Bike and Barge
Danube Cycle Path
- AT056 / Austria, 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
- 8 days
-
- round tour Passau - Vienna - Passau
- Full board included
Highlights
A journey that allows you to capture the nostalgic impressions of the Danube, which for centuries enchanted painters, writers, musicians. Easy and pleasant biking stops along the world's most famous cycle path and atmospheric stretches aboard a luxury floating hotel await you.
- Passau, the city of three rivers
- The Wachau valley, with its terraced vineyards and apricot orchards
- Vienna, a cosmopolitan capital with a rich cultural scene
What awaits you
The Danube Cycle Route from Passau to Vienna is one of Europe's most popular bicycle routes because of a number of amenities that are offered along its route and because of the ease of the route: it is completely flat and allows you to ride on paved bicycle paths or low-traffic lanes.
The signage is so precise that the hard part will be getting lost. Besides, you will always have the Danube beside you to show you the way. And if one day you don't feel like pedaling you can easily stay in the boat!
Accommodation
Overnight accommodations are provided aboard a riverboat, a real 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 last detail to ensure you have an unforgettable stay. At dinner and in moments of relaxation, the chefs and crew accompany you in a whirlwind of flavors and fragrances. The cabins have private bathrooms and air conditioning.
1. Arrival and embarkation in Passau
Your boat will be waiting for you from 4 p.m. and by 5 p.m. at the pier in Passau, a city in Germany at the confluence of three rivers: the Inn, Ilz and Danube. If you have time left for a stroll, we recommend a visit to the city cathedral, which houses the world’s largest organ, and the immense Veste Oberhaus fortress, from which there is a splendid view of the city. After embarking, leave Passau and begin your cruise on the Danube.
2. From Engelhartszell to Brandstatt
Today straight into the saddle to explore the countryside and quiet villages along the Danube. The aroma of grilled fish invites you to stop for a break at small taverns along the bike path. And don’t forget to stop at Schlögen, where the Danube draws a beautiful bend, making this section one of the most beautiful on the entire route.
3. Bike ride to Linz, capital of Upper Austria
Ride your bike again until you reach the capital of Upper Austria, Linz. Visit the baroque-style old town with its main square and cathedral, the largest in all of Austria. You can also opt for a visit to the house where Mozart composed the Linzer Symphonie, or a relaxing stroll through the Botanical Garden, with more than ten thousand species of plants. If you like technology, don’t miss a visit to the ARS Electronica Centre museum!
4. Arrival in the Austrian capital
Today you approach Vienna, and before you enter it you catch a glimpse of the imposing baroque-style Klosterneuburg Monastery. Reach Kahlenbergerdorf, a village surrounded by vineyards that is definitely worth a visit, not least because of its typical taverns and wine cellars. Finally reach Vienna in the afternoon, where you have time to explore its historic center.
5. Dedicated to discovering Vienna
Today you have a full day to explore the Austrian capital, with the imperial Hofburg, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the sumptuous Ringstrasse with its opera, theater and city hall. And, why not, you can treat yourself to a ride on the giant Prater Ferris wheel!
6. Across the Wachau to Krems or Melk, with its baroque abbey
Today you ride through orchards, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins to the baroque town of Durnstein, whose blue pinnacle is a symbol of the Wachau. In Spitz, one of the best-known villages in the Wachau, you can take a moment to enjoy a good glass of wine, surrounded by a unique landscape declared a World Cultural Heritage Site.
7. From the medieval town of Grein to Mauthausen
After breakfast, your stage begins from the medieval town of Grein. Ride through the beautiful landscapes of the Strudengau region to Clam Castle, which is definitely worth a stop. You can also take the opportunity to visit the Celtic village of Mitterkirchen for a step back in time.
8. Return to Passau and disembarkation
Enjoy the last stretch of navigation to Passau, where disembarkation takes place from about 11:00 am. We recommend that you do not book any transportation to return before 12 noon.
- 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
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 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
- route description
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
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”
- 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 for children up to 14 years old, but we recommend wearing it and bringing your own.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single cabin/room
- Guided tour with bike guide (in English)
You can only book the international group tour on the following departures: 31/05, 20/09. - 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 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
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
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: 175 km
- Terrain: 90% tarmac, 10% unpaved
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
- 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
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.
Barbara
Published: 06 Sep 2024
Rita
Published: 09 Aug 2024
Silvia
Published: 09 Aug 2024
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