Danube Delights: Biking through Four Countries

    4.8/5 (13)
    7 nights | 20 miles/day
    Self guided from EUR € 999
    Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia
    Rider Level: Leisure Electric bike tours Primarily bike paths Client favorites Bike and boat tours
    4.8/5 (13)

    Rider Level: Leisure Electric bike tours Primarily bike paths Client favorites Bike and boat tours

    7 nights | 20 miles/day
    Self guided from EUR € 999
    Bike and Boat Tour aboard Swiss Crown or Vivienne
    Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia

    Tap above to jump to different sections of this tour

    • Bike from 'Bavarian Venice' to the home of the Viennese Waltz

      By bike and boat from 'Bavarian Venice', you'll arrive in the glamorous royal regions of Austria and Hungary via Germany and Slovakia. Discover three of Europe's most spellbinding capitals: Vienna, the 'City of the Waltz', Bratislava, 'The White City' of Slovakian coronations, and Budapest, the 'Paris of the East'. Along the way, explore the romantic regions of the 'Great Loop' (Schlögener Donauschlinge), the Danube Bend near Hungary's grandest cathedral, and the resplendent winegrowing region of Wachau, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list owing to its exquisite villages, 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 you from the distance. At the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, the Slovakian capital of Bratislava invites you in with its charming Old Town. And what about a flirt with Vienna, 'City of the Waltz'? A firework of sightseeing opportunities, dreamy coffee bars, and cozy wine taverns await you.

      On board your comfortable cruise ship, you'll enjoy a superb atmosphere – in the spacious, convenient cabins, as well as in the stylish outdoor area. Behold fantastic views of breathtaking landscapes from your bike, the deck pool, the comfy seats of the panorama lounge, and even during your amazing meals in the first-class restaurant.

      This exciting bike trip is a truly unforgettable holiday.

      This tour must meet a minimum of 90 passengers 4 weeks prior to 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.

      • The famous Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna, Austria. CC:Bwag
      • Passau, Lower Bavaria, Germany. Ramitay Yem@Unsplash
      • Altstadt in Passau, Lower Bavaria, Germany. CC:Aconcagua
      • Schnitzel is a favorite here! Mark Konig@Unsplash
      • St Stephan's Church, Passau, Germany. Cedric Schulze@Unsplash
      • Donaulände and Old town of Passau, Lower Bavaria, Germany. CC:Aconcagua
      • Matthias Church, Budapest, Hungary. Daniel Horvath@Unsplash
      • Hungarian Parliament, Budapest, Hungary. Gabriel Miklos, Unsplash

      View more photos

      Highlights

      • Passau, 'City of Three Rivers'
      • Schlögener Donauschlinge - the 'Great Loop'
      • World Cultural Heritage Site of Wachau
      • Hungarian Danube Bend
      • National Park of Donau Auen
      • Bratislava, 'The White City'
      • Budapest, city of riverside resplendence
      • Vienna, 'City of Dreams'

      Learn More

      Learn more about self-guided tours.

      Interested in adding to your itinerary? Take a look at our cycling day tours in Munich, Vienna, and Budapest.

    • Daily program

      *Please note the itinerary may vary slightly for 2024 travel dates*

      Day 1: Arrival in Passau; On to Engelhartszell
      Boarding time is at 4:00 pm. Picturesque Passau is nicknamed the 'City of Three Rivers' due to its situation at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. In your leisure time, take a stroll around this historic cobblestone town, listening to the peal of bells from the Gothic Town Hall, or to the rich tones of the world's largest church organ inside St. Stephan's Cathedral. At 6:00 pm, you'll cast off!

      Day 2: Great Loop, Engelhartszell – Aschach (26 miles/42 km)
      The first day's tour begins with a bicycle ride through the classic scenery of the 'Great Loop' (Schlögener Donauschlinge), one of the most beautiful and intriguing sections of the Danube. En route, you'll ride through charming villages complete with cozy cider taverns. Arriving in Engelhartszell, home to Austria's only Trappist monastery, you can sample their tantalizing liquors and cheeses. The famous 'Schlogener View' provides a wonderful vista of the enchanting Austrian countryside. The boat welcomes all cyclists back on board in the charming market town of Aschach.

