Cycling the Danube, part I
Bavarian culture, medieval flair and a gentle cycle path
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Daily distance: 30-65 km Duration: 7 days / 6 nights Route profile: flat terrain, some gentle hills on day three and four |
The Danube with its length of 1,700 miles is one of Europe's longest rivers. The old lady flows through eight countries and is still an important trade route between southern Russia and central Europe.
Follow the river at its most pleasant sections between Ulm and Regensburg and experience Bavarian's heritage in a fascinating and active way.
Day 1, Sunday
Arrival at Munich airport and transfer to our hotel in Ulm. After checking in, we will hand over the bicycle to you. You may use it for an afternoon ride up the Danube or spend the remaining day in Ulm's picturesque old town.
Day 2, Monday
In the morning we start with a city tour. We will visit Ulm's highlights as the Minster, the worlds tallest steeple, and the charming quarters of fishermen and tanners.
After lunch time we will hit the cycle path. Since this is our first day cycling we will have a rather short journey. Cycling alongside the river and passing through a nature reserve will get us to Gunzburg in the afternoon. The town offers a lovely market place where you can sit and relax while having a drink, walk around window shopping or discover the splendorous church 'Liebfrauenkirche', built within the Rococo era.
(19 miles/30 km)
Day 3, Tuesday
On our way to Donauworth, we pass Blindheim. The town became famous through the Battle of Blenheim. Here the Duke of Marlborough's forces fought against Bavarian and French troops in 1704. After a tasty picnic we head for romantic Donauworth where we stay overnight to rest from the day. (41 miles/66 km)
Day 4, Wednesday
Today we enjoy the view over the Danube from Marxheim viewpoint, pass Neuburg with its picture postcard architecture, pass the hunting lodge Grunau and get to Ingolstadt. Just right for a traditional German drink - beer, if you like. In 1516 the 'Reinheitsgebot' (Bavarian Purity Law) passed law here. Since this time only hops, malt and water are allowed for brewing beer, which Germans are very proud of. "Prost!"
(36 miles/58 km)
Day 5, Thursday
We spend the morning in the centre of Ingolstadt, visiting the Asam church with its phenomenal ceiling fresco and hear tales of the city's history.
Back on the bicycle we head for Bad Gogging where we enjoy a bath at the Limes hot springs. 15 different thermal pools having temperatures of 28° - 36° C make it a recuperating activity. In the evening, a charming accommodation and a delicious dinner are awaiting us again.
(25 miles/40 km)
Day 6, Friday
After 10 miles beside the Danube, at the monastery of Weltenburg, we board a ferry boat to make it through the impressive massif called Frankenjura. Bizarre rocks stand out from the river and reach into the sky. Disembarked, a lovely picnic will be prepared for us again.
In the afternoon we arrive at Regensburg. Founded in 179 by Romans as a military post it can look back onto a long history. Nowadays, Regensburg is considered to be the city with the most preserved medieval architecture, e.g. the oldest still open bridge over the Danube. (33 miles/53 km)
Day 7, Saturday
Unfortunately our last day - time to say "Good bye!". After a relaxing night you may either fan out for a city tour or use our inclusive airport shuttle service immediately.
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Tour dates 2009: to be scheduled please subscribe to our newsletter |
Pick up points: airport/railway station in Munich |
Services included:
- 6 nights in biker friendly hotels or guesthouses (double room) incl. breakfast and dinner (dinner excl. beverage)
- healthy food and refreshments will be provided along the way
- transport from and to airport/railway station in Munich
- daily luggage transportation
- 1-2 local, bilingual tour guides
- passenger van escort
- trekking bicycle with panniers
- guided city tours in Ulm and Ingolstadt
- entrance fee for Ulm Minster and Limes hot springs, ferry boat fees
£ 610 p.p. (€ 870 p.p.)
single room supplement: £ 110 (€ 160)
'bring your own bike' discount: £ 30 (€ 45)
Quotes in US-$ on request
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