UPDATED August 21, 2024BY Guest AuthorINOrient Express no comments Exploring Vienna: A Double Rest Day Adventure for the Orient Express RidersBecky 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.Heres how a few riders and staff spend their double rest day in Vienna:Angelas Trip to the Salzburg PhilharmonicAngela, 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, shed purchased tickets to see a performance by the Salzburg Philharmonic Orchestra, set in one of the citys historic concert halls.Marias Coffeehouse and Spa Tour of ViennaMaria chose to spend her rest days indulging in two of Viennas 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, Viennas coffeehouses have been a cornerstone of the citys culture for centuries. A few of Marias favourite coffeehouses were: New York Cafe, a beautifully ornate coffeehouse that combines Viennese elegance with a hint of Art Nouveau flair. Caf Demel, home to some of the citys 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 composerMaria also treated herself to some well-deserved relaxation at one of Viennas renowned spas the beautiful Arany, which is located in the vault of an old bank building!Beckys Mountain Biking AdventureWhile many riders chose to explore the city or rest their tired legs, staff member I couldnt resist the call of the mountains. Viennas surrounding landscapes, with its lush forests and rolling hills, are a mountain bikers 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!Billies Sacher Torte TastingIn honour of her father, whos 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!RELATEDTOUROrient ExpressIt was in 1889 that the original Orient Express train completed the Paris to Istanbul route for the first time. Our cycling version of the Orient... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "Exploring Vienna: A Double Rest Day Adventure for the Orient Express Riders" Cancel reply