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Danube: Danube Experience | Iron Gates

Travel through 6 countries
Passau Round tour.
From €2349 p.p.
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Danube: Danube Experience | Iron Gates

Highlights of this tour

Come with us on an adventure-packed boat and bike tour through 6 countries and widely differing cultures that reveals the beauty of the majestic Danube river in all its glory. Discover the breath-taking natural scenery of the Iron Gates, one of the most spectacular gorges in Europe, the vast expanse of the Pannonian plains, cycle through the Danube Bend in Hungary and the breadbaskets of Croatia and Serbia, through idyllic wine-growing regions and past commanding fortresses high above the river. Visit Belgrade, the “white city”, fall in love with bewitching […]

Travel through 6 countries in 15 days

Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, & Belgrade

Almost 400 km/ 250 miles

Ship with max. 150 passengers

Guidance
  • Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
  • Independent cycling: No tour leader, the ships’ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling
guidance Independent cycling Guided cycling
Difficulty
  • Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain
  • Level 2: quite easy tours, mostly flat terrain
  • Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain
  • Level 4: for experienced cyclists, hilly terrain with climbs
Difficulty level 1 Difficulty level 1
Duration of the tour.
tijd2 Created with Sketch.
15 days

About this tour

Come with us on an adventure-packed boat and bike tour through 6 countries and widely differing cultures that reveals the beauty of the majestic Danube river in all its glory. Discover the breath-taking natural scenery of the Iron Gates, one of the most spectacular gorges in Europe, the vast expanse of the Pannonian plains, cycle through the Danube Bend in Hungary and the breadbaskets of Croatia and Serbia, through idyllic wine-growing regions and past commanding fortresses high above the river. Visit Belgrade, the “white city”, fall in love with bewitching Budapest, the “Paris of the East”, marvel at the baroque palaces in the picturesque Old Town of Bratislava and let yourself be carried away by the elegant charm of Vienna, the city of the waltz.
Scenic and cultural highlights, excellent food and a crew that caters to your every whim, guarantee that your cycling holiday will be a unique and unforgettable experience.

Highlights:
– The four capital cities along the Danube: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade
– The mighty canyon of the Iron Gates National Park is the highlight of this cycling holiday
– Kalocsa, the “Paprika Capital” and center of folk art
– The commanding citadel Petrovaradin
– Novi Sad, the magnificent capital of the Vojvodina
– The basilica in Esztergom, the biggest church in Hungary
– The Drava-Nemzeti National Park
– The picturesque countryside of the Danube Bend
– The fabulous Wachau region with its vineyards and castles

Individual bicycle tour: You´ll receive a detailed roadbook with maps and information to the routing on board. You do not cycle in a group – you cycle individually in your own tempo and are therefore able to time your day to your needs. Only the schedule gives you a time frame.
Guided tours: possible on all dates, a supplement is charged.

The ship – Your sailing hotel
In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own if you mention it when booking.

 

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Day to day program

Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.
When guests prefer a day of rest, they can skip the bike tour and relax on board while cruising to the next town..
The planned itinerary is subject to change due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, etc.

Day 1: Passau

Embarkation 4 p.m. in Passau; departure is at 5 p.m. Enjoy a final view of the beautiful city of Passau as you glide serenely into the sunset, past dark green forests before entering the lock at the Jochenstein power plant on the border between Germany and Austria.

Day 2: Great Loop | Engelhartszell – Aschach, approx. 42 km/26 mi.

Your first day’s cycling begins with a ride through the classic scenery of the ‘Great Loop’ Donauschlinge – one of the most beautiful sections of the Danube. Along the way you will encounter tiny villages and cozy cider taverns. In Austria’s only Trappist monastery at Engelhartszell you can taste their delicious liquors and cheese. The famous ‘Schlogener View’ provides a wonderful panorama of the surrounding Austrian countryside. At the charming village Aschach you go aboard the barge and sail into the beautiful sunset.

