Danube Delights: Cycling and Cruising in the Footsteps of Royalty

4.9/5 (23)
7 nights
26 miles/day
Self guided from EUR € 899
Countries: Austria and Germany
Rider Level: Leisure Electric bike tours Primarily bike paths Bike and boat tours

Danube Delights: Cycling and Cruising in the Footsteps of Royalty

4.9/5 (23)

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

7 nights
26 miles/day

Self guided from EUR € 899
Bike and Boat Tour aboard Swiss Crown
Countries: Austria and Germany

Tap above to jump to different sections of this tour

  • Gain lasting impressions of the inspiring Danube River region

    It was in Passau - the 'City of Three Rivers' - that Sisi began her journey along the Danube as a young bride to Vienna, where she was eagerly awaited by the Emperor Franz. Follow in the footsteps of this Austrian empress by bicycle and on a nostalgia ship as you discover breathtakingly beautiful river scenery, replete with sleepy villages, inspiring castles, and grand palaces set in gorgeous countryside.

    You'll enjoy warm German and Austrian hospitality at every stage of your cycling tour. The Danube region is a gourmand’s paradise, famous for its cakes, pastries, and other irresistible culinary treats. After Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, and apricot dumplings, it’ll be much easier to burn up the miles... Wines from the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Landscape of Wachau enjoy an international reputation.

    Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, is home to the largest church in the country. And then there’s Vienna - enchanting, charming, and perhaps slightly eccentric. The 'City of Dreams' will capture your heart in an instant, where magnificent buildings from the Imperial Age bear witness to the impressive history of times gone by.

    Immerse yourself in the treasures of this city, as well as all the towns and villages along the way, as you gain the finest impressions of the Danube River region.

    This tour must meet a minimum of 90 passengers 4 weeks prior to cruise start.

    A guided package is available on Jun 10, Jul 8, Sep 23, 2023 (minimum 10 participants). This upgrade includes a guide and additional experiences along the tour route. You'll cycle in a small group guided by a local tour guide who's familiar with the region. Explore local cultures, discover hidden sites and secret places, and enjoy some delicious appetizers. Please see the Included Services for details.

    • Schnitzel is a favorite here! Mark Konig@Unsplash
    • Linz, Upper Austria, Austria. CC:Jorge Franganillo
    • The famous Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna, Austria. CC:Bwag
    • Wachau Valley near Dürnstein, Lower Austria. CC:Lonezor
    • Passau, the 'Three River City', Germany. Nayan Badolla@Unsplash
    • Donaulände and Old town of Passau, Germany. CC:Aconcagua
    • Passau, Germany. Ramitay Yem@Unsplash
    • Dürnstein, Lower Austria.

    View more photos

    Highlights

    • Passau, 'City of Three Rivers'
    • Schlögener Donauschlinge - the 'Great Loop'
    • Cultural capital of Linz
    • World Cultural Heritage Site of Wachau
    • Vienna, 'City of Dreams'

    Learn More

    Learn more about self-guided tours.

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

  • CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Wachau Valley vineyards, Austria. CC:Lonezor' data-type='image'> Wachau Valley vineyards, Austria. CC:Lonezor
    CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Stephansdoms, Vienna, Austria. CC:Bwag' data-type='image'> Stephansdoms, Vienna, Austria. CC:Bwag
    CC-BY-SA-2.0 - Linz, Upper Austria, Austria. CC:Jorge Franganillo' data-type='image'> Linz, Upper Austria, Austria. CC:Jorge Franganillo
    CC-BY-SA-4.0 - The famous Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna, Austria. CC:Bwag' data-type='image'> The famous Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna, Austria. CC:Bwag
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Wachau Valley near Dürnstein, Lower Austria. CC:Lonezor' data-type='image'> Wachau Valley near Dürnstein, Lower Austria. CC:Lonezor
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Donaulände and Old town of Passau, Germany. CC:Aconcagua' data-type='image'> Donaulände and Old town of Passau, Germany. CC:Aconcagua
    CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Linz, Austria. CC:Thomas Ledl' data-type='image'> Linz, Austria. CC:Thomas Ledl
    CC-BY-SA-4.0 - Wachau Valley along the Danube in Austria. CC:Bwag' data-type='image'> Wachau Valley along the Danube in Austria. CC:Bwag
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Passau, Lower Bavaria, Germany. CC:Aconcagua' data-type='image'> Passau, Lower Bavaria, Germany. CC:Aconcagua
    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

