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Peddle Power: Cycling the Danube with Inghams

TTG joins three agents on an Inghams fam trip showcasing the operator’s new Danube cycling tour. Karl Cushing reports.

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"One thing I learn is that cycling trips are addictive. While none of us has been on one before, we are all converts by the end."

"Oh my God, what a bunch of numpties!” This summary of our first day’s pedalling efforts by Inghams trade sales executive Charlotte Yeomans draws knowing chuckles as we reflect on our mishap-ridden morning of false starts and wrong turns.

 

Thankfully getting lost is part of the fun on our self-guided cycling tour along the Danube this summer.

 

The six of us — three agents, two Inghams staff and yours truly — are road testing Inghams’ new Treasures of the Danube itinerary taking in Austria, Hungary and Slovakia.

 

Getting from A to B each day is in fact pretty straightforward thanks to good signage and notable landmarks, not least the river itself, with the detailed cycle routes and maps in our welcome packs filling in the gaps.

 

All kitted out

All kitted out

Our bikes, allocated at a fitting session upon arrival, are fairly new and come with roomy waterproof panniers, locks and fetching yellow rain capes. However, it is worth recommending that clients bring a basic bike tool with them as these are not supplied. Some of the group upgrade to eBikes (from £52 extra per adult), the added boost of electrical energy coming in handy for tired legs, although the terrain proves mercifully flat.

 

Telephone assistance is available throughout the trip although we don’t need it on ours. Indeed, pedalling-wise the only real issue is sore bottoms, which become quite the topic of conversation — not least after our longest day in the saddle when we rack up 55 miles.

 

Thanks to the generous timeframes we are given to complete the daily distances we are never pushed for time, which allows us to focus on the scenery and chat among ourselves as we pedal side by side. And come evening time, after a freshen up at the hotel, we ditch the lycra and hit the town.

 

City hopping

City hopping

One of the joys of any tour along the Danube, Europe’s second-longest river after the Volga, is the variety of sights and experiences on offer.

 

While other cyclists assure us the Passau to Vienna stretch, launched by Inghams last year, is even more beautiful, we all love our section. Paths vary from those that hug the majestic river to easy, rolling countryside stretches with the sun on our backs and gentle breezes
stirring the trees.

 

Alongside interesting cities such as Linz in Austria our route takes in no less than three historic capitals — Bratislava, Budapest and Vienna.

 

With the latter left largely unexplored due to time constraints, it is Budapest that steals our hearts – its tantalising stretch of Danube sparkling in the summer sun.

 

Traversing the city’s riverside paths and bridges on bikes is a treat, offering a fresh perspective on its sights and allowing us to cover a lot of ground in a short time. When we see something we want to do, such as taking the funicular up to the castle area, we simply stop and lock up.

 

Austria and Hungary are particularly well geared towards two-wheeled exploration thanks to the proliferation of excellent, well surfaced cycle paths. Friendly chat with other cycle groups adds to the bonhomie, aided by refreshing pitstops at the regularly spaced cosy cafes and bars. While Slovakia is less cycle friendly, involving a bit more road pedalling, traffic is light and our bikes are ideal for whizzing around its quaint capital, Bratislava.

 

Cycling converts

Cycling converts

Given the rising demand for active breaks and flexible options among UK travellers, Inghams’ venture into self-guided cycle tours makes perfect sense. It also works well in this region as cycling is a lovely way to explore this pretty and historically fascinating part of the world, with Hungary and Slovakia offering especially good value.

 

I particularly enjoy the self-guided aspect, travelling at our own pace and deviating from the route as required for photo opportunities, impromptu detours and well-earned drinks. Even with our slow rolling approach we cover a lot of ground, aided by the easy terrain.

 

One thing I learn is that cycling trips are addictive. While none of us has been on one before, we are all converts by the end. There is much talk of future pedalling adventures and I am already planning my second excursion. Once in the saddle, chances are that your clients will be hooked too.

 

Book it: Inghams offers a seven-night, self-guided Treasures of the Danube cycling tour from Vienna to Budapest from £669pp, departing May 2017. This includes flights, transfers, bike hire, three and four star accommodation on a B&B basis, route maps, luggage service and telephone assistance throughout.

 

Half-board upgrade from £106pp; solo travellers pay a £139 supplement.

 

inghams.co.uk/lakes-mountainsholidays

 

60 seconds with...

Charlotte Yeomans

Trade sales executive, Inghams

 

WHO IS THE TYPICAL CLIENT FOR YOUR SUMMER PORTFOLIO?
Many of our loyal clients are couples in their 60s who love the outdoors and are keen walkers. We also have single travellers looking for help and assistance in resort and guests in their 70s and older who really love a walk by the lakes of northern Italy. Many travel from Manchester, Newcastle and Scotland and appreciate the direct flights.

 

WHEN DID THE PROGRAMME GO ON SALE AND WHAT’S NEW?
Our 2017 programme went on sale in the spring of 2016 and we include free walking maps for early bookers (by September 30). For the first time we featured Germany on the front cover, confirming our commitment to the destination as perfect for our loyal guests who love Austria and Switzerland. A new “main” programme will come out in the autumn.

 

HOW CAN AGENTS BETTER SELL THE SUMMER PROGRAMME?
Italy is best for those who like a more relaxed stroll around the lake while Austria works well for keen walkers. Switzerland is a wonderful choice especially for those who love using local train services. We offer eight chalets and chalet hotels taking the ski concept of a social and cosy catered holiday into the summer months, and much of the holiday is all-inclusive. Cycling tours broaden the programme’s appeal, being attractive to a slightly younger audience, and we hope to do more of this type of holiday.

 

Agent fam trip feedback

Claire Harris, senior sales consultant, Hays Travel, Romsey:

“The trip exceeded my expectations in many ways and I could not have imagined how well this area of Europe caters for cyclists. Whether travelling with a family or a group of friends, the whole experience is extremely bonding and at the end I felt like I’d accomplished a real adventure. I would recommend this type of holiday to absolutely anyone, not just experienced cyclists or active types, as the area you cycle is flat, easy to navigate and there are all types of bike to hire, from eBikes and tandems to child bikes.”

 

Bettina McCue, assistant manager, Baldwins Travel, Tonbridge:
“This was one of the best trips I’ve been on for the variety, fresh air and exercise. Seeing the countryside from the riverbank on a bike was awesome and made even more special by ending up in a different city every night. This holiday would be more suited to active clientele but I would also recommend it to those who are looking for something a bit different — or a good value multi-centre holiday combining activity, cities, leisurely lunch stops and beautiful scenery.”

 

Suzanne Colwill, senior travel consultant, Holsworthy Travel:
“Bikes are a great way to see a city in a short space of time, with most of the cycling on traffic-free trails. Combining beautiful scenery, sightseeing, exercise and cultural diversity it was a great introduction to the Danube and Inghams’ cycling holidays. With the option of an eBike and trains, buses and boats available to reduce the amount of cycling — anyone who can ride a bike could enjoy this holiday, including families. I enjoyed it more than I expected and would love to return and cycle the Passau- Vienna route.”

 

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