overnight in Linz.
Day 4: Linz-Grein (38 miles/60 km)
Today we discover the Machland, a plain area aside the Danube. As this territory gets flooded every couple of years, people move out and leave a charming countryside behind. Our cycle path will lead us along abandoned hamlets, natural fruit tree meadows and small ponds surrounded by poplar and willow forest. Grein, our destination today, is a pretty town that is dominated by Greinburg Castle. In Grein you will also find the oldest existing theatre in Austria.
Overnight in Grein.
Day 5: Grein-Melk (30 miles/48 km)
Further down the river, after passing the pilgrimage site of Maria Taferl, we reach Melk. The town is well-known for its Benedictine abbey, which was built about 300 years ago on a rocky outcrop above the settlement. We will have a look inside, visiting the imposing library, the Abbey Church and the English garden.
Overnight in Melk.
Day 6: Melk-Vienna (19 miles/31 km)
Another highlight of this week is just in front of us now: the vineyards of the Wachau region. Wine growing has a long tradition here. Today, world class wines flourish on the typical rock terraces left and right to the Danube. After cycling along the foothills and another delectable picnic, we arrive in Durnstein. One of Austria’s most appreciated wine estates invites us to learn about their secrets of producing outstanding white wines and to taste some of these wines afterwards. As you don’t need to cycle anymore, you can enjoy without hesitation. A ferry will bring us to Vienna in the evening.
Overnight in Vienna.
Day 7: Departure
Vienna, we have arrived in this wonderful city. Feel free to take a tour through the famous Viennese coffee houses, hail a Fiaker (a horse-drawn carriage) or make use of our inclusive shuttle service immediately.
Sundays: June 10; July 8; Aug 12, 2012
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Day 1: Altstadt-Hotel, Passau
www.altstadt-hotel.de
Located right on the Danube boardwalk, the historic hotel offers 36 comfortable rooms.
Day 2: Hotel Donauschlinge, Haibach
www.donauschlinge.at
The hotel is located in the Danube loop and is next to the Danube bike path. Take time to enjoy the terraces and the views that they offer of the river!
Day 3: Classic Hotel Wolfinger, Linz
www.hotelwolfinger.at
The hotel is located in the pedestrian area of the main square. The hotel is elegantly decorated and provides a relaxing ambiance.
Day 4: Hotel Goldenes Kreuz, Grein
www.hotel-in-grein.at
The hotel is located in the city center and near the Danube bike path. Be sure to enjoy the restaurant where you can taste local specialties.
Day 5: Hotel Wachauerhof, Melk
http://hotel-restaurant-wachauerhof-melk-niederoesterreich.hotelwebseite.at/
Located at the foot of the Baroque Melk Abbey, the hotel is located a short distance outside of the main square.
Day 6: Hotel Austria Wien, Vienna
www.hotelaustria-wien.at
Located in the historical city center, the hotel provides elegant accommodations for rest and relaxation.
Day 1: Altstadt-Hotel, Passau
www.altstadt-hotel.de
Located right on the Danube boardwalk, the historic hotel offers 36 comfortable rooms.
Day 2: Hotel Donauschlinge, Haibach
www.donauschlinge.at
The hotel is located in the Danube loop and is next to the Danube bike path. Take time to enjoy the terraces and the views that they offer of the river!
Day 3: Classic Hotel Wolfinger, Linz
www.hotelwolfinger.at
The hotel is located in the pedestrian area of the main square. The hotel is elegantly decorated and provides a relaxing ambiance.
Day 4: Hotel Goldenes Kreuz, Grein
www.hotel-in-grein.at
The hotel is located in the city center and near the Danube bike path. Be sure to enjoy the restaurant where you can taste local specialties.
Day 5: Hotel Wachauerhof, Melk
http://hotel-restaurant-wachauerhof-melk-niederoesterreich.hotelwebseite.at/
Located at the foot of the Baroque Melk Abbey, the hotel is located a short distance outside of the main square.
Day 6: Hotel Austria Wien, Vienna
www.hotelaustria-wien.at
Located in the historical city center, the hotel provides elegant accommodations for rest and relaxation.
