Danube Bike and Boat Tour

Self-guided Lifestyle Bike Tour from $1,633 NZD

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8 Days
  • 2013
  • Best time to travel: May-September
  • Availability Guide:
  • Current date selected
  • Plenty
  • Limited
  • Closed or too close to departure (Call Us for options)

Boating and biking are the best ways to see the Danube's prettiest section: the 'Great Loop'.

Ride gentle paths at the foot of steep forested hills through pretty villages, markets, and even a national park. On your bike, explore of the grand cities of Passau, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest on this amazing bike tour from Germany to Hungary via Austria and Slovakia.

You'll stay on a ship appointed with sun decks, a library, and a bar. Your meals are provided, including a packed lunch for your journey every day.

Passau to Passau

Linz
  • Lifestyle
  • Grade
  • Departures most Sundays from mid April to early October
  • Some Saturday departures - ask for details
  • EUR75 pp upper deck surcharge
  • Please enquire for single cabin rates
  • Bike hire: hybrid EUR55 / e-bike EUR145
  • This tour is invoiced in EUR
  • Discounted rates apply for children under 14 yrs
  • Ask us for dates and details for the 'guided' tours
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austria



Danube Bike and Boat Tour Fitness and Preparation

Each ride on this self-guided tour is completely optional. Paths are paved, flat, and almost always by the river. The tour is suitable for children and beginners. Cycling distances vary according to your choice.

Just hop on your bike and go — the Danube's Great Loop awaits!

Grade 1 - Easy Tours

Easy tours are specifically designed to allow you to experience a new activity and culture in a relaxed environment. If you’re after a peaceful holiday with a light introductory focus on one or more activities then easy tours are a great option. Routes chosen will be easy and often ridden entirely at your own pace, suitable for families.

Fitness required

A low level of fitness is required, exercising at least once a week prior to the tour.

Full Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival Day: Passau to Engelhartszell

No cycling

Passau sits at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, in Germany by the Austrian border. The city is more than 2000 years old, and its baroque architecture was constructed by the city's Prince Bishops. Board your 'floating hotel' at Passau from 5 pm, with our departure scheduled for 6 pm. Relax with a welcome cocktail and dinner this evening as we sail downstream to Engelhartszell.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 2

Engelhartszell to Brandstatt to Hainburg

Cycling: approx. 15-44 km

Today's ride starts from Engelhartszell, which has the only Trappist monastery in Austria. We head towards the 'Great Loop' - one of the most beautiful sections of the Danube, where you'll encounter small villages and cozy must-see taverns. You'll board your boat again in the charming village of Brandstatt, from where we 'sail into the night' towards Hainburg.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3

Hainburg to Bratislava

Cycling: approx. 17–34 km

From the medieval town of Hainburg, we cycle through Austria's 'green belt' to the imposing 18th century Imperial Palace of Hof, with its lavish interior and beautifully landscaped Baroque gardens. Then we cycle along the former 'Iron Curtain' towards Slovakia's capital city, Bratislava, located at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. In the evening, you may choose to explore this city's hidden alleys and imposing architecture ranging from medieval times to the 21st century.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4

Bratislava to Budapest

Cycling: up to 40 km

Sit on the deck this morning for panoramic views of the Danube's gorgeous landscape. This gateway to Budapest features many popular places and attractions such as Margaret Island, in the middle of the Danube in Central Budapest, ideal for exploring by bike. Or the charming town of Szentendre, with its Mediterranean atmosphere. The day culminates with your arrival in Hungary's great capital, Budapest. The approach offers stunning views, as many of the city's best attractions are alongside the river. An optional night tour reveals Budapest's beautiful lights.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5

Budapest to Esztergom (The 'Danube Bend') to Vienna

Cycling: 24–57 km

The Danube bend, also called the Hungarian Wachau, is one of the prettiest parts of this journey. Our bike leg starts at Visegrad, famous for its fortress and the ruins of the former palace. You can then choose between 2 different routes: the longer one includes a side trip to the island of Szentendre and the baroque village of Vac, influenced by the architects of Austrian empress Maria Theresa. The shorter route leads to Esztergom with its gorgeous basilica — Hungary's largest Catholic Church, which overlooks the town.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6

Vienna

Cycling: optional

See Vienna's iconic attractions on a city bike tour — the Hofburg Palace, St Stephen's Cathedral, and the Ringstrasse circling the inner city. On the Ringstrasse see the State Opera House, Burgtheater (Court Theatre) and Town Hall. There's also the colourful and unconventional Hundertwasserhaus, and the ferris wheel at the Wurstelprater amusement park. Then, relax at one of the many coffee bars. The day could end impressively with a Waltz and Opera Concert at the Hofburg (optional), or at a wine tavern.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7

Vienna to Rossatz to Melk (The 'Wachau' Region)

Cycling: approx. 29-42 km

Your last biking day may just be a highlight as you pass quaint towns, apricot orchards, vineyards, castles and monasteries. A sizeable ruin looms above the small Baroque town of Durnstein, while the blue tower of the monastery is a landmark of the Wachau. Take a break at one of the many comfy wine taverns or walk your bike through the narrow alleys of Durnstein where King Richard the Lionheart was an involuntary guest in medieval times. Finally, you'll reach Melk, famed for its Benedictine monastery. Tonight is the gala farewell dinner and folklore show.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8

Melk to Passau and departure

No cycling

See the first rays of the sun as you sit on deck and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the Danube Valley. Take a last look at the Schlögener Schlinge ('Great Loop') before arriving back in Passau around midday. Disembarkation is at approximately 12.30 pm. We hope you are rested, relaxed and in good spirits and that you'll leave with great memories of the stunning Blue Danube.

Meals: Breakfast

Hi I'm Sandy

Call me if you have any questions.

Sandy

Tel: +64 (0)3 982 9933
NZ - 0800 829 933

Email: reservations@globaladventureguide.com

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions:

Tour Includes:

  • 7 nights in outside cabins (each with ensuite and air conditioning)
  • Captain's greeting and welcome cocktail
  • Daily cabin cleaning
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Gala dinner with farewell cocktail
  • Daily live music
  • 7 speed hybrid bike (option to upgrade to 21 speed or e-bike). Limited options to bring own bike
  • Information & route book (1 per cabin)
  • Daily information meetings
  • Tour guide on board (does not cycle)

Tour Excludes:

  • International or domestic flights
  • Passport and/or travel visas (where applicable)
  • Single cabin surcharge
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips for crew