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Austria/Germany

A Cycling Journey: Historic Bike Paths Along the Danube River

Program No. 3044RJ
Follow quiet bike paths along the sparkling Danube as you explore the history, folklore and culture of Bavaria and Upper Austria, with visits to castle ruins and a 900-year-old abbey.

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At a Glance

Centuries ago, “treppelweg,” or towpaths, were laid down along the mighty Danube so that horses could pull barges along the river. This system allowed goods to be transported between the Black Forest and the Black Sea — a 1,777-mile journey. In Germany and Austria, many of these storied paths have today been converted into beautiful, car-free bike paths. Follow the “treppelweg” on an unforgettable bike journey that reveals the amazing environments, fascinating folklore and city and village life along the Danube.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Intermediate to experienced cyclists. Cycling up to 15-40 miles (5 hours) daily on primarily flat terrain with frequent stops. Walking one mile on uneven terrain, standing for up to two hours and climbing stairs.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Pedal through the Wachau wine region with a stop at 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey for a history lesson.
  • Discover the fascinating history of shipping on the Danube River during a visit to the Schifffahrtsmuseum tucked away in Castle Greinburg.
  • Enjoy an organ concert at St. Stephan’s Cathedral in Passau, home to the largest church organ in the world.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Gitta Pavlovic
A native of Austria, Gitta Pavlovic has been working as a licensed group leader since 1982. Gitta is a representative and member of the Chamber of Commerce for Licensed Guides. She speaks German, Croatian, and English, and enjoys tennis, art history, dog training, and reading.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Gitta Pavlovic
Gitta Pavlovic View biography
A native of Austria, Gitta Pavlovic has been working as a licensed group leader since 1982. Gitta is a representative and member of the Chamber of Commerce for Licensed Guides. She speaks German, Croatian, and English, and enjoys tennis, art history, dog training, and reading.
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