The hybrid touring bikes on this tour are equipped with:
If you want to bring your own saddle or additional equipment along, that is completely fine. The tour guide can help you mount the equipment, and will also help to adjust the bikes on the first day of cycling.
The hybrid touring bikes on this tour are equipped with:
If you want to bring your own saddle or additional equipment along, that is completely fine. The tour guide can help you mount the equipment, and will also help to adjust the bikes on the first day of cycling.
Along the river Danube flat or slightly descending, almost 100% on dedicated cycle path without any motor traffic. Only very short parts on quiet minor roads. Simply a masterpiece of a bicycle tour as it should be. The tour is rated leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
Along the river Danube flat or slightly descending, almost 100% on dedicated cycle path without any motor traffic. Only very short parts on quiet minor roads. Simply a masterpiece of a bicycle tour as it should be. The tour is rated leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
"This is our 5th bike trip with Bike Tours Direct. We have previously done Italian destinations, but for this trip we traveled the Danube River from Passau, Germany to Vienna, Austria. Here are the pertinent points:
"1. We took a guided trip with Mercurio Bike Travel. Andre is the owner and he started the business about 4 years ago. He serves as the coordinator and the cycle guide. He has an extreme vested interest in guest satisfaction. Throughout the trip he was organized, conscientious, and helpful. A great aspect of his company is that you know exactly what you will get with each trip. Since he serves as the guide, there is zero chance you will get stuck with a seasonal worker who is not up to par.
"2. Hotels: All of the hotels were great. On some trips, there is a significant variation in room quality from one town to the next. Every stop on this trip was clean, comfortable, and in the center of town.
"3. Food: The food was typically traditional German fare, with lots of sausages, schnitzel, etc. At dinner each night, we were permitted to order whatever we liked from the menu. Therefore, if you were not a pork eater, there were several other choices. Most guided trips come with a set dinner menu each night, so it was a very nice surprise to get some choice in dinner.
"4. Tour guides and participants: Since this trip occurs in Germany/Austria, there weren’t any Germans on the tour. We had 15 people in all. 6 Irish, 3 British, 2 Canadians, and 4 from the U.S. Andre limits the tours to 15 people total in order to provide optimal customer service.
"5. Weather: I was worried that it would be blazing hot in mid July, but it was actually very cool. Most of the hotels we stayed at didn’t even have air conditioning. We wore jackets almost every day. There can be some variance throughout the summer, but we were very happy with the cool days and nights.
"6. The cycling itself: The cycling was relatively easy. We went downstream the whole time. There were never any grueling climbs. The route was about 150 miles total. We were on car-free roads/paths the entire time. This is a great trip for anyone with reservations about their cycling ability.
"7. Extra-Curricular activities: Andre did a great job of building in additional content during the trip. We took a guided winery tour and had an afternoon wine tasting. We also took a boat trip on the last evening to arrive in Vienna. The boat had singing, dancing, and a great buffet. This served as a wonderful last evening with plenty of fun for everyone. Additional side events included a tour through Passau, a night tour in Linz, and a tour through Melk Abbey.
"8. Value: Andre did a great job providing an excellent tour at a great value. The price was a little lower than previous tours. In addition, the picnic lunches that we have on other trips usually incur a supplemental charge. Andre paid for these, so essentially all meals were covered instead of just breakfast and dinner.
"9. Summary: This is a great trip if you want relatively easy cycling on protected roads with wonderful natural scenery. The weather, culture, and landscape were beautiful."
- Daniel K.
2011
"This is our 5th bike trip with Bike Tours Direct. We have previously done Italian destinations, but for this trip we traveled the Danube River from Passau, Germany to Vienna, Austria. Here are the pertinent points:
"1. We took a guided trip with Mercurio Bike Travel. Andre is the owner and he started the business about 4 years ago. He serves as the coordinator and the cycle guide. He has an extreme vested interest in guest satisfaction. Throughout the trip he was organized, conscientious, and helpful. A great aspect of his company is that you know exactly what you will get with each trip. Since he serves as the guide, there is zero chance you will get stuck with a seasonal worker who is not up to par.
