Bike and Barge
Danube Cycle Path
- AT055 / Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Germany
- Bike and Barge Bike and barge In the daytime by bike, in the evening on board a hotel-boat that follows the cyclists along the route. Your luggage stays in the cabin and you can stay on the boat if you don't feel like cycling. Details
- Self-guided Self-guided Travel at your own pace following maps, roadbooks and information material. When travelling, you can always count on our assistance.
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Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Comfort and accommodation
Four levels of comfort to describe the different types of accommodation.
Find out more about comfort on this trip under comfort and departures.
- Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
- 8 days
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- round tour Passau - Budapest - Passau
- Full board included
Highlights
An amazing itinerary that winds along the beautiful blue Danube River. It starts in Passau, the Bavarian town at the confluence of three rivers, and touches three national capitals: Vienna, imperial and majestic; Bratislava, a small, bustling city in the heart of Europe; and Budapest, a bridge between East and West.
- A ride on the Ferris wheel in Vienna's Prater for a breathtaking glimpse of the metropolis on the Danube
- A glass of wine at the foot of Melk Abbey
- Budapest's 128 hot springs
What awaits you
For the first section of the famous Danube Cycle Route you will ride on completely flat bike paths, and the signage is so precise that it would be difficult to get lost.
The continuation of the route, from Vienna to Budapest, is a bit more challenging. The Slovak and Hungarian part of the route is mainly on back roads where sometimes there is some traffic. There are also several ups and downs, but if you don't feel like cycling one day, staying on the boat and relaxing can be a great alternative!
Accommodation
Overnight accommodation is provided aboard a riverboat, a floating hotel ready to follow you during the biking stages and welcome you aboard in the evening. The atmosphere is comfortable and is designed down to the smallest detail to ensure that you have an unforgettable stay. At dinner, the chefs and crew treat you to a feast of flavors and aromas. The cabins have private bathrooms and air conditioning.
1. Arrival in Passau and after a short tour of the city, we set sail!
The boat will be waiting for you at the Passau pier at 4 p.m. for embarkation, followed by a cocktail reception to meet the crew. Before boarding, we recommend a walk in the city center and a visit to the cathedral, which houses the world’s largest organ. Before dinner, we set sail for Engelhartszell, home to Austria’s only Trappist monastery. We’ll have a welcome dinner during the voyage.
2. Breakfast in Austria and dinner in Slovakia: biking to explore Schlögen Bight and then by boat to Devin
Your bike route follows the meandering course of the Danube and the left bank takes you to the world-famous Schlögen Bend, surrounded by wooded slopes. The boat awaits you in charming Aschach. Overnight on the boat and navigation to Devin, Slovakia. In just two days you have touched three countries, and the adventure does not end there!
3. Riding the bike to Bratislava
On today’s ride you’ll be accompanied by the Danube, which flows between the Little Carpathian mountains and the Iron Curtain line, which once forcefully divided these lands. Nearby you will find Hof Palace, with its Baroque garden full of terraces, water features and a labyrinth. Already from the bike path, the emblem of Bratislava can be seen: the white castle that dominates the city from atop a hill. In the evening you can enjoy a walk or a short bike ride to discover the city.
4. Day of relaxation aboard the boat to reach Budapest, a city with an ancient heart, Buda, and a modern one, Pest
In the morning, the boat takes you to Budapest. Relax on the deck, from which to admire the beautiful landscapes of the Hungarian Danube. Arriving in Budapest, the elegant Central European capital, the city welcomes you with views of the Royal Palace and the spires of the Parliament building.
A sightseeing tour of the city by bus is one option, or those who want to pedal can ride to the charming city of artists, Szentendre, with its lively historic center (about 55 kilometers). In the evening, it is definitely worth visiting the Jewish Quarter.
5. Leave Budapest and pedal your way to Esztergom
Today’s ride starts from the quaint island of Szentendre, which lies right in the middle of the Danube. You’ll follow the river to plunge into wooded hills and arrive at the end of the day at the bishop’s town of Esztergom with its beautiful basilica, the largest Catholic church in Hungary.
