Guided Bicycling Tour

Scenic Austria - the romantic backdrop for the “Sound of Music”; the land of ancient baroque villages and medieval castles; the land of Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven and some of their favorite cities including lovely Linz and elegant Vienna. In 2012 VGT offers you two guided bicycle tours in Austria, one specifically for Sound of Music lovers.  

On both tours the  accommodations are charming 3 star family hotels chosen for their comfort, friendly service and authentic Austrian ambiance.  Daily breakfast and dinner are included in the tour price. If you have extra time we strongly recommend that you spend a few days at the beginning or end of the tour in close by Salzburg, the birth place of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Salzkammergut and The Sound of Music Tour

East of Salzburg, you find a breathtaking region dotted with many lakes called the Salzkammergut.  The landscape includes fjord-like steep rocks and cliffs bordering lush, green mountains and pristine green-blue mountain lakes. This stunning panorama of natural beauty has drawn European tourists for centuries and was the favored summer resort of the Habsburg monarchy.  Note that the Hallstättersee region was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its great natural and cultural heritage. The idyllic village of Hallstatt is “the jewel of this region” but Bad Ischl, Bad Goisern, St. Wolfgang and St. Gilgen are some of our other favorite villages you will visit.   On this tour you’ll also visit the wedding church in Mondsee and behold the wonderful panoramic views over the lakes and mountains which you saw in that classic movie as you climb and cruise the moderate slopes around charming Salzburg.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Lake Wolfgangsee

Day 2: Abersee – St. Georgen
We’ll follow the nice bike path (former railroad track) along wonderful Lake Wolfgangsee to St. Gilgen. Enjoy the picturesque village of St. Gilgen where Mozart’s mother was born. There will be time to visit the little Museum dedicated to Mozart’s family in St. Gilgen.  Afterward we’ll cycle to Lake Mondsee where you can visit the wedding church from the Sound of Music movie!  Later more delightful pedalling as we reach the largest lake in the Salzkammergut District, Lake Attersee.

Day 3: St Georgen – Traunkirchen/Ebensee
The bike route between the lakes Attersee and Traunsee is a bit hilly but not too demanding. We’ll see quaint hamlets and tidy farm houses along the way before arriving in the picturesque lakeside city of Gmunden, the former salt capital of the Austrian Empire.  Gmunden is dotted with charming, well preserved old houses and a wonderful esplanade reflecting its rich history.  Enjoy a walk along the esplanade and a stop at Schloss Orth, the remarkable castle in the Traunsee Lake that’s a photographer’s delight.  Afterward we’ll follow the cycle trail along Lake Traunsee to scenic Ebensee.

Day 4: Traunkirchen - Halstatt
We'll follow the bike path along the River Traun to the former imperial city of Bad Ischl. Bad Ischl was the summer residence of the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph and it was his favorite destination for rest and contemplation. Bad Ischl is the cultural and geographic center of the Salzkammergut, where the emperor and his wife Elisabeth (the captivating "Sissi" of the famous film) regularly spent their summers. Its possible to visit the Emperors Villa, Café Zauner and the Hotel Austria. Afterward we'll bike to the UNESCO World Heritage Region of Hallstatt, historically known for local salt mines and considered one of the loveliest lakeside villages in all of Austria.

Day 5: Hallstatt Round trip
In the morning we’ll take the train to the Ausseerland which is well known for its daffodil festival in spring.  After Ausseerland we’ll cycle through a wonderful countryside surrounded by high mountains. Then we continue on uphill to Lake Grundlsee and afterward to the quaint little city of Bad Aussee. Finally we’ll pass through the wild valley of Koppental and return to Hallstatt with time left for more afternoon sightseeing or relaxing.

Day 6: Hallstatt – Abersee
Today we’ll follow the cycle trail along Lake Hallstatt and afterward the Brine Pipeline trail to Bad Ischl. After a short ascent we’ll follow the former Roman Road to Lake Wolfgang and the lake side trail back to the village of Abersee.

Day 7: Departure after breakfast.

Included:

Daily lodging in 3-star hotels and inns. Daily breakfast and dinner, knowledgeable bi-lingual Austrian cycling guide, luggage transfer.

