Discover our limited seasonal offers and travel Europe at its most beautiful

Find your tour
Danube: Passau to Budapest and back Waltzing along the Danube
  • Difficulty

    Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain

    1 Difficulty level 1
  • Duration

    The duration of the tour

    8 days
  • Guidance

    Independent cycling: No tour leader, the ships’ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling

    Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days

    Independent / Guided

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 …

From € 999 p.p.
  • Cities of Vienna, Bratislava, & Budapest
  • Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary
  • Around 220 km / 135 miles
  • Ship with max. 170 passengers

Get in contact

Monday to Friday

Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00
New York: 6:00AM to 7:00PM

Quickly jump to

    Danube: Passau to Budapest and back

    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.

    Itinerary

    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/Brandstatt
    43km26 mi or 45km27 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/Brandstatt.

    Day 3 Devin – Bratislava
    45km27 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 (or day of rest)
    48km29 mi

    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. In the evening it is definitely worth visiting the Jewish Quarter.

    Day 5 Danube bend – Esztergom
    50km31 mi

    Steep mountain slopes frame the picturesque, gently rolling landscape of the “Hungarian Wachau.” At the farmer’s market in Vác, you can stock up on regional specialties, while history, folklore, and Hungarian joy of life accompany you during your bike tour to Esztergom, where the mighty Basilica (Hungary’s largest church) towers high above the castle district into the sky.

    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 waltz and operetta concert (optional) at the Schönbrunn Palace. Night cruise to the Wachau.

    Day 7 Wachau | Krems – Melk
    37km22 mi or 45km27 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. Traditional wine taverns along the bike path invite to savor local wines (wine tasting optional). The Benedictine Abbey of Melk, perched on a hill, overlooking the Danube, is a true architectural marvel.

    Day 8 Passau

    As you cruise back up the Danube, enjoy the early morning sunshine on your way to Passau, where disembarkation is scheduled for approximately 11:00 a.m. We kindly recommend not booking car or train travel before 12:00 p.m. to allow for possible disembarkation delays. Please also allow at least two hours of travel time from Passau to the Munich Airport.

    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.
    • 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).
    • 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.
    May 3, 2026May 10, 2026
    Fully booked
    Sunday
    May 10, 2026
    Sunday
    May 17, 2026
    Passau
    Vivienne
    Prices from
    €1,549.00 p.p.
    May 16, 2026May 23, 2026
    Fully booked
    Sunday
    May 17, 2026
    Sunday
    May 24, 2026
    Passau
    Vivienne
    Prices from
    €1,209.00 p.p.
    May 24, 2026May 31, 2026
    Fully booked
    Saturday
    Jun 6, 2026
    Saturday
    Jun 13, 2026
    Passau
    Lisabelle
    Prices from
    €1,359.00 p.p.
    Jun 7, 2026Jun 14, 2026
    Fully booked
    Sunday
    Jun 14, 2026
    Sunday
    Jun 21, 2026
    Passau
    Vivienne
    Prices from
    €1,899.00 p.p.
    Saturday
    Jun 20, 2026
    Saturday
    Jun 27, 2026
    Passau
    Lisabelle
    Prices from
    €1,699.00 p.p.
    Jun 21, 2026Jun 28, 2026
    Fully booked
    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 from 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
    • Mandatory fuel surcharge: €75 per person (April + October) / €95 per person (May-September), payable on board
    • SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person – will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)
    Additional options & information

    2026:

    • Rental bicycle (21/24-speed trekking bike with handbrakes): € 109 per week/person
    • Rental E-Bike: € 229 per week/person (only on request, available from 160 cm/ 5ft. 2, limited number of e-bikes available, early bookings strongly recommended.
    • Rental bike disclaimer: € 25 pro bike*
    • Rental E-Bike disclaimer: € 60 pro E-Bike*
    • Rental helmet: € 20 (pre-booking required)
    • Own bike: If you want to bring your own bike you have to pay €29 (in advance)
    • Own E-bike: If you want to bring your own E-bike you have to pay €49 (in advance)

     

    *: If a traveller rents a bike/E-Bike, he is basically liable for damages and theft. When booking our rental bike/E-Bike disclaimer, we assume liability so that in case of loss or damage to the rental bike/E-Bike (when properly used and secured) no financial responsibility must be paid. Excluded from this are only lost keys, batteries and chargers of e-bikes, as well as damage due to intent or gross negligence.

    Eco-cabins Lisabelle: front/rear area of the ship (operating noises possible)

    Twin cabin for single use: +55% supplement (only in Standard cabin (Vivienne) and ECO cabins (Lisabelle), limited available, only on request).

    Reduced prices for children:

    • 0 – 2,99 years: free of charge in baby cot ( baby cot must be brought individually; Vivienne: category standard + comfort ONLY/Lisabelle: category Superior)
    • 3 – 11,99 years: – 10% with 1 full paying adult in cabin cat. standard
    • 3 – 11,99y.: -30% with 2 full paying adults in cabin (Vivienne: Cat. Junior-suite)

    Additional: Guided Tour: € 340 p.p. 

    Departure dates: VIVIENNE: April 5 and 19, May 3 and 24, June 14, July 12, Aug. 2 and 30 and Sept. 20. 

    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. Minimum number of participants: 10. Maximum 18 participants (has to be reached 4 weeks prior to departure date).

