7 nights | 20 miles/day
Self guided from EUR € 999
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Danube Waltz
7 night self guided bike tour in Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia
By bike and boat from the "Bavarian Venice" directly into the heart of the famous and glamorous former K+K monarchy Austria/Hungary. You can look forward to three of Europes most charming capitals: Vienna, the metropolis of Waltz, Bratislava, the capital of coronation and Budapest, the "Paris of the East." The bike tours lead you to the romantic "Great Loop" (Schlögener Donauschlinge), the picturesque Danube Bend with Hungary's greatest cathedral, and the legendary Wachau
The bike tours lead you to the romantic "Great Loop" (Schlögener Donauschlinge), the picturesque Danube Bend with Hungary's greatest cathedral, and the legendary Wachau Valley, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage with the small villages and beautiful palaces and castles.
The wide stream of the Danube flows like a silver belt through Budapest, separating the hilly Buda and the flat Pest. The important cupola of the basilica in Esztergom salutes from the distance. At the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, the Slovak capital Bratislava invites with its charming Old Town to a vast stroll. What about a small flirt with Vienna, City of Waltz? A firework of sightseeing, small dreamy coffee bars, and cozy wine taverns are expecting you.
On board our comfortable cruise ship you enjoy an exclusive atmosphere – in the spacious, convenient cabins as well as in the stylish outdoor area. Experience the fantastic view to breathtaking landscapes – on the bike, from the pool on the sun deck, in the comfy seats of the panorama-lounge, and even during your amazing meals in the first class restaurant. This exciting bike trip will make your holiday unforgettable.
This tour must meet a minimum of 90 passengers 4 weeks prior cruise start.
A Guided Package is available on the MV Vivienne on May 28; Jun 18; Jul 16; Aug 6; Sep 03, 24, 2023. Please see the Dates & Prices tab for inclusions.
Highlights
- Passau
- Schlögener Donauschlinge - the "Great Loop"
- World Cultural Heritage Site Wachau
- Hungarian Danube Bend
- National Park "Donau Auen"
- The metropolises of Bratislava, Budapest, and Vienna
Learn More
Learn more about self-guided tours.
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![Bratislava, Slovakia. Photo Hlavne Namestie (photo:hlavnenamestie) CC-BY-SA-2.0]()
![Passau, Germany. Photo Nayan Badolla, Unsplash (photo:nayanbadolla)]()
![Hundertwasserhaus, Vienna, Austria. Photo Bwag CC-BY-SA-4.0]()
![Passau, Germany. Photo Rami Tayyem, Unsplash (photo:ramitayyem)]()
![Altstadt, Passau, Germany. Photo Aconcagua CC-BY-SA-3.0]()
![Schnitzel. Photo Mark Konig, Unsplash (photo:markkonig)]()
![St Stephan Church, Passau, Germany. Photo Cedric Schulze, Unsplash (photo:cedricschulze)]()
![Passau, Germany. Photo Aconcagua CC-BY-SA-3.0]()
![Danube Waltz: Passau-Budapest-Passau]()
![Biking Danube Waltz: Passau-Budapest-Passau]()
![Vienna, Austria. Photo Sandro Gonzalez, Unsplash (photo:sandrogonzalez)]()
![Passau, Germany.]()
![Stephansdoms, Vienna, Austria. Photo Bwag CC-BY-SA-4.0]()
![Schlögener Donauschlinge: the Danube Bend]()
![Budapest, Hungary. Photo Daniel Horvath, Unsplash (photo:danielhorvath)]()
![Dürnstein, Wachau Valley, Austria. Photo Lonezor CC-BY-SA-3.0]()
![Szentendre, Hungary. Photo Beth Chobanova, Unsplash (photo:bethchobanova)]()
![Hungarian Parliament, Budapest, Hungary. Photo Gabriel Miklos, Unsplash (photo:gabrielmiklos)]()
![Szentendre, Hungary. Photo Linda Gerbec, Unsplash (photo:lindagerbec)]()
![Dürnstein Abbey, Austria. Photo Daniel Aturcanu, Unsplash (photo:danielaturcanu)]()
![Wachau Valley, Austria. Photo Lonezor CC-BY-SA-3.0]()
![Stephansplatz, Vienna, Austria. Photo Victor Malyushev, Unsplash (photo:victormalyushev)]()
![Vienna, Austria. Photo Leyre, Unsplash]()
![Chain Bridge, Danube River, Budapest, Hungary. Photo Wilfredor CC0]()
![Bratislava, Slovakia. Photo Thomas Ledl (photo:thomasledl) CC-BY-SA-4.0]()
![Bratislava, Slovakia. Photo Рустам Абдрахимов (photo:rustam_abdrakhimov) CC-BY-SA-3.0]()
![Melk, Austria. Photo Iannigb CC-BY-SA-3.0]()