    Traveler photos

    • Along the Danube (photo by Debby Schlesinger)
    • In the town of Linz, Austria (photo by Debby Schlesinger)
    • On the Danube locks. (photo by Debby Schlesinger)
    •  (photo by Steven Harrell)
    •  (photo by Steven Harrell)
    •  (photo by Steven Harrell)
    • After crossing the "border" to Slovakia, the Palace of Hof was directly on the bike route with very clear directions. It's a beautiful and well-maintained facility. (photo by Chippy)
    • Photo 1 (photo by Jaya)
  • Daily program

    Day 1: Arrival in Passau
    The 'Bishop City' of Passau, close to the Bavarian/Austrian border, is also known as the 'City of Three Rivers'. Prior to boarding, use your free time and stroll through the charming city center, visiting the world's largest church organ in St. Stephan's Cathedral, and enjoying the easy atmosphere of a typical Bavarian beer garden. Begin boarding at 4:00 pm, with your holiday beginning soon after as you sail into the sunset and watch Passau's magnificent silhouette of church towers and domes fade into the horizon behind you.

    Day 2: Engelhartszell – Brandstatt (28 miles/45 km)
    Breathe in the fragrance of the dense forest and freshly mown meadows. Today you'll explore the pristine countryside of the Upper Danube valley, riding along the former towpath which winds through gorgeous sleepy villages. Small rustic inns along the trail's edge invite you to linger as the aromas of fresh fish, grilled on sticks according to tradition, are carried on the breeze. The Schlögener Blick observation point offers a truly stunning view of the Schlögener Schlinge, where the Danube carves its way through a gorge and doubles back on itself.

    Day 3: Brandstatt – Linz (16 miles/26 km)
    Catch some fresh country air again this morning before you reach the Upper Austrian capital of Linz around lunchtime. The European Capital of Culture 2009 can be discovered on a miniature train (optional)! The cathedral at Linz is the largest in Austria, whilst the Pöstlingbergbahn is the steepest adhesion railway in the world. Curious about the future? Discover the ARS Electronica Museum, where you can try out some of the most impressive examples of modern technology yourself. Be sure not to miss it!

    Day 4: Tulln – Vienna (19 miles/31 km)
    Right in front of Vienna's entrance, embedded in breathtaking scenery, you'll take in the full majesty of the colossal Klosterneuberg Abbey. You'll have already caught sight of the impressive dome of this 900-year-old baroque building from a distance. 'Kahlenbergerdorf', with its cozy wine taverns, is just a short hop from the shipping pier and certainly worth a visit. After a stroll through the vineyards, you can enjoy the panoramic view over Vienna. During a city tour by bus in the afternoon, you'll pass most of the city's world-famous sights and enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic city center (optional, not included).

    Day 5: Vienna (rest day)
    During a city tour by bike or bus (optional), you will experience Vienna's most famous examples of architecture: the imperial Hofburg, St. Stephen's Cathedral, the gorgeous Ringstrasse Boulevard and the State Opera House, the Burgtheater and Town Hall, and, of course, the colorful Hundertwasserhaus. There is enough time in the afternoon to stroll or to visit one of the famous Viennese cafés for a slice of 'Sachertorte'. The evening can wind down in numerous ways, for example, by visiting a waltz and opera concert at a famous Viennese palace (optional).

