Overview
We invite you to a bike and boat adventure through six countries and widely differing cultures revealing the beauty of the majestic Danube river in all its glory. Discover the breath-taking natural scenery of the Iron Gates, one of the most spectacular gorges in Europe, the vast expanse of the Pannonian plains, cycle through the Danube Bend in Hungary and the breadbaskets of Croatia and Serbia, through idyllic wine-growing regions and past commanding fortresses high above the river.
On this tour you will also visit Belgrade, the white city, fall in love with charming Budapest, the Paris of the East, marvel at the Baroque palaces in the picturesque Old Town of Bratislava and let yourself be carried away by the elegant charm of Vienna, the City of Waltz. Scenic and cultural highlights, excellent food and a crew that caters to your every whim, guarantee that your cycling holiday will be a unique and unforgettable experience.
Please note: bike rental is not included in the cost of this holiday.
- The four capital cities along the Danube: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade
- Iron Gates National Park
- Kalocsa, the Paprika Capital
- The Petrovaradin fortress
- Novi Sad, the magnificent capital of the Vojvodina region
- Esztergom Basilica
- Drava-Nemzeti National Park
- Danube Bend
- Wachau Wine Region
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Passau
Embark in the late afternoon (4 pm) and enjoy the views of the beautiful city of Passau as you glide serenely into the sunset, past dark green forests before entering the lock at the Jochenstein power plant on the border between Germany and Austria.
Day 2: Schlögen Danube Bend / Obernzell – Obermühl | 35km
Enjoy a delightful day’s cycling from Obernzell through the ruggedly romantic Danube Bend at Schlögen, one of the most beautiful sections of the river lined with sleepy farming villages and a natural landscape. Get a break at Austria’s only Trappist monastery in Engelhartszell and refill your energy with home-distilled drinks. Along the way, you can drop in at one of the many inviting cider taverns. At the charming village Obermühl, you go aboard the barge and sail into the beautiful sunset.
- Cycling for the day: approx. 35km
Day 3: Devin – Bratislava | 15-43km
A narrow cycle path runs along the Iron Curtain from the castle ruins in Devin to the splendid palace of Schloss Hof, which boasts one of the most magnificent baroque gardens in Europe. After a stretch of untouched countryside is followed, and a short time later, you arrive in the vibrant city of Bratislava. Our little train tour of the Slovakian capital in which Hungarian kings were once crowned (optional) begins with a glorious view from the fortress perched on a hill overlooking the city and ends with a walk through the beautifully restored historic city centre.
- Cycling for the day: approx. 15 – 43km
Day 4: Budapest / Excursion to Szentendre | 27-54km
Savour the entrance to Budapest and the stunning views of the city‘s most famous buildings. Discover the city that straddles the Danube on a guided tour (optional) or take a detour to the delightful little town of Szentendre with its many artists and galleries. Get a taste of the fiery Hungarian temperament at a Hungarian folklore show with traditional music and folk dance accompanied by wine and local food (optional).
- Cycling for the day: approx. 27-54km (or day of rest)
Day 5: Baja – Mohacs | 37km
From the quiet Baroque town of Baja that is famous for its fish soup, you’ll cycle along the flood protection dykes in the Gemenc floodplain, through sleepy river landscapes past fields of sunflowers. At the end of today’s stage, you take the ferry to the little town of Mohacs, Hungary’s southernmost town on the Danube and famously the site of two battles with the Turks.
- Cycling for the day: approx. 37km
Day 6: Belgrade
Explore the fun-loving Serbian capital at the confluence of the Sava and the Danube by bike or bus, take a journey in time from the past to the present and learn about the rise and fall of Yugoslavia (optional). In the evening, Belgrade is bathed in a sea of light. Visit a colourful folklore show with traditional dances from all parts of the country, followed by typical regional specialities in the well-known Bohemian district of Skadarlija with lively folk music from a Serbian band (optional).