![Wachau Valley, Austria. Photo Bwag CC-BY-SA-4.0]()
![Bratislava, Slovakia. Photo Victor Malyushev, Unsplash (photo:victormalyushev)]()
![Bratislava, Slovakia. Photo Jorge Lascar (photo:jorgelascar) CC-BY-SA-2.0]()
![Budapest, Hungary. Photo Zalan Szabo, Unsplash (photo:zalanszabo)]()
![Durnstein, Austria. Photo Bwag CC-BY-SA-4.0]()
![Melk Abbey, Austria. Photo Bwag CC-BY-SA-4.0]()
![Engelhartszell, Austria. Photo Aconcagua CC-BY-SA-3.0]()
![Melk Abbey, Austria. Photo Bwag CC-BY-SA-4.0]()
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Daily program
Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 will be required for this tour
Day 1: Arrival to Passau; On to Engelhartszell
Boarding time is at 4:00pm. Located at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, Passau has a number of interesting sites to visit. Use your free time and stroll through the cobblestoned historic town center, listen to the bells of Passau's Gothic Town Hall, or visit the world largest Catholic Church organ in the cathedral. At 6:00pm we cast off!Day 2: Great Loop, Engelhartszell – Aschach (26 miles/42 km)
The first day's tour begins through the classic scenery of the "Great Loop" Donauschlinge - one of the most beautiful and original sectors of the Danube. On your way, you will encounter tiny villages and cozy cider taverns. In Austria's only Trappist monastery in Engelhartszell, you can taste their delicious liquors and cheese. The famous "Schlogener View" provides a wonderful view of the surrounding Austrian countryside. The boat welcomes all cyclist back on board in the charming market of Aschach.Day 3: Devin – Bratislava (27 miles/43 km)
You pedal along the former "Iron Curtain," cross the green line, and reach the imposing Imperial Palace of Hof with its beautifully terraced gardens. Follow the bike path through Austria's "vegetable garden" to the coronation city of Bratislava and the slopes of the Little Carpathians and discover the hidden alleyways and sights of Bratislava on an optional city tour.Day 4: Budapest | Szentendre (34 miles/54 km, or rest day)
The entrance to Budapest, Hungary's capital, is stunning. Savor the beauty of Budapest with a coach tour or a guided bike tour (optional) to discover many of the highlights of this beautiful city. You can also choose to cycle to the charming town of Szentendre with its Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art scene. You will get a very close experience of Hungarian culture at an evening show with traditional music and dances (optional).Day 5: Danube Bend – Esztergom (27 miles/43 km)
Situated in the middle of the Danube river the idyllic isle of Szentendre exudes silent Puszta romance. History, folklore, and the Hungarian way of life will accompany you on your way to Esztergom where the gorgeous basilica, Hungary’s largest Catholic Church, impresses all who visit.Day 6: Rest day in Vienna
Discover Vienna's most beautiful attractions. During a city tour by bike or bus (optional) you will experience Vienna's most famous examples of architecture: the imperial Hofburg, St. Stephens Cathedral, the gorgeous "Ring"-boulevard and the State Opera House, the Burgtheater and town hall, as well as the colorful "Hunderwasserhaus." Take time to relax in one or more of Vienna's famous cafes while the evening ends impressively at a classical concert (optional) at the famous Viennese Palace.Day 7: Wachau | Krems – Melk (24 miles/39 km)
Your last biking day is a special highlight! A powerful ruin looms above the small Baroque town of Durnstein, while the blue tower of the monastery church is a landmark of the renowned Wachau Valley. Amidst dreamy towns, apricot trees, vineyards, and castles, this hilly landscape enchants everybody who visits. You'll be biking on cloud nine! In Weißenkirchen (possibility for an optional wine-tasting) you will find comfy wine taverns right along the bike path.Day 8: Departure from Passau
As you cruise back up the Danube, enjoy the early morning sunshine as you wind your way to Passau, where you'll disembark at approximately 11:00am. Connecting travel should be booked after 12:00pm.Optional excursion programs (bookable on board, not included in the tour package):
