Pedal around opal lakes and past terraced vineyards. Pull up at pastry shops where the cakes' decoration rivals the beauty of the scenery.
Austria is full of the glory of an old, rich civilization, without the militarism of a powerful one. Music, art, history, crown jewels...
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Monday
The route begins with time for play in Mozart's birthplace. The setting is almost too storybook, dominated by a stunning castle and spread along the banks of a tree-lined river. You keep thinking you see Julie Andrews on the streets.
Day 2:
Tuesday
Another day in Salzburg, to give you time to visit the Marionette Theater and the Mozart House. Bike out to Heilbron castle, whose fountains unexpectedly hydrate. Perhaps catch a concert at the castle. Or maybe never escape the tree-shaded, song-filled beer gardens. Cycling on the river bike path is the best way to get around, but trolley-buses are available for those trying to forget that they're on a bike trip.
(B) (D)
Day 3:
Wednesday
They will quickly be reminded: today we mount our trusty steeds for the nine-day ride to Vienna! Cycle on lakeside roads through fairytale landscapes.
(B) (D)
Day 4:
Thursday
Words cannot express what we feel for this beautiful journey. We bike along picturesque Alpine valleys, snack on wiener schnitzel and currywurst, and for dessert, visit Austria's most famous pastry shop (you'll quickly see why).
(B)
Day 5:
Friday
A loop day in the region to visit the salt mines or for a cable-car ride up to the top of the Dachstein. There's an ice cave up there worth a visit as well... a full day of exploring, by bike or otherwise.
(B) (D)
Day 6:
Saturday
A long and beautiful day through the heart of the Austrian Alps. Pedal through charming villages and along pretty river valleys, all surrounded by soaring rocky mountains.
(B) (D)
Day 7:
Sunday
A loop day: go boating on wild and undiscovered lakes, so different from Swiss or Italian counterparts. Picnic in flower-filled meadows, sip wheat beer in waterside cafés, or listen to an oom-pah band on the village green.
(B) (D)
Day 8:
Monday
A short ride along a gentle path to Steyr today. Watch for Shubert's "Trout" in the Steyr River's rapids...
(B) (D)
Day 9:
Tuesday
From Steyr we cycle down the Danube bike path, surrounded by vineyards and pampered by terraces serving fruity apple juices and fresh white wines.
(B) (D)
Day 10:
Wednesday
Continue along the Danube bike path. The first of two nights on the river, by the walls of the spectacular rococo abbey in Melk.
(B) (D)
Day 11:
Thursday
A morning ride through the pretty wine towns of the Wachau to Krems, the country's viticultural capital. The hardy can continue the cycling all the way to Vienna, our destination for the evening.
(B)
Day 12:
Friday
Vienna is one of our favorite cities. The music is beautiful, the city's history is rich; diversions are legion. Tour the city on its trademark red trams. Experience the delightful contrast between Hofburg castle, home to the Holy Roman Empire's crown jewels, and the festive heurigen, serving up wines of their own fabrication to happily soused patrons. Music, art, beauty and late nights in trendy bars are all in store.
(B) (D)
Day 13:
Saturday
Trip disbands Saturday -- enjoy your final hours in this fabulous city!
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Departures: July 21, 2008.
Bike rental included in trip price!
Private single supplement (optional) $675
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Austria
Bicycle Touring
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