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Highlights of the Danube

Passau to Budapest and back

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.
time
8 days
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

This bike cruise combines the comfort and service of our 4-star catamaran with the beauties of Europe’s first and best bike trail; it’s easy cycling because we follow the river! No matter whether you’re using your own bike or a rental bike or ebike, this car-free cycling tour includes all the most magnificent parts of the Danube River! In just one week, you’ll visit some of the most breathtaking cities in central Europe: Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. You’ll start in Germany, pass through lovely scenery of forests, fields, and picturesque […]

From €810 p.p.

Cities of Vienna, Budapest & Bratislava

Culture & Nature along the Danube

Approx. 265 km/159 mi. cycling

Ship with max. 198 passengers

Monday to Friday
Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00
New York: 6:00AM to 7:00PM
+31 20 72 35 400 NL
+1 203 814 1249 USA
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Highlights of the Danube

About this tour

This bike cruise combines the comfort and service of our 4-star catamaran with the beauties of Europe’s first and best bike trail; it’s easy cycling because we follow the river! No matter whether you’re using your own bike or a rental bike or ebike, this car-free cycling tour includes all the most magnificent parts of the Danube River!

In just one week, you’ll visit some of the most breathtaking cities in central Europe: Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. You’ll start in Germany, pass through lovely scenery of forests, fields, and picturesque villages in Austria, then follow the Danube along the border between Slovakia and Hungary. You’ll see these countries in a completely different way than the average tourist: relaxed and active on a bike or ebike. What could be better?

Highlights

  • Passau at the intersection of three rivers
  • the “Great Loop” Schlögener Donauschlinge
  • UNESCO World Heritage City Krems
  • the metropolises of Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest

 

Individual bicycle tour: You´ll receive a detailed route descriptions with maps as well as GPS data of the route 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 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 – Schlögen

Individual arrival to Passau by train/car. We offer a transfer from the parking lot and the train station to the ship at fixed times (around 4:30 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. Welcome evening. At approx. 6.30 p.m. we cast off!

Day 2: Schlögen – Linz (56 km)

Starting from UNESCO World Heritage Site „Schlögener Schlinge“ through the uninhabited valley Kaiserau to the baroque market Aschach and via Ottensheim further on to Linz. Here you can explore, among other things, the St. Mary’s Cathedral, the castle and the picturesque main square, and take the world’s steepest cable car up the Pöstlingberg. Optional: Concert on the Bruckner organ in Linz.

Day 3: Tulln – Vienna (31 km) 

2024: After breakfast individual visit of the Egon Schiele-museum and garden exhibition in Tulln. Bike tour from the flower-city Tulln, with nice view to the extensions of the Viennese forest past Klosterneuburg to Vienna. Individual visit of Vienna or tour by bike (+ 18 km). Optional: evening city tour by bus (2 hrs.)

2025: After breakfast individual visit of the Egon Schiele-museum and garden exhibition in Tulln. Bike tour from the flower-city Tulln, with nice view to the extensions of the Viennese forest past Klosterneuburg to Vienna. Individual city tour by bike on up to 95% car-free cycle paths (+ 18 km) or guided cycle tour for an extra charge. Optional: After dinner, evening city tour by bus (duration approx. 2 hours) and/or individual visit to a “Heurigen” near the docking place.

Day 4: Esztergom – Szentendre (59 km) – Budapest (40 minutes by train/22 km by bike) | 2025: Visegrád – Budapest (59 km)

2024: This stage starts in the historic city of Esztergom, on the border between Hungary and Slovakia. On the way to Szentendre, the Danube changes its direction and makes its way in a wide arc to the south, through the Hungarian mountains. This section of the river is also called the Danube Bend and is one of the most beautiful landscapes of Hungary. On the way you can visit the citadel with the medieval royal palace in Visegrád. Then continue along the Danube Cycle Path, which eventually leads to the 30-kilometer-long island of Szentendre. This densely forested natural paradise is a popular destination for Budapestites. Once you reach the picturesque artists’ village of Szentendre, you can decide whether to cycle the 22 kilometers to Budapest or take the train (about 40 minutes, payable on site).

2025: In the morning, you will sail the ship through the section of the river called the Danube Bend, one of Hungary’s most beautiful landscapes, to Visegrád. There the bike tour begins and you will follow the Danube Cycle Path further to Vác. Take the ferry to the island of Tahitöfolu and cycle further to the picturesque artists’ village of the same name, Szentendre. This densely forested natural paradise is a popular destination for Budapestites. After a visit you continue on the cycle path till you reach the ship. In the evening by ship through the magnificently illuminated Danube metropolis of Budapest.

Day 5: Visit Budapest / Bike tour to the Margarete’s island (22 km)

2024: Today you can take the whole day to explore the beautiful capital of Hungary. You can choose between a 3-hour city tour by bus (optional) or a bike tour to Margaret Island. In the afternoon on 100 % car-free bike paths into the pedestrian zone to stroll around and/or shop and further on to the Margarete’s island, the wonderful recreation zone in the middle of the city. In the evening by ship through the beautifully illuminated Magyar metropolis.

2025: Today you can take the whole day to explore the beautiful capital of Hungary. You can choose between an individual bike tour or a 3-hour city tour by bus to the most beautiful sights with a stop at the castle district (optional). There are several possibilities for a bike tour: on 100 % car-free bike paths into the pedestrian zone to stroll around and/or shop and further on to the Margarete’s island, the wonderful recreation zone in the middle of the city.