Day 3: Devin – Bratislava, approx. 15 – 43 km/9 – 25.8 mi.

A narrow cycle path runs along the Iron Curtain from the castle ruins in Devin to the splendid palace of Schloss Hof, which boasts one of the most magnificent baroque gardens in Europe. There follows a stretch of untouched countryside and a short time later, you arrive in the vibrant city of Bratislava. Our miniature train tour of the Slovakian capital in which Hungarian kings were once crowned (optional) begins with a glorious view from the fortress perched on a hill overlooking the city and ends with a walk through the beautifully restored historic city center.

Day 4: Budapest | Excursion to Szentendre approx. 27-54 km/16.2-32.4 mi. (or day of rest)

Breathtakingly beautiful is the entrance to Budapest with a view of the city’s most famous buildings. During a city tour (optional) you will discover the Danube metropolis or take a detour to the charming artists’ town of Szentendre (the route can be shortened by train). In the evening, you can explore the Hungarian metropolis on your own or enjoy the view of the festively lit Parliament from the sundeck.

2023: Get a taste of the fiery Hungarian temperament at a Hungarian folklore show with traditional music and folk dance accompanied by wine and hearty local food (optional).

Day 5: Baja – Mohacs, approx. 37 km/22.2 mi. 

From the quiet baroque town of Baja that is famous for its fish soup, you’ll cycle along the flood protection dykes in the Gemenc floodplain, through sleepy river landscapes past fields of sunflowers. At the end of today’s stage, you take the ferry to the little town of Mohacs, Hungary’s most southerly town on the Danube and famously the site of two battles with the Ottoman Turks.

Day 6: Belgrade (day or rest)

Explore the fun-loving Serbian capital at the confluence of the Save and the Danube by bike or bus, take a journey in time from the past to the present and learn about the rise and fall of Yugoslavia (optional). In the evening, Belgrade is bathed in a sea of light. Visit the famous artists’ quarter “Skadarlija”, where in the countless taverns typical local specialties are served to spirited folk music.

Day 7: Cataract Canyons / Iron Gates National Park (day of rest)

Experience the stunning fjord-like landscape at close quarters from the ship’s deck. The river cuts through the Romanian Carpathian mountains and the mighty foothills of the Balkan mountain range. A spectacular landscape with steep gorges, dark forests with historic monuments and impregnable fortresses on the shores that are reflected in the blue waters of the river: this miracle of nature will take your breath away!

Day 8: Novi Sad – Ilok, approx. 48 km/28.8 mi. 

The imposing Petrovaradin fortress perches high above the provincial capital of the Vojvodina. After cycling upstream along a flat cycle path you take a ferry to reach the gentle foothills of the Fruska Gora, with its orchards, vineyards and idyllic farming villages. Everything in the medieval town of Ilok revolves around wine. A stroll train will take you to the old wine cellar (1450), where you will taste through the most famous wines of the region. In some cases, a Tamburizza group will accompany us through the evening (optional).

Day 9: Batina – Mohacs, approx. 42 km/25.3 mi. 

You are in the border triangle and cycling through the endless expanse of the Batschka (the territory of the Danube Swabians). Small, dreamy farming villages, bright yellow rape fields and endless agricultural areas line your way from Croatia via Serbia to Hungary. Farmers cheerfully wave from their fields, and every now and then a horsedrawn wagon crosses the road. The alternative route leads through the untouched nature of the Dunav-Drava-Nemzeti Nations Park. On the roofs of the farmhouses nest numerous white storks, for which even a separate museum has been established. On your way to Mohacs, Hungary, you will pass the National Memorial commemorating the great battle of 1526.

Day 10: Kalocsa – Solt, approx. 50 km/30 mi.