    Day 6: Wachau / Krems - Melk (23 miles/37 km)
    An unforgettable day in the picturesque Wachau region awaits you. Cycle through delightful wine-growing villages surrounded by terraced vineyards and apricot trees. The charming little town of Dürnstein, with its narrow lanes, is an absolute highlight. In Weißenkirchen – the most important wine-growing village in the World Cultural Heritage Landscape – you can discover the first-rate Wachau wines.

    Day 7: Grein – Mauthausen (22 miles/36 km)
    A beautiful and varied route lies ahead of you. Start the day with some time to enjoy the little medieval town of Grein with its Baroque facades, imposing castle, and the oldest municipal theater in Austria. Continue on as you explore the idyllic hinterland of the Strudengau by bike: the Celtic village of Mitterkirchen, the Baroque monastery of Baumgartenberg, and the romantic ruins of Burg Clam Castle. Additionally, you can visit the Celtic Village in Mitterkirchen which will transport you back in time. You will have time in the afternoon to visit the Mauthausen Memorial, a WWII concentration camp memorial site which is situated on a hill near the town.

    Day 8: Passau and departure
    Enjoy the first sunbeams and the peaceful silence of the Danube Valley on deck before you arrive, relaxed, at Passau. Disembarkation at approximately 10:30 am. Connecting travel should be booked after 12:00 pm.

    Don't want the adventure to end? Consider taking a cycling day tour in Vienna or Munich.

    Optional excursion programs (bookable on board, not included in the tour package):

    • Grien visit & Austria's oldest theater
    • Vienna city tour by bike or bus
    • Vienna – waltz and operetta music concert in the Schönbrunn Palace
    • Linz city tour by Linz City Express
    • Wachau wine tasting with local wine grower

    Surface and terrain

    The cycle route is completely flat, at times on a gentle downhill slope, and is ideal for children and bikers with less experience.


    Boats


    How to get there

    Tour start and end
    Nearest airport Munich, Germany
    Nearest train station: Passau, Germany

    Private transfers are available from this tour operator for an additional cost. This must be arranged at time of booking.

    You can also arrange your own transfer from Munich Airport to Passau by train from nearby Freising station. They run at least once per hour, and you can purchase tickets after you arrive in Munich (about €22-28 per person). You'll need to take a 20 minute bus ride from the airport to the Freising station (they leave at 21 after each hour), connecting with a train from Freising to Passau (about 1 hour, 45 minutes). Airport signage is excellent, leading you to the bus and station.

    Tips for getting to and from your tour.


    Danube Delights

     Tour Photos Dates & Prices 

  • Dates

    Apr 27; May 25; Jun 08, 15, 22, 29; Jul 6, 13, 20, 27; Aug 17, 24; Sep 7, 21, 2024.

    Season 1: Apr 01, 2024 - Apr 30, 2024

    Season 2: May 01, 2024 - May 31, 2024; Aug 01, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024

    Season 3: Jun 01, 2024 - Jul 31, 2024, Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 30, 2024

    Prices

    MV Swiss Crown

    Per person, double occupancy Season 1 Season 2 Season 3
    Main deck, Standard cabin €899 €999 €1099
    Middle deck, Comfort cabin €1089 €1189 €1289
    Middle deck, Mini-suite €1199 €1299 €1399
    Upper deck, Superior cabin €1299 €1399 €1499
    Single use cabin (1 person/1 cabin)
    Main deck, Standard cabin €1393 €1548 €1703

    Bike Rentals

    Standard touring bike, 24-speed €89
    Electrically assisted bike €189
    Helmet €15

    Additional Services

    Guided tour (Jun 8, Jul 6, Sep 21, 2024) €209
    Transfer, per vehicle/per way, Munich City center - Passau (1-8 persons) €320
    Transfer, per vehicle/per way, Munich airport - Passau (1-8 persons) €270

    Discounts

    Child, ages 0-2 sharing a room with 2 full paying adults (on base package*) 100%
    Child, ages 3-12 sharing a room with 2 full paying adult (on base package**) 30%
    Child, ages 3-12 sharing a room with 1 full paying adults (on base package**) 10%