      Day 3: Devin – Bratislava (27 miles/43 km)
      Pedaling along the former 'Iron Curtain', you'll cross the green line and arrive at 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, Slovakia's lively capital. Explore 'The White City', set beneath the slopes of the Little Carpathians, discovering its hidden alleyways and grand sights 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 staggering beauty of this regal city with a guided bike tour or individual bike tour (optional) to discover its sightseeing highlights. You can also choose to cycle to the charming town of Szentendre, with its Mediterranean atmosphere and lively arts scene. In the evening, enjoy a close experience with Hungarian culture at an evening show complete with traditional music and dancing (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 encounter its phenomenal facade.

      Day 6: Rest day in Vienna
      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 a cycling day tour around vibrant Vienna, Austria's spectacular capital. Take time to relax in one or more of Vienna's famous cafes, perhaps sampling the sumptuous 'Sachertorte', 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! An impressive ruin looms above the little baroque town of Durnstein, whilst the blue tower of the monastery church is a landmark of the renowned Wachau Valley. With dreamy towns, apricot trees, vineyards, and castles, this hilly landscape enchants everyone who visits. You'll be biking on cloud nine! In Weißenkirchen (with the possibility for a wine tasting) you'll find cozy 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 11:00 am. Connecting travel should be booked after 12:00 pm.

      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-made 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


      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.

    • 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

      • Sundays, MV Vivienne: Apr 28 – October 06, 2024.
        Saturdays, MV Swiss Crown: May 18, Jun 01, Aug 31, and Sep 14, 2024.

        Season 1: Apr 30, 2024, Oct 01, 2024 - Oct 31, 2024

        Season 2: May 01, 2024 - May 31, 2024, Aug 01, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024

        Season 3: Jun 01, 2024 - Jul 31, 2024, Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 30, 2024

      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

        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) €290
        Transfer, per vehicle/per way, Munich airport - Passau (1-8 persons) €240

        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 only

      • MV Vivienne

        Per person, double occupancy Season 1 Season 2 Season 3
        Main deck, Standard cabin €999 €1099 €1199
        Middle deck, Comfort cabin €1319 €1419 €1519
        Middle deck, Superior cabin* €1519 €1619 €1719
        Upper deck, Superior cabin* €1519 €1619 €1719
        Upper deck, Junior-suite €1819 €1919 €2019
        Upper deck, Master-suite €2019 €2119 €2219
        Single-use cabin, main deck (1 person/1 cabin) €1548 €1703 €1858

        *Superior cabin deck level will be based on availability, though we can request a specific deck level it can not be guaranteed for this cabin style.

        MV Swiss Crown

        Per person, double occupancy Season 2 Season 3
        Main deck, Standard cabin €1099 €1199
        Middle deck, Comfort cabin €1419 €1519
        Middle deck, Mini-suite €1519 €1619
        Upper deck, Superior cabin €1619 €1719
        Single use cabin, main deck (1 person/1 cabin) €1703 €1858

        Bike Rentals

        Hybrid touring bike, 21-speed €89
        Electrically assisted bike €189
        Helmet €15

        Additional Services

        Guided tour package (May 5, 26; Jun 16; Jul 14; Aug 4; Sep 1, 22, 2024) €299
        Transfer, per vehicle/per way, Munich City center - Passau (1-8 persons) €320
        Transfer, per vehicle/per way, Munich airport - Passau (1-8 persons) €270

        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

      Included services

      • 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)

      *Please note included services may vary slightly for 2024 travel dates


      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.


      Tour Company

    • Route Map

      Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.

      • Chuck Gottschall 4 days ago

        Great Trip!

        Great way to see Europe! The biking was GREAT! The staff was GREAT! The food was GREAT!

      • Ellen Speare 6 days ago

        Danube waltz bike tour

        I chose this trip for my 70th birthday with friends. riding through the beautiful countryside was wonderful. sitting on the deck going through the Danube river was so relaing and lovely. The food and accomadations fro perfect. Loved this whole trip.

