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THE
DRAU (DRAVA) CYCLE PATH:
from the Dolomites to the
Corinthian lakes, a cycle tour for families and for anybody
The
Drau Cycle Path is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular routes in
Europe and this segment of the tour is suitable for families and novice
cyclists. The cycle path starts at the source of the River Drava (Drau),
in the vicinity of Toblach / Dobbiaco where the tour begins. This is
where the composer Mahler found most of his inspiration. The River Drava
accompanies you on the way to the East Austrian capital of Lienz. From
here the tour takes you through Spittal and Villach to Klagenfurt. On
the way you will encounter several lakes where you can have a refreshing
swim or just relax on the banks of the lakes and enjoy the sun.
Highlights
of this Tour:
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The „Drava/Drau
bicycle path” from the Alto Adige to Carinthia
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Dobbiaco
and Gustav Mahler's house Lake Wörther (Wörthersee)
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Roman
church in Innichen
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The radiant
town of Lienz (Castle Bruck – Roman excavations “Aguntum”)
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Castle
Porcia at Spittal/ Drau
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Wonderful
landscapes and lakes; Millstätter, Ossiacher, Faaker and Wörther
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Tranquillity
and relaxation
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Villach,
well known for its carnivals
Programme:
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Day 1
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Arrival
in the Alta Pusteria Valley
Your
first hotel is in the Alta Pusteria Valley. The use of a private
car park near the hotel or in a public car park is included in the price. For those
arriving earlier, it is well worth cycling into the Höhlenstein
Valley to visit Lake Toblach.
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Day
2

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Alta
Pusteria (Hochpustertal) to Lienz
(ca 50 km / 31 miles)
Starting
in Niederdorf, you cycle along the bike path to Innichen and
then on to Sillian. After this it is downhill all the way to the
Austrian town of Lienz, situated on the sunny side of the
Alps. The Romans already built their town Aguntum, whose ruins
can still be seen near the present-day Dölsach.
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Day 3
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Lienz (surroundings)
to Berg im Tal (ca 35 km / 22 miles)
You
leave from where the Isel flows into the Drau and continue along
the bike path to Oberdrauburg (Perchten and Alm museums and old
mill) and then to Berg. This was once an important Roman trade
route.
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Day 4
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From Berg - Spittal /surroundings (ca 50-55 km /
31-34 miles)
From Berg you pass through idyllic scenery and
dreamy villages en route to Spittal/Drau.
There is the possibility of taking a detour to Lake Millstätter
for a quick swim or
a short rest. Spittal is famous for the concerts and comedy
shows held at Porcia Castle, one of the most beautiful
Renaissance castles in Austria and well worth a visit.
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Day 5
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From Spittal/surroundings to Villach (ca 40 km / 25
miles) This
day's cycling takes you to Villach, the largest town in
Carinthia. Villach,a quite small town, so it is easy to
get around on foot,
is well known not only for its carnival events but also for its
arts and crafts festival. There are many places of interest to
visit like the Landskron Castle with its falconry, the
bell-tower of St. Jakob and the museum of Doll-Art. A trip to
the local lakes of Ossiacher and Faaker is also worthwhile.
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Day 6

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Villach - lago di Ossiacher - Villach (ca 45 km/
28 miles)
Follow
the River Seebach away from Villach. The ruin of Landskron
Castle will soon appear, reigning majestically over the
countryside. Shortly afterwards you will reach Lake Ossiacher
which lies idyllically amid the mountains. The clear warm water
invites you to stop and have a swim before returning to Villach.
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Day 7
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Villach - Wörthersee - Klagenfurt (40 km / 25 miles)
For the
first few kilometres follow the Drau through countryside that
has kept its natural, uncontaminated charm. On reaching the
famous Lake Wörther (Wörthersee) there is plenty of fun for
all ages with sandy beaches, boats for hire and trips around the
lake, so have a break here for a while before continuing the
tour to Klagenfurt. In the evening you can enjoy a walk around
the romantic old town and discover its southern charm.
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Day 8
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Departure
From
this point, you can either take advantage of the return transfer
to the Dolomites (a reservation is necessary; to pay at the
briefing) or go home by train. There is the possibility
of extending your stay.
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The
tour includes:
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7
overnight stays in *** star hotels with breakfast.
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If
booked for Half Board: 7 diners
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Tour
information
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Locale
Assistance (German,
Italian and English)
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luggage
transportation
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route
instructions (in
English, Italian or German) and maps.
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free
parking in the Alta Pusteria
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route
briefing on arrival day
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insurance
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Period
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Arrival
every Sunday from 29/04/2012 till 23/09/2012 (last
arrival day). With a minimum of 5 pax is on request another
starting date possible. High Season from 30/06 till 08/09
(included)
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Level
1/2
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Easy
Touring This tour is ideal for beginners and families. The route mainly you
alongside the River Drau and there are no steep inclines. The bicycle paths are
well marked. Daily distances between 22 and 35 miles
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Participants
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minimum
of 2 persons ( a single person on request)
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Prices 2012
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8 days: per person in
a double room with breakfast € 579,00
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8 days: single room supplement
€ 105,00
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8 days: High season supplement p.p. from 03/07 till 04/09 (included)
€ 50,00
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8 days: half board supplement p.p. € 135,00
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children 0-3 years gratis with only payment of there
consumption
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reduction children in room with two adults (4-10 years)
50 %
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reduction children in room with two adults (11-13 years)
25 %
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reduction extra bed in room for 14 years and more
15%
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bike rental (gears 3 x 7) € 65,00
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rental children's bike (till 12 years), trailer bike o kiddie van
€ 50,00
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rental child's seat
€ 15,00
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rental electric
bike € 120,00
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transfer every Sunday from Klagenfurt to the starting hotels
€ 59,00 per person (incl. bike)
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