Overview
An eight day, full board holiday along the River Danube, from Passau to Vienna, sleeping on board a small river cruise ship, with 68 spacious, outward-facing cabins. Starting in the historic German border town of Passau, head east along the iconic river, hopping off to cycle through the Wachau Wine Region, idyllic waterfront villages along the towpath as well as the cities of Linz and Vienna. You then travel back to Passau on board at the end of the tour, so you get to experience the views of the Danube twice. There is an option to do this as a guided tour and e-bikes are available on both.
Please note: bike rental is not included in the cost of this holiday.
- Vienna, Waltz and Linz
- Wachau Wine Region
- Passau, Bavarian city of three rivers
- Schlögener Schlinge Loop
- Optional excursions
- Guided dates available
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Passau
Start your bike and boat holiday in the ancient city of Passau, Germany, otherwise known as the city of three rivers, as it is nestled at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Set aside some time for a walk through this fine city, famous for its Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture, in particular Passau Cathedral, home to the largest church organ in the world. Boarding is between 16.00 and 17.00.
Day 2: Engelhartszell – Brandstatt | 45km
On your bike, explore the tranquil trails of the Upper Danube Valley on the former towpath as it runs past traditional waterfront villages. The Schlögener Blick observation point offers a great view of Schlögener Schlinge Loop where the Danube carves its way through a gorge before doubling back on itself.
- Cycling for the day: 45km
Day 3: Brandstatt – Linz | 24km
After a morning of cycling, you come to the Upper Austrian capital of Linz, with an option to explore on its yellow miniature train (optional). Linz’s cathedral is the biggest in Austria and the Pöstlingbergbahn, is one of the steepest adhesion railways in the world. We also recommend a visit to the Electronica Museum, where you can try out some of the most impressive examples of modern technology.
- Cycling for the day: 24km
Day 4: Tulln – Vienna, | 31km
Just before you get to Vienna, you pass by Klosterneuburg monastery. The large domes of this 900-year-old Baroque building are visible from a good distance. Kahlenbergerdorf is only a short distance from your mooring point and is definitely worth a visit. After a stroll through the vineyards, hop on the city tour bus and enjoy a panoramic view over Vienna followed by a guided walking tour through the historic centre of Austria’s capital (optional).
- Cycling for the day: 31km
Day 5: Vienna (rest day)
All the sights of Vienna are within reach by bike or, if you didn’t have a chance to do it yesterday, on the city tour bus. Alternatively, take this day to rest and enjoy the city’s numerous coffee houses with delicious Viennese cakes and pastries, or visit Naschmarket which is a feast for all the senses. The evening ends with a classical music concert and some Viennese Waltz at Princess Sisi’s Summerhouse (optional).
Day 6: Wachau/Krems – Melk | 37km
Cycle through the wine-producing villages of the Wachau Wine Region surrounded by terraced vineyards and apricot trees, with the town of Dürnstein at its heart. In the winSpitz, another of its famous vineyard-rich villages, you get to taste the region’s famous wine.
- Cycling for the day: 37km
Day 7: Grein – Mauthausen | 36km
Starting from the medieval town of Grein (home to Austria’s oldest theatre, visit optional), cycle through the picturesque hinterland of the Strudengau region. With a bit of luck, you may even be personally guided through the romantic Clam Castle by the castle’s lord. Additionally, take a journey back in time to prehistory at the Celtic Village in Mitterkirchen. The Mauthausen Memorial, a WWII concentration camp memorial site, is situated on a hill near the town.
- Cycling for the day: 36km
Day 8: Passau
Enjoy the first rays of sun and early morning tranquility one last time from the deck of the ship before you arrive back in Passau. Disembarkation is at approximately 11.00. We recommend that you do not make any arrangements for onward connections departing before 12.00.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation is on a comfortable river cruise ship for the duration of the whole tour.
Click to view default ship
- MV Swiss Crown: Stylish, elegant and timelessly beautiful, it’s designed in warm wood tones and radiates comfort. There are is a sundeck, 68 spacious, outward-facing cabins each containing a double bed (can be separated into two single beds), hairdryer, SAT TV, safe, coffee maker, individually adjustable air conditioning and a private en-suite with shower.
Meals
Full board package includes: breakfast buffet, lunch on board (non-cyclists) or packed lunch (cyclists), afternoon coffee break, dinner (2-3 dishes to choose from). A gala dinner with a farewell cocktail is also included.
Difficulty and terrain
The cycle path is flat or, at times, on a gentle downhill slope and is ideal for cyclists with less experience and children. The tour is rated easy due to it being mostly on flat terrain (read more about difficulty grades).
When to go
This trip is available from the end of April 2024 on the following dates:
Self-guided: 27 April, 25 May, 8 June, 15 June, 22 June, 29 June, 6 July, 13 July, 20 July, 27 July, 17 August, 24 August, 7 September, 21 September.
Guided: 8 June, 6 July, 21 September
Limited availability for 2023: 19 August, 23 September.
Getting there
FCO up-to-date travel advice on Austria and Germany.
Click to view travel options
- If you are travelling by train, the best connections are from Schärding and Passau.
- At Passau parking costs between €114 (outdoor car park) and €129 (parking garage), including shuttle transfer to and from the pier (payable locally).
- For more information, use the Omio planner above.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights in outward facing cabins with private facilities and air conditioning
- Port charges
- Captains greeting and welcome cocktail
- Full board: breakfast buffet, lunch on board (non-cyclists) or packed lunch (cyclists), afternoon coffee break and dinner (2/3 dishes to choose from)
- Gala dinner with farewell cocktail
- On board Musician
- Tour guide on board (does not cycle with the group)
- Daily information meeting
- Detailed travel documents and cycling guide app with voice navigation and GPS tracks (one per cabin)
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Bike rental
- Travel insurance (required get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a cabin of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single cabins)
- Cabin upgrades (upon request: middle and upper deck)
- Bike and e-bike rental
- Helmet rental
- Guided supplement including a private guide while cycling and ferry rides
Bike rental
Bikes
We offer 28 Zoll Unisex KTM tour bikes, equipped with either 21 or 24 derailleur gear with override, caliper brakes and robust wheels. You are liable for any damage, loss, or theft during the journey. Corresponding bike insurance can be completed on board. All bicycles have a deep comfort entry (wave frame) and men’s frames are available from a height of 188cm.
E-bikes
Our e-bikes come with a hub gear, freewheel, powerful electric motor and pedal assistance. The battery range depends on the support level, driving style, body weight and terrain.
All bicycles are equipped with puncture-proof tyres, one waterproofed pannier bag, one handlebar bag and an air pump. You will receive one service kit with breakdown tools and a bicycle lock per cabin.
Gallery
