Danube Discovery: Bike and Boat through Enchanting Capitals

★★★★★★4.4/5 (8)
7 nights
26 miles/day
Self guided from EUR € 799
Bike and Boat Tour aboard Prinzessin Katharina or MS SE-MANON
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia
Rider Level: Recreational Electric bike tours Primarily bike paths Bike and boat tours
Book this tour
Ask a tour advisor

Danube Discovery: Bike and Boat through Enchanting Capitals

★★★★★★4.4/5 (8)

Rider Level: Recreational Electric bike tours Primarily bike paths Bike and boat tours

7 nights
26 miles/day
Self guided from EUR € 799
Bike and Boat Tour aboard Prinzessin Katharina or MS SE-MANON
Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia

Book this tour
Ask a tour advisor
Why book with us?

Tap above to jump to different sections of this tour

  • Glide and ride from the 'City of Three Rivers' to Budapest's renowned riverside resplendence

    Travel by bike and boat along the romantic Danube River – a truly memorable experience. Accompanied by a comfortable cruise ship, cycle along Europe's second largest river and one of its best-loved bicycle paths from charming Passau - the 'City of Three Rivers' - right into the heart of the royal city of Budapest.

    Along the route, ride through three of the most enchanting capitals anywhere in Europe: Vienna, 'City of Dreams'; Bratislava, 'The White City' of Slovak coronation; and Budapest, 'Hungarian Danube Queen'. By bicycle, you'll be immersed in captivating natural landscapes, discovering the stunning natural spectacle of the Schlögener Donauschlinge ('Great Loop'), the legendary wine region of Wachau dotted with romantic towns and impressive castles, the untouched alluvial forests of the Danube National Park, and the picturesque Hungarian Danube Bend, where the dazzling cupola of the Esztergom basilica salutes you from the horizon.

    Discover the phenomenal Danube region, four captivating countries, and breathtaking natural beauty on this comfortable bike and boat tour!

    • Budapest Hungary (photo:gabrielmiklos)
    • Budapest Hungary (photo:wilfredor) CC0
    • Bratislava Slovakia (photo:victormalyushev)
    • Wachau Valley Austria Danube (photo:bwag) CC-BY-SA-4.0
    • Melk Austria Abbey
    • Schnitzel is a favorite here! Mark Konig@Unsplash
    • Wachau Valley vineyards, Austria. CC:Lonezor

    View more photos

    Highlights

    • Passau, 'City of Three Rivers'
    • Wachau Valley and the World Heritage Site of Wachau
    • Vienna, 'City of Dreams'
    • Budapest, breathtaking royal city
    • Bratislava, 'The White City'
    • The Schlögen Danube Loop
    • The Hungarian Danube Bend

    Learn More

    Learn more about self-guided tours.

    Interested in adding to your itinerary? Take a look at our cycling day tours in Munich, Vienna, and Budapest.

  • CC-BY-SA-4.0 - The famous Blue Church in Bratislava, Slovakia. CC:Thomas Ledl' data-type='image'> The famous Blue Church in Bratislava, Slovakia. CC:Thomas Ledl
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Bratislava, Slovakia. CC:Rustam Abdrakhimov' data-type='image'> Bratislava, Slovakia. CC:Rustam Abdrakhimov
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - View from Melk Abbey, Austria. CC:Ian Nigb' data-type='image'> View from Melk Abbey, Austria. CC:Ian Nigb
    CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna, Austria. CC:Bwag' data-type='image'> Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna, Austria. CC:Bwag
    CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Dürnstein, Lower Austria along the Danube River. CC:Bwag' data-type='image'> Dürnstein, Lower Austria along the Danube River. CC:Bwag
    CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Melk Abbey, Melk, Austria. CC:Bwag' data-type='image'> Melk Abbey, Melk, Austria. CC:Bwag
    CC-BY-SA-2.0 - Bratislava, Slovakia. CC:Jorge Lascar' data-type='image'> Bratislava, Slovakia. CC:Jorge Lascar
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Engelhartszell an der Donau, Upper Austria. CC:Aconcagua' data-type='image'> Engelhartszell an der Donau, Upper Austria. CC:Aconcagua
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Altstadt in Passau, Lower Bavaria, Germany. CC:Aconcagua' data-type='image'> Altstadt in Passau, Lower Bavaria, Germany. CC:Aconcagua
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Donaulände and Old town of Passau, Lower Bavaria, Germany. CC:Aconcagua' data-type='image'> Donaulände and Old town of Passau, Lower Bavaria, Germany. CC:Aconcagua