    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)

     

    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 bus
    • Vienna: City tour by bike or by bus / Classical waltz & operetta concert in Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace
    • Wachau: Wine tasting with a local wine grower in the Wachau Valley

     

    Parking Passau incl. shuttle transfer to/from pier

    – outdoor area € 83

    – Parking garage € 104 (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.

    Loyalty Discount

    Explore our Loyalty Discount!

    After your tour, you’ll receive an exclusive discount code:

    • You get 3% on your second tour with us.
    • From the third tour onwards, you will receive a 5% discount.
    • Enjoy savings on any of our upcoming trips in 2026.

    Check your post-tour email for details. You can combine this discount with other promotions for additional savings. Join us again for another adventure by boat and bike!

    Discover more

    Ride through verdant valleys, Wachau’s vineyards, and historic cities like Vienna, where medieval charm meets elegant coffee houses and discover more tours in Austria.

    Ride through rolling valleys, vineyards of the Wachau, and vibrant capitals like Vienna and Budapest, while enjoying life aboard your floating hotel, and discover more tours along the Danube.

    From the Rhine and Moselle to the Main and Saar, you’ll cycle through fairytale towns, medieval fortresses and rolling hills while enjoying authentic German hospitality. Savor world-class wines and hearty beer gardens along the way, and discover more tours in Germany.

    Ride through the Wachau Valley and Bratislava before reaching Budapest, a city of thermal baths, iconic bridges and grand architecture, and discover more tours in Hungary.

    Explore Bratislava’s charming old town, Gothic cathedrals and hilltop castle, and cycle through villages like Devin with its dramatic medieval ruins. From vibrant culture to serene river landscapes, every stop reveals something new and discover more tours in Slovakia.

    Media (48)

    By bike and boat along the Danube Cycle Path
    Passau
    Dürnstein
    Batislava Castle
    Tulln
    Hungary Szentendre
    Danube loop
    Heroes Square in Budapest
    Danube Passau Budapest Passau overview image
    Slovakia Hainburg
    Slovakia Hainburg
    Bratislava
    Bratislava
    Hainburg
    Bratislava
    Bratislava
    Szentendre
    Szentendre
    Passau
    Engelhartszell
    Engelhartszell
    Danube Iron Gates Hungary Budapest
    Danube Iron Gates Hungary Budapest
    Danube Iron Gates Hungary Budapest
    Danube Iron Gates Hungary Budapest
    Belvedere Garden in Vienna
    Buda Castle at night
    Buda Castle in Budapest
    Budapest
    Burgtheater in Vienna
    climbing Dürnstein
    Dinner aboard the Primadonna
    Fountain at Margaret Island Budapest
    Inside the new cathedral in Linz
    Linz
    Melk Monastery
    Monastery in Melk
    Passau
    Primadonna in Pöchlarn
    Satue of Cumil the sewer worker in Bratislava
    Spotting the Prima Donna
    Strolling in Bratislava
    Sundeck of the Primadonna
    Votive Church in Vienna
    Ybbs
    Selfie!
    Primadonna and bike
    Sailing through lock
    5/5
    based on 87 reviews on
    5 star
    64 (74%)
    4 star
    18 (21%)
    3 star
    5 (6%)
    2 star
    0 (0%)
    1 star
    0 (0%)
    • 5 / 5
      A real adventure …

      I never forget everything during cycling journey, all of us really enjoy cycling fun

      Reply from Boat Bike Tours

      Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed the cycling journey and that it was a memorable adventure for you and your fellow travelers.

      We hope to welcome you on board again in the future.

      Kind regards,
      Boat Bike Tours

      LI HUA LIN
      Dec 5th, 2025
    • 4 / 5
      Great experience

      A very well organized crew that ensured that everything went smoothly. Food exceeded our expectations.

      John Griffin
      Oct 10th, 2025
    • 5 / 5
      Perfect cycling vacation!

      Well laid out cycling itinerary. Clear orientation each day prior to ride. Cruise director Leslie was top notch! Trail markers were well placed for easy identification! Bikes ran well without any issues. Stress free cycling and beautiful countryside to explore! Boat accommodation, meals and entertainment nights were top notch. Highly recommended to anyone who loves travel and biking!

      Einar Nielsen
      Oct 3rd, 2025
    • 5 / 5
      A wonderful experience

      A wonderful experience. We really enjoyed the entire bike and barge experience. Service was great. Staff was so courteous. Bike routes well thought out and food was solid.

      Chris Lamoureux
      Oct 2nd, 2025

    Monday to Friday
    Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00

    Monday to Friday
    New York: 6:00AM to 07:00PM

    We will respond within 48 hours

    • Vivienne

      • New spacious modern cabins
      • Library
      • High-quality ambience
      • Individually controlled air conditioning
      max. 152 passengers 76 cabins
      More info
    • Lisabelle

      • Modern cabins
      • Stylish panorama lounge area
      • Panorama restaurant
      • Individually controlled air conditioning
      max. 152 passengers 76 cabins
      More info

    Your selected tour:

    Danube: Passau to Budapest and back

    Request a quote

    Please fill out the form below to receive tailored offers according to your preferences and availability. After completing the form, you will receive your personalized offers via email. You can expect a response within 48 hours on business days. Please enter your information. The required fields are marked with an * .

    "*" indicates required fields

    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    Please enter a number from 1 to 150.
    Month (March until October) and year

    Your data

    Name*
    Newsletter