Danube Delights: Cycling and Cruising in the Footsteps of Royalty
7 nights from €898
4.88
Gain lasting impressions of the inspiring Danube River region
It was in Passau - the 'City of Three Rivers' - that Sisi began her journey along the Danube as a young bride to Vienna, where she was eagerly awaited by the Emperor Franz. Follow in the footsteps of this Austrian empress by bicycle and on a nostalgia ship as you discover breathtakingly beautiful river scenery, replete with sleepy villages, inspiring castles, and grand palaces set in gorgeous countryside.
You'll enjoy warm German and Austrian hospitality at every stage of your cycling tour. The Danube region is a gourmand’s paradise, famous for its cakes, pastries, and other irresistible culinary treats. After Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, and apricot dumplings, it’ll be much easier to burn up the miles... Wines from the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Landscape of Wachau enjoy an international reputation.
Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, is home to the largest church in the country. And then there’s Vienna - enchanting, charming, and perhaps slightly eccentric. The 'City of Dreams' will capture your heart in an instant, where magnificent buildings from the Imperial Age bear witness to the impressive history of times gone by.
Immerse yourself in the treasures of this city, as well as all the towns and villages along the way, as you gain the finest impressions of the Danube River region.
This tour must meet a minimum of 90 passengers 4 weeks prior to cruise start.
A guided package is available on certain dates, please see the "dates and prices" tab for more info (minimum 10 participants). This upgrade includes a guide and additional experiences along the tour route. You'll cycle in a small group guided by a local tour guide who's familiar with the region. Explore local cultures, discover hidden sites and secret places, and enjoy some delicious appetizers. Please see the Included Services for details.
1st bike/boat tour.....best time ever.
“Touring by bike with support from boat was a wonderful way to see the countryside, experience local culture, and sightsee without having to do HOURS & DAYS of research on…” Full Review
“Touring by bike with support from boat was a wonderful way to see the countryside, experience local culture, and sightsee without having to do HOURS & DAYS of research on routes, sites worth stopping at, and logistics of lodging, and biking. The tour was a great value too. It was a wonderful way to have an active vacation....so much better than a cruise or bus tour. Really appreciated the route reviews, maps, and suggestions for the next day's route each evening. It was apparent that the routes chosen offered scenic value, as well as ease of access, and worthwhile sights to see. The crew were very helpful at getting the bikes set up for rider proportions, comfort and preferences. There were even opportunities to meet with local experts and experience a more "in depth" tour with history and background. The food was absolutely sumptuous!! Meals were expertly prepared, featured local cuisine at dinners, as well as "American" favorites at breakfast in addition to "Continental" breakfast foods. The "Picnic" lunches provided for were a bonus too. Cabin accomodations were comfortable, adequate, and served our needs well; albeit the small space. (We had a "lower deck" cabin... the most economical). That being said, there wasn't much time spent in the cabin other than sleeping, and preparing for the next day's ride. Really enjoyed the spa on the top deck to ease sore muscles & relax. Altogether, a wonderful vacation in a beautiful location.” Less
—Debby Schlesinger
Great tri[
“Great trip in every way. Weather a bit dicy on day one but we cycled nevertheless. All other days had post card perfect weather. Scenery fantastic, food on board met every…” Full Review
“Great trip in every way. Weather a bit dicy on day one but we cycled nevertheless. All other days had post card perfect weather. Scenery fantastic, food on board met every expectations, boat staff very accommodating, bikes a bit aged but nothing serious, wifi on board could be improved. Met very nice, friendly, and interesting people - we were 2 of the 6 Americans on board. This was our 6th bike trip with BikeTours (first boat and bike). Original boat was MS Carissiama, but upgraded to Swiss Crown. beautiful "long boat"! Already contemplating the next trip for next year -- maybe Majorca, Spain in the spring...” Less
—Steven Harrell
Awesome Austria
“After planning this trip for over three years, I finally found my way to the Danube and it turned out fantastic. The route was well-planned with sights featured along the way. The…” Full Review
“After planning this trip for over three years, I finally found my way to the Danube and it turned out fantastic. The route was well-planned with sights featured along the way. The boat was very comfortable and the crew did an amazing job cleaning the rooms and taking all the bikes on and off every day. The cruise director did a great job as well providing tips and directions for the bikers. And, the non-bikers who stayed on board were treated well with a hot meal at lunch. On most days, the schedule allowed for the bikers to catch up with the boat by early or mid-afternoon to facilitate sightseeing with the non-bikers. All in all, it was an excellent week.” Less
—Chippy
Daily Program
Please note that the ship on which you are accommodated may look like a floating hotel, but it is still a working barge and is perceptible to engine and operational noises. Some boats do need to travel by night in order to cross the distances listed in the itinerary. As such, please bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper or sensitive to noise.