    Danube Bike and Boat

     Tour Description Daily Program 

  • Daily program

    • Day 1: Passau – Engelhartszell
      Arrive in the 'City of Three Rivers'. Passau attracts many to its captivating St. Stephan's Cathedral, home to the world's largest church organ, as well as to its charming Old Town. Embarkation will take place around 4:00 pm with departure around 7:00 pm. Enjoy your first dinner on board and an evening sail to lovely Engelhartszell.

      Day 2: Engelhartszell – Great Loop – Untermühl (21-24 mi/33-39 km)
      The day starts in Engelhartszell, home to the only Trappist monastery in Austria. You'll head towards the 'Great Loop' - one of the most beautiful and geologically incredible sections of the Danube. Your cycling tour will encounter little villages complete with cozy taverns, which you can pop into for a refreshing pint. You'll board the ship again in Untermühl, then cruise towards Bratislava.

      Day 3: Bratislava (33 mi/53 km)
      Arrive in beautiful Bratislava, 'The White City', in the morning. You'll begin your bike tour from Bratislava, journeying through Hainburg as you ride towards the imposing Imperial Palace of Hof, home to beautifully terraced gardens and an idyllic manor farm. Cycle onwards to Devin, then loop back to Bratislava, Slovakia's lively capital city. Overnight, you'll cruise to Budapest.

      Day 4: Budapest or Szentendre loop (rest day or 28 miles/48 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 numerous attractions of the city. Nearby, you find the Margaretheninsel which is outstandingly qualified for a small bike tour or the charming town of Szentendre with a Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art life. Overnight you'll cruise to Visegrad. .

      Day 5: Danube Bend | Vác – Esztergom (30 mi/48 km)
      The Danube Bend is definitely one of the most delightful and attractive sections of this cycling tour, known as the Hungarian Wachau. Today's bike stage starts at the baroque village of Vác, influenced by the architects of the Austrian empress Maria Theresia. Cycling through the picturesque and gently undulating countryside, your route leads you directly to the bishop-town of Esztergom, with its gorgeous basilica atop Hungary's largest Catholic church overlooking the village. Overnight, you'll cruise to Vienna.

      Day 6: Vienna-Nussdorf/Korneuburg (rest day)
      Be spellbound by the 'City of Dreams', replete with sightseeing opportunities such as St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg, the gorgeous Ringstraβe boulevard (home to the Burgtheater), the State Opera House, and the Town Hall. Capitalize on your time with a cycling day tour around vibrant Vienna, Austria's spectacular capital. Overnight, you'll cruise to Rossatz or Dürnstein.

      Day 7: Wachau – Melk – Pöchlarn (25-31 mi/40-50 km)
      Your last biking day is a special highlight! Amidst dreamy villages, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins, this gentle hilly landscape enchants everyone who encounters it. A powerful ruin looms above the small baroque town of Dürnstein, while the blue tower of the monastery church is a landmark of Wachau. In the small village of Emmersdorf – located just opposite Melk – you'll board again. After the farewell gala dinner, you'll start cruising back to Passau.

      Day 8: Departure from Passau
      Every journey draws to an end. Once again, you'll enjoy the first sunbeams and the peaceful silence of the Danube Valley from the deck. Take one last look at the Schlögener Schlinge ('Great Loop') before you arrive, relaxed, in Passau. You'll arrive at approximately 10:00 am, disembarking half an hour later. We recommend arranging connecting trips from 11:00 am or later.