"2. Hotels: All of the hotels were great. On some trips, there is a significant variation in room quality from one town to the next. Every stop on this trip was clean, comfortable, and in the center of town.
"3. Food: The food was typically traditional German fare, with lots of sausages, schnitzel, etc. At dinner each night, we were permitted to order whatever we liked from the menu. Therefore, if you were not a pork eater, there were several other choices. Most guided trips come with a set dinner menu each night, so it was a very nice surprise to get some choice in dinner.
"4. Tour guides and participants: Since this trip occurs in Germany/Austria, there weren’t any Germans on the tour. We had 15 people in all. 6 Irish, 3 British, 2 Canadians, and 4 from the U.S. Andre limits the tours to 15 people total in order to provide optimal customer service.
"5. Weather: I was worried that it would be blazing hot in mid July, but it was actually very cool. Most of the hotels we stayed at didn’t even have air conditioning. We wore jackets almost every day. There can be some variance throughout the summer, but we were very happy with the cool days and nights.
"6. The cycling itself: The cycling was relatively easy. We went downstream the whole time. There were never any grueling climbs. The route was about 150 miles total. We were on car-free roads/paths the entire time. This is a great trip for anyone with reservations about their cycling ability.
"7. Extra-Curricular activities: Andre did a great job of building in additional content during the trip. We took a guided winery tour and had an afternoon wine tasting. We also took a boat trip on the last evening to arrive in Vienna. The boat had singing, dancing, and a great buffet. This served as a wonderful last evening with plenty of fun for everyone. Additional side events included a tour through Passau, a night tour in Linz, and a tour through Melk Abbey.
"8. Value: Andre did a great job providing an excellent tour at a great value. The price was a little lower than previous tours. In addition, the picnic lunches that we have on other trips usually incur a supplemental charge. Andre paid for these, so essentially all meals were covered instead of just breakfast and dinner.
"9. Summary: This is a great trip if you want relatively easy cycling on protected roads with wonderful natural scenery. The weather, culture, and landscape were beautiful."
- Daniel K.
2011
Tour start
Nearest airport
Nearest train station
Tour end
Nearest airport
Nearest train station
Please note
The tour includes pick up from Munich airport at the beginning of the tour, and drop off at Vienna International airport at the end of the tour.
Tour start
Nearest airport
Nearest train station
Tour end
Nearest airport
Nearest train station
Please note
The tour includes pick up from Munich airport at the beginning of the tour, and drop off at Vienna International airport at the end of the tour.
Austria sits at the crossroads of Central Europe, once the Habsburg Empire’s seat of power that ruled Europe for over 6 centuries. While Habsburg power ended after World War I, Austria remains a prominent country. Today it is known for its idyllic and majestic landscape of mountains, green valleys, rivers and storybook villages. Along with such a landscape are the cultural centers of Vienna and Salzburg. The elegant city of Vienna reveals the glory days of the Habsburg Empire, featuring the Hofburg Imperial Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and impressive Opera House. Salzburg, home of Mozart and The Sound of Music, has Europe’s largest intact medieval fortress overlooking the cobblestone streets of its historic Old Town.
More on bicycling in Austria >
Austria sits at the crossroads of Central Europe, once the Habsburg Empire’s seat of power that ruled Europe for over 6 centuries. While Habsburg power ended after World War I, Austria remains a prominent country. Today it is known for its idyllic and majestic landscape of mountains, green valleys, rivers and storybook villages. Along with such a landscape are the cultural centers of Vienna and Salzburg. The elegant city of Vienna reveals the glory days of the Habsburg Empire, featuring the Hofburg Imperial Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and impressive Opera House. Salzburg, home of Mozart and The Sound of Music, has Europe’s largest intact medieval fortress overlooking the cobblestone streets of its historic Old Town.
More on bicycling in Austria >
Mercurio Bike Travel offers guided bike tours in both Germany and Austria. Bilingual guides provide insight into the local culture and history along the way. Groups are as small as 8 to 15 people and each tour is accompanied by two guides. The daily stretch ranges from 20 to 35 miles, depending on the route. Comforts such as airport transfer, meals and guided walks at places of interest are already included.
