Danube Waltz by BIKE & BOAT

Travel details

Tour profile:

Level 1, asphalted cycle path, flat or downhill, suitable for children and cycle starters. In Slovakia and Hungary some stretches on  small roads with little traffic. Certrain stretches can be shortened by boat or train.

Day 1: Passau

Individual arrival at the ‘city of three rivers’. Passau attracts with the world’s biggest church organ at the Stephansdom and with its charming Old Town. Embarkation: 5 p.m. Departure: approx. 09:00 p.m. Cruise to the traditional  town of Engelhartszell.

Day 2: Donauschlinge = "Great Loop" (40 km/25 miles)

Your cycle tour starts in Engelhartszell. You cycle towards the great Danube loop of the Schlögener Schlinge, one of the most beautiful and original segments of the Danube with its small villages and cosy taverns. In the charming village Aschach you get onboard and ‘sail’ into the night.

Day 3: Vienna - Bratislava (55 – 75 km/34-47 miles)

Just outside Vienna you can experience untamed nature at the Danube Floodplains National Park, one of the last unspoilt floodplains of Europe. If you do not want to cycle the whole distance, the last 20 km can be covered by train. Todays destination Bratislava attracts with its imposing castle and a lovely Old Town. Discover hidden alleys, places and other sights of this ambitious metropolis during an Oldtimer ride and a guided walk through town (optional).

Day 4: Budapest (day of rest)

Enjoy the panoramic view of the Danube bend’s gorgeous landscape in the morning. Entering Budapest by boat is overwhelming: many of the famous tourist features are situated directly on the river banks. The Margaretheninsel is waiting to be explored by bike. The market hall – called the ‘stomach of Budapest’ – is attracting with Hungarian specialities and handicraft. During a guided city tour by bike or bus (optional) you experience the city of Budapest.

Day 5: Visegrad- Eszertgom (57-84,5 km/35-53 miles)

While ambitious bikers leave Budapest by bike, those cycling for pleasure can shorten the distance by boat or by train (optional). In the north of Budapest, at the bow of the Danube, the picturesque, slightly hilly landscape of the Danube bend can be found, also called Hungarian Wachau. The small town Szentendre is a paradise for bikers.

Day 6: Vienna (day of rest)
Sigthseeing tour by bike or bus – Evening waltz concert (both optional)

Discover Vienna’s most beautiful points by interest during a city tour by bike or bus. You will experience the most famous sights at close: the imperial Palace Hofburg, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the gorgeous boulevard ‘Ringstraße’ with the State Opera House, the Burgtheater and the Town Hall as well as the colourful ‘Hunderwasserhaus’ and the Giant Ferry Wheel, located at the amusement park Prater. Relaxation can be found at one of the countless small cafés. The day ends impressively with a Waltz- and Opera Concert at the Wiener Hofburg/Imperial Palace (optional) or you may want to visit a traditional wine tavern on your own.

Day 7: Wachau: (40 km/ 25 miles)

Small dreamy towns, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins are the characteristics of the hilly landscapes of the UNESCO- World Heritage Site Wachau. Pure cycling enjoyment can be found here! The small town Spitz invites with cosy wine taverns directly next to the bike path for a break. Watch out: you have to walk your bike through Dürnstein’s narrow alleys, its pedestrial zone. King Richard Lionheart was involuntary guest here during mediaeval times. Today’s destination is Melk with its gorgeous baroque Benedictine monastery. After the gala dinner the crew invites for an entertaining show evening.

Day 8: Passau

Relaxed and definitely in good spirits you reach Passau in the late morning. Disembarkation: approx. 12:00

Optional excursions:

We are happy to offer the following optional excursions, tickets are available on board, payable in cash.

Excursion program

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

In case of flood or low tide the shipping company reserves the right to bridge parts of passages with buses. In extreme case  the shipping company reserves the right to cancel the journey on short notice. No legal right shall be constituted of both situations. (Water level is force majeure).  The same applies for officially ordered – previously not announced – repair work on locks or bridges or in case of undeserved breakdown of engine and power unit.Please be aware that your ship MV Theodor Körner, like all other ships on the Danube, is not only your hotel but also a machine, working with engine power also during night. Especially crossing locks and bridges – and the preparation work – might cause noises. If you are sensitive to noises please bring your own earplugs.

Tourinfo/Prices