    *Main deck, standard and Middle deck, comfort cabin only
    **Main deck, standard cabin only

    Included services

    • 7 nights in cabin with private facilities and air conditioning
    • Port fees
    • Program according to the itinerary from/to Passau
    • Captain's greeting and welcome cocktail
    • Daily cabin cleaning, towels and linens
    • Full meals: breakfast, lunch on board (non-cyclists) or packed lunch (cyclists), afternoon coffee, dinner (2-3 dishes to choose from)
    • Gala dinner with farewell cocktail
    • Daily live music
    • Cruise director on board (doesn't cycle with group)
    • Daily informational meeting
    • Detailed route book (one per cabin), cycling guided App, and GPS tracks

    You may book the Guided Package on several dates. This upgrade includes:

    • Cycling tour guide
    • Ferry rides

    Bike rentals

    Bikes available to be rented (reserved at time of booking) include:

    • 24-speed unisex trekking bike freewheel
    • Electrically assisted bike (Pedelec)*
    • Child seat, bikes for children, bike trailer or trailer bikes

    *More about electrically-assisted bikes >

    All rental bikes are equipped with:

    • Panniers
    • Handlebar bag

    You may bring your own bike for an additional €29(standard) €39(e-bike).

    Helmets
    Helmets are not available to rent, but can be purchased on board (payable upon arrival). Please make a note on the booking form to reserve in advance. We recommend for health and safety that you either take your own helmet or plan to purchase one upon arrival. *Helmets are mandatory for children under 12.

    Bike Protection:
    Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.


    Tour Company


    Danube Delights

     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 Delights

     Dates & Prices Tour Reviews 

    • Carolyn Clubine 3 months ago

      All round awesome

      We found every detail thoughtfully handled. Gracious on board staff, excellent information for each day’s ride and great meals and accommodations.

      What was the date of your tour?
      September 22-30
      How many tours have you completed?
      6
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, 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
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • Daniela Veludo 4 months ago

      Unforgettable Danube

      Perfect way to see Bavaria and Austria, exercising safely with the bike and enjoying a very comfortable motor boat. Very good organization.

    • Debby Schlesinger November 8, 2022

      1st bike/boat tour.....best time ever.

      Touring by bike with support from boat was a wonderful way to see the countryside, experience local culture, and sightsee without having to do HOURS & DAYS of research on routes, sites worth stopping at, and logistics of lodging, and biking. The tour was a great value too. It was a wonderful way to have an active vacation....so much better than a cruise or bus tour. Really appreciated the route reviews, maps, and suggestions for the next day's route each evening. It was apparent that the routes chosen offered scenic value, as well as ease of access, and worthwhile sights to see. The crew were very helpful at getting the bikes set up for rider proportions, comfort and preferences. There were even opportunities to meet with local experts and experience a more "in depth" tour with history and background. The food was absolutely sumptuous!! Meals were expertly prepared, featured local cuisine at dinners, as well as "American" favorites at breakfast in addition to "Continental" breakfast foods. The "Picnic" lunches provided for were a bonus too. Cabin accomodations were comfortable, adequate, and served our needs well; albeit the small space. (We had a "lower deck" cabin... the most economical). That being said, there wasn't much time spent in the cabin other than sleeping, and preparing for the next day's ride. Really enjoyed the spa on the top deck to ease sore muscles & relax. Altogether, a wonderful vacation in a beautiful location.

      • Along the Danube (photo by Debby Schlesinger)
      • In the town of Linz, Austria (photo by Debby Schlesinger)
      • On the Danube locks. (photo by Debby Schlesinger)
    • Steven Harrell September 6, 2022

      Great tri[

      Great trip in every way. Weather a bit dicy on day one but we cycled nevertheless. All other days had post card perfect weather. Scenery fantastic, food on board met every expectations, boat staff very accommodating, bikes a bit aged but nothing serious, wifi on board could be improved. Met very nice, friendly, and interesting people - we were 2 of the 6 Americans on board. This was our 6th bike trip with BikeTours (first boat and bike). Original boat was MS Carissiama, but upgraded to Swiss Crown. beautiful "long boat"! Already contemplating the next trip for next year -- maybe Majorca, Spain in the spring...

