Cycling the Danube, part II
Day 1, Sunday: Strolling the old town's maze of alleys in Regensburg
Our transfer service picks you up in Munich and gets you to our hotel in central Regensburg. Time to have a wander around Regensburg's medieval old town. Walk across the old stone bridge and unwind at the one or other beer garden. Alternatively, the Heritage Visitor Center, the cathedral and the basilica Zur Alten Kapelle are worth visiting too. Or do some people watching while sipping a coffee or tea at one of the city’s vibrant squares.
Later this day we meet at a restaurant for dinner where you get to know your fellow cyclists.
Day 2, Monday: A gentle ride in the countryside and stories from medieval times
A bus takes us into the countryside from where, after receiving the bicycles, we ride back to Regensburg. Our way leads us mostly downhill along a converted former railway line.
After some down time we discover Regensburg on a walking tour. Tales from the middle age when Regensburg was one of the wealthiest places in what is Germany today takes us along historic tower houses. Some of these ‘early skyscrapers’ have been built by patrician families more than 800 years ago. (26 miles/42 km, picnic incl.)
Day 3, Tuesday: Cycling down the Danube
Today we start following the Danube downstream. Across fields and through small villages along the river, we get to Straubing. The town centre with its colourful architecture invites us to sightseeing and window shopping in the remaining afternoon. Don’t miss to walk around the city tower, Straubing’s emblem from the 14th century. (34 miles/55 km, picnic incl.)
Day 4, Wednesday: Laid-back cycling and optional afternoon activities
On our way to Deggendorf we pass by the Bogen church of pilgrimage. Here in 1104 a child-bearing statue of Maria was found by the river bank. Till today, childless women visit the church in hope of help from above. (Please let us know beforehand if you prefer a quiet moment in the church.)
In Deggendorf we will see the Deggendorf dumplings, stone balls connected by a chain, which had to be worn during pillory. Nowadays a local culinary delicacy carries its name.
In case you want more cycling after arriving at the hotel you are able to follow your guide on a voluntary 18 km ride in the late afternoon. (25 miles/40 km [plus optional 11 miles], picnic incl.)
Day 5, Thursday: Bavarian cuisine: more than white sausage, sauerkraut and beer
The beauty of cycling next to a river is the flatness of the cycle paths. We will make this experience again on our way to Passau today. Half way we get to enjoy another picnic in the countryside.
As today is the longest leg, we will arrive at the hotel only around 5 pm, still enough time to settle and get ready for dinner. We will pick a typical Bavarian place again, another chance to discover Bavarian cuisine. (Feel free to blame us if you do not lose weight on this cycle tour.) (35 miles/55 km, picnic incl.)
Day 6, Friday: The city of three rivers
In Passau you will see how two rivers flow into the Danube at one place. The result is a mixture of green Inn, blue Danube and black Ilz water. You got the best view over the confluence and the old town from Oberhaus Castle. Walk up there or take the shuttle bus to the castle.
However, a cycle ride up and down the Inn river awaits you today. You will have the remaining late afternoon to discover Passau. Admire the artwork of St. Stephan's Cathedral, recount the 17,974 pipes of its organs or go on a Three Rivers Boat Tour around the city - just as you like. (21 miles/345 km [optional, after all], picnic incl.)
Day 7, Saturday: Departure to Munich
Unless you extend your stay in Passau, our transfer service will take you to Munich today, depending on your further travel arrangements.
