Danube Bike and Boat

Self-guided Lifestyle Cycling Tour from $1,736 NZD

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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. Get great views by bike of the grand cities of Passau, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.

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
  • This tour departs Sunday from 15 April to 07 October
  • EUR60 pp upper deck
  • EUR400 single room surcharge below deck
  • EUR490 single room surcharge upper deck
  • EUR50 bike hire
  • EUR105 e/bike
  • This tour is invoiced in EUR
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austria

Danube Bike and Boat 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!

Easy Tours

Easy tours 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, an easy tour is a great option. Routes chosen will be easy and often ridden entirely at your own pace. The biking is suitable for most families.

Fitness Required

An average level of fitness is required. We recommend exercising at least once a week prior to the tour.

Full Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival Day: Passau

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', the MV Theodor Korner, at Passau at 5 pm. A welcome cocktail and dinner with live music are in store this evening.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 2

Engelhartszell to Aschach to Vienna

Cycling: approx. 40 km

We begin our ride today from Engelhartszell, Upper Austria, where we head towards the 'Great Loop'. While cycling, you'll encounter small villages and cozy must-see taverns. You'll board your floating hotel again in the charming village of Aschach.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3

Vienna to Bratislava

Cycling: approx. 55–75 km

Before the boat arrives in Vienna itself, experience nature on Vienna's doorstep at the Danube-Auen National Park. The park, the largest remaining floodplain in central Europe, is a 'green belt' between Vienna and Bratislava, and hosts many endemic plants and animals. In the evening, you may choose to explore eclectic Bratislava, Slovakia's capital city. Discover its hidden alleys and imposing architecture ranging from medieval times to the 21st century.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4

Budapest

Cycling: distance travelled is individual's choice

A panoramic view of the Danube unfolds this morning, culminating in your arrival in Hungary's great capital, Budapest. The approach offers stunning views, as many of Budapest's best attractions are right by the shore. Margaret Island, in the middle of the Danube in Central Budapest, is ideal for exploring by bike. Its market hall — known as 'the stomach of Budapest' — also has gorgeous handcrafts. An optional night tour reveals Budapest's beautiful lights.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5

Visegrad to Esztergom

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 Vác, influenced by the architects of Austrian empress Maria Theresa. The shorter route leads to Esztergom with its gorgeous basilica — Hungary's largest Catholic Church.

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 ends impressively with a Waltz and Opera Concert at the Hofburg (optional), or at a wine tavern.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7

Krems to Melk

Cycling: approx. 36 km

Today you'll pass quaint towns, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins along sloping hills. This is pure biking bliss! In Spitz, comfy wine taverns line your path. Perhaps time for a well-deserved break? You'll need to walk your bike through Dœrstein's narrow alleys. King Richard the Lionheart was an involuntary guest here in medieval times. Last, you'll reach Melk, famed for its Benedictine monastery. This evening enjoy a gala farewell dinner and folklore show just for you, from your crew.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8

Departure Day: Passau

No cycling

You'll arrive at Passau in the late morning, rested, relaxed and in good spirits after your fun night on board. Disembarkation is at approximately 12 pm. We do however advise you to be flexible with the departure time. You'll leave with great memories of the stunning Blue Danube.

Meals: Breakfast

Talk to Sandy about your Austria cycling tour!

Sandy

+64 3 982 9933

Email: reservations@globaladventureguide.com

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions:

Tour Includes:

  • 7 nights in external cabins with air conditioning
  • Welcome cocktail
  • Daily cabin cleaning
  • Full board: breakfast, packed lunch, afternoon coffee
  • break, dinner
  • List item
  • Gala-Dinner with Farewell-Cocktail
  • Farewell-Crew-Show
  • Daily Live-Music
  • Bike rental
  • 1x detailed map and information material
  • Daily informational meetings
  • Cruise director/tour guide on board

Tour Excludes:

  • International flights and/or Travel visas (where applicable)
  • Single Supplement
  • Meals not included above
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips for guides and restaurant / hotel staff