Arrive in Salzburg, the city of Mozart and one of Austria’s most attractive cities. After check-in you are free to relax or explore. A visit to Mozart’s house is top of the list for many, and then there’s the cathedral and Hohensalzburg fortress, perched high up on the top of the sheer cliff that dominates the city.

Your first day’s ride leads you north alongside the Salzach river, first to the chapel in Oberndorf – where ‘Silent Night’ was composed – and then through pleasant woodland to the pretty town of Tittmoning. The town is a good spot for a lunch break before enjoying a relaxing ride along a nature trail to the town of Burghausen. The charming town’s skyline is dominated by an impressive castle which is well worth a visit.

Shortly after leaving Burghausen the Salzach joins with the mighty Inn River which you will follow through a rural area, rich in wildlife. Break the journey with a look around the old town of Braunau and perhaps a visit to the Reichersberg Monastery. After passing through a succession of small, riverside villages you reach today’s goal – the baroque town of Schärding. You’re sure to enjoy a night in this pretty little town with its colourful riverside houses.

From Schärding you’ll continue along the river to the Bavarian town of Passau where the Inn and Ilz rivers flow into the mighty Danube. Take time to explore the delightful old town before carrying on along the river bank, via Engelhartszell – where you might be tempted to sample some home-made liqueurs at the Trappist monastery – to the stunning Danube Loop. The Loop, referred to locally as the Schlögener Schlinge, is a very picturesque bend in the river and we highly recommend making the climb to a nearby vantage pint to fully appreciate the full scene. Afterwards you take a short ferry ride (payable locally) across the river and cycle to your nearby hotel.

The Danube Loop area is one of the most idyllic on your entire journey, and your route leads you on through the Danube Valley to some of the Danube’s prettiest towns as you approach the grand, cultural city of Linz. It’s a perfect spot for a break and to recharge the batteries at a traditional inn or café. Then you’ll continue on to Enns, Austria’s oldest town, with its fine central square and tower.

Today you’ll cycle through more lovely riverside scenery and quaint local villages. There’s plenty of time to stop at the open-air museum of Mitterkirchen. Next you ride through the beautiful wooded Strudengau valley to the pretty town of Grein with its looming castle and historic theatre. You are now in Austria’s wine region and terraced vineyards line the valley on either side of the river– stop for a quick tasting at one of the many vineyards if you fancy or continue on to either Marbach or Maria Taferl where you will overnight.

Today your route takes you first to the huge Benedictine abbey at Melk before entering the Wachau Valley, a region famous for its natural beauty and extensive vineyards. Enjoy idyllic cycling through picture perfect wine villages such as Spitz, Weissenkirchen and Dürnstein. In Krems you board a train with your bike for the short journey into Vienna (included). The last afternoon and evening of your tour are spent in the Austrian capital with its myriad of sights and attractions. The Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Imperial Palace are popular highlights. You may also want to take in the ‘Riesenrad’, the giant ferris wheel, made famous in the 1949 British film, ‘The Third Man’, and no trip to Vienna would be complete without enjoying a coffee and cake in one of the convivial and elegant coffee houses. There’s so much to see you may wish to consider adding an extra night to your holiday – just ask about this at the time of booking.

After breakfast it’s time to check-out and head for home or your next adventure.