2012 Tour Dates: June 24-30, July 8 – 14, August 26 – September 1
Tour Price: $1295   Single Supplement: $195
Bike Rental: $85
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Daily Distance:18– 32 miles

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The Sound of Music Tour

Many people associate Austria with the film “Sound of Music”.  On this tour you’ll behold the wonderful panoramic views over the lakes and mountains which you saw in that classic movie and relive the true story of the Trapp family which was filmed as the “Sound of Music” in the Salzburg area. The tour is a combination of the historical city Salzburg, a famous musical and cultural center and the beautiful lakes and mountains surrounding Salzburg.  We show you the highlights and film locations of “Sound of Music”.

Day 1: Saturday, Individual Arrival in St. Gilgen
The picturesque village of St. Gilgen, where Mozart’s mother was born and the surrounding landscape of Lake Wolfgangsee are featured at the beginning of the film.  St Gilgen is on the north-western shore of Lake Wolfgangsee. 

Day 2: Sunday – Boat Trip on lake Wolfgangsee
Today enjoy the gorgeous mountain and lake scenery this area is renowned for. We’ll leave St. Gilgen along the cycle path to Strobl and continue to St. Wolfgang. In the afternoon the boat takes us back to St. Gilgen.

Day 3: Monday: Bike ride to Mondsee
We’ll cycle from St. Gilgen over the Scharfling to Lake Mondsee (a short but steep ascent).  Along the east shore of Lake Mondsee we’ll reach the quaint village Mondsee. Here we’ll visit the Basilica in Mondsee, where Maria and the Baron married in the film.

Day 4: Tuesday: Bike ride through Salzburg’s Lake area to Seeham
From Mondsee the Salzkammergut Bike Path takes us past Lake Irssee to Thalham and to Schleedorf known for its “Salzburg Cheese World”. Here you can experience the art of cheese-making first-hand as accomplished master cheese-makers are pleased to share their knowledge with guests.  From here we bike on to Seeham at Lake Obertrumer. The lake is known for its crystal clear water so it is an ideal spot for a swim at the lovely lakeside beaches in Seeham.    

Day 5: Wednesday: Bike ride to Salzburg
Today we follow the Mozart Cycle Path which takes us to Anthering, a charming village amidst meadows and forests close to Salzburg,   Then we continue along the River Salzach directly into the center of Salzburg.  There’s time in the afternoon to wander around in this picturesque city for shopping, beer sampling and people watching.

Day 6: Thursday: Salzburg: Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tour
This morning we explore the city on a 3 ½ hour special Sound of Music tour.  On Fräulein Maria´s Bicycle Tour you will follow Maria’s routes through Salzburg.  Enjoy visiting the main attractions from the film "Sound of Music" and take pictures at each location. The route takes us to Mirabell Gardens, to the horse pond, across the St. Peter Cemetery, to the St. Nonnberg Abbey, the Leopoldskron Palace, the Frohnburg Palace and through the beautiful Hellbrunn Alley to the Hellbrunn Palace and back into the city.

Day 7: Friday: Salzburg to St. Gilgen
We cycle today via Eugendorf to Thalgau, and continue on to St.Gilgen for our last night in this lovely area.

Day 8: Departure after breakfast.

Included:
Daily lodging in 3 -star hotels and inns, 7 breakfasts and dinners, knowledgeable bi-lingual Austrian cycling guide, luggage transfer
2012 Tour Dates: June 2-9, July 21-28
Tour Price: $1325 - $1450   Single Supplement: $195
Bike Rental: $120; Ebike: $180
Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Daily Distance: 12 – 24 miles

Austria Self-Guided Bicycling Tours

Our Self-Guided Tours in Austria allow you to explore the Danube Valley at your own pace, stopping to admire the sights and always assured that your room is waiting for you at the end of the day. Tours are offered daily from May 1 to October 15.  Bed and breakfast are included each day while dining each evening is on your own.   Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel.   21-speed bicycles are available for rental.

 
In the Footsteps of Mozart Tour

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is definitely the most well known musical genius of all time. Although the person Mozart is still a mystery, his emotional life has left many traces in the Salzburg county and in Chiemgau. This cycling vacation has much to offer: beautiful biking, fascinating culture and history that make your holiday an unforgettable adventure. The route is signposted as Mozart Bike Path. Our 7 day / 6 night tour takes you round Salzburg to many of the larger and smaller stations of his life. You’ll cycle on mostly flat, partly hilly bike paths and side roads, there is only one longer ascent (200m altitude difference) between Bad Reichenhall and Berchtesgaden.

