DESTINATIONS CYCLING THE DANUBE ACTIVE & ADVENTURE
breaks. There’s an option to cycle 17 miles and take a boat to Linz, Austria’s third-largest city and former European Capital of Culture.
ASK THE EXPERT
Lydia Crisostomo, PR executive, Inghams “For first-time cyclists, families or for those looking for a gentle introduction to cycling in Europe, the unescorted cycle ride from Passau to Vienna ticks all the boxes. Suitable for all levels of fitness, the route is flat, traffic-free and easy to navigate. The river mirrors the path itself, so it’s very hard to get lost. Guests can cycle at a gentle pace while soaking up the spectacular scenery of monasteries, castles and pretty villages, before ending their trip in the cultural city of Vienna. Cycling shorts are a must, and don’t forget to advise clients travelling in September to pack a rain jacket.”
w DAY 4: LINZ TO MARIA TAFERL How far: 50 miles See: This is the big day – but if it’s too much, you can use the included train ticket to travel from Linz to Dornach and cycle a more manageable 22 miles to the hotel. If you’re tackling the whole section, stop off in Grein, where actors still tread the boards in Austria’s oldest municipal theatre. A tour of the tiny playhouse, which dates back to 1791, reveals the old jail where inmates could watch performances through the bars, and a very public toilet separated from the auditorium only by a flimsy curtain.
w DAY 5: MARIA TAFERL TO CASTLE ARTSTETTEN How far: 9 miles See: Stretch tired legs with a gentle stroll around Maria Taferl, where the distinctive yellow and white basilica is a pilgrimage site. There’s the option for a round-trip cycle ride, with a small uphill stretch, to fairytale Artstetten
Head to one of Vienna’s atmospheric cafes for a big slice of chocolate Sachertorte. You’ve earned it!
Castle, the former summer retreat of the royal house of Habsburg.
w DAY 6: MARIA TAFERL TO KREMS How far: 31 miles See: This headline day features the Unesco-listed Wachau Valley, where terraced vineyards stretch down to the river and part of the route meanders between the vines. Landmark Melk Abbey perches on top of a rocky outcrop and resembles a palace rather than a Benedictine monastery. The imperial corridor is lined with portraits of Austrian rulers, and the cavernous library, with beautiful ceiling paintings, contains about 90,000 books. Aching muscles? Then cycle 14 miles to Melk, take a boat to Durnstein and pedal the remaining four miles to Krems.
ABOVE: Krems
LEFT: Melk Abbey
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travelweekly.co.uk 15 February 2018
w DAY 7: KREMS TO VIENNA How far: 32 miles See: Saddle up for a morning cycle through rural areas and stop off in Tulln for a last lunch by the Danube. One of Austria’s oldest towns, it’s famous for its fountains and flowers. Say farewell to the trusty metal steeds at the bike drop-off point on the outskirts of Vienna, before catching a train to the city centre. If you’ve got the energy, grand palaces and museums await. Alternatively, head to one of the Austrian capital’s atmospheric wood-panelled cafes for a creamy Wiener melange coffee and big slice of chocolate Sachertorte. You’ve earned it!
PICTURE: AUSTRIAN NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE/LEO HIMSL
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