Day 7: Cataract Canyons / Iron Gates National Park
Experience the stunning fjord-like landscape at close quarters from the ship’s deck. The river cuts through the Romanian Carpathian mountains and the mighty foothills of the Balkan mountain range. A spectacular landscape with steep gorges, dark forests with historical monuments and impressive fortresses on the shores reflected in the blue waters of the river: this miracle of nature will take your breath away.
Day 8: Novi Sad – Ilok | 48km
The imposing Petrovaradin fortress perches high above the provincial capital of the Vojvodina. After cycling upstream along a flat cycle path, you take a ferry to reach the gentle foothills of the Fruska Gora, with its orchards, vineyards and idyllic farming villages. Everything in the medieval town of Ilok is about wine. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to sample some famous Croatian wines at a local wine cellar (optional).
- Cycling for the day: approx. 48km
Day 9: Batina – Mohacs | 42km
In the border triangle, you cycle through the never-ending „Backa“. Small, idyllic villages and endless canola fields accompany you from Croatia to Serbia and Hungary. Farmers stop their work to greet you, and now and then, you will meet a carriage. You will experience untouched nature in the Nemzeti National Park, and after the ferry ride to Mohacs, there is enough time for a visit to the White Stork Museum or the Memorial of the Battle of Mohacs.
- Cycling for the day: approx. 42km
Day 10: Kalocsa – Solt | 50km
Kalocsa is the Paprika Capital of Hungary, and the character of the town is strongly influenced by colourful houses with hand-painted, bright floral patterns and the cathedral with its towers that can be seen even from a distance as they rise into the sky from the flat Hungarian plain. Visiting the Paprika Museum, you’ll learn a lot about Hungary’s favourite spice. Continue your journey on the well-built cycle path along the flood protection dyke through the vast expanse of the Puszta. You will cycle through fields and orchards that stretch as far as the eye can see until you reach Solt, the birthplace of the famous conductor Sir George Solti. Vecsey Castle and the library with some 34,000 books are especially worth seeing.
- Cycling for the day: approx. 50km
Day 11: Danube Bend – Esztergom | 43km
Steep wooded hills frame the Danube as it flows through the picturesque, hilly landscape of the Hungarian Wachau. Set in the middle of the Danube, the delightful island of Szentendre radiates real Puszta romance. As you continue your journey on idyllic cycle paths through picturesque villages, you’ll be able to experience the Hungarian zest for life at first hand. The dome of the imposing basilica in Esztergom can be seen from far. With its Tuscan-style high altar and a side chapel with red marble walls, Hungary’s largest church is especially worth seeing.
- Cycling for the day: approx. 43km
Day 12: Vienna (Bike excursion to Klosterneuburg)
After so many action-packed days of cycling, you deserve some relaxation. Enjoy the breath-taking view of the idyllic floodplain forest of the Donauauen National Park and the impressive skyline as you sail to Vienna. Go for a bike ride on the Danube Island – Vienna’s popular recreational area, cycle to the nearby Klosterneuburg Abbey or wander through the idyllic vineyards of Kahlenberg (with magnificent views over the city and the Danube). The day ends traditionally with a concert of classical waltz and operetta music at a famous Viennese Palais (optional).
Day 13: Vienna
Discover Vienna: from the saddle on a guided bike tour or your own with the HOP ON HOP OFF bus (optional). Ride through the historic city centre at a leisurely pace and see the sights at point-blank range. The magnificent Ringstraße boulevard will remind you of times a long time ago, and inviting coffee houses will tempt you with delicious Viennese cakes and pastries. Afterwards, there’s enough time to stroll through the quaint lanes or visit the Naschmarkt. Let your day in Vienna end at a rustic wine tavern.
Day 14: Wachau / Krems – Melk | 39km
The gentle hilly countryside of the Wachau valley with its picturesque villages, historic castles and palaces surrounded by apricot trees and terraced vineyards is one of the tour’s loveliest sections. In Weißenkirchen, the cycle path is lined with cosy vintner’s taverns, and you should have a break in this area (optional wine tasting)!