    • Day 1: Passau – Engelhartszell
      Arrive in the 'City of Three Rivers'. Passau attracts many to its captivating St. Stephan's Cathedral, home to the world's largest church organ, as well as to its charming Old Town. Embarkation will take place around 4:00 pm with departure around 7:00 pm. Enjoy your first dinner on board and an evening sail to lovely Engelhartszell.

      Day 2: Engelhartszell – Great Loop – Aschach – Vienna-Nussdorf (25-28 miles/40-46 km)
      The day starts in Engelhartszell, home to the only Trappist monastery in Austria. You'll head towards the 'Great Loop' - one of the most beautiful and geologically incredible sections of the Danube. Your cycling tour will encounter little villages complete with cozy taverns, which you can pop into for a refreshing pint. You'll board again in Aschach, then cruise through the night towards Vienna-Nussdorf.

      Day 3: Vienna-Nussdorf (rest day)
      Be spellbound by the 'City of Dreams', replete with sightseeing opportunities such as St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg, the gorgeous Ringstraβe boulevard (home to the Burgtheater), the State Opera House, and the Town Hall. During the night, you'll cruise to Budapest.

      Day 4: Budapest or Szentendre loop (rest day or 28 miles/48 km)
      In the morning, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Danube's gorgeous landscapes from the sundeck. The gateway to Budapest is overwhelming - many famous tourist features are situated directly on the riverbank and are feats of unimaginable architectural splendor. Upon arrival, you can explore the city on a separate bike tour (optional). Nearby, discover the Margaretheninsel, or take an individual bike tour to the charming town of Szentendre (28 mi/48 km) with its Mediterranean atmosphere and lively artistic culture. Continue cruising overnight to Visegrad.

      Day 5: Danube Bend, Visegrad – Vác – Visegrad (22 miles/36 km)
      The Danube bend is definitely a delightful part and is called the Hungarian Wachau. Today's bike leg starts at Visegrad with its famous fortress and the ruins of the former palace. You cycle through the picturesque countryside via the Szentendre Peninsula to the baroque village of Vác, which has been influenced by the architects of the Austrian empress Maria Theresia. Via small Hungarian villages you return to Visegrad. In the afternoon, cruise towards Bratislava.

      Day 6: Bratislava (rest day)
      Arrive in Bratislava, 'The White City', in the morning and spend the day exploring the lively capital of Slovakia. Enjoy a magnificent panoramic view from the castle or discover the hidden alleys during a mini-train tour through the enchanting Old Town. Alternatively, explore the city on a guided bike tour. Overnight, you'll cruise to Rossatz or Dürnstein (Wachau).

      Day 7: Wachau – Melk – Pöchlarn (25-31 miles/40-50 km)
      Your last biking day is a special highlight! Amidst dreamy villages, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins, this gentle hilly landscape enchants everyone who encounters it. 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 of Pöchlarn. After the farewell gala dinner, you'll start cruising back to Passau.

      Day 8: Passau
      Every journey draws to an end. Once again, you'll enjoy the first sunbeams and the peaceful silence of the Danube Valley from the deck. Take one last look at the Schlögener Schlinge ('Great Loop') before you arrive, relaxed, in Passau. You'll arrive at approximately 11:00 am, disembarking half an hour later. We recommend arranging connecting trips from 1:30 pm or later.

    Surface and terrain

    The cycle route is mostly flat, at times on a gentle downhill slope.

    Boats

    How to get there

    Tour start
    Nearest airport Munich, Germany

    Tour end
    Nearest train station: Passau, Germany

    Tips on getting to and from your tour.

    Danube Bike and Boat

     Tour Photos Dates & Prices 

  • Dates

    MS SE-Manon

    Jun 21, 28; Jul 5, 26; Aug 2, 9, 30; Sep 6, 13, 20, 2024.

    MS Prinzessin Katharina

    Apr 13, 27; May 11, 25, Jun 1, 8, 15; Jul 13, 20; Aug 17, 24; Sep 28; Oct 5, 2024.

