Cycling the Danube, part II

Day 1, Sunday: Strolling around the maze of alleys in Regensburg’s old town

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 find a beer garden to unwind. Alternatively, the Heritage Visitor Centre, the cathedral and the basilica Zur Alten Kapelle are worth visiting too. Or simply do some people watching while sipping a coffee or tea at one of the city’s vibrant squares.
Later on 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 our bicycles, we cycle back to Regensburg. Our route leads us mostly downhill along a converted former railway line.
After some downtime we discover Regensburg on a guided walk. Tales from the Middle Ages, when Regensburg was one of the wealthiest places in what is now Germany, take us past historic tower houses. Some of these ‘early skyscrapers’ were built more than 800 years ago. (26 miles/42 km, picnic included)

Day 3, Tuesday: Cycling down the Danube

Over the next three days we follow the Danube as it meanders through the Bavarian lowland. Across fields and through small villages along the river, today we reach Straubing. We recommend a walk around the old town, admiring the colourful façades and decorated gables. Pass by the five-turreted City Tower, Straubing’s emblem since the 14^th century. (31 miles/50 km, picnic included)

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 Mary was found by the river bank. To this day, childless women visit the church in the hope of receiving help from above. (Please let us know beforehand if you would like to have a quiet moment in the church.)
In Deggendorf we will come across Deggendorf dumplings, originally two stone balls connected by a chain, which had to be worn on the pillory. Nowadays, a fruity sweet with the same name is sold in selected cafés on the main square.
If you are in the mood for more cycling, then after arriving at the hotel you are able to follow your guide on an optional 11 km ride in the late afternoon. (25 miles/40 km [plus optional 7 miles], picnic included)

Day 5, Thursday: Bavarian cuisine: more than white sausage, sauerkraut and beer

The beauty of cycling close to a river is the flatness of the cycle paths. We will enjoy this feature on our way to Passau again. As we hop from village to village, we pass by meadows and fields, active abbeys and welcoming beer gardens. And before you ask: we will have a break wherever we feel like it.
Today is the longest. You will have some downtime after arriving at the hotel though. Once again, we visit a typical Bavarian restaurant for dinner, another opportunity to discover the local cuisine. (Feel free to blame us if you don’t lose weight on this cycle tour.) (35 miles/55 km, picnic included)
NB: If preferred, you can shorten the day by skipping the first 6 miles, or some of the remaining distance after midday.

Day 6, Friday: The city of three rivers

A cycle ride along the Inn River to Schärding awaits you today. Over the centuries, the river trade brought wealth and prosperity to this place. Luckily, the dawn of rail put the town to sleep, meaning Schärding has preserved its beauty for us to enjoy.
We will be back at the hotel in the early afternoon. Time to discover Passau: see how two rivers merge with the Danube at once. The result is a mixture of green Inn, blue Danube and black Ilz water. You get the best view of this confluence and the old town from Oberhaus Castle. Walk up there or take the shuttle bus.
Alternatively, admire the artwork of St. Stephan’s Cathedral, recount the 17,974 pipes of its organs or go on a Three Rivers Boat Tour – whatever you like. You might even consider extending your stay in this vibrant, lovely city. (21 miles/34 km [actually optional], picnic included)