2012 Tour Dates:  May 1 - October 13.(last starting date)
2012 Tour Price: $710 - $775    Single Supplement: $120
21 Speed Bike Rental: $95

The Schärding to Vienna Tour

Our easy and popular 8 day / 7 night Self-Guided Schärding - Vienna Tour offers you a
special, mostly flat or slightly downhill bike path along the rivers. You’ll stay in spacious,
comfortable mostly 4-star hotels and inns. A hearty daily breakfast is included; dinner is on
your own! You’ll bike a total of 350 kilometers from Schärding to Vienna. Your cycling begins
in Schärding, the “most beautiful Baroque town” in all of Austria. After Schärding you’ll pedal
to Passau in Germany for a brief visit before biking along the Danube to Schlögen, a textbook
meander in the Danube River.
. Next you bike to Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, famous for its historic baroque buildings
and its delicious pastry, the Linzer Torte. Grein with its spectacular castle from the 15th
century and the oldest (1791) theater in Austria, still in use today is another Austrian
gem. You’ll cycle on to ancient Melk nestled on the Danube at the beginning of the Wachau
Wine Valley. Here you can visit the incredible Benedictine Monastery, the Stift Melk,
founded in 1089 high above the river. You’ll continue through the beautiful Wachau Valley,
following the wine route, till you reach romantic Dürnstein, the best known town in the
Wachau. It has wonderful views and a ruined castle where Richard the Lionhearted was
imprisoned in the 12th century. In Krems, you’ll stroll through the renovated section, now a
pedestrian zone, with its 17th century pastel houses, before cycling on to Traismauer. Finally
you’ll reach elegant Vienna, for a thousand years the capital of the far-flung Holy Roman and
Habsburg Empires. We hope you’ll extend your vacation with an extra night in Vienna to enjoy
this delightful city. Visit the wine and coffee houses, the Hofburg Imperial Palace, St. Stephen’s
Cathedral , the former homes of Beethoven and Mozart or attend one of the many available
concerts.

2012 Tour Price: $1025
Single Supplement: $330
Bike Rental: $85

The Salzburg to Vienna Tour

This 9 day / 8 night tour is similar to the self-guided Schärding - Vienna Tour.  However you’ll begin in Salzburg and bike only to Krems where you’ll return your bike and continue by train to Vienna.  In total you’ll bike 410 kilometers and you’ll encounter some moderately steep hills around Salzburg and Burghausen. After Passau the bike road is mostly flat. Very comfortable accommodations with private facilities are in 3 and 4 star hotels. One night in Salzburg and Vienna are included in the tour price but trip extensions in our hotels before or after the tour are possible and strongly recommended. 

2012 Tour Price: $1050
Single Supplement: $350
Bike Rental: $85

Tauernradweg Tour

On this 8 day / 7 night tour cycle one of the most beautiful routes in the world beginning in Krimml, deep in the Tyrol Alps, to the Mozart City Salzburg, following the Salzach and Inn Rivers to the “Bishop City” of Passau.   The Krimml Falls drop 1200 feet to the beginning of the Tauern Bicycle Path that finds its way down from the mountains over 200 miles to the Danube River below. Along the way, through meadows and forests, always following the two rivers, you’ll discover quaint villages, scenic river gorges, pristine lakes and famous though often underappreciated cities. Winding in and out of Germany, you’ll be amazed by the mighty fortresses, ancient abbeys and magnificent town squares you’ll encounter along the way.

Though surrounded by the highest mountains of the region, the Tauern Bicycle Path is surprisingly easy biking: it follows the Salzach and Inn Rivers through predominantly flat or slightly hilly country, going gently downhill most of the way thanks to the 700 meters of elevation difference between Krimml and Passau.

An extra night in Salzburg is included in the tour price so that you have a chance to enjoy and stroll around in the delightful “Sound of Music City”, a wonderful walking city with its many little passageways and courtyards in the cozy medieval center.  A few steps away is the “City of the Bishops’, a more grandiose Salzburg with the magnificent Cathedral and former residence of the Archbishop.  The Mirabell Palace and Gardens are a delightful place of great beauty not to be missed.  Also especially recommended is the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg’s landmark and the largest citadel in Central Europe to have completely survived.  The panoramic view over the city from here is spectacular. Daily breakfast is included in the tour price, dinner is on your own.

2012 Tour Price: $975
Single Supplement: $275
Bike Rental: $85

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