Kalocsa is the “Paprika Capital” of Hungary and the character of the town is strongly influenced by colorful houses with hand-painted, bright floral patterns and the cathedral with its towers that can be seen even from a distance as they rise into the skies from the flat Hungarian plain. Visiting the Paprika Museum you’ll learn all there is to know about Hungary’s favorite spice. Continue your journey on the well-built cycle path along the flood protection dyke through the vast expanse of the Puszta. On your way to Solt, the birthplace of the famous conductor Sir George Solti, white sandbanks along the Danube bank invite you to jump into the cool water again and again. 2024: A visit to a horse farm with a riding demonstration of the famous Csikos shepherds, a farm museum and traditional handicrafts is the crowning conclusion of an eventful day (optional).

Day 11: Danube Bend – Esztergom, approx. 43 km/25.8 mi.

The Danube is framed by steep wooded hills as it flows through the picturesque, hilly landscape of the “Hungarian Wachau”. Set in the middle of the Danube, the delightful island of Szentendre radiates real puszta romance. As you continue your journey on idyllic cycle paths through picturesque villages you’ll be able to experience the Hungarian zest for life at first hand. The dome of the imposing basilica in Esztergom that sits high over the Danube can be seen from far and wide. Hungary’s largest church, with its Tuscan-style high altar and a side chapel with red marble walls is especially worth seeing.

Day 12: Vienna (Bike excursion to Klosterneuburg, Danube Island,…)

After so many action-packed days of cycling, you deserve some relaxation. Enjoy the breath-taking view of the idyllic floodplain forest of the Donauauen National Park and the impressive skyline as you sail into Vienna. Go for a ride on the Danube Island – Vienna’s favorite recreational area, cycle out to the nearby Klosterneuburg Abbey or wander through the idyllic vineyards on Kahlenberg (with magnificent views over the city and the Danube). The day ends traditionally with a concert of classic waltz and operetta music at a famous Viennese Palais (optional).

Day 13: Vienna (day of rest)

Discover Vienna: from the saddle on a guided bike tour or on your own with the HOP ON HOP OFF Bus (optional). Ride through the historic city center at a leisurely pace and see the sights from close up. The magnificent Ringstraße will remind you of times long past and inviting coffee houses will tempt you with delicious Viennese cakes and pastries. Afterwards, there’s enough time to stroll through the quaint lanes or visit the Naschmarkt, a feast for the senses. End your day in Vienna in a rustic wine tavern.

Day 14: Wachau | Krems – Melk, approx. 39 km/23.4 mi.

This final stage of your cycling tour can best be described as magical! The gentle hilly countryside of the Wachau with its picturesque villages, historic castles and palaces surrounded by apricot trees and terraced vineyards, is one of the loveliest stretches of the river. In Weißenkirchen the cycle path is lined with cosy vintner’s taverns and you should definitely treat yourself to a break here (optional wine tasting)!

Day 15: Passau

Enjoy the first rays of sun and the early-morning tranquility of the Danube valley one last time. Catch a final view of the Danube Bend at Schlögen – before you reach Passau, your heart bursting with memories and impressions. Disembarkation at approx. 11 a.m. Independent homeward travel. We recommend that you do not make any arrangements for onward connections departing before 12 a.m. To be on the safe side, later departure times would be even better.

