Danube Discovery: Bike and Boat through Enchanting Capitals

Day 1: Passau – Engelhartszell

Arrive in the 'City of Three Rivers'. Passau attracts many to its captivating St. Stephan's Cathedral, home to the world's largest church organ, as well as to its charming Old Town. Embarkation will take place around 4:00 pm with departure around 7:00 pm. Enjoy your first dinner on board and an evening sail to lovely Engelhartszell.

Day 2: Engelhartszell – Great Loop – Brandstatt
27-31 mi/44-49 km

The day starts in Engelhartszell, home to the only Trappist monastery in Austria. You'll head towards the 'Great Loop' - one of the most beautiful and geologically incredible sections of the Danube. Your cycling tour will encounter little villages complete with cozy taverns, which you can pop into for a refreshing pint. You'll board the ship again in Brandstatt and then cruise towards Bratislava.

Day 3: Bratislava
33 mi/53 km

Arrive in beautiful Bratislava, 'The White City', in the morning. You'll begin your bike tour from Bratislava, journeying through Hainburg as you ride towards the imposing Imperial Palace of Hof, home to beautifully terraced gardens and an idyllic manor farm. Cycle onwards to Devin, then loop back to Bratislava, Slovakia's lively capital city. Overnight, you'll cruise to Budapest.

Day 4: Budapest or Szentendre loop
rest day or 28 miles/48 km

In the early morning, you enjoy the panoramic view of the Danube's gorgeous landscape on the Sundeck. The gateway to Budapest is overwhelming, as many of the famous tourist features are situated directly next to the river bank. In the afternoon you can explore the numerous attractions of the city. Nearby, you find the Margaretheninsel which is outstandingly qualified for a small bike tour or the charming town of Szentendre with a Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art life. Overnight you'll cruise to Visegrad. .

Day 5: Danube Bend | Vác – Esztergom
30 mi/48 km

The Danube Bend is definitely one of the most delightful and attractive sections of this cycling tour, known as the Hungarian Wachau. Today's bike stage starts at the baroque village of Vác, influenced by the architects of the Austrian empress Maria Theresia. Cycling through the picturesque and gently undulating countryside, your route leads you directly to the bishop-town of Esztergom, with its gorgeous basilica atop Hungary's largest Catholic church overlooking the village. Overnight, you'll cruise to Vienna.

Day 6: Vienna-Nussdorf/Korneuburg
rest day

Be spellbound by the 'City of Dreams', replete with sightseeing opportunities such as St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg, the gorgeous Ringstraβe boulevard (home to the Burgtheater), the State Opera House, and the Town Hall. Capitalize on your time with an optional cycling day tour around vibrant Vienna, Austria's spectacular capital. Overnight, you'll cruise to Rossatz or Dürnstein.

Day 7: Wachau – Melk – Pöchlarn
25-31 mi/40-50 km

Your last biking day is a special highlight! Amidst dreamy villages, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins, this gentle hilly landscape enchants everyone who encounters it. A powerful ruin looms above the small baroque town of Dürnstein, while the blue tower of the monastery church is a landmark of Wachau. In the small village of Pöchlarn you'll board again. After the farewell gala dinner, you'll start cruising back to Passau.

Day 8: Departure from Passau

Every journey draws to an end. Once again, you'll enjoy the first sunbeams and the peaceful silence of the Danube Valley from the deck. Take one last look at the Schlögener Schlinge ('Great Loop') before you arrive, relaxed, in Passau. You'll arrive at approximately 10:00 am, disembarking half an hour later. We recommend arranging connecting trips from 12 (noon) or later.