Travel details

Tour profile:

Level 1, the cycle route is mainly flat with slight inclines, well suited for hobby cyclists, beginners and children. Between Passau and Bratislava the Danube cycle route is fully upgraded, in the Danube Knee it is also necessary to ride on the roads. Some sections can be shortened by ferry, i.e.: Anyone that is tired or fancies a break simply switches mode of transport; or you can just stay on board and enjoy a day on deck.

Day 1: Passau

Arrival in the "3 river city" - embarkation 5 PM. Passau attracts with the world's greatest church organ at the Stephansdom and with it's charming Old Town. Cruise to Engelhartszell. Enjoy your first dinner on board.

Day 2: Engelhartszell – Aschach – Wien, bike leg approx. 40 km

In Engelhartszell (the only Trappist monastery in Austria) the Danube tour sets out through the romantic fluvial topography of the “Great Loop” (one of the most beautiful and original sectors of the Danube), dotted with small farming villages and cosy cider taverns. We alight the ship once again in the charming market town of Aschach and “sail” off into the night.

Day 3: Vienna – Bratislava, bike leg approx. 55 – 75 km - City Tour with old timer ride and city walk (optional)

We experience pure, wild and untamed nature as we tour by bicycle from the gates of Vienna into the Danube national park. Accompanied by the sound of birds singing, we head along the Danube cycle path through the mystical alluvial forests. Sporty cyclists seize the challenge and cycle the whole way – the route can also be (optionally) shortened by rail. The destination of Bratislava welcomes us, here we take an evening round trip on the scenic train and subsequently wander through the old town (optional) where we can find hidden back lanes, squares and all of the sights of the city.

Day 4: Budapest (day of rest), Sight-seeing tour by bike or bus (at night) - optional

In the morning we enjoy the fabulous view over the stunning landscape of the Danube Knee. The ship’s course to Budapest is breathtaking, as we pass famous landmarks directly on the banks of the Danube. The market hall – “Belly of Budapest” – invites us in with its Hungarian delicacies and arts & crafts. Possibility to take a guided tour of the city (optional). In the evening there is a twilight tour (optional). The day takes on a romantic note with the chinking of wine glasses on the sun deck against the impressive backdrop of radiant bright lights from the chain bridges, the parliament and castle.

Day 5: Visegrad – Esztergom, bike leg approx 24 – 57 km

he Danube Knee, one of the most beautiful sections of landscape along the Danube, is also referred to as Hungarian Wachau. In the picturesque small town of Visegrad (citadel and remains of the royal palace), the cycle tour sets off through the soft rolling landscape. 2 Danube tours available for selection (longer variant via the island of Szentendre and baroque town of Vác). At the end of the Danube Knee we are awaited by Esztergom with its majestic and impressive basilica presiding over the castle district (the largest church in Hungary) and numerous other sights.

Day 6: Vienna (day of rest), Sightseeing tour by bike or bus – Evening Waltz concert (optional)

We discover the prettiest side of Vienna: On a city tour by bicycle or bus (optional) we come within touching distance of the most famous buildings: The imperial palace, the church of St. Stephen’s, the historical Ringstrasse boulevard with state opera, Burgtheater and town hall, the colourfully painted Hundertwasserhaus House and the big wheel directly on Vienna’s Prater. Relaxation is on offer in the numerous small cafes, the evening is atmospheric at waltzes and operetta concerts (optional) in the imperial palace or in the wine taverns.

Day 7: Wachau | Krems – Melk, bike leg approx 36 km

This final cycle tour through Wachau is an unforgettable experience! The soft rolling hilly landscape dotted with small dreamy villages, apricot trees, terraced vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins enchants everyone that comes here! Cosy wine taverns right on the Danube cycle path invite passers-by to stop a while. Through Dürnstein, where King Richard the Lionheart was a guest (not entirely of his own freewill) in the Middle Ages, it is only permissible to push the bike through the narrow alleyways. At our day’s destination we are awaited by one of the most significant baroque structures in Austria, the Benedictine abbey of Melk. Following the celebratory gala dinner, much fun and entertainment follows with a short show program.

Day 8: Passau

Every cycle tour comes to a close. The landscape glides peacefully by and we enjoy the first of the sun’s rays and the quiet of the morning in the upper Danube valley. A final glimpse of the Danube bends before we reach Passau, relaxed, well-rested and certainly in better spirits at around 11:30 hrs. Disembarkation: Approx. ½ hour later. We recommend reserving follow-on connections for the return journey home from 13:00 hrs.

Optional excursions:

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

EXCURSION-PROGRAMM / Danube Waltz & Czardas (optional)

Details

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