Day 1: Sunday
Graz - Deutschlandsberg (20 miles)
After a short streetcar and train ride, you'll begin biking through sleepy hamlets on the edge of the Schilcher wine region. The first stop is in the winery village and castle of Stainz, home to the well-loved Habsburg Archduke Johann. At noon, enjoy a rustic meal of tart Schilcher wine and regional specialties in one of the local pubs. Roses bloom amongst the vines, and picturesque Styrian farmhouses line the path along the Schilcher wine route towards Deutschlandsberg. The day ends close to nature with a hike through the beautiful Lassnitz River valley up to the ruins of the Lonspercher castle. Tonight you'll sleep in knightly style within the historic walls of the Castle Hotel Deutschlandsberg. Day 2: Monday
Deutschlandsberg - Leutschach (31 miles)
In the castle museum "Archeo Norico" you'll discover Celtic-Roman artifacts dating from the early history of the area, once known as "Noricum." Your cycling begins with a long downhill coast into the valley. With the exception of one uphill stretch in the morning, today's ride takes you almost exclusively down river valleys. Through the gentle Sulm Valley, make your way to a Styrian pumpkin seed mill where the owner, M.r Kremser will share the secrets of Styrian pumpkin seed production. This "black-green gold" is both an integral part of the local cuisine and a delicacy sought after by the great chefs of Austrian gastronomy. Tonight's dinner treat is the well-known regional cuisine at the inn, "Tscheppe's Landgasthof" in Leutschach. Day 3: Tuesday
Leutschach - Ptuj (23 miles)
Today, the most varied of the tour, is rich in panoramic views. From the starting point on the heights of the Styrian-Slovenian border, you'll bike through the undulating "Styrian Tuscany” which Rotalis considers to be one of Europe's most beautiful wine regions. Enjoy lunch and taste wines in a roadside inn before continuing on past the world's largest wine grapes. The ride is accompanied by the sound of the "Klapotetz" or Styrian windmills. Once across the border in Slovenia, a short bus ride will bring you close to Ptuj which you'll reach riding along the banks of the Drau River. The old town, known to the Romans as "Poetovio", is a veritable treasure trove of thousand-year-old culture. After a guided tour you'll dine in the town's best restaurant. Tonight's hotel is the "Hotel Mitra”. Day 4: Wednesday
Ptuj - Bad Blumau (28 miles)
A one-hour bus ride brings you back to Austria and the spa town of Bad Radkersburg. Once strongly fortified, the town was the first line of defense for the Duchy of Styria. Its rich history is evident in the lovingly restored old town. You can look forward to a day of cycling through solitary natural landscapes along the border, sometimes riding in Slovenia, sometimes in Austria. Ever changing views include the Kapfenstein Castle, one of the many fortifications that protected Styria. From Fehring, it's a short ride on the "Thermenlandexpress" to the spa town of Bad Blumau where tonight will be spent at the "Rogner-Bad Blumau, Hotel and Spa." Plenty of time is available to relax at the spa, designed by the wonderful Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Dinner is at the hotel buffet. Day 5: Thursday
Bad Blumau - (0 miles)
Wellness and relaxation are program highlights today. You are free to spend the day soaking up the healthful and relaxing properties of the spa's volcanic mineral water in the unique Hundertwasser atmosphere. If a day without cycling is like a day without sunshine for you, join the tour guides for a trip to the Castle and Nature Park Haberstein, returning in the late afternoon. An evening walk to the nearby "Bergstadl" brings the group together again. Second overnight in Bad Blumau. Day 6: Friday
Bad Blumau - Graz (27 miles)
The sword ruled eastern Styria for more than a thousand years. As recently as the 17th Century, violent mounted bands from the Hungarian plains swept into the area spreading fear. To protect themselves from these and other groups of marauders, a ring of defensive fortifications were built across the land. One of them, the Riegersburg, impressively perched on cliffs of volcanic stone, was considered one of the occident's strongest fortresses. After a short visit in Fürstenfeld, you'll ride over gentle hills towards this impressive edifice, which is visible for miles around. A modern elevator facilitates the access. After visiting the fortress there is a somewhat strenuous uphill ride (the Rotalis van will be happy to assist you) and you’ll be rewarded with a long leisurely descent into Feldbach. From here it's a one-hour train ride back to Graz where the chef of the "Romantik Parkhotel Graz" will spoil you with a farewell dinner of regional dishes. Day 7: Saturday
Graz - (0 miles)
This morning you'll explore this multifaceted and sometimes surprising city that has been designated as a World Heritage Site. From the Schlossberg, take in the view encompassing Graz's unique combination of tradition and avant-garde: from the Uhrturm and the characteristic rooftop landscape of the old city to daring modern architecture created for the Year 2003 when Graz was designated "Cultural Capital of Europe." Graz has many faces; city of music and literature, university town, and baroque showplace. Your journey comes to an end around noon with a walk through the Graz City Park back to the hotel, or your guide can accompany you directly to the train station. |
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