Good to know
  • Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
  • On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
  • Tour profile, level 1-2: The cycle paths are asphalted for the most part and run through flat to lightly hilly terrain – mainly following the routing of Eurovelo 6 – via cycle paths and country roads with little traffic. Don’t feel like cycling today? You can reach your destination easily by boat.
  • Individual bicycle tours: You´ll receive a detailed roadbook with maps and information to the routing on board. You do not cycle in a group – you cycle individually in your own tempo and are therefore able to time your day to your needs. Only the schedule gives you a time frame. The cruise director explains the evening before the next cycling path in the daily briefings and inform you about the specifics and gives tips about sightseeing, possibilities to take a rest and specialties.
  • If you do not want to cycle, just stay on board and enjoy the passing landscape on the sun deck or relax in the infrared cabin. The crew is trying to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
  • In the event of extremely high or low water, the shipping company reserves the right to bridge stages by bus or even to cancel the trip at short notice without any legal claim arising therefrom (water levels are force majeure). The same applies for officially decreed repairs to locks or bridges, not announced in advance, or in the event of motor or propulsion damage to the ship without attributed fault.
    On the one hand, a riverboat is a “vacation hotel”, but on the other hand it is also a piece of working equipment that moves with engine power and has to be operated
    constantly (also at night, partly with lock and bridge passages and the resulting retraction and extension of the superstructures). Unfortunately, disruptions during the lock passages cannot be avoided. The cabins are limited in space but are nevertheless comfortable and furnished.
    Riverboats are limited in size (length, height, width) (bridge passages, locks) and therefore cannot be compared with ocean-going vessels. The cabins offer more limited space than hotel rooms, but are also comfortably equipped.

Prices & availability

To view the availability of this tour and/or book online please click on the button below. A new screen will open.


Prices & information

Pricing overview - 2024
Cabin type For all dates
Standard: Twin cabin Main deck 2 pers. € 2349 Comfort: Twin cabin Middle deck 2 pers. € 2749 Superior: Twin Upper deck 2 pers. € 3099
Included in this tour
  • 14 nights in outside cabins with private facilities and air conditioning
  • Program according to itinerary from/to Passau
  • Port charges
  • Captains greeting and Welcome cocktail
  • Daily cabin cleaning, towels and bed linen
  • Full board: breakfast buffet, lunch on board (non-cyclists) or packed lunch (cyclists), afternoon coffee break, dinner (2/3 dishes to choose from), 2023: late night snack
  • Gala-dinner with farewell cocktail
  • Board Musician
  • Tour guide on board (does not cycle with the group)
  • Daily information meeting
  • Detailed travel documents+ cycling guide App + GPS tracks per cabin
Excluded in this tour
  • Transfers to/from the docking place in Passau
  • Rental bicycle or e-bike (optional)
  • Rental bicycle helmet
  • Other transfers
  • Parking fee
  • Entrance fees & excursions
  • Drinks on board
  • Personal insurances
  • Gratuities (at your discretion)
  • SGR Insolvency protection
SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person - will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)
Bicycles/E-Bikes

21-/24-speed-tourbike:

Our bicycles are modern and high standard quality of KTM. We offer 28-Zoll-Unisex-tourbikes with deep comfort-entrance. The bikes are equipped with either 21 or 24-derailleur-gear (depending on ship) with override, caliper brakes and robust wheels. Our bicycles are mostly not older than 3 years. During the journey, you are liable for any damage, loss or theft. A corresponding bike insurance can be completed on board.

E-Bike (freewheel), available from 160 cm/ 5ft. 2:

Our electric bicycles are designed to complement your pedaling, not to replace it. They are equipped with a torque sensor that measures how hard you push on the pedals. You set a power level—from low assistance to high—and the bike gives you power in proportion to your pedaling, allowing you to ride further, faster and with greater ease and enjoyment. Torque-sensed pedal assist has been described by customers as “like magic,” a “superman (or wonder woman) sensation,” as well as “the best antidepressant ever invented”.

Own Bicycles: Own weight when loading and unloading max. 23 kg [without battery -> are (dis)assembled on land]. Batteries cannot be charged directly on the bike.

Additional options & information - 2024

2024:

  • Bike rent for 24 gear bike: € 139 per person
  • Electrically assisted-Bike: € 289 per person (only on request, available from 160 cm/ 5ft. 2, limited number of e-bikes available, early bookings strongly recommended
  • Rental bicycle helmet: € 15 (pre-booking required)
  • Own bike: €60 (in advance)
  • Own E-bike: €80 (in advance)
  • Diet: (for example lactose or gluten free diet) on request possible. Has to be requested at least 14 days before the departure date. Please bring your own special diet products.

