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Danube: Passau to Budapest and back

Waltzing along the Danube
Passau Round tour.
From €999 p.p.
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Danube: Passau to Budapest and back
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Highlights of this tour

By bike and boat from the “Bavarian Venice“ directly into the heart of the famous and glamorous former K+K monarchy Austria/Hungary. Look forward visiting three of Europe’s most charming capitals: Vienna, the metropolis of Waltz, Bratislava, the capital of coronation and Budapest, the „Paris of the East“. The bike tours lead you to the romantic „Great Loop“ (Schlögener Donauschlinge), the picturesque Danube Bend with Hungary’s largest cathedral and the legendary Wachau valley, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage with its small villages, beautiful palaces and castles. Highlights Passau […]

Cities of Vienna, Bratislava, & Budapest

Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary

Around 220 km / 135 miles

Ship with max. 170 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.
8 days

About this tour

By bike and boat from the “Bavarian Venice“ directly into the heart of the famous and glamorous former K+K monarchy Austria/Hungary. Look forward visiting three of Europe’s most charming capitals: Vienna, the metropolis of Waltz, Bratislava, the capital of coronation and Budapest, the „Paris of the East“. The bike tours lead you to the romantic „Great Loop“ (Schlögener Donauschlinge), the picturesque Danube Bend with Hungary’s largest cathedral and the legendary Wachau valley, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage with its small villages, beautiful palaces and castles.

Highlights

  • Passau at the intersection of three rivers
  • the “Great Loop” Schlögener Donauschlinge
  • UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site Wachau
  • Hungarian Danube Bend
  • the metropolises of Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest

 

On board of one of our comfortable cruise ships you enjoy an exclusive atmosphere – in the spacious, convenient cabins as well as in the stylish outdoor area. Experience the fantastic view to breath-taking landscapes – on the bike, from the pool on the sun deck, in the comfy seats of the panorama-lounge, and even during your amazing meals in the first class restaurant. This exciting bike trip will make your holiday unforgettable.

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 therefor able to time your day to your needs. Only the schedule gives you a time frame.
Guided tours: possible on some 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.

Prepare yourself for this tour with our Travel Prep-tips

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Day to day program

Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The tour details are barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons.

Day 1: Passau | Passau – Engelhartszell

Boarding time from 4.00-5.00 p.m. Located at the confluence of Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau has numerous interesting sites to visit. Use your free time and stroll through the cobblestoned old town center, listen to the bells of Passau’s Gothic Town Hall or have a look at the world’s largest Catholic Church organ in the Passau Cathedral. At 6.00 p.m. we cast off! Slowly, the dreamlike backdrop of Passau’s old town disappears on the horizon.

Day 2: Great Loop | Engelhartszell – Aschach, approx. 42 km / 25.3 mi.

Your first day’s tour 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. The boat welcomes all cyclists back on board in the charming market town of Aschach.

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

You pedal along the former ‘Iron Curtain’, cross the green line and reach the imposing Imperial Schlosshof Palace with its beautifully terraced gardens. Follow the bike path through Austria’s ‘vegetable garden’ to the coronation town Bratislava and the slopes of the Little Carpathians and discover the hidden alleyways and sights of Bratislava on an optional city tour.

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

The entrance to Budapest, Hungary’s capital is stunning. Savor the beauty of Budapest during a coach tour or a guided bike tour (optional) to discover many of the highlights of this beautiful city. You can also choose to cycle to the charming town of Szentendre with its Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art scene. 2023: You will get a very close experience of Hungarian culture at an evening Folklore show with traditional music, local appetizers and dance (optional). 2024: In the evening it is definitely worth visiting the Jewish Quarter.

Day 5: Danube bend – Esztergom, approx. 43 km/25.8 mi.

Situated in the middle of the Danube River the idyllic isle of Szentendre exudes silent Puszta romance. History, folklore and Hungarian way of life will accompany you on your way to Esztergom where the gorgeous basilica – Hungary’s largest Catholic Church – impresses its guests.