6. Walking around Vienna, a day dedicated to sightseeing
The boat takes you to the gates of Habsburg Vienna. Among the imperial streets, you will find a renewed and vital cultural environment. The day is completely devoted to visiting the city’s many attractions: St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg, the Burgtheater, the opera, the town hall, the Prater. You can get around the city on foot, by bicycle, or by bus. In the evening, we’ll transfer to the Wachau Valley.
7. From Vienna, exploring the Wachau valley to reach Melk
The magnificent Wachau valley unfolds before you: pretty small towns among vineyards and orchards. You’ll encounter Dürnstein, with the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned, then Weißenkirchen with its parish church, and, if you like, the opportunity to sample typical regional products. Ride on to Spitz, dominated from above by the ruins of its castle, and then to Willendorf, a small rural village that became famous for the Paleolithic statuette known as the Venus of Willendorf. Finally, there is Melk, with its imposing Baroque abbey.
8. Return to Passau and disembarkation
Last morning to relax on the upper deck and admire the Schlögen Bend again before returning to Passau, with disembarkation around 11:00 a.m. We advice you to book connecting travel after 12.00 p.m.
- comfort Platinum
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available for a fee
- 140 guests, 68 cabins
Swiss Crown
- comfort Platinum
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available for a fee
- 140 guests, 68 cabins
Cozy barge sailing along the Danube. Inside, warm wood tones give it a relaxing atmosphere. The cabins are simple, but with attention to the smallest detail. Comfortable loungers and jacuzzi on the sundeck, and a wellness area with sauna and steam room are available to guests.
Delicious dishes prepared by the on-board staff can be enjoyed in the elegant dining room. View more details
Cabins
- 13 Standard cabins on the lower deck: 1 single, 7 doubles and 5 triple cabins
- 26 Comfort doubles on the middle deck
- 29 Superior doubles on the upper deck
The cabins measure 14 sq. meters and have a double bed that can be divided into two single beds. Cabins on the lower deck have small windows that cannot be opened, those on the middle deck have a panoramic window that can be opened, and those on the upper deck have a balcony.
All cabins have en suite facilities, hair dryer, TV, air conditioning and a Nespresso coffee machine.
Common areas
- elegant restaurant room
- jacuzzi and sundeck loungers
- wellness area with sauna and Turkish bath
- refined lounge area
2025
Departures on Saturday
go to online quote
- comfort Platinum
- 146 guests
- 73 cabins
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available for a fee
Vivienne
- comfort Platinum
- 146 guests
- 73 cabins
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available for a fee
Refined and spacious, Vivienne offers its guests a welcoming environment. The cabins are furnished with modern and thoughtful design. The bright panoramic restaurant is the perfect place to sample the specialties prepared in the galley on board, and in the comfortable sofas on the sundeck you can spend relaxing moments at the end of the day. View more details
Cabins
- 14 Standard doubles on the lower deck with windows which cannot be opened
- 17 Comfort doubles on the middle deck with panoramic windows which cannot be opened
- 39 Superior double cabins (27 on the middle deck and 12 on the upper deck) with French balcony
- 2 Junior Suites and 1 Master Suite on the upper deck with French balcony
Standard, Comfort and Superior cabins measure 15 sq. meters, the Junior Suite is 22 sq. meters and Master Suite measures 30 sq. meters.
Superior cabins can be located in the middle deck or upper deck and the price does not change.
All cabins are arranged with a double bed that can be divided into two single beds and have private bathroom, air conditioning, safe, telephone, TV and hairdryer.
Common areas
- elegant and refined restaurant room
- Sundeck with comfortable loungers and jacuzzi
2025
Multiple departures
go to online quote
Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation
- Sheets and towels
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
- 6 self-made packed lunches
- 7 dinners, drinks excluded
If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant or allergic to some specific ingredients/substances please indicate it at the moment of booking. A supplement applies for gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan diets (to be paid in advance).
Once on board, make sure that the kitchen staff is aware of your allergies, in order to avoid unpleasant situations.
Tour leader
- English-speaking tour leader on board
Each evening he/she gives a briefing of the next day’s stage, providing tips and information about the route and is your point of reference.
During the day you cycle independently with tracks and route descriptions provided.