      What was the date of your tour?
      Sept 2022
      How many tours have you completed?
      6
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      •  (photo by Steven Harrell)
      •  (photo by Steven Harrell)
      •  (photo by Steven Harrell)
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 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
    • Debby Schlesinger August 12, 2022

      First and most certainly NOT the LAST Bike and Boat trip.

      Food: Excellent with varied choices each evening. Sack lunch items provided for along the ride.
      Routes: Being my 1st Bike/Boat trip, I signed up for "Easy" rating. Very manageable. Appreciate electric assist. bikes. Route review each evening prior to next day's ride much appreciated. Beautiful routes through scenic areas.
      Accomodations: Small rooms, (as stated), but adequate. Appreciated a variety of areas to relax, besides room. (Top deck, "Open Air" Spa pool on top deck, Lounge).
      Convenience/Service: Excellent. Assistance with bikes: loading/unloading, set up, fine tuning. Tour director (George) ALWAYS available for questions. Servers were excellent, friendly, & considerate. Bikes/equipment available were of excellent quality.

      What was the date of your tour?
      07/09/22
      How many tours have you completed?
      This was my first!
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Much 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
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • Bryan Lee August 5, 2022

      A great way to cycle tour along the Danube through Austria.

      A great way to cycle tour along the Danube through Austria. Plenty of riding through beautiful, historic, picturesque towns and countryside during the day and to come back on board for the 5 star accommodation at night. Just enough exercise to not feel guilty going back for seconds at their magnificent buffets.

      What was the date of your tour?
      June 25th 2022
      How many tours have you completed?
      2
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 2/5 Tour documents
      • 3/5 Local tour company services
      • 3/5 Route selection
    • Rena Benor August 5, 2022

      Bike Paradise

      We absolutely loved the boat trip! Service was A++! Every single thing was taken care of! We did not have to do a thing! The bikes were taken off and on to the boat, the food was amazing! Such high quality of food, lovely waiters and waitresses! Our Host, George, was wonderful! Very friendly and helpful! We were prepped the night before on the bike course. The goodbye party was incredible and so fun!

      What was the date of your tour?
      July 2022
      How many tours have you completed?
      1
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 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
      • 4/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • NewbieBiker August 4, 2019

      Great vacation!

      Excellent way to see the Austrian countryside. Really enjoyed cycling thru each little town. The cycling was very easy with only a couple of hills during the entire week. There were a couple of times when we were on a very busy road for a short period of time, maybe a Kilometer or less but the drivers there are very accustom to cyclists. Most of the time was either on a designated bike path or country road with very few cars. The food on the boat was very good. The staff was very kind to tell us places to go or their favorite restaurant. Make sure to stop at some of the cafes while cycling and have a Knodel or other local delicacies. Don’t be intimidated by the distances to ride each day. We have never ridden more that 5 miles but found it very easy to bike the distance each day. I do recommend either biking shorts or a memory foam seat cover if you are not used to riding all day. Also recommend not getting a cabin on the bottom deck as the windows don’t open. Our only complaint was that the person giving the daily briefings on the routes was not very friendly and a couple of times the route wasn’t clearly marked. The rest of the staff was excellent.

      What was the date of your tour?
      20 July 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, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 4/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection
    • Moo6 July 26, 2019

      What was the date of your tour?
      July 13-20.
      How many tours have you completed?
      3
      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
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 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
    • Martine September 17, 2018

      Good bike trip

      It was very nice to stay on board ship the whole week instead packing up and moving every few days. Food was delicious on board.