Day 6: Vienna (day of rest)

Discover Vienna’s most beautiful attractions. During a city tour by bike or bus (optional) you will experience Vienna’s most famous examples of architecture: the imperial Hofburg, St. Stephens Cathedral, the gorgeous ‘Ring’-boulevard and the State Opera House, the Burgtheater and town hall, and of course the colorful “Hundertwasserhaus”. Take time to relax in one or more of Vienna’s famous cafés, while the evening ends impressively at a classical concert (optional) at a famous Viennese Palace.

Day 7: Wachau | Krems – Melk, approx. 39 km/23.4 mi.

Your last biking day is a special highlight! A powerful ruin looms above the small Baroque town of Durnstein, while the blue spire of the monastery church is a landmark of the renowned Wachau Valley. Amidst dreamy towns, apricot trees, vineyards and castles, this hilly landscape enchants everybody who visits … you will be biking on cloud nine! In Weißenkirchen (2024: In Spitz) (possibility for wine-tasting – optional) you will find comfortable wine taverns along the bike path.

Day 8: Passau

As you cruise back up the Danube enjoy the early morning sunshine as you wind your way to Passau, where you’ll disembark at approx. 11.00 a.m. Connecting travel should be booked for 12.00 a.m. onwards.

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: The cycle route is completely flat with only slightly gradients, ideal for cyclists with less experience and children. Do not feel like cycling? Without effort you will also reach your destination by ship.
  • Individual bicycle tours: You´ll receive detailed travel documents, GPS tracks and information to the routing on board. You do not cycle in a group – you cycle individually in your own tempo and are therefor 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 notive 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.
    One the one hand, a riverboat is a “holiday hotel”, while on the other, it is also a means of transport that moves with motor power and must always be operated, even at night (partially with lock and bridge passages and the retractions and extensions of the structures caused as a result). Mistakes can happen with lock passages. This is the case for all Danube journeys and cannot be avoided.
    Please bear in mind that riverboats are restricted (bridge passages, locks) in size (length, height, width) and therefore cannot be compared with cruise liners in the sea. The cabins are limited in space but are nevertheless comfortable and furnished.

Prices & availability

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

Below you see an overview of the available (blue) dates; the yellow dot means that this date has 2 or less cabins available, orange is ‘on request’ and red means that on this date there aren’t any cabins available. Then click on the preferred date. After this, choose your ship (some tours have only one ship, and therefore there is no choice), the number of cabins in the required (and available) category, any desired additional products, and ‘local costs’ (such as special dietary needs, which you usually pay for onboard). On the right side, you’ll find the ‘Booking Summary.’ After completing your preferences and necessary information click ‘Book now’ to finalize your booking.

  • Available
  • 2 or less available
  • On request
  • Not available
Departure date -

Choose preferred ship

Please select your cabin(s)


Prices & information

Pricing overview - 2024
Cabin type For Season 1 Season 2 Season 3
Standard Twin cabin lower deck 2 pers. € 999 € 1099 € 1199 Comfort Twin cabin middle deck 2 pers. € 1319 € 1419 € 1519 Superior Twin cabin middle deck (Vivienne) 2 pers. € 1519 € 1619 € 1719 Superior Twin cabin upper deck 2 pers. € 1519 € 1619 € 1719 Junior-suite upper deck (Vivienne) 2 pers. € 1819 € 1919 € 2019 Master-Suite (Vivienne) 2 pers. € 2019 € 2119 € 2219
Included in this tour
  • 7 nights in outside cabins with private facilities and air conditioning
  • Port Charges
  • Program according to itinerary from/to Passau
  • Captain‘s greeting and welcome cocktail
  • Daily cabin cleaning, towels and bed linen
  • Full board: breakfast buffet, lunch onboard (non-cyclists) or packed lunch (cyclists), afternoon coffee break, dinner (2/3 dishes to choose), late night snack
  • Gala dinner and farewell cocktail
  • Board Musician
  • Cruise director onboard (does not cycle with the group)
  • Daily information meeting
  • Detailed travel documents, GPS Tracks + cycling tour app per cabin

 

 

Excluded in this tour
  • Transfers to/from the ship
  • Other transfers
  • Rental bicycle / E-Bike
  • Rental Helmet
  • Entrance fees & excursions
  • Parking fee
  • Drinks on board
  • Personal (travel) insurances
  • Gratuities (at your discretion)
  • Wifi
  • SGR Insolvency protection
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/ 5’3″):

