Exploring Vienna: A Double Rest Day Adventure for the Orient Express Riders

Becky Timbers is the Assistant Tour Leader on the 2024 Orient Express Cycling Tour. She looks back at what some riders and staff got up to on their double rest day in Vienna, Austria.

After several weeks of cycling across Europe on the Orient Express, our riders were more than ready for a double rest day in the cultural heart of Austria – Vienna! This city, rich in history, art, and natural beauty, offered the perfect backdrop for some much-needed relaxation and exploration. The riders had the chance to soak up everything Vienna and its surroundings had to offer, many embarking on their own unique adventure.

Here’s how a few riders and staff spend their double rest day in Vienna:

Angela’s Trip to the Salzburg Philharmonic

Angela, a lover of classical music (and player of the French horn!), took a train from Vienna to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Prior to joining the Orient Express, she’d purchased tickets to see a performance by the Salzburg Philharmonic Orchestra, set in one of the city’s historic concert halls.

Maria’s Coffeehouse and Spa Tour of Vienna

Maria chose to spend her rest days indulging in two of Vienna’s most beloved traditions: visiting its famous coffeehouses and relaxing in one of its luxurious spas. Known for their elegant interiors, rich history, and delicious offerings, Vienna’s coffeehouses have been a cornerstone of the city’s culture for centuries. A few of Maria’s favourite coffeehouses were:
– New York Cafe, a beautifully ornate coffeehouse that combines Viennese elegance with a hint of Art Nouveau flair.
– Café Demel, home to some of the city’s most elaborate cakes, chocolates and sweets. This was her favourite!
– Vitavien, a decadent dessert cafe based in Istanbul (our final destination), but with branches in Vienna
– Cafe Mozart, a must-visit cafe with desserts and pastries dedicated (and decorated) to the Austrian composer

Maria also treated herself to some well-deserved relaxation at one of Vienna’s renowned spas – the beautiful Arany, which is located in the vault of an old bank building!

Becky’s Mountain Biking Adventure

While many riders chose to explore the city or rest their tired legs, staff member I couldn’t resist the call of the mountains. Vienna’s surrounding landscapes, with its lush forests and rolling hills, are a mountain biker’s dream! I booked a full-day mountain bike tour with a local guide who showed me two of the best trail networks around the city. The trails offered a good mix of terrain from tough climbs to fast and flowy descents. As someone who has mountain biked around the world, this was a “very memorable day of single track riding!”

Billie’s Sacher Torte Tasting

In honour of her father, who’s favourite cake is the famous Viennese Sacher Torte, Billie headed to the Sacher Hotel to enjoy a slice of this rich chocolate dessert. After sampling her own, she ordered a cake to be sent back to her dad in the US!

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