The Bavarian Hops Tour 2015 Self guided 340 km | 7 nights / 8 days Hopfen und Malz - Gott - erhalt‘s - a toast, which literally translated means: Hops and malt for beer - may God preserve them here! The Hallertau between Lower and Upper Bavaria is the biggest hops region in the world and a lovely place to cycle. The Danube, Isar and Abens rivers provide you with a varied cycle tour, while Regensburg, the UNESCO World Heritage Site represents your start and end point. TOUR ITINERARY Day 1 Individual arrival in Regensburg The town is the best preserved large town in Germany and the entire town is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy your stay in the medieval narrow streets. Day 2 Regensburg – Straubing, approx. 50 km It is worthwhile to take your first rest at Walhalla, which towers above the Danube. Passing Wörth castle you will reach Straubing with its town tower as its impressive symbol. Day 3 Straubing – Plattling, approx. 50 km Today, you cycle first through Bogen, which became famous in 1104 for the discovery of the painting of the pregnant Madonna. You‘ll cross the Danube in Deggendorf and soon reach the beautiful small town of Plattling. Day 4 Plattling – Landshut, approx. 70 km Today’s section sticks close to the banks of the Isar. There is enough time for a visit to the adventure pool, Caprina, in Dingolfing. The ducal town of Landshut was not only more important than 1 Irish Cycling Safaris | Belfield Bike Shop, UCD, Dublin 4, Ireland Tel +353 1 2600749 | Fax +353 1 7161168| [email protected] | www.cyclingsafaris.com Munich for hundreds of years, but even today, has not lost the shine of its elegant buildings, such as the Trausnitz castle or St. Martin‘s Church, which has the tallest brick tower in the world. Day 5 Landshut – Freising, approx. 40 km The surrounding riverside meadows to the left and right of the Isar banks are the most prominent feature of the route. Moorsburg is home to a wonderful collegiate church. Freising is also known for its churches. For 1000 years, the town was the residence of the Prince-Bishop of Bavaria. With an additional overnight stay, you have the time to discover Munich by bike or by tram. Day 6 Freising – Abensberg, approx. 65 km The route now takes you north through the hops fields of the Hallertau valley. The Mainburg monastery, which, despite its name, is not situated on the River Main, but on the River Abens, is still home, today, to the Pauline monks. The historic centre of Abensberg, your destination today, is very beautiful. Day 7 Abensberg – Regensburg, approx. 65 km From Bad Gägging, you follow the River Danube to the Weltenburg monastery. This is where you go on board boat, which takes you through the famous Danube Gorge to Kelheim. It is well worth visiting the Royal Thermal Baths in Bad Abbach before you cycle back to Regensburg. Day 8 Individual journey home or extension of your stay After breakfast your cycling tour comes to an end. Character: Mainly separate cycle paths with good quality surface. 2015 TOUR PRICE DATES From 9 May – 6 June & 26 June - 22 August: €720.00 per person sharing €870.00 for single occupancy From 25 April – 8 May, 7 June – 25 June, 23 August – 3 October: €690.00 per person sharing €840.00 for single occupancy From 4 October – 24 October: €620.00 per person sharing €770.00 for single occupancy Child reduction: 0-5 years 100% 6-13 years 50% 14-17 years 25% You can start any day from 25 April to 24 October 2015 2 Irish Cycling Safaris | Belfield Bike Shop, UCD, Dublin 4, Ireland Tel +353 1 2600749 | Fax +353 1 7161168| [email protected] | www.cyclingsafaris.com WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE 7 overnight stays in a double room with breakfast in family run middle class hotels Bike rental (7- or 21 gears) Entrance to Walhalla Boat trip Weltenburg - Kelheim incl. bicycle Transport of luggage from hotel to hotel, no limit on pieces of luggage but luggage may only weigh a maximum of 20 kg Comprehensive tour information and maps 7-day service hotline Optional extras E-Bike available for additional supplement of €70 Tandem available for additional supplement of €35 Extra night in Regensburg - €55 per person sharing / €75 single room occupancy Half board supplemennt for extra night €25 per person BACK-UP-SERVICE As this is a self led trip you do not have the back-up of a guide and support van. Our aim is to allow you feel like an independent traveller, free to cycle each day at your own pace while at the same time having the security of knowing that your luggage will be waiting for you in your next accommodation. If you experience small problems with the bike (e.g., a puncture) you will have a spare tube, pump and tyre lever. You also have access to a 24 hour helpline. WHAT TO BRING We would recommend that you bring padded cycling shorts and / or a gel saddle cover which will make your days cycling more comfortable. Cycling gloves are also a good investment, as are hard- sole shoes which will help protect your feet. And don't forget raingear including a rain jacket, rain pants and slip-on boots. A hat and sunglasses will protect you from getting all too much sun. Finally, please make an effort to pack lightly. This will make your travels easier and will be much appreciated with the luggage transfers. HOW TO GET THERE Nearest airport is in Munich. From there you have the following options: Shuttle service: There is a commercial shuttle service running from Munich Airport to Regensburg. You can find more information at: http://www.airportliner.com. Costs: 42 EUR. Advance booking necessary! Bus and train to Regensburg: If you take the train from the Munich airport to Regensburg, you do not need to go to the central train station in Munich. Take bus 635 from in front of the airport's central area (Z) to the train station in Freising (the trip takes approximately 20 minutes) and change here to a train to 3 Irish Cycling Safaris | Belfield Bike Shop, UCD, Dublin 4, Ireland Tel +353 1 2600749 | Fax +353 1 7161168| [email protected] | www.cyclingsafaris.com Regensburg. All trains running between Munich and Regensburg stop at Freising. This will save you time and money. Costs for train and bus are 19 EUR. 4 Irish Cycling Safaris | Belfield Bike Shop, UCD, Dublin 4, Ireland Tel +353 1 2600749 | Fax +353 1 7161168| [email protected] | www.cyclingsafaris.com .