- Cycling for the day: approx. 39km
Day 15: Passau
Enjoy the first rays of sunlight and the early-morning tranquillity of the Danube valley one last time. Catch a final view of the Danube Bend at Schlögen – before you reach Passau, your heart bursting with memories and impressions. Disembarkation at approx. 11.00 a.m. Independent homeward journey. We recommend not to make any arrangements for onward connections departing before 12.00 a.m.
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 – this is how the premium ship MS Swiss Crown presents itself as it glides gently along the Danube river. You will immediately feel at home on board as soon as you enter the spectacular foyer. Designed in warm wood tones, the ship radiates comfort and leaves nothing to be desired. The simple elegance of the timelessly beautiful staterooms, which are decorated with great attention to detail, will inspire you. Sit back and enjoy the serene, relaxed atmosphere, the fantastic views of breathtakingly beautiful natural landscapes, sometimes from the bicycle seat, sometimes from the inviting, partially covered sun deck. Let yourself be pampered by the friendly, accommodating crew and create onboard relationships alongside memories to last a lifetime. 68 outward-facing cabins are spacious 14 m2 and convince with elegant, comfortable interior. The cabins have a double bed (can be separated into 2 single beds), shower/WC, hairdryer, SAT TV, safe, coffee maker and individually adjustable air conditioning.
Meals
Package includes full board: breakfast buffet, lunch on board (non-cyclists) or packed lunch (cyclists), afternoon coffee break, dinner (2-3 dishes to choose from). Gala dinner with a farewell cocktail included in the rate.
Difficulty and terrain
The route mainly follows the Eurovelo 6 cycle path. In Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, it runs asphalted paths over flat terrain; in Croatia and Serbia, country roads with little traffic and cycle paths, not all of which are asphalted. Only one stage runs over hilly terrain; if you don’t feel like cycling on this day, you can reach your destination easily by remaining on the boat (read more about difficulty grades). Upon arrival, you will receive detailed travel information with route maps or overview maps, route descriptions, tourist attractions and important telephone numbers (1 set per room). The package also includes daily information meeting as well as a tour guide on board.
When to go
This trip is available on 6th May, 5th August, and 30th September 2023.
Getting there
FCO up-to-date travel advice on Austria, Germany, Serbia, Hungary and Slovakia.
Click to view travel options
- In case you travel by train, the best connections are from Schärding and Passau train stations. At Passau the parking costs between €114 (outdoor area) to €129 (parking garage), including shuttle transfer to and from pier; payable locally.
- For more information, use the Omio planner above.
Inclusions
Included
- 14 nights in simple but comfortable main deck cabins with private facilities and air conditioning
- Port charges
- Programme according to itinerary from/to Passau
- Captains greeting and welcome cocktail
- Gala dinner with farewell cocktail
- Full board: breakfast buffet, lunch on board (non-cyclists) or packed lunch (cyclists), afternoon coffee break, dinner (2-3 dishes to choose from)
- Tour guide on board (does not cycle with the group)
- Daily information meeting
- Detailed travel documents, cycling guide App, and GPS tracks per cabin
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- 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 (upper deck only)
- 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
- Guided supplement including a private guide while cycling and bus city tours in Budapest, Belgrade and Vienna. Only available on the following departure dates: 22 May, 17 July, 7 August 2021 & 7 May, 11 June, 16 July, 13 August, 17 September 2022.
Bike rental
Bikes
We offer 28-Zoll-Unisex KTM tour bikes, equipped with either 21 or 24-derailleur-gear (depending on ship) with override, caliper breaks and robust wheels. Our bicycles are mostly not older than 3 years. 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 186 cm.
E-bikes
Our e-bikes come with a hub gear, freewheel, powerful electric motor and gradually selectable pedal assistance. The battery range depends on the support level, driving style, body weight and terrain.
All bicycles are equipped with puncture-proof tires, 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.
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