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.

A Guided Package is available on the MV Fortuna on May 24 Jul 19, Oct 4, 2020. The Guided Package is available on the MV Carissima on May 9; Jun 6, 13; Jul 4; Aug 1, 22; Sep 12, 19, 2020 (minimum 8 participants). This upgrade includes a guide and additional experiences along the tour route. Please see the Dates & Prices tab for inclusions.

Day 1: Arrival to Passau; On to Engelhartszell
Boarding time is at 4:30pm. 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 (23 miles/37 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 10:00am. Connecting travel should be booked after 11:30am.

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