Danube: Cycling along the Donauschlinge

Experience Mediterranean flair in Passau, the city of three rivers. You should definitely set aside some time on the day of your arrival for a walk through the picturesque baroque city with its narrow lanes and Passau cathedral home to the largest church organ in the world.
After embarkation between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m., it’s time to cast off and begin your cycling vacation with a romantic boat trip into the sunset, with a view of the Passau backdrop of church towers and domes slowly disappearing on the horizon.

Breathe in the fragrance of the dense forest and freshly mown meadows. Explore the pristine countryside of the Upper Danube valley on the former towpath as it runs past sleepy villages. Small, rustic inns at the edge of the trail invite you to linger, the aroma of fresh fish grilled according to tradition on a stick wafts through the air. The Schlögener Blick observation point offers a truly stunning view of the Schlögener Schlinge where the Danube carves its way through a gorge and doubles back on itself.

Catch some fresh country air again – at lunch time, you’ll reach the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. Discover the European Capital of Culture 2009 on a bright yellow miniature train (optional). The cathedral is the biggest church in Austria, the Pöstlingbergbahn the steepest adhesion railway in the world. Are you curious about the future? At the ARS Electronica Museum you can try out some of the most impressive examples of modern technology for yourself. Make sure you don’t miss it!

Right in front of Vienna’s entrance, embedded in a breathtaking scenery, the monastery of Klosterneuburg is situated. You can already see the dome of this 900 year old baroque building from a distance. “Kahlenbergerdorf” with it’s wine taverns is only a hop from the shipping pier and definitely worth a visit. After a stroll through the vineyards, you can enjoy the panoramic view over Vienna. During a city tour by bus in the afternoon. You will pass most of the numerous and famous sights and have a guided walking tour though the historic center of Austria’s capital (optional, not included).

On a city tour of Vienna all the sights are within reach from the saddle of your bike or on the HOP ON HOP OFF bus (optional). The magnificent Ringstraße will remind you of times long past and inviting coffee houses will tempt you with delicious Viennese cakes and pastries, while the Naschmarket market is a feast for all the senses. End the evening on a magical note with a concert of waltz and classical operetta music in Sisi’s summer residence (optional).

An unforgettable day in the picturesque Wachau. Cycle through delightful wine-growing villages surrounded by terraced  vineyards and apricot trees. The charming little town of Dürnstein with its narrow lanes is an absolute highlight. In Spitz – one of the most famous wine-growing villages in the World Cultural Heritage Landscape – you can discover the first rate famous Wachau wines.

A beautiful and diverse route awaits you, offering a wide range of experiences! Starting from the medieval town of Grein (home to Austria’s oldest theater, visit optional), you’ll cycle through the picturesque hinterland of the Strudengau region. With a bit of luck, you
may even be personally guided through the romantic Clam Castle by the castle’s lord. Additionally, you’ll take a journey back in time to prehistory at the Celtic Village in Mitterkirchen. The Mauthausen Memorial, a WWII concentration camp memorial site, is situated on a hill near the town.

Enjoy the first rays of sun and the early morning tranquility one last time from the deck of the ship before you reach Passau, your heart bursting with memories. Disembarkation: approx. 11 a.m. We recommend that you do not make any arrangements for onward trains departing before 12.00 a.m. To be on the safe side, later departure times would be even better.