Cycling the Danube, part I

Day 1, Sunday: The picturesque old town of Ulm

Depending on your arrangements, our team welcomes you at the airport; or any other place in Munich. By minivan we will then take you to your hotel in Ulm. We recommend Ulm’s fascinating old town for a stroll in the afternoon. Have a look at the enchanting quarters of the fishermen and tanners, the leaning tower with its colourful roof, and the minster, the world’s tallest church steeple. Climb the 768 steps for an unbeatable view - if you dare brave the breeze on the upper platforms.
In the evening we will gather again for dinner, where you will meet the rest of the group.

Day 2, Monday: The tale of the Sparrow of Ulm, start cycling

We start off the day with a guided walk which takes in the city’s attractions. You will learn about the special oath of 1397, which the mayor still has to pledge every year in front of the residents. We also visit the town hall with its decorative and very impressive frescoes from the 16^th century. Inside, you can find the hang-glider that was used by the Tailor of Ulm to glide across the Danube in 1811 - albeit unsuccessfully.
After having an hour to yourself, your bicycle will be waiting for you. From the hotel, it is only a 200 yard walk down to the river, where the ride begins. As this is your first day on your bike, we only cycle for about 19 miles. The path leads us along the Danube and through protected riparian forest to Gunzburg. Feel free to discover this small town before dinner. Have an ice cream at one of the cafes on the market square or visit the rococo-style Liebfrauenkirche church nearby. (19 miles/30 km, lunch in Ulm on your own today)

Day 3, Tuesday: Crossing the Romantic Road at Donauworth

Today’s route leads us through quiet villages and flat Bavarian countryside. Ponds and woodland alternate with cultivated landscape and beautifully decked hamlets.
Around midday we reach our picnic location. The table will be laid with all sorts of local produce, from German bread to sausages and cheese. Of course, you will find fruit, vegetables and sweets as well. Replenished, we cycle to the village of Blindheim, famous for the battle that took place close by. Here in 1704 the Duke of Marlborough’s forces campaigned successfully against French and Bavarian troops.
A local train then gets us to Donauworth. Here, at the crossroads of the Danube and the Romantic Road, we stay overnight. We recommend having a walk down the town’s main street. Emperors and other noble people travelled along here in days gone by. (28 miles/45 km, picnic included)

Day 4, Wednesday: Bavaria and its beer law

A 20 minutes train ride takes us past a couple of hills in the morning. After cycling a few miles, we get to Neuburg an der Donau. The town’s peaceful streets and squares invite us for a coffee stop - just as the Ducal Palace and the court church, both built in the Renaissance period.
From Neuburg, we cycle the flat, unspoilt countryside to Ingolstadt. Here, in 1516, the Bavarian Purity Law (‘Reinheitsgebot’) was passed. Still valid today, it allows only water, barley and hops to be used in the brewing of beer. So give it a try, if you like. “Prost!” (22 miles/35 km, picnic included)

Day 5, Thursday: Take a bath at Limes hot springs

In the morning you are taken on a guided walk through Ingolstadt. You will see the truly unique ceiling fresco of the St. Maria de Victoria church, showing the world as it was known in the 1730s. You will learn the local way of testing a beer for quality and trace Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein during his academic years - just to mention a few of the highlights.
In the afternoon, after cycling for about 25 miles, you will relax at Limes hot springs. The spa provides 15 thermal pools with temperatures ranging from 28 to 36° C. Pure relaxation! (25 miles/40 km, lunch in Ingolstadt on your own today)

Day 6, Friday: Impressive Danube Gorge at Weltenburg Monastery

This day starts with another pleasant ride passing fields of hops and asparagus. After about ten miles, we reach the Monastery of Weltenburg; just before the Weltenburg Gorge. Over the past million years, the Danube has carved its way through a massif that blocked the river for a very long time.
A ferry takes us to the other end of the gorge, where another fine spread awaits us. From here we follow the Danube down to Regensburg. The city is famous for its well preserved medieval buildings; the cathedral, the Golden Tower and the Stone Bridge, to mention but a few. (33 miles/53 km, picnic included)

Day 7, Saturday: Medieval Regensburg - a World Heritage site

What a shame - this is already the last day of your cycle tour. Following a hearty breakfast, you may set out on a stroll of the city centre or board our shuttle service right away. This will take you to the airport or any other place in Munich. Then it's time to say “Auf Wiedersehen!” and hope to see you again on one of our other tours.