ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFOAustria 2010
The Blue Danube and the Lionheart's Dungeon
In Wachau the Danube is at its most beautiful. A friendly climate and steep slopes form ideal conditions for vineyards and orchards. Some of the best wines of Austria grow in Wachau (and so do the local apricots). This varied self-guided walking holiday passes steep rocks, wanders over gentle hills and meanders through scented vineyards. A special feature of this countryside is the many small villages where the emphasis is on good food and wine. In spring time the blooming flowers, in summer the fruit harvest and in autumn the grape harvest.
PRICE
£595 per person based on two people sharing. Single supplement for third person: £150.
INCLUDED
7 nights in 3 and 4 star hotels, half board (breakfast and dinner), luggage transfers, boat trip Melk – Krems, set of route notes per room.
NOT INCLUDED
Journey to/from starting point/finishing point, buses and ferries, meals where not specified, drinks, travel insurance and gratuities.
DEPARTURE DATES
Saturdays and Sundays from April 10th to October 24th.
To book email:
walking@star.co.uk T: (44)
(0)1242 254353
Day 1: Arrival at Krems/Stein. Pretty little town that is easily reached from Vienna by train or boat.
Day 2: High up into the vineyards and to Dürnstein. The vineyards start directly on the outskirts of the town. A climb takes you to a tremendous view over the Danube. Then, across the hills to Dürnstein, where King Richard I, Lionheart, was prisoner in the castle (now a ruin overlooking the river). Overnight in Dürnstein. Historical note: After the Third Crusade, Richard began his homeward journey to England. Forced ashore by bad weather he found himself in the Austrian kingdom of Leopold, whom Richard had angered by actions during the crusade. Leopold imprisoned Richard in his castle. Rumours ran rampant throughout England over the missing king. There is a legend that the troubadour Blondel heard his king singing in a castle and responded with a song that the both of them were sure to know. Whether true or not, two Abbots were soon dispatched to search for him. Eleanor, Richard's mother, wrote to the Pope for assistance and when Richard was found, a ransom was set for his return to England. The sum, 150,000 marks, was equal to three years' treasury income, the equivalent of three tons in silver.
Day 3: Walk through Rossatz (or to the observation point on Seekopf). From Dürnstein you cross the river by ferry to Rossatz where you walk through vineyards and orchards. Later on you will pass the Danube again and walk on the high trail around Weißenkirchen.
Day 4: From Weißenkirchen to Spitz. A steady climb brings you up to Seiber and then on to Kuhberg and to the Buschandl. Descending you follow the Miesingbachgraben and later on through vineyards to Spitz.
Day 5: Rest day. Many beautiful viewpoints on the river Danube to be explored in and around Spitz. Most remarkable point is the so called “Thousand bucket mountain”, the Red Tower and especially the ruined Hinterhaus. We also recommend a wine tasting.
Day 6: Up to the ruins of the fortress of the robber barons of Aggsbach. Cross the Danube by ferry and follow the Buchtal valley uphill. Shortly before you reach Maria Langegg you join the Austrian St. Jacob’s trail,which you follow up to the ruins of fortress Aggsbach. Visit the fortress with its gruesome past, with wonderful scenic viewpoints.
Day 7: By boat back to Krems/Stein. Visit the monastery, with its beautiful garden, in Melk (the starting point of the novel and film 'The Name of the Rose'). Enjoy the boat trip to Krems, passing by the highlights of your walk - Spitz, Dürnstein and Krems.
Day 8: Departure.
DIFFICULTY OF WALK
This tour is rated as medium difficulty, with some experience of self-guided walking useful. On demanding days (where there are sometimes chains to help you), alternative routes are offered. You should be able to walk 4 to 5 hours per day (not including stops). There are steep upward passages but they are not longer than about 30 to 40 minutes. On the high trails it is quite flat. You walk mainly on quiet country roads, forest trails and good walking trails. There are supermarkets at the starting points where you may buy refreshments. Some hotels offer lunch packages but it is much cheaper at a supermarket. If you do not wish to walk you may use bus, ship or train to move to the next hotel.
GROUP SIZE
This self-guided walking holiday can be operated for 2 or more people.
Gorgeous views, romantic countryside, historic castles, villages and monasteries.
If you have done this walk before, we would be interested in hearing of your highlights.
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ACCOMMODATION
Comfortable 3 and 4 star hotels with pricate bathrooms.
GETTING THERE
Nearest airport is Vienna, from where Krems my be reached by train or by boat.
INSURANCE
We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.
To book, contact
worldwalks at:
email:
walking@star.co.ukT: (44)
(0)1242 254353