Mercurio Bike Travel

Do you dare to cycle Bavaria? The land of pot-bellied folk in leather trousers who party at large festivals and are ruled by a mad king? Well, we can assure you that at least the cycle paths are safe.

Follow us on our guided cycle tour along the Danube through unspoilt countryside and charming little towns; or charming big towns, such as Ulm with its fishermen’s quarter or Regensburg with its medieval city centre. We invite you to cycle the paths that only our guides know and to dine at places that only locals go to. Take a hot bath at springs that the Romans already used for relaxation. After all, expect a (slightly) demanding but no less rewarding week of cycling through a wonderful part of Germany.

Highlights:

• Cycling unspoilt countryside along the Danube
• Gaining an insight into Bavarian traditions and culture on several guided walks
• Taking a recuperating bath at Limes hot springs

Route profile: Generally flat terrain
Cycle path characteristics: Mostly paved, rarely on compacted gravel or dirt, 90% dedicated cycle paths, 10% very quiet back roads

You will cycle along the Danube from Regensburg to Passau. Excursions on several days allow you to discover the countryside further away from the river. In Regensburg you will hear stunning tales from the Middle Ages while walking over the oldest surviving bridge across the Danube. The tour ends in Passau, where the confluence of three rivers results in a colourful blend.

The tour is designed in a way that cyclists of various levels of physical fitness can enjoy their holiday. We have incorporated optional legs, and guests can stop cycling at midday if they wish, getting a lift in our van instead.

Highlights:

• Relaxed cycling on cycle paths by the Danube
• Discovering Regensburg, possibly Europe's best-preserved medieval city (UNESCO World Heritage)
• The food: Obazda, knuckle of pork and Germknödel are just some of many Bavarian specialities that you will be able to try

Route profile: Generally flat terrain
Cycle path characteristics: All paved except for a few short stretches on compacted gravel, 95% dedicated cycle paths, 5% quiet back roads

Whether you love wine or just the view over gentle hillsides of grapevine, you have come to the right place. 2000 years ago the Romans brought their grapevines to the region. No wonder - the slate soil provides an excellent base for growing them. Conditions are ideal for cyclists too, as the Moselle Valley boasts constantly higher temperatures than the surrounding area.

With a gentle and safe cycle path and the comforts of our services this tour is a fine choice, particularly for wine and food lovers who are interested in history, viticulture and cycling at a not-too-strenuous level.

Highlights:

• Cycling the vineyards and picturesque villages of the Moselle valley
• Several vineyard visits, wine tastings and guided walks
• A very safe and flat cycle path without motorised traffic

Route profile: Flat terrain, suitable for cyclists between 18 and 81
Cycle path characteristics: Paved all the way, 97% dedicated cycle paths, 3% very quiet back roads

As Europe’s second-longest river, the Danube always played an important role for merchants and travellers. Barges were pulled upstream, allowing efficient trade and travel before the advent of steamboats. Today, more and more cyclists are using the converted towpaths to explore the continent and its cultures along the river.

The cycle path from Passau, Germany to Vienna, Austria’s capital is about 150 miles. Your journey leads you through changing landscape, from densely forested hillsides in the Donauleiten nature reserve to the sun-kissed vineyards of the Wachau region. You will have the chance to try the world’s oldest known torte in Linz, fine wines of the Wachau and exquisite coffee at Vienna’s coffee houses.

Highlights:

• Cycling on cycle paths right by the Danube for miles and miles
• Visiting magnificent Melk Abbey with a local guide
• Cycling the vineyards of the Wachau region, topped off by a walk with a vintner and a wine tasting

Route profile: Flat terrain, mostly right next to the Danube
Cycle path characteristics: Paved all the way, 92% dedicated cycle paths, 8% quiet back roads

We start this journey in Wittenberg, only 1½ hrs south of Berlin. Sites intimately connected with European history await us along the route – such as the place where the Reformation emerged in 1517 and the bridge where U.S. and Soviet troops first met at the end of WWII. Furthermore, you will also discover the less famous but no less amusing stories and local chronicles along our way – giants, mermaids and knights in shining armour.

The route itself follows the river on dedicated cycle paths and silent back roads, mostly through lush green, open countryside and sleepy little villages. Small ferries will take us across the river at several points. Palaces and castles pop up every now and then, inviting us to take a closer look. So if you like the sound of cycling surrounded by nature whilst exploring a wonderful part of Europe, then do come along and join us on this cycling holiday.

Highlights:

• Cycling with a tailwind along the Elbe river, with castles and palaces passing by
• Deep insights into Europe’s fascinating past - at the original places where it all happened
• Visiting the waterways of Worlitz Garden by gondola

Route profile: Generally flat terrain
Cycle path characteristics: All paved, 85% dedicated cycle paths, 15% very quiet back roads

Bavaria between Munich and the Alps is famous for its unique countryside, quaint villages and crystal-clear waters, mixing with fields and pasture land, all overlooked by lush alpine scenery. On this cycling holiday you will get to enjoy the countryside every day. You will discover Bavarian traditions, beliefs and culinary culture – the latter at first-hand every dinner.

On our way from Landsberg to Bad Tolz we pass places that are well known beyond the borders: Oberammergau with its tradition of passion plays since 1634, and Linderhof Palace, where King Ludwig II lived secluded for many years before his life ended as abruptly as mysteriously. Come and join us on this ride!

Highlights:

• Spectacular views of the Bavarian Alps
• Frescoed houses of Oberammergau and Bad Tolz
• Visit to Oberammergau Passion Play theatre and the Mad King's Linderhof Palace

Route profile: Mostly in flat terrain, mixed with a few gentle climbs
Cycle path characteristics: Predominantly paved paths, 80% dedicated cycle paths, 20% quiet back roads

This tour will take you to some of Germany’s most impressive places: discover mediaeval architecture at its best, see parks and castles and monasteries. And all along that, a cycleway that couldn’t be more comforting.

With two nights in Rothenburg you enjoy a cycling-free day, if you like. You will be able to visit all the historic sights, admire the hand-carved altars at St. Jakobus from around 1500, and take a million pictures of dramatic views across the Tauber valley.

Highlights:

• Peacefully cycling down the Tauber Valley and along the Main river
• Visiting Dinkelsbühl and Rothenburg, two of the best-preserved mediaeval towns in Europe
• Meeting the dwarfs of Weikersheim Palace that populate the place for over 300 years now

Route profile: Generally flat terrain; a few, short climbs on day four and five
Cycle path characteristics: All paved except for 1.5 mi on packed dirt, 85% dedicated cycle paths, 15% very quiet back roads