All distances are approximate. If you do not want to cycle one day, you can skip the bike tour and relax on board while cruising to the next harbor. The bike tours are self-guided, at your own pace, without a tour guide, but with daily briefings on board and detailed bicycle maps and directions. We reserve the right to make changes to the program if necessary due to weather or other circumstances.
Day 1: Passau – Engelhartszell
Individual arrival to Passau, the "Three River City." Passau attracts many with the world's greatest church organ at the Stephansdom and its charming Old Town. Embarkation around 4:00pm and departure around 7:00pm. Enjoy your dinner on board and an evening cruise to Engelhartszell.
Day 2: Engelhartszell – Great Loop – Brandstatt – Devin (28 miles/46 km)
You start your stage in Engelhartszell (the only Trappist monastery in Austria) where we head towards the "Great Loop" – one of the most beautiful and original sectors of the Danube. Your cycling will encounter small villages and cozy must-see taverns. You'll board again in Brandstatt. Then, you cruise into the night towards Devin.
Day 3: Devin – Bratislava (7-28 miles miles/11-43 km, optional city tour of Bratislava)
Arrival to Devin in the morning. The cycle tour takes you to the imposing Imperial Palace of Hof. After crossing the green line, you cycle along the former "Iron Curtain" towards the coronation city of Bratislava at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. Tip: discover the hidden alleys of Bratislava during a tour by mini-train and by foot. During the night you'll cruise to Budapest.
Day 4: Budapest or Szentendre loop (rest day, optional city tour by bus/foot/bike, or 25 miles/40 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 city during a city tour by bus or by foot (optional). Nearby, you find the Margaretheninsel which is outstandingly qualified for small bike tours or the charming town of Szentendre with Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art life. During the night you'll cruise to Visegrad.
Day 5: Danube Bend, Visegrad – Esztergom (15-37 miles/25-60 km)
The Danube bend is definitely one of the most delightful and attractive parts and is called the Hungarian Wachau. Today's biking leg starts at Visegrad with its famous fortress and the ruins of the former palace. You can choose from 2 different routes: the longer one includes a side trip to the island of Szentendre and the baroque village of Vác, which has been influenced by the architects of the Austrian empress Maria Theresia. The other route leads you directly to the bishop-town of Esztergom, with its gorgeous basilica – Hungary's largest Catholic Church – overlooking the village. Overnight you'll cruise to Vienna.
Day 6: Vienna – Nussdorf (rest day)
You should be sure to see the most famous places of interest like the Prater, the St. Stephens Cathedral, and the Hofburg. The gorgeous boulevard "Ringstraβe" with the Burgtheater, the State Opera House, and the town hall take you back in time. Overnight you cruise to Rossatz or Dürnstein (Wachau).
Day 7: Wachau – Melk – Pöchlarn (26-32 miles/42-52 km)
Your last biking day is a special highlight! Amidst small dreamy villages, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries, and ruins, this gentle hilly landscape enchants everybody. A powerful ruin looms above the small Baroque town of Dürnstein, while the blue tower of the monastery church is a landmark of Wachau. You’ll board again in the small village Pöchlarn. After the farewell gala dinner, you start cruising back to Passau.
Day 8: Passau
Every journey draws to an end. Once again from the deck you enjoy the first sunbeams and the peaceful silence of the Danube Valley. Take one last look at the Schlögener Schlinge ("Great Loop") before you arrive relaxed to Passau. You'll arrive approximately at 10:00am, disembarking half an hour later. We recommend arranging your connecting trips from 12:00pm or later.