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material in Pdf (Tour notes and Final tour details)
On board you will find:
- maps and route description
Assistance
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 84 days prior to departure date
- 40% from 83 to 42 days prior to departure date
- 60% from 41 to 28 days prior to departure date
- 90% from 27 to 1 day prior to departure date
- 100% no-show
Round trip
Travel to and from start and finish points not included
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “price includes”
- Drinks on board
- Entrance tickets
- Tips
The amount is up to your discretion, we suggest 5-7 % of the cost of the trip.
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent bikes and accessories from our local partner.
The helmet is mandatory. We recommend wearing it and bringing your own.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single cabin
- Guided tour with bike guide (in English)
You can only book the international group tour on the following departures: 20/04, 27/04, 18/05, 8/06, 6/07, 27/07, 24/08, 14/09, 5/10, 12/10. The supplement for the guided tour also includes a cider and wine tasting, and a guided tour of Vienna and Budapest. - Extra nights
It is possible to book extra nights in Passau before or after the tour. Rental bikes are not included in case of extra nights. - Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
The bike you rented will be waiting for you on board: serviced, adjusted to your height and ready for your tour.
Unisex touring bike
- 28” wheel
- 7/21/24 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex touring bike
- 28” wheel
- 7/21/24 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- water bottle
- repair kit
- lock
Unisex E-bike
- 28” wheel
- 8 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex E-bike
- 28” wheel
- 8 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- cycle computer
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- water bottle
- battery charger
- repair kit
- lock
Handlebar bag
Handlebar bag
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Route profile
- Level: easy
- Total length: 210 km
- Terrain: flat bicycle paths and secondary roads in Slovakia and Hungary
Embarkation
Embarkation is scheduled at 4 PM in Passau. Here you will meet the tour leader and other participants.
How to get there
Passau is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
Passau is connected with the following airports: Vienna (VIE) and Munich (MUC).
From Vienna airport (VIE):
- ÖBB train to Passau (direct or with one change, approx. 3,5 hours)
From Munich airport (MUC):
- Deutsche Bahn direct train to Passau (approx. 2,15 hours)
For an overview of prices, airlines and flight schedules we suggest rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also show options via train or bus, even for the last mile. For reliability and security, we recommend purchasing your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.
By train
For information on timetables and prices you can consult the following websites: ÖBB and Deutsche Bahn.
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Registration of documents is compulsory at check-in in hotels.
Language and time zone
The official language is German.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
Emergency numbers
112 – Common Emergency Number. This is the European emergency number which can be called in any emergency from any telephone (landline and mobile phone). Calls are free.
133 – Police Help Number
144 – Medical Emergencies
Roadside assistance: 120
122 – Fire Department
141 – Doctors (number active only in Vienna and major cities)
Electricity
The electrical net is 230 volts – 50 Hz. Type C or F power sockets.
We recommend to always carry a universal adapter for electronic devices.
Currency
The currency in Austria is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Luggage
- Bags instead of suitcases (space on board is limited)
Personal equipment
- helmet (mandatory)
- a reusable water bottle
- a holder to fix for your mobile phone on the handlebar
- a power bank
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze and low grade disinfectant
- sun glasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- padded cycling shorts
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Sustainable traveler
Per viaggiare nel rispetto dell’ambiente, dei luoghi e delle persone che ci accolgono:
- informati sugli usi e i costumi del Paese che stai visitando
- fai attenzione ai gesti, che possono assumere significati diversi o offensivi
- chiedi sempre prima di fotografare le persone
- nei luoghi di culto indossa un abbigliamento adeguato
- non lasciare traccia del tuo passaggio, non abbandonare rifiuti
- non raccogliere “souvenir” da ambienti naturali protetti e siti archeologici
- cerca sempre di seguire i sentieri, non disturbare gli animali e non danneggiare le piante
- non sprecare acqua ed energia, risorse preziose per tutto il pianeta
- rispetta le regole stabilite dai proprietari delle strutture ricettive
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
-
Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
- Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered – previously not announced – repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the boat’s captain.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
Paola
Published: 12 Aug 2024
Sandra
Published: 19 Jul 2024
Marialuisa
Published: 11 Sep 2023
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