One of their special features is most certainly their guides. Two on every trip, thereof one cycling with the group, support the guests with anything they need. For example, they carry the luggage into the rooms and prepare delicious picnics along the way. They assure that everything is organized thoroughly and guests can relax from the first minute.
Andre and his team are pleased to be your guides on your bike tour in Europe!
Mercurio Bike Travel offers guided bike tours in both Germany and Austria. Bilingual guides provide insight into the local culture and history along the way. Groups are as small as 8 to 15 people and each tour is accompanied by two guides. The daily stretch ranges from 20 to 35 miles, depending on the route. Comforts such as airport transfer, meals and guided walks at places of interest are already included.
One of their special features is most certainly their guides. Two on every trip, thereof one cycling with the group, support the guests with anything they need. For example, they carry the luggage into the rooms and prepare delicious picnics along the way. They assure that everything is organized thoroughly and guests can relax from the first minute.
Andre and his team are pleased to be your guides on your bike tour in Europe!
1. Booking
With sending the booking form you are making an offer to enter into a contract with us. You may use our electronic form, post it or fax it to us. By sending you the booking confirmation we are accepting your offer and therefore there is a binding contract between us.
2. Payment/'Fair Price'
With acceptance we send you a written confirmation including the first invoice covering the deposit (50% of the 'Fair Price'). We call our quotes Fair Prices because they represent the effort we put into organizing your cycling holiday in Germany or Austria. After your holiday we send you the final invoice for the remaining amount. In doing so we allow you to pay up to 20% more or less, depending on how satisfied you are with our service. In the case of both the deposit and the final payment please pay within a week. You may pay by bank transfer or via PayPal or by sending us a cheque.
3. Cancellation/rebooking
a) You may cancel your booking at any time before the beginning of your cycling holiday in Germany or Austria. Please tell us as soon as possible. If you cancel more than 42 days before the start of the tour we deduct an administration charge of £30 (€35) of the Fair Price and if you cancel less than 42 days before the start we deduct 50% of the Fair Price. If applicable, the remaining deposit will be returned.
b) As we are faced with similar efforts, this also applies to rebooking (i.e. switching to another Mercurio cycling holiday).
c) If you cancel but either you or we find a suitable person as a replacement, we make only an administration charge of £30 (€35). By 'suitable' we mean someone of the same gender and with the same accommodation requirements and attitude to smoking.
d) If you leave a Mercurio cycling holiday once it has started you will be entitled to a refund of any amount we save as a result of your leaving.
e) If within two weeks of receiving the booking confirmation you are unable to book return tickets between your country and an airport near the cycle route, you are entitled to cancel your booking. Any deposit will be returned.
f) Mercurio Bike Travel reserves the right not to accept nor allow to continue as a participant any person whose physical condition, health or actions impede the operation of a tour or affect the welfare, rights or enjoyment of other participants. In the unlikely event that such a person is required to leave a tour it will be treated as leaving a tour early. (See para. 3d.)
4. Health requirements
We describe our holidays as 'active' holidays because we cycle between 15 and 45 miles a day. You are responsible for being suitably fit and healthy. Nevertheless we ask you to inform us in advance of any physical conditions or disabilities that could endanger you or other participants.
5. Insurance
We advise you to take out comprehensive health insurance, including sufficient coverage for repatriation and additional hospital and medical expenses. Thus we strongly recommend that you review your health and personal insurance to meet the needs of you and your family in case of any loss of property, accident or injury during the trip.
6. Itinerary
The extent of our services is described in every online tour description, which you can also print out. The itinerary can be adapted on your request or as local conditions demand (e.g. weather, changed opening hours, changed ferry schedules). We shall inform you in advance in such an event. Furthermore we shall not be liable for any drawbacks as the result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control such as strikes, war, civil or political unrest, border closure, quarantine restrictions, government actions or what is usually known as 'force majeure'.
7. Financial protection
In accordance with German and British law the deposits of all passengers booking with us are fully protected in the event of the insolvency of Mercurio Bike Travel. You receive the relevant certificate along with your fist invoice.