      What was the date of your tour?
      Sept 1, 2018
      How many tours have you completed?
      This was our second
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Much easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      No
      • 3/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 3/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection
    • ohsuzanna June 30, 2018

      What was the date of your tour?
      may 5-12th 2018
      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, Families with young kids, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 3/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 4/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection
    • Jennie June 20, 2018

      Danube Impressions

      Great boat and trip. Excellent tour guide. Excellent staff.

      What was the date of your tour?
      May 2018
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, 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
      • 4/5 Scenery
      • 3/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 4/5 Route selection
    • kayak October 31, 2017

      As much as you want it to be

      This was our first experience with any kind of boat "tour" and we took it with some trepidation of it being too cushy and not offering enough activity. It proved to be the best of both.
      It combined the best aspects of a boat tour (small and intimate, exploring new places each day without having to move luggage) without the aspects we associate with a boat cruise/tour (schmaltzy events in the evening, formal dress and food events).
      We found fellow passengers to be fit, open to adventure and informal in the evening while able to share their previous world travels. The staff was gracious, attentive, and invisible when not needed. Dinner courses were presented as if at a high-end restaurant and special food needs tracked by them throughout the week. Alcohol prices were reasonable. The Cruise Director was knowledgeable and well prepared.
      Standard and ebikes were well maintained and staging meetings helpful for passengers to know the next day's' route and highlights.
      And finally, each town we in which we moored, each village and bierhouse we visited, was hospitable and accommodating.

      What was the date of your tour?
      Sept 24-30
      How many tours have you completed?
      0
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 4/5 Value
      • 4/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 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
    • Beto October 23, 2017

      Beautiful country!

      Fantastic way to discover southern Austria. Great balance between cycling and sight seeing. Boat a haven of hospitality after a day's tour.
      Friendly staff, old world charm and in our case, pleasant fellow gueste.
      Highly recomendable

      What was the date of your tour?
      7-10-2017
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 4/5 Value
      • 4/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 4/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • Chippy September 12, 2017

      Awesome Austria

      After planning this trip for over three years, I finally found my way to the Danube and it turned out fantastic. The route was well-planned with sights featured along the way. The boat was very comfortable and the crew did an amazing job cleaning the rooms and taking all the bikes on and off every day. The cruise director did a great job as well providing tips and directions for the bikers. And, the non-bikers who stayed on board were treated well with a hot meal at lunch. On most days, the schedule allowed for the bikers to catch up with the boat by early or mid-afternoon to facilitate sightseeing with the non-bikers. All in all, it was an excellent week.

      What was the date of your tour?
      26 AUG 2017
      How many tours have you completed?
      two
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • After crossing the "border" to Slovakia, the Palace of Hof was directly on the bike route with very clear directions. It's a beautiful and well-maintained facility. (photo by Chippy)
      • BikeTours.com staff reply from Jim Johnson, founder and president September 13, 2017

        Thanks very much for your feedback. I'm glad you had a great time and that the tour lived up to three years of planning and expectations! After three decades of bike touring, I still consider the Danube one of my favorite cycling regions.

      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 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
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • Booboo August 8, 2017

      New friends, new places

      Nice boat, although older. Very good meals. Great, helpful staff. Bikes we're good, all worked very well. Tour I'm Bratislava, Slovakia. We didn't research our day in Vienna very well, but we saw lots of stuff anyway. We will probably stay in touch with our dining table mates and do another trip

      What was the date of your tour?
      July 10 or so
      How many tours have you completed?
      12 or more
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, 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
    • Shub May 23, 2017

      My First Cycling Trip

      Very well organised tour. Every detail was taken into consideration and therefore there were no delays.
      The Theodor Kroner offered a very comfortable stay with excellent breakfast and dinner. The staff of the boat was very attentive and courteous which contributed immensely to the great experience on board.