- Bratislava city tour with scenic train and walking tour
- Budapest city tour by bike or Hop-On-Hop-Off bus
- Budapest by night and folklore show at a traditional Hungarian Csarda
- Vienna city tour by bike or bus
- Classical waltz and operetta concert in one of Vienna's famous palaces
- Wachau wine tasting with local wine grower
Surface and terrain
This tour follows a completely flat, well equipped bike path in Austria. In Slovakia and Hungary, you will often cycle on country and side roads. Entering and leaving cities, there is some traffic to pay attention to!
Boats
MV Swiss Crown,
*Inquire for more details
MV Vivienne
*Inquire for more detailsHow to get there
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Munich, Germany
Nearest train station: Passau, GermanyPrivate transfers are available from this tour operator for an additional cost. This must be arranged at time of booking.
Your can also arrange your own transfer from Munich Airport to Passau by train from nearby Freising station. They run at least once an 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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Dates
Sundays, MV Vivienne: Apr 30 – October 08, 2023. Saturdays, MV Swiss Crown: May 20, Jun 03, and Sep 2, 16, 2023.
Season 1: Apr 30, 2023, Oct 01, 2023 - Oct 31, 2023
Season 2: May 01, 2023 - May 31, 2023, Aug 01, 2023 - Aug 31, 2023
Season 3: Jun 01, 2023 - Jul 31, 2023, Sep 01, 2023 - Sep 30, 2023
Prices
MV Vivienne
Per person, double occupancy Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Main deck, Standard cabin €999 €1099 €1199 Middle deck, Comfort cabin €1299 €1399 €1499 Middle deck, Superior cabin €1499 €1599 €1699 Upper deck, Superior cabin €1499 €1599 €1699 Upper deck, Junior-suite €1799 €1899 €1999 Upper deck, Master-suite €1999 €2099 €2199 Single-use cabin, main deck (1 person/1 cabin) €1548 €1703 €1858 MV Swiss Crown
Per person, double occupancy Season 2 Season 3 Main deck, Standard cabin €1099 €1199 Middle deck, Comfort cabin €1399 €1499 Middle deck, Mini-suite €1499 €1599 Upper deck, Superior cabin €1599 €1699 Single use cabin, main deck (1 person/1 cabin) €1703 €1858 Bike Rentals
Hybrid touring bike, 21-speed €89 Electrically assisted bike €189 Extra Nights, Passau
Per person, double occupancy €72 Single room (1 person/1 room) €105 Additional Services
Guided tour package (May 28; Jun 18; Jul 16; Aug 6; Sep 03, 24, 2023) €299 Transfer, per vehicle/per way, Munich City center - Passau (1-8 persons) €240 Transfer, per vehicle/per way, Munich airport - Passau (1-8 persons) €260 Discounts
Child, ages 0-2 sharing a room with 2 full paying adults (on base package*) 100% Child, ages 3-12 sharing a room with 2 full paying adult (on base package**) 30% Child, ages 3-12 sharing a room with 1 full paying adults (on base package***) 10% *MV Vivienne and MV Swiss Crown: Main deck, Standard and Middle deck, Comfort cabins only
**MV Vivienne: Main deck, Standard and Middle deck, Comfort cabins only; MV Swiss Crown: Main deck, standard cabin only
***MV Vivienne and MV Swiss Crown, Main deck, standard cabins onlyIncluded services
Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 will be required for this tour
- 7 nights in cabins with private facilities and air conditioning
- Full meals: breakfast, lunch on board (non-cyclists) or packed lunch (cyclists), afternoon coffee break, dinner (2-3 dishes to choose from), late night snack
- Detailed road book (1 per cabin) and GPS tracks
- Daily information meeting on board the boat
- Port charges
- Program according to the itinerary from/to Passau
- Captain's greeting and welcome cocktail
- Gala dinner with farewell cocktail
- Board Musician
- Cruise director on board (does not cycle with group)
You may book the Guided Package on several dates. This upgrade includes:
- Cycling tour guide
- Tasting of homemade cider at a cider producer in the Upper Danube Valley
- Ferry rides
- Guided city tour by bike in Vienna and by Hop-On-Hop-Off bus in Budapest
- Wine tasting with a local wine grower
- Bike helmet rental (only adults)
Bike rentals
Bikes available to be rented (reserved in advance at time of booking) include:
- Hybrid touring bikes, 21-speed with caliper brake