    Season A: Apr 13, 2024 - Apr 20, 2024, Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024
    Season B: Apr 27, 2024 - May 04, 2024, Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024
    Season C: May 11, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024

    Prices

    MS SE-Manon

    Per person, double occupancy
    Main deck, standard cabin €1149
    Middle deck, standard cabin €1399
    Upper deck, standard cabin €1599
    Single use cabin (1 person/1 cabin)*
    Main deck, standard cabin €1725
    Middle deck, standard cabin €2100
    Upper deck, standard cabin €2400

    *Limited number of double cabins available for single use.

    MS Prinzessin Katharina

    Per person, double occupancy Season A Season B

    Season C
    Main deck, standard cabin, front/astern* €799 €899 €999
    Main deck, standard cabin €949 €1049 €1149
    Upper deck, standard cabin €1149 €1249 €1349
    Single use cabin (1 person/1 cabin)
    Main deck, standard cabin €1249 €1349 €1449
    Upper deck, standard cabin €1449 €1549 €1649

    * Engine and generator noise may be noticeable when in motion

    Triple cabin available upon request on upper deck, please contact us for more details.

    Bike Rentals

    Standard touring bike, 7-speed with hand brakes €89
    Electrically assisted bikes €199

    Included services

    • 7 nights accommodation in booked cabin style
    • Daily cleaning of cabins
    • Change of towels and bed linen if requested
    • Program as mentioned in the itinerary
    • Full board: 7x breakfast, 6x lunch snack on board (non-cyclists) or packed lunch for cyclists, 6x afternoon coffee break, 6x 3-course-dinner and 1x farewell-dinner with farewell-drink
    • Welcome by the captain and cocktail
    • Daily informational meeting
    • Route book and information pack (1 set per cabin); GPS tracks (upon request)
    • Tour guide on board (does not cycle with you)
    • Port fees and passenger fees

    Please note that special dietary needs can be accommodated upon request. Extra fees may apply. Please inform us when booking your tour.

    Bike rentals

    Bikes available on this tour (not included in tour price, must be reserved at time of booking):

    • Unisex 7-speed bike with step-through frame, either hand-brake OR hand-brake and pedal-brake (subject to availability)
    • Electrically assisted bikes (limited number, upon request)*
    • Bike rental includes rental insurance

    *More about electrically-assisted bikes >

    Please note, you may bring your own bike with a surcharge of €29 (on request, limited available space)

    Equipment available:

    • Water repellant saddle bag
    • Water repellant handlebar bag
    • Repair kit with spare tube
    • Pump
    • Lock
    • Lighting system
    • Mudguard

    Pedals:
    The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.

    Helmets:
    We recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes or plan to purchase one upon arrival. Helmets are not available for purchase on board. Helmets are compulsory for children under 13 years old and for all cyclist in Slovakia outside towns.

    It is also recommended that you bring a high-visibility vest. High-visibility vests are compulsory in Slovakia and Hungary in poor visibility and at night.

    Tour Company

    Danube Bike and Boat

     Daily program Route Map 

  • Route Map

    Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.

    Danube Bike and Boat

     Dates & Prices Tour Reviews 

  • Reviews

      Write a review

    • ★★★★★ Brian Bronson August 4, 2022

      Far exceeds expectations

      What a deal. 8days 7 nights w attentive staff. Amazing biking. Great food. Fun times. Would love to do it again w other friends. Highly recommend for a wonderful time on the Danube.

      What was the date of your tour?
      July 2022
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • ★★★★★ Hugh Larkin August 4, 2022

      2 Bucket list items completed

      We have wanted to do a bike & boat tour as well as a bike tour along the Danube for many years (we previously did multi-week self-supported bike tours). In 2019, we thought we would be doing the latter for 2020, but a virus shut down everything. Even after the shutdown, BikeTours.com kept us informed and motivated about bike touring once a normalcy to life returned.

      In late 2021, when we could see travel was resuming, we began to look at various tours offered and found the Passau-Budapest-Passau boat & bike tour that fit very nicely into our developing "2022 grand Europe tour".

      BikeTours personnel quickly responded to all questions we had which made the booking extremely easy. And they and the tour operator provided us all the booking info before we departed for europe over a month before we were to experience this event.

      Once in Passau, and aboard ship (we were able to board early), we were able to unpack and relax. Our rented e-bikes were like new and were pre-adjusted to our heights. Instructions regarding operation and charging were clearly given.

