Vistas of spectacular snowcapped mountains, rampaging rivers and might water falls, deep gorges and dark forests, of rolling hills and sparkling blue lakes, and of the peaceful Danube, that provide the most familiar images of Austria. Certainly Austria’s scenic beauty is unsurpassed by any country in Europe, but there is so much more to this complex and interesting country.

The history and culture of Europe has been deeply intertwined with that of Austria. From Roman domination to the Crusades, through the Hapsburg dynasty, to the Austro-Hungarian empire and the start of World War I, Austria has controlled and affected much of eastern Europe. Her contribution to architecture has been great, from the many royal castles that dot the countryside, to the magnificent baroque churches and cathedrals, from little villages to the larger cities such as Vienna and Salzburg; there is no lack of culture to absorb or sights to experience. Schubert, Hayden, Mozart, and many other musical
genii have made Austria the center of classical music.

Austria’s geographical position in the center of Europe has given her a rich and varied cuisine. The first European coffee houses are to be found in Vienna. Austria's café’s and pastry shops produce some of Europe’s tastiest and delectable treats. With so many small roads and bike paths covering Austria, this is an ideal country to visit by bicycle and tandem. The constant scenic splendor is the focus of our tour; yet it is not so much a tour of destinations as it is a continual exposure with each pedal stroke and each footstep, to the beauty, the history, the people and the culture. Riding west from Vienna, our tour explores the vineyard-covered hills, sprinkled with castles and churches along the Danube; then we head south through the region of lakes nestled amongst some of the most majestic mountain peaks in Europe, to Austria’s gem of a city, Salzburg. Finally, we ride east through the alpine hills, valleys, and gorges of the eastern Alps, returning to Vienna.