- Electrically assisted bike (Pedelec)*
- Child seat, bikes for children, bike trailer, or trailer bikes (upon request)
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
All rental bikes are equipped with:
- Panniers
- Handlebar bag
You may bring your own bike for an additional €29(hybrid) or €39(e-bike).
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.Helmets:
Helmets are available to purchase, payable upon arrival to the boat. Please make a note on the booking form to reserve in advance. We recommend for health and safety purposes that you take your own helmet or plan to purchase one upon arrival. Helmets are mandatory for children up to age 12.
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Route Map
Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.
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Reviews
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★★★★★ Jaime Bodden 2 months ago
Fairytale in Bavaria
A great tour! Equal parts countryside with quaint villages and urban culture with metropolitan experiences. Our tour packed in a lot - each day provided a unique experience and bike ride, from forests to fields, riverside and city streets. The recommendations from out boat guide encouraged frequent stops to enjoy local gems - something that is often lacking on bigger tours. The timing in between stops never felt rushed, and there was a nice balance of being on the boat and off.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May, 2022
- How many tours have you completed?
- first tour
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Lisa Mendis 2 months ago
Magical!!
The best ever bike tour!! We biked some of the most beautiful sections of the Danube and we also had other excursions plus the activities on the boat. The Sun deck was lovely - what a treat after biking to sit up there and watch the pastoral sights go by! The food was really good. I am lactose intolerant and the chef always had an alternative for me - even with the multiple course meals. Thank for Biketours.com for finding this fantastic tour!
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★★★★★ jackie20 July 9, 2019
- What was the date of your tour?
- Jun 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Marshall September 9, 2018
Our third trip with Bike Tours each one special
- What was the date of your tour?
- 7/22/18-7/29/18
- How many tours have you completed?
- three
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ jfvb October 7, 2017
- What was the date of your tour?
- 9/24/2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Ratty May 23, 2017
I want to do this again and again!
Rides were well chosen; route booklet detailed; food, service and staff on boat all excellent. Varied terrain of forest, towns, vineyards made for interesting biking. Europe knows how to accommodate bikers; RadReisen knows how to cater to them. Fab trip.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 7 May 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 14
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ lisalisa July 3, 2016
New favorite way to travel
Loved the trip - The boat was very nice and provided constantly changing scenery without having to pack up and move every day. The bikes were perfect for the situation and well maintained. We enjoyed the bike days much more than the two city days - a great way to sightsee, especially when the temps got hot. Also really appreciated that nearly all of the bike riding was on dedicated trails.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 6/19/2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- this is the first
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ debo June 17, 2016
Fun trip
All in all, a great trip. Some communication issues between cruise director and guides and cyclists. Cruise director clearly overwhelmed and attimes, Difficult To Follow. Bike was very comfortable and routes, interesting and scenic. Having trouble adding photos.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 22-29
- How many tours have you completed?
- many, but not lately
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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