      At all times, the crew was very courteous and helpful, which was extremely appreciated as we were the only "native-english" speakers onboard. The food was excellent and plentiful, and we appreciated the vegetarian options provided.

      Every day's itinerary was clearly provided, including detailed maps. The bikes worked wonderfully and provided us an opportunity to try an e-bike. We enjoyed the extra guided excursions into Bratislava and Vienna.

      Disembarking the Prinzessin Katherina was also painless. Before reaching Passau, the crew made taxi arrangements for us and many others. Hard to beat service like that!

      Overall, we had a wonderful tour. Plus we ticked off 2 b-list items. We are now wondering what will be our next BikeTours.com tour!

      What was the date of your tour?
      June 2022
      How many tours have you completed?
      12 (2 weeks to 4 months long)
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • ★★★★★ Nitronan September 4, 2019

      Good trip

      Boat crew was fantastic, cruise director was a hoot. Very accomodating.

      What was the date of your tour?
      August 19-26, 2019
      How many tours have you completed?
      1
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • ★★★★★ antovince June 29, 2019

      Fun trip!

      What was the date of your tour?
      June 10-17, 2019
      How many tours have you completed?
      3
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 4/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 3/5 Ease of navigation
      • 3/5 Tour documents
      • 4/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection
      • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • ★★★★★ Jan 2018 September 24, 2018

      Beautiful bike tour through Austria !

      Our room on the ship had a broken thermostat so we were freezing most of the time...the food was good but we wanted more green veggie salads..the tour guide was very hard to understand, but the bike baths were smooth and mostly flat, so the biking through little villages was unforgettable!!!

      What was the date of your tour?
      Sept. 10-17
      How many tours have you completed?
      0
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      No
      • 3/5 Value
      • 3/5 Included meals
      • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 3/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 3/5 Ease of navigation
      • 3/5 Tour documents
      • 4/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection
      • 3/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • ★★★★★ TJ8387 September 17, 2018

      My favorite way to travel!

      I loved this tour! The bikes and cycle routes were great. The food was very good but unfortunately the the dining room on the boat was SO HOT that we could not enjoy our dinners. Thank goodness each stateroom had its own air conditioner. Fellow cyclists were very friendly and always willing to help if needed. Our guide seemed angry when people asked questions and responded in an aggressive manner (which made people hesitant to ask questions). We were told that there was internet on the boat in Austria but it was non-existent ... so it would have been better to advertise that there is NO WiFi.

      What was the date of your tour?
      July 21-28
      How many tours have you completed?
      3
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 4/5 Value
      • 4/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 3/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • ★★★★★ Thom October 25, 2016

      Lovely trip on the Danube River with biking to keep us in shape!

      A great trip to four cities and capitals in Eastern Europe. Comfortable accommodations, friendly staff, good meals, easy biking. Weather was chilly and grey at this time of the year. The Danube is NOT blue if the sky is grey and it is drizzling!

      What was the date of your tour?
      Oct 1-8, 2016
      How many tours have you completed?
      4 European bike trips
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 4/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 4/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection
    • ★★★★★ Medium October 18, 2016

      Very good trip with a couple glitches.

      A week can only touch on the highlights of what the Danube has to offer for bikers, and this tour accomplished that, leaving us with ideas for more in-depth exploring. The boat was fine, the meals were good and the crew was great, but the WiFi access was almost nonexistent; had to go to Starbucks or other coffee houses in cities to check email. The cruise director was a last minute replacement with insufficient English to answer most questions... a nice guy but not well organized. Fortunately, the routes had been well planned, though the slide shows provided scant info, so we could have benefitted from a handout each day describing the route specifics, sites of interest and perhaps suggestions on restaurants.

      What was the date of your tour?
      1-8 Oct 2016
      How many tours have you completed?
      6
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 4/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 4/5 Scenery
      • 3/5 Ease of navigation
      • 2/5 Tour documents
      • 3/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection

    Danube Bike and Boat

     Route Map Book This Tour 

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