8. Cycle hire
The equipment supplied, including all accessories, is provided on a hire basis. The hirer undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories. The hirer agrees to use the lock provided and to lock the bicycle to an immoveable object every time the hirer is not with the bicycle. Our guides will help you to keep the equipment in a safe place.
9. Final clause
If any one of these terms and conditions should be or become ineffective it shall not affect the validity of the other terms and conditions nor the contract as a whole.
Zwickau, Germany; 30 December 2009
1. Booking
With sending the booking form you are making an offer to enter into a contract with us. You may use our electronic form, post it or fax it to us. By sending you the booking confirmation we are accepting your offer and therefore there is a binding contract between us.
2. Payment/'Fair Price'
With acceptance we send you a written confirmation including the first invoice covering the deposit (50% of the 'Fair Price'). We call our quotes Fair Prices because they represent the effort we put into organizing your cycling holiday in Germany or Austria. After your holiday we send you the final invoice for the remaining amount. In doing so we allow you to pay up to 20% more or less, depending on how satisfied you are with our service. In the case of both the deposit and the final payment please pay within a week. You may pay by bank transfer or via PayPal or by sending us a cheque.
3. Cancellation/rebooking
a) You may cancel your booking at any time before the beginning of your cycling holiday in Germany or Austria. Please tell us as soon as possible. If you cancel more than 42 days before the start of the tour we deduct an administration charge of £30 (€35) of the Fair Price and if you cancel less than 42 days before the start we deduct 50% of the Fair Price. If applicable, the remaining deposit will be returned.
b) As we are faced with similar efforts, this also applies to rebooking (i.e. switching to another Mercurio cycling holiday).
c) If you cancel but either you or we find a suitable person as a replacement, we make only an administration charge of £30 (€35). By 'suitable' we mean someone of the same gender and with the same accommodation requirements and attitude to smoking.
d) If you leave a Mercurio cycling holiday once it has started you will be entitled to a refund of any amount we save as a result of your leaving.
e) If within two weeks of receiving the booking confirmation you are unable to book return tickets between your country and an airport near the cycle route, you are entitled to cancel your booking. Any deposit will be returned.
f) Mercurio Bike Travel reserves the right not to accept nor allow to continue as a participant any person whose physical condition, health or actions impede the operation of a tour or affect the welfare, rights or enjoyment of other participants. In the unlikely event that such a person is required to leave a tour it will be treated as leaving a tour early. (See para. 3d.)
4. Health requirements
We describe our holidays as 'active' holidays because we cycle between 15 and 45 miles a day. You are responsible for being suitably fit and healthy. Nevertheless we ask you to inform us in advance of any physical conditions or disabilities that could endanger you or other participants.
5. Insurance
We advise you to take out comprehensive health insurance, including sufficient coverage for repatriation and additional hospital and medical expenses. Thus we strongly recommend that you review your health and personal insurance to meet the needs of you and your family in case of any loss of property, accident or injury during the trip.
6. Itinerary
The extent of our services is described in every online tour description, which you can also print out. The itinerary can be adapted on your request or as local conditions demand (e.g. weather, changed opening hours, changed ferry schedules). We shall inform you in advance in such an event. Furthermore we shall not be liable for any drawbacks as the result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control such as strikes, war, civil or political unrest, border closure, quarantine restrictions, government actions or what is usually known as 'force majeure'.
7. Financial protection
In accordance with German and British law the deposits of all passengers booking with us are fully protected in the event of the insolvency of Mercurio Bike Travel. You receive the relevant certificate along with your fist invoice.
8. Cycle hire
The equipment supplied, including all accessories, is provided on a hire basis. The hirer undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories. The hirer agrees to use the lock provided and to lock the bicycle to an immoveable object every time the hirer is not with the bicycle. Our guides will help you to keep the equipment in a safe place.
9. Final clause
If any one of these terms and conditions should be or become ineffective it shall not affect the validity of the other terms and conditions nor the contract as a whole.
Zwickau, Germany; 30 December 2009
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