Premium Danube Cruise and Cycle

Day 1: Vienna - Korneuburg

The adventure begins in Vienna where you may board the boat between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM. At 4:30 PM, the Merlijn will set sail. Upon arrival at the evening docking spot, you’ll receive a warm welcome with a complimentary drink and an introduction to the crew. During this time, you’ll also receive essential tour and ship information, along with a safety briefing. Dinner will be served onboard followed by leisure time for a late-night stroll amidst the serene natural surroundings.

Prior to departure, consider adding a few nights in Vienna to explore its Baroque streetscapes, imperial palaces, and vibrant cultural scene. Indulge in its famed coffee house culture and don't miss the opportunity to savor a traditional 'Sacher-Torte'.

Day 2: Korneuburg - Tulln
19-22 mi / 30-35 km; option to shorten 16 mi / 25 km

Following breakfast, you'll have a bike fitting and introduction before embarking on your first cycling tour along the renowned 'Donau Radweg'. Today's route takes you through mostly rural areas before reaching the Merlijn in Tulln. Here, you might consider a visit to 'Garten Tulln', a must-see for gardening enthusiasts. Tulln is affectionately known as the 'city of flowers' due to its botanical garden and abundance of parks. It's also the birthplace of the influential painter Egon Schiele.

Return to the Merlijn for dinner, followed by an opportunity to explore the town at your leisure.

Day 3: Tulln - Dürnstein/Rossatz
31-34 mi / 50-55 km

Today's journey entails a lengthy ride as you bid farewell to Tulln and pedal towards the charming towns of Krems and Stein, the first gems of the Wachau Valley. Following the flow of the Danube, you'll have ample opportunity to appreciate its beauty from the saddle of your bike. Upon exploring these picturesque towns, you'll cross the bridge to reach the Merlijn in Dürnstein/Rossatz. Following dinner, you can participate in a delightful wine-tasting session at a nearby winery.

Day 4: Dürnstein/Rossatz - Overnight dock
28-31 mi / 45-50 km

Begin the day in the town of Dürnstein. Upon arrival, follow the charming roofed stairs to the heart of the town, renowned not only for its beautiful architecture but also for the historic castle where Richard I of England, known as the Lionheart, was once imprisoned. After exploring the town, the journey continues mostly along the Danube, offering picturesque views as you cycle. You'll soon enter the 'Wachau' region, renowned for its castles, vineyards, and captivating landscapes. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wachau is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and history buffs.

Continue cycling to reach the magnificent city of Melk. Following a brief exploration, you'll stroll to 'Stift Melk,' perched high above the Danube. Here, an included guided tour awaits, offering insights into this monumental abbey fortress. Together with the city of Melk, this site undoubtedly stands as the pinnacle of any visit to the region.

The day concludes with an overnight stay docked near a cozy Austrian town. Relax in this serene setting and admire the tranquil Danube with a refreshing beverage in the spacious lounge or on the inviting terrace.

Day 5: Overnight dock - Grein
22-25 mi / 35-40 km; option to extend 31-34 mi / 50-55 km

Today you'll have the option to choose between a longer or shorter ride. Those opting for the longer ride will reunite with the group in Persenbeug, an ancient shipping town strategically nestled by the river. Persenbeug is also notable for its shipping lock and hydroelectric power plant, the oldest of its kind in Austria, which nearly powered the entire nation upon its construction in 1950.

Continuing your journey, you'll follow the Danube through the picturesque 'Strudengau' region, a narrow valley flanking the river. Your day's ride concludes in Grein, a charming town nestled in a quaint bay. Here, you'll have the opportunity to tour 'Schloss Greinburg', a magnificent palace boasting a stone theatre.

End the day with a delightful dinner served on board as you unwind and reflect on the day's adventures.

Day 6: Grein – Linz
22-25 mi / 35-40 km; option to extend 3 mi / 5 km

Following breakfast, your biking adventure commences, with Mauthausen soon coming into view. Notorious for its WWII Nazi concentration camp located just a few kilometers from the city, Mauthausen offers an optional 3-mile (5 km) ride for those interested in visiting.

From here, soak in the stunning scenery as you pedal to Linz, where the Merlijn will be waiting. Linz, often heralded as the starting point of Austrian vitality, pulsates with the energy of the nation's tech industry. Around the main square, discover historically significant and architecturally intriguing buildings, including the venerable old Town Hall.

Venturing west from the main square, you'll reach the charming old quarter, with Renaissance and baroque facades adorning its historic buildings. This evening, immerse yourself further in Austrian culture amidst the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling city.

Day 7: Linz - Passau
22-25 mi / 35-40 km; option to extend 34-37 mi / 55-60 km

Embarking on the last leg of your cycling adventure, you'll traverse through charming Austrian towns like Brandstatt and Aschach, where a stop at a local café is highly recommended. Indulge in the Austrian delicacy 'Kaiserschmarrn' dessert, named after Emperor Franz Joseph I, who adored this fluffy shredded pancake.

Prepare for an intriguing excursion along the 'Schlögener Schlinge', where the Danube meanders through the mountains, sculpting several bends over millions of years. At Schlögen, if you're up for it, consider biking or hiking to the 'Schlögener Blick' viewpoint for a breathtaking panorama of the sharpest bend.

Following this scenic marvel, you'll have a choice: continue cruising aboard the Merlijn for a leisurely afternoon or extend your biking adventure before reuniting with the vessel later. Crossing into Germany, bid farewell to Austria's picturesque landscapes. This evening, enjoy a sumptuous farewell dinner and reminisce about the unforgettable experiences shared on your journey.

Day 8: Passau

Following breakfast, it will be time to bid farewell and continue your European adventure or head to the airport for your departure.

If time permits, Passau offers an excellent opportunity to spend a few extra days. Take a boat ride along the three rivers and immerse yourself in the charm of the old town, or consider visiting Veste Oberhaus, situated opposite the town. Once a penal institution from 1867, the castle now houses the town museum, featuring numerous permanent and special exhibitions. From the terrace, you'll be treated to a splendid view of Passau's old town and the majestic confluence of the three rivers.