 

  • Guided Tour (incl. cycling tour guide): € 479 p.p.. Personal attention from a dedicated guide you cycle in a small group where you explore a lot of local cultures, discover hidden sites and secret places and enjoy some delicious appetizers. Including in the price: * Cycling tour guide * Ferry ride * City tour Budapest by bus * City tour Belgrade by bus * City tour Vienna by bus * Rental helmet (adults only).
  • Excursion program: The optional excursions as mentioned in the tour details (not incl. in the tour price) can only be booked (and paid) individually or as a package at a discount on board only.

Bratislava:  City tour with the scenic train and walking tour
Budapest: City tour by bike or by Hop on Hop off bus
Belgrade: City tour by bike or bus
Ilok: City tour, visit historical wine cellar, wine tasting, Tamburica concert
Solt: Puszta Great Plain – Csikos horseshow
Vienna:
City tour by bike or bus; / Waltz & operetta concert at a famous Viennese Palais

Parking Passau
incl. shuttle transfer to/from pier
– outdoor area
€ 119
– parking garage € 135
(registration form in the travel documents or online, payable locally)

Route description/disclaimer: Itinerary and program barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons.

Minimum of participants
ship: 90 people | guided bike tour: min. 10 / max. 18 people (has to be reached 4 weeks before cruise start at the latest)

Legal notice: Boat Bike Tours is not the operator of this tour; this is a so called ‘partner tour’. Tour operator is: Rad & Reisen, Vienna (A). The tour operator is entitled to cancel the tour if the minimum number of participants has not been reached. If the tour will not take place, all deposits/payments will be fully refunded.



Reviews

based on 3 reviews on
8 Aug 2022

Robert L. Ackerman Jr.

Loved the cruise, the staff awesome. Only part that was difficult or confusing was the initial distribution of bikes . And or how to operate the bikes and the chaos on day one trying to find out what and where to go. A lot of previous travelers knew what to do. So they were helping us. The trail markings are small and we did miss a few important turns. More help and guidance would be good for individuals of first time bike and barge riders, The bar lounge was nice. The piano/ singer was boring and wouldn’t play a song request. He had his own routine . It’s ok. We still had a very fun time . Loved having a deck to hang out on and keep cool when needed . Staff on board are excellent! We will join another bike adventure for sure .

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 22 Sep 2022

Thank you very much for your positive review and rating. We look forward to welcoming you back on board in the future. Kind regards, Boat Bike Tours Team.

4 Jul 2022

Kenneth Wood

Awesome experience! Junger did an amazing job. Much work for one person! Great crew.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 21 Jul 2022

Thank you very much for your review. How nice to hear that you had a nice time on board. We really appreciate you providing us with this positive feedback. We look forward to welcoming you back on board in the future. Kind regards, Boat Bike Tours Team.

3 Jul 2022

corkyochsgmail.com

We biked up and down the Danube to the Iron Gates on the Swiss Crown and had a very good experience! The food and all the folks that prepared it and served us were outstanding! The rooms were nice and the service with them couldn’t have been better. The farther you biked into Eastern Europe the more difficult it was but I found it great fun. Our cruise director could have stressed safety more and perhaps given more directives in case of emergency. He was a little hard on Americans in my opinion. I liked him but I thought I should share that.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 21 Jul 2022

Thank you so much for your feedback. We will definitely pass it on and work on it. Glad to hear that you still had a nice trip with us. We are happy to welcome you on board in the future! Team Boat Bike Tours


Available ships for this tour

Premium Experience the higher levels of comfort, smaller groups and extra’s.
The Swiss Crown
Motor ship Swiss Crown Danube

Whirlpool/Sauna

Library

Spacious cabins

Individually controlled air conditioning

max. 135 passengers
68 cabins
3 tours available with this ship

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Danube: Danube Experience | Iron Gates

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