Day 1: Arrival in Passau, Passau - Engelhartszell
Day 2: Great Loop, bike 25 mi.
Day 3: Devin - Bratislava, bike 11 to 30 mi.
Day 4: Budapest / Szentendre, bike 25 mi.
Day 5: Danube Bend - Esztergom,bike 25 mi.
Day 6: Vienna (day of rest)
Day 7: Wachau / Krems - Melk, bike 22 mi.
Day 8: Departure from Passau to Munich
Day 9: Depart Munich for Phoenix
Day 1: Board in Passau. Sail to Engelhartszell
Boarding begins at 5 PM in Passau in the southeast of Germany, located at the Austrian border. Situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau is known as "The Three Rivers City".
Day 2: Donauschlinge ("Great Loop"), 25 mi.
This Danube cycling tour starts in Engelhartszell, heading towards the "Great Loop" - one of the most beautiful portions of the Danube Bike Path, cycling through small villages and cozy must-see taverns. In Austria’s only Trappist monastery in Engelhartszell you can taste their delicious liquors and cheese. The famous “Schlogener View” provides a wonderful view of the surrounding Austrian countryside. You'll board again in the charming village Aschach.
Day 3: Devin - Bratislava, 11 to 30 mi. (18 to 49 km) Walk through the Old Town (optional)
You pedal along the former “Iron Curtain”, crossing the green line and reaching the imposing Imperial Palace of Hof with its beautifully terraced gardens and idyllic manor farm. Follow the bike path through Austria’s “vegetable garden” to the coronation city of Bratislava at the slopes of the Little Carpathians and discover the hidden alleyways and sights of Bratislava on an optional city tour.
Day 4: Budapest, roundtrip to Szentendre, 25 mi.
In the morning, enjoy the panoramic view of the Danube's gorgeous landscape on board the sundeck. Cycling into Budapest, Hungary's capital, is stunning. With the Danube River running straight through it, Budapest is actually split into two parts: Buda on the right bank, and Pest on the left (the city became one in 1873). The Buda section is the most impressive as it sits triumphal on a hilltop and contains the city's main highlights, including the Castle quarter on Castle Hill and the Royal Palace (which was once occupied by the Turks as well as the Hapsburgs). Just north of Budapest, is the charming town of Szentendre, known for its well-preserved houses and churches, many built in a Balkan style as the area was originally settled by Serb refugees. Today the town's best-known inhabitants are artists and small galleries can be found on every street corner. During a romantic city tour at night (optional) you can experience a beautiful illuminated Budapest, regarded as one of Europe's most beautiful cities. It is bustling but peaceful, a friendly metropolis and a place where old treasures blend with the modern. Long gone is its communist shadow. Today, Budapest is embracing its role as an important 21st-century city. You will get a first hand experience of Hungarian culture at an option evening show with traditonal music and dance.
Day 5: Danube Bend - Esztergom, 25 mi.
The wooded hills of Pilis, Visegrád, and Börzsöny mirrored in the meandering Danube create a wonderful landscape that has become a nature lovers' paradise. Amitst the Danube river, the idyllic isle of Szentendre exudes silent Puszta Romance. You cylce via the baroque village of Vác (influenced by the architects of Austira's empress Maria Theresa) to the bishop town of Esztergom with its gorgeous basilca-Hungary's largest Catholic Church. Night cruise to Visegrad.
Day 6: Vienna (day of rest), Sight-seeing tour by bike or bus - approx 3.5 hrs.
Discover Vienna's most beautiful attractions. During the bike tour of Vienna you will experience up close the most famous examples of architecture; the imperial Hofburg, St. Stephens Cathedral, the gorgeous boulevard "RingStraße" with the State Opera House, the Burgtheater and town hall, as well as the colorful "Hunderwasserhaus" and the Ferry wheel, which is situated directly at the Prater. Relaxation can be found at one of the numerous small coffee bars. The evening ends impressively with a Waltz and Opera Concert at the Hofburg(optional), or at a wine tavern.
Day 7: Wachau / Krems - Melk, 22 mi.
Small dreamy towns, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins along sloping hills await you. This is pure biking bliss! In Spitz, inviting wine taverns beckon along the bike route . In Dúrstein's narrow alleys, you will have to walk your bike. This town is famous because Richard the Lion-Hearted was imprisoned here in 1193. The ruined castle above the town can be reached by a good hike with great river views. In Weißenkirchen (possibility for a wine-tasting – optional) you will find inticing wine taverns right along the bike path. You owe it to yourself to take a break! After a ceremonial gala dinner, lots of fun and entertainment can be experienced during a crew show.
Day 8: Departure from Passau to Munich
We will travel by motorcoach to Munich arriving about 4 pm. We will check into our hotel, freshen up and then head out for Oktoberfest.
Day 9: Departure from Munich
We will travel to the airport to catch our flight back to PHX.