Cycling in Austria - Family Bike and Beach Freedom Holiday

Family Bike and Beach

Freedom Holiday

Self Guided

Grading

8 days/7 nights

Price - £520pp*

Tour Code AU007

The region of "Puszta“ and reed-belts, where lovely vineyards are seen on the horizon, is Austrias youngest UNESCO-Worldheritage area – the region of Lake Neusiedl. Explore the Pannonian lowlands around the largest steppe-lake of Central Europe. The lake is located in the south of the Danube- Metropolis Vienna. This region offers the largest network of cycle paths in Austria. Here you will find a national park, where more then 250 different types of birds are living. Holiday in the national park "Lake Neusiedl“ signifies "Puszta-Romance“, a mild climate until late autumn, well equipped bike-paths in a picturesque landscape with its abundant wild life, flora and numerous bathing and leisure facilities. You will find plenty of wine-producing villages around the lake, imposing castles and the historical, Hungarian city of Sopron with its beautiful medieval city-centre. Bike routes can be planned individually.

Includes

7 nights in 4 star hotels (based on 2 people sharing)
7 x breakfast
Bike hire
Lake Neusiedl Card for ferries, museums and various other entrance fees are reduced or are free
Maps and route information

Excludes

Flights
Cycling Helmets

Optional extras

Insurance £55 for a family with up to 4 children under 18
Single supplement £45
Half board £86pp
Extra nights in Vienna £60pp (Single £86)
Child reductions when sharing room with 1 full paying adults:
0-2 years 80%
3-12 years 50%
(Applicable to cost of room only, i.e. bike hire still applies)
Child reductions when sharing room with 2 full paying adults:
0-2 years 80%
3-12 years 50%
13-15 years 30%
16-18 years 10%
(Applicable to cost of room only, i.e. bike hire still applies)

How to get there

Fly to Vienna, train to Neusiedl then a short bus ride to Podersdorf
Website for train timetable and booking tickets is Bahn.de

Available any day from 7th April to 5th October 2009

*£90 reduction for start dates between 7th and 29th April and 6th September to 5th October.
*£50pp reduction for start dates from 15th May to 10th July

To book this holiday CLICK HERE

Daily Itinerary

The following single day rides can be varied as you like, but because of ferry schedules the route on DAY 2 can only be completed on Saturday or Sunday.

Day 1: Arrival in Podersdorf.

Arrive in Podersdorf where you will check in to the hotel and receive your bikes.

Day 2: Round Trip on the Bike-Path, 29 miles (47 km).

You bike along the north bank of the lake, through picturesque villages and small towns until you reach Rust, the village with the storks. Enjoy the afternoon sun, while you cross the lake in the ferry and return to Podersdorf.

Day 3: Wine and Culture, 27 miles (43 km).

The wines grown in this region are very delicious, so take the opportunity to taste a few during today’s tour. Cycling through the vineyards and small hills you can enjoy wonderful views of the region and the lake. Visit ‘Schloß Halbturn’ – the most important baroque castle of the Austrian province ‘Burgenland’.

Day 4: "Lackenradweg" through the marsh puddles, 30 miles (48 km).

“Lacken” (=little lakes) are worth visiting. Most of them are less then 50cm in depth, partly with salt water. These "Lacken“ are the reason for the variety of Flora in this region. You will pass by swamps, reed beds and vineyards, where the grapes for worldwide known wines are growing. You may even see the endangered Przewalsky horses.

Day 5: Day of Rest

A day to relax and recover. Enjoy the lake with its numerous leisure facilities. It is a paradise for enjoying the sun and the water. You can go sailing or windsurfing. Or relax in the spa-area of your hotel.

Day 6: Sopron in Hungary, 37 miles (60 km).

Take the ferry to the other side of the lake. From the festival town of Mörbisch you will cycle to the Hungarian town of Sopron. The historical city centre with its lively streets and medieval buildings will fascinate you.

Day 7: "Kirschblütenradweg" Cherry-blossom cycle path, 25 miles (40 km).

After a ferry ride to the other side of the lake, the route will lead you past vineyards, and thousands of cherry trees. Wonderful views to the Hungarian Lowlands will reward you for the few, small uphill rides. Return by ferry to Podersdorf.

Day 8: Departure from Podersdorf

Relaxed from a wonderful week you can start your journey back home. If you do have some extra time what about some extra nights in Vienna? By bus or train you can reach Vienna within approx. 1 hour.