      What was the date of your tour?
      06/05/2017
      How many tours have you completed?
      none
      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
      • 4/5 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
    • Jaya May 18, 2017

      A dream come true

      What was the date of your tour?
      6 may 2017
      How many tours have you completed?
      Two
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • Photo 1 (photo by Jaya)
      • 4/5 Value
      • 3/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 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
    • mammaj October 29, 2016

      I'm hooked!

      The beauty and abundance of history and culture are a given when you're touring along the Danube River. But going with bikes.com offers you an organized, convenient, and fun way to tour!
      Boating and biking combo ran the gamut of quaint to formal, lazy lounging to partying the night away.
      The ease of having my hotel room the same place each night made the trip for me...no stress!

      What was the date of your tour?
      September 25
      How many tours have you completed?
      This was my first
      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
      • 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
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • KZ2016 October 25, 2016

      Outstanding Trip

      Richie Daigle with Bike Tours did an outstanding job on our club's bike and boat trip on the Danube. We had 38 people and many of them said it was one of our best trips ever. Throughout the planning process Richie answered all our questions in a timely manner. During the trip all contracted items were as promised or better. Many of our participants said it was one of the best vacations they have ever had.

      What was the date of your tour?
      Sept 25 - Oct 2
      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, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 4/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 4/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • TexasSkier October 17, 2016

      Fabulous trip

      The number one attraction of this trip is the scenery. I was afraid that mostly flat riding through a river valley might be somewhat dull. But I was amazed at the beauty every day. I was also concerned that the rides weren't long enough to fill each day, but with the many attractions pointed out in the provided maps that was never a problem; in fact we were more likely to run out of time to do everything we wanted than we were to finish early. The boat we were on is being retired, so not much reason to comment on it except to say that it was still in pretty good shape, so if the company wants to retire it at this stage of its life, that must speak well for its replacement. The food and service onboard were excellent. Allowing us to pack a lunch from the large breakfast buffet was great as it meant we always had a good lunch with us and could decide during the day whether to stop at one of the interesting pubs along the way or have a picnic. The only conceivable complaint was with the bikes and that was extremely minor. The bikes were actually in very good shape, but some of the accessories (speedometers, bells, etc.) didn't work so well and it was difficult to find someone to get them fixed. No biggie in the greater scheme of things. Once in a while the biking directions were a little confusing, and maybe could have been communicated a little better. But at the end of the day we always made to where we were going and back to the boat, so in reality, that just added to the adventure. All-in-all just a great and very smooth running trip.

      What was the date of your tour?
      Sept 25 - Oct 2, 2016
      How many tours have you completed?
      5
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      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
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 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
    • Babiruth October 13, 2016

      Passau to Brastilava Danube cruise and bike trip

      Richie from BikeTours.com and the boat staff were just great - helpful, organized, and fun!
      The boat is older but being retired. Having said that, other than rough towels that needed replacing, and controlling the temperature in our cabin, the dining, lounge, lido deck, and entertainment were perfect. It's a laid back experience compared to the large ocean cruise ships which created a very 'family-oriented' feel. The scenery, historical sites, and biking in mainly Austria was just great - Austria is very well set-up for biking usually out of any car traffic. We so enjoyed and hope to do future biking excursions through BikeTours.com.

      What was the date of your tour?
      9/25-10/2/2016
      How many tours have you completed?
      first one
      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
      • 5/5 Value
      • 4/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 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
    • ROCKIN ROBIN October 12, 2016

      AMAZING TRIP ON THE DANUBE

      THIS BIKE AND BARGE TRIP ON THE DANUBE WAS ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC. RICHIE WAS WONDERFUL AND AVAILABLE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS. THE CREW ON OUR BARGE WAS SO ATTENTIVE AND FUN TO BE WITH. THE ONLY DRAWBACK WAS THE BARGE WAS OLDER, BUT IT IS BEING RETIRED SO ALL IS GOOD FOR THE FUTURE.

      What was the date of your tour?
      OCTOBER 2016
      How many tours have you completed?
      JUST THIS ONE
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Much harder
      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
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection

    Danube Delights

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