In situations involving high or low water levels, or other factors beyond the operator's control, it may be necessary to adjust the itinerary. This could include bus transfers or, in extreme cases, last-minute cancellations to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. In such instances, no legal rights shall be established. Water level variations are considered force majeure. This also applies to unannounced local repairs on locks or bridges, as well as unexpected mechanical issues with the ship's engines or power units.
Day 1: Arrival in Passau
The 'Bishop City' of Passau, close to the Bavarian/Austrian border, is also known as the 'City of Three Rivers'. Prior to boarding, use your free time and stroll through the charming city center, visiting the world's largest church organ in St. Stephan's Cathedral, and enjoying the easy atmosphere of a typical Bavarian beer garden. Begin boarding at 4:00 pm, with your holiday beginning soon after as you sail into the sunset and watch Passau's magnificent silhouette of church towers and domes fade into the horizon behind you.
Day 2: Engelhartszell – Brandstatt
28 miles/45 km
Breathe in the fragrance of the dense forest and freshly mown meadows. Today you'll explore the pristine countryside of the Upper Danube valley, riding along the former towpath which winds through gorgeous sleepy villages. Small rustic inns along the trail's edge invite you to linger as the aromas of fresh fish, grilled on sticks according to tradition, are carried on the breeze. The Schlögener Blick observation point offers a truly stunning view of the Schlögener Schlinge, where the Danube carves its way through a gorge and doubles back on itself.
Day 3: Brandstatt – Linz
16 miles/26 km
Catch some fresh country air again this morning before you reach the Upper Austrian capital of Linz around lunchtime. The European Capital of Culture 2009 can be discovered on a miniature train (optional)! The cathedral at Linz is the largest in Austria, whilst the Pöstlingbergbahn is the steepest adhesion railway in the world. Curious about the future? Discover the ARS Electronica Museum, where you can try out some of the most impressive examples of modern technology yourself. Be sure not to miss it!
Day 4: Tulln – Vienna
19 miles/31 km
Right in front of Vienna's entrance, embedded in breathtaking scenery, you'll take in the full majesty of the colossal Klosterneuberg Abbey. You'll have already caught sight of the impressive dome of this 900-year-old baroque building from a distance. 'Kahlenbergerdorf', with its cozy wine taverns, is just a short hop from the shipping pier and certainly worth a visit. After a stroll through the vineyards, you can enjoy the panoramic view over Vienna. During a city tour by bus in the afternoon, you'll pass most of the city's world-famous sights and enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic city center (optional, not included).
Day 5: Vienna
rest day
During a city tour by bike or bus (optional), you will experience Vienna's most famous examples of architecture: the imperial Hofburg, St. Stephen's Cathedral, the gorgeous Ringstrasse Boulevard and the State Opera House, the Burgtheater and Town Hall, and, of course, the colorful Hundertwasserhaus. There is enough time in the afternoon to stroll or to visit one of the famous Viennese cafés for a slice of 'Sachertorte'. The evening can wind down in numerous ways, for example, by visiting a waltz and opera concert at a famous Viennese palace (optional).
