THE BLUE DANUBE

Bicycle Slovakia, Hungary, Germany & Austria

Join us on an impressive journey as we travel through four countries full of sights that bring to mind the great moments in European history. We’ll take in the art, architecture and culture of some of Europe’s most classic cities. Our journey will combine bicycling with river cruising aboard a luxurious ship on the famed Blue Danube.

Connecting nine countries from the Black Forest to the Black Sea, the Danube is Europe’s second longest river and the most historic. We’ll explore the Gothic cathedrals, lush vineyards and medieval villages along its banks from a unique perspective, as we pedal downstream through the countryside and sail on the MV Mozart.

Plan to arrive in Munich no later than 1:00 PM Wednesday. If you would like time to explore Munich you may wish to arrive a day or two before the tour starts.

Wednesday, Regensburg. Our private coach will transfer us from Munich airport to our hotel in Regensburg, Germany’s largest medieval city with more than 1,200 historical buildings. The old stone bridge next to our hotel dates from 1146 and is still used to cross the Danube. Bike fitting this afternoon, followed by the Get Acquainted reception and dinner.

Thursday, Regensburg. Morning warm-up ride along the Regen River. Lunch at the Historische Würstkuche, an old authentic sausage restaurant located by the Stone Bridge. After lunch we join our local guide for a walking tour of the historic old town.

Friday, Regensburg. Today we bike along the Main-Danube Canal to Kelheim. The canal allows traffic to flow between the North Sea and the Black Sea, creating a 2,200-mile waterway that runs through 15 countries.

Saturday, Passau. Bicycle the banks of the Danube River to Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers. Our guide will take us to see St. Stephen’s Cathedral with one of the world’s largest pipe organs.

Sunday, MV Mozart. We continue following the Danube with wide valleys on both sides and a dark green carpet of forest. The ruins of fortified castles may be seen around every bend. Board our ship in time for the lavish welcome dinner.

Monday, MV Mozart. This morning we bike through the heart of the Wachau wine region with its rolling hills of steep terraced vineyards. Durnstein’s history can be traced back to 1019 when the Emperor donated this small strip of land on the banks of the Danube to the Abbey of Tegernsee in Bavaria. Option of cycling all the way into Vienna.

Tuesday, MV Mozart. Vienna is one of Europe’s most dynamic cities and home of the waltz, the Spanish Riding School, Sacher Torte and the Vienna Boy’s Choir. Our local tour guide will aquaint us with this center of classical music, art, theater and history. Plenty of free time to explore on your own this afternoon or go for an optional bike ride.

Wednesday, MV Mozart. This morning we’ll visit Esztergom, boasting some of the most magnificent monuments in Hungary. On our bikes we will pass through the loveliest part of the Danube valley as we bicycle to Budapest, passing Visegrad and other picturesque towns.

Thursday, MV Mozart. Morning guided tour of Budapest, the Hungarian capital and one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Budapest spans the banks of the Danube for eight miles. The ancient city, Buda, on the right bank is connected by seven bridges to her more modern sister, Pest, on the left bank. The afternoon is at leisure for walking and museums.

Friday, MV Mozart. A walking tour will introduce us to Bratislava’s old medieval center. Highlights are the Baroque palaces, churches and the National Theater. After lunch we bike into the Slovakian countryside and to Devin Castle,

Saturday, MV Mozart. Our ride takes us from Melk to Grein, the home of Austria’s oldest theater. Picture opportunities abound as we experience lovely panoramic views of the Danube and wide valleys covered by dark green carpets of forest. Elegant farewell dinner in the evening.

Sunday. This morning we transfer you to Munich airport or to the local train station. Travel time is approximately two hours, arriving at the airport at 11 AM. Please schedule your flight accordingly.

Tour date:  You pick the date -- 12 days/11 nights.
Tour Leaders:  Gerhard Meng & assistant
Tour price:  $4,395 per person based on a group of 15 to 17 people. 
In order to offer the lowest possible price, the trips are priced according to the number of participants on the tour.  The cost will be lower with more people in the group, and the cost will increase if there are fewer people.  Price can also be reduced if you wish fewer meals or other services included.  The standard of hotels you choose will also change the price. 
Price was last up-dated on November 11, 2009.  Subject to change.

Includes all breakfasts, five lunches and ten dinners.
What else is included in the tour price?

On most days we’ll have three cycling options with average distances of 26, 34 and 52 miles.  Shortcuts will be available and every day we’ll also have the option of longer and more challenging bike rides. 

Good quality bike rentals can be arranged at approximately $28 per day. All frames are “hybrid” style with upright handlebars and have a choice of men’s or women’s frame. Designed in France, they are equipped with Shimano components. All have 27 gears and come equipped with a water bottle, bell, lock, pump, handlebar pack, rear rack and patch kit.

Special notes:
Enjoy total relaxation and uncommon comfort aboard the 5 star MV Mozart.  The large cabins (205 square feet) will impress you.  All cabins are outside, with spacious private facilities, air conditioning, telephone, music centers and TV.  Twin or queen beds are available.  Five meals will be served daily in the magnificent dining room, including a gourmet lunch and dinner.  The chef will delight in preparing the classic dishes and culinary delights reflecting the various regions.  Evening entertainment is staged in the comfortable main lounge.  While sailing enjoy the scenery from the sun-deck or the viewing lounge with its panoramic windows.  Gather together in the piano bar, relaxing library or the Viennese café.  The MV Mozart has no facilities to accommodate bicycles on board the ship.  The bikes will be transported ahead to each port by our support vehicle.

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