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 bikes: 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
  • Rental bicycle (21/24-speed trekking bike with handbrakes): € 89 per week/person
  • Rental E-Bike: € 189 per week/person (only on request, limited number of e-bikes available, early bookings strongly recommended
  • Rental helmet: € 15, (pre-booking required)
  • Own bike: If you want to bring your own bike you have to pay €29
  • Own E-bike: If you want to bring your own E-bike you have to pay €39
  • Save on the way, helmet required in Slovakia: We advise you wear a bike helmet (in Austria children till 12 yrs are obligated to wear a bike helmet, in Slovakia all bikers are obligated to wear a helmet (except in built-up areas). Please bring your own helmet . You can also buy a helmet on board. (limited stock).

 

Additional: Guided Tour: € 299 p.p. Departure dates: VIVIENNE: May 5 and 26; June 16; July 14; August 4; September 1 and 22. 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. Included in the Guided tour price:

  • Cycling tour guide
  • Ferry crossings
  • Tasting of homemade cider at a cider producer in the Upper-Danube-Valley
  • Wine tasting with a local wine grower
  • 2x city tour: Vienna by bike, Budapest by bus
  • Bike helmet rental (only adults)
    Minimum number of participants: 10. Maximum 18 participants (has to be reached 4 weeks prior to departure date).

 

Excursion program
Optional excursions (not included in the price of your tour) can be booked individually or as a package at a discount on board only.

  • Bratislava: City tour with scenic train and walking tour
  • Budapest: City tour by bike or HOP ON HOP OFF bus / 2023: Budapest by night folklore show at a traditional Hungarian Csarda
  • Vienna: City tour by bike or by bus / Classical waltz & operetta concert in one of Vienna’s famous palaces
  • Wachau: Wine tasting with a local wine grower in Wachau Valley

 

Parking Passau
incl. shuttle transfer to/from pier
– outdoor area € 78
– Parking garage € 92
(registration form in the travel documents or online, payable locally)

Minimum of participants
ship: 90 people / guided tour: 10 people (max. 18 pers.) (has to be reached 4 weeks prior cruise start)

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 37 reviews on
14 Oct 2022

sharon urieli

It was one of the best trips I have ever been to. Great sceneries, planned perfect, best service and logistics, the bikes are well maintained, the boat and the crue just lovely. The food was excellent. The room much more spacious than I imagined. The combination between nature and cities was perfect. The amount of cycling per day did not need pre training if you are in shape but if you are untrained it might be A little tiring. The everyday explanation on the trail was accurate and we could go As A couple by ourselves. There was an option to go in A group with A guide if you want so you have all possibilities.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 14 Oct 2022

Thank you so much for such a nice review and for taking the time to write it. We are glad you enjoyed your trip and wish to see you soon.

11 Oct 2022

Dan Jacob

It was a very nice trip, well run. We will do this type of trips again.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 14 Oct 2022

We are glad to know that you had a great time, thank you for the 5-star rating. We will be happy to see you again in the near future. Best Romy

22 Sep 2022

Marty

We had a great time and the boat,food and staff were excellent.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 22 Sep 2022

Hi Marty, We’re so happy that you are pleased with your experience on board of the Swiss Crown. We strive to deliver the best customer experience, and it makes our day to know we have accomplished just that. Best, Romy

17 Sep 2022

Nena Steger

Our boat and bike experience on the Danube was wonderful! The Swiss Crown was the perfect mix of casual and elegance. The food was great, the crew was attentive, fun and accommodating. The bike routes were varied and through beautiful countrysides and small villages. Everything exceeded our expectations!

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 19 Sep 2022

Hi Nena, We are incredibly grateful that you took the time out to share your feedback with us. Customer satisfaction is our top priority and we are thrilled that you enjoyed your tin on board– it means the world to our entire team! We look forward to serving you again soon. Warm regards, Romy


Available ships for this tour

Premium Experience the higher levels of comfort, smaller groups and extra’s.
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
Premium Experience the higher levels of comfort, smaller groups and extra’s.
Premium ship Vivienne Danube

New spacious modern cabins

Library

High-quality ambience

Individually controlled air conditioning

max. 152 passengers
76 cabins
1 tours available with this ship

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Danube: Passau to Budapest and back

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