        What was the date of your tour?
        Sept 2023
        How many tours have you completed?
        none
        Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
        As expected
        Who is this tour suitable for?
        First-time bike tourists
        Do you recommend this tour?
        Yes
        • 5/5 Value
        • 5/5 Included meals
        • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
        • 5/5 Hotels or boat
        • 5/5 Scenery
        • 5/5 Ease of navigation
        • 5/5 Tour documents
        • 5/5 Local tour company services
        • 5/5 Route selection
      • Tim Yancy 2 weeks ago

        Relaxed ride along the Danube River

        We enjoyed the structure of the tour, with 3-4 hours of riding per day and details on the many sights to see along the way. Onboard service and meals were excellent, and the boat had a nice mix of people from all over the world. We also liked the time to explore several cities on non-ride days.

        What was the date of your tour?
        August 2023
        How many tours have you completed?
        3
        Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
        As expected
        Who is this tour suitable for?
        First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
        Do you recommend this tour?
        Yes
        • 5/5 Value
        • 5/5 Included meals
        • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
        • 5/5 Hotels or boat
        • 5/5 Scenery
        • 4/5 Ease of navigation
        • 5/5 Tour documents
        • 5/5 Local tour company services
        • 5/5 Route selection
      • Kathy Jones 4 months ago

        Wonderful Experience

        The staff were very attentive to customer service. The boat was impressive & the cabins were always clean. The scenery was spectacular.

        What was the date of your tour?
        May 11, 2023
        How many tours have you completed?
        First tour
        Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
        As expected
        Who is this tour suitable for?
        First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
        Do you recommend this tour?
        Yes
        • 5/5 Value
        • 4/5 Included meals
        • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
        • 5/5 Hotels or boat
        • 5/5 Scenery
        • 5/5 Ease of navigation
        • 5/5 Tour documents
        • 5/5 Local tour company services
        • 5/5 Route selection
      • Sandra Babich 4 months ago

        Great Trip

        This was a perfect way to see parts of Austria, Hungary, Germany, Slovakia. Everything is very well organized and there is the freedom to leave the boat and cycle at own pace following the well laid out bike trails. The food on the boat was very good, staff were very courteous and always helpful, and our room was clean. We added extra time to our trip in Vienna because there is so much to see. Would also be a good idea for Budapest. Even though we had a considerable amount of rain and some flooding on our trails it was still a great adventure and enjoyable trip. Our boat was recently renovated and that was a bonus.

      • Jaime Bodden August 3, 2022

        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
        • 5/5 Value
        • 5/5 Included meals
        • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
        • 5/5 Hotels or boat
        • 5/5 Scenery
        • 5/5 Ease of navigation
        • 5/5 Tour documents
        • 5/5 Local tour company services
        • 5/5 Route selection
        • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
      • Lisa Mendis August 2, 2022

        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!

      • 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
        • 5/5 Value
        • 4/5 Included meals
        • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
        • 5/5 Hotels or boat
        • 5/5 Scenery
        • 5/5 Ease of navigation
        • 5/5 Tour documents
        • 5/5 Local tour company services
        • 5/5 Route selection
      • 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
        • 5/5 Value
        • 5/5 Included meals
        • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
        • 5/5 Hotels or boat
        • 5/5 Scenery
        • 5/5 Ease of navigation
        • 5/5 Tour documents
        • 5/5 Local tour company services
        • 5/5 Route selection
      • 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
        • 4/5 Value
        • 4/5 Included meals
        • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
        • 4/5 Hotels or boat
        • 4/5 Scenery
        • 2/5 Ease of navigation
        • 4/5 Tour documents
        • 4/5 Local tour company services
        • 4/5 Route selection
      • 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
        • 5/5 Value
        • 5/5 Included meals
        • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
        • 5/5 Hotels or boat
        • 5/5 Scenery
        • 5/5 Ease of navigation
        • 4/5 Tour documents
        • 4/5 Local tour company services
        • 5/5 Route selection
      • 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
        • 5/5 Value
        • 4/5 Included meals
        • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
        • 4/5 Hotels or boat
        • 5/5 Scenery
        • 5/5 Ease of navigation
        • 4/5 Tour documents
        • 5/5 Local tour company services
        • 5/5 Route selection
      • 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
        • 4/5 Value
        • 5/5 Included meals
        • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
        • 5/5 Hotels or boat
        • 5/5 Scenery
        • 3/5 Ease of navigation
        • 3/5 Tour documents
        • 4/5 Local tour company services
        • 5/5 Route selection
        • 3/5 Guides (if applicable)

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