Day 6: Wachau / Krems - Melk
23 miles/37 km
An unforgettable day in the picturesque Wachau region awaits you. Cycle through delightful wine-growing villages surrounded by terraced vineyards and apricot trees. The charming little town of Dürnstein, with its narrow lanes, is an absolute highlight. In Weißenkirchen – the most important wine-growing village in the World Cultural Heritage Landscape – you can discover the first-rate Wachau wines.
Day 7: Grein – Mauthausen
22 miles/36 km
A beautiful and varied route lies ahead of you. Start the day with some time to enjoy the little medieval town of Grein with its Baroque facades, imposing castle, and the oldest municipal theater in Austria. Continue on as you explore the idyllic hinterland of the Strudengau by bike: the Celtic village of Mitterkirchen, the Baroque monastery of Baumgartenberg, and the romantic ruins of Burg Clam Castle. Additionally, you can visit the Celtic Village in Mitterkirchen which will transport you back in time. You will have time in the afternoon to visit the Mauthausen Memorial, a WWII concentration camp memorial site which is situated on a hill near the town.
Day 8: Passau and departure
Enjoy the first sunbeams and the peaceful silence of the Danube Valley on deck before you arrive, relaxed, at Passau. Disembarkation at approximately 10:30 am. Connecting travel should be booked after 12:00 pm.
Don't want the adventure to end? Consider taking a cycling day tour in Vienna or Munich.
Optional excursion programs (bookable on board, not included in the tour package):
- Grien visit & Austria's oldest theater
- Vienna city tour by bike or bus
- Vienna – waltz and operetta music concert in the Schönbrunn Palace
- Linz city tour by Linz City Express
- Wachau wine tasting with local wine grower
Boats
Lisabelle
73 cabins, 3 decks, 3 tours Set sail on an unforgettable adventure aboard the Lisabelle, a sophisticated ship that blends comfort, relaxation, and pure enjoyment. Whether you're soaking up the sun on the spacious…
Bikes
Standard touring bike
The standard bicycles are the most modern quality bikes of the brand KTM, which were specially designed for the requirements and the wishes of our guests. This resulted in easy-running, robust touring bikes with low comfort entry and puncture-proof tires. The elevated handlebars allow for comfortable and back-friendly riding. The bikes in our fleet are usually not older than 3 years.
24-Speed UNISEX* with comfort entry, hand brakes and freewheel
*Men’s frames are provided for men over 188 cm tall.
Electric bike
We provide modern quality e-bikes (pedelecs) with 5/8-speed hub gears and low UNISEX comfort entry. The bikes have a powerful Bosch mid-motor and strong 500wh battery.
Child trailer
Available upon request
Child seat
Available upon request
More about electrically-assisted bikes >
All rental bikes are equipped with:
- Panniers
- Handlebar bag
- Air pump
You may bring your own bike for an additional charge.
Per cabin, you are equipped with:
- Bike lock
- Repair kit
You may bring your own bike for an additional charge.
Helmets
Helmets are available to rent(please see pricing under "Bike rentals". Please make a note on the booking form to reserve in advance. We recommend for health and safety that you either take your own helmet or rent one. *Helmets are mandatory for children under 12.
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Surface and terrain
The cycle route is completely flat, at times on a gentle downhill slope, and is ideal for children and bikers with less experience.
How to get there
Tour start and end
Nearest airport Munich, Germany
Nearest train station: Passau, Germany
Private transfers are available from this tour operator for an additional cost. This must be arranged at time of booking.
You can also arrange your own transfer from Munich Airport to Passau by train from nearby Freising station. They run at least once per hour, and you can purchase tickets after you arrive in Munich (about €22-28 per person). You'll need to take a 20 minute bus ride from the airport to the Freising station (they leave at 21 after each hour), connecting with a train from Freising to Passau (about 1 hour, 45 minutes). Airport signage is excellent, leading you to the bus and station.
Tips for getting to and from your tour.
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