Day 6: Visit Bratislava & bike tour Bratislava – Devin – Bratislava (58/75 km) (2025: 44/36 km)

From one capital city to another: when you wake up, the ship is still on its way to Bratislava. You can relax on the sun deck after breakfast. After lunch and arrival, you can begin a 1-hour guided city tour of Bratislava (optional) or start the bike tour right away. The historical center of the Slovak capital is small and compact. So you can easily visit the most important sights like St. Martin’s Cathedral, the Old Opera House or the Old Town Hall on foot.
2024: Your bike tour takes you along the Austrian bank of the Danube via Wolfsthal to Hainburg. Here you should definitely take a short break to look at the picturesque alleys of this medieval town. In the middle of the natural idyll of the Donau-Auen National Park lies the Imperial Castle Eckartsau. Here you can experience the splendor of the Habsburg monarchy up close. Then either cycle back or opt for the longer bike ride via Hof Castle and Devín, back to Bratislava.

2025: Your bike tour takes you along the Austrian bank of the Danube via Wolfsthal to Hainburg. Here you should definitely take a short break to look at the picturesque alleys of this medieval town. Then either cycle back or opt for the longer bike ride via Hof Castle and Devín, back to Bratislava.

Day 7: Krems – Pöchlarn (48 km)

This last section is one of the highlights of this bike and boat trip. You start your day in the 1000-year-old city of Krems with its beautiful old town. Then, you will continue through the Wachau region with its characteristic orchards and vineyards. In this fascinating environment you will pass the wine villages Spitz and Weißenkirchen and the castle ruin Dürnstein. Below the ruins is a monastery with a distinctive blue tower. When you reach the medieval town of Melk, you will see the imposing Benedictine Abbey of Melk Abbey (UNESCO World Heritage Site) from afar. The baroque abbey and the old town of Melk are definitely worth a visit. And from the hill you have a great view of the Danube and the surrounding countryside. Our day ends in Pöchlarn. Here you will find, among other things, the birthplace of the famous expressionist painter Oskar Kokoschka.

Day 8: Passau

Arrival in Passau at approx. 9 a.m. – after the breakfast at approx. 10 a.m. bus transfer to the train station/parking space and home journey.

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 route descriptions, maps and GPS tracks of the route 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 board manager 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 sauna. The crew is trying to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
  • In the interest of your safety, the 1st captain may change the programme at any time (even at short notice) due to high water, low water or other cases of HIGHER FORCE. Arrival times are subject to lock waiting times and normal water levels.
  • We kindly point out that the destinations mentioned in the itinerary – if they are located in risk areas – can be experienced by changing the programme in the form of panoramic cruises by ship and/or bus excursions without disembarking from a port other than the destination port.
  • 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.


Prices & information

Pricing overview - 2025
Cabin type For Season A Season B
Bunk bed cabin lower deck front/astern* 2 pers. € 989 € 840 Bunk bed front/astern* for single use (on req.) 1 pers. € 1236.25 € 1050 Twin cabin lower deck 2 pers. € 1275 € 1060 Twin cabin low for single use (on request) 1 pers. € 1912.50 € 1590 Suite upper deck 2 pers. € 1790 € 1680 Suite promenade deck 2 pers. € 1905 € 1795
Pricing overview - 2024
Cabin type For Season A Season B Season C
Bunk bed cabin lower deck front/astern* 2 pers. € 949 € 999 € 810 Bunk bed front/astern* for single use (on req.) 1 pers. € 1186.25 € 1248.75 € 1012.50 Twin cabin lower deck 2 pers. € 1210 € 1260 € 995 Twin cabin low for single use (on request) 1 pers. € 1815 € 1890 € 1492.50 Suite upper deck 2 pers. € 1720 € 1810 € 1615 Suite promenade deck 2 pers. € 1825 € 1915 € 1720
Included in this tour
  • 7 nights in the booked cabin category with private facilities and air conditioning
  • Port Charges
  • Passenger transfer to the ship & back (fixed times) in Passau
  • Program according to itinerary from/to Passau
  • Daily cabin cleaning, towels and bed linen
  • Full board: breakfast buffet, lunch onboard (non-cyclists) or packed lunch (cyclists), dinner
  • 2 x Hydrojet waterbed muscle massage (approx. 15 min. each) per cabin
  • Cruise director onboard (does not cycle with the group)
  • Daily information meeting
  • Wifi (free, only available in the atrium, depending on availability)
  • Detailed route descriptions & maps as well as gps data of the route

 

 

Excluded in this tour
  • Transfers to/from Passau
  • Drinks on board
  • Rental bicycle or E-Bike
  • Rental helmet
  • Entrance fees & excursions  (not mentioned under inclusions)
  • Fee for ferries
  • Train ticket to Budapest (day 4)
  • Parking fee
  • Personal (travel) 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

Unisex Touring bike – 7 gears with coaster brake | small 26″ or normal 28″

The 7-speed touring bike with coaster brake is from the Schauff or Kalkhoff brands. This touring bike is suitable for all road surfaces. It has 7-speed hub gears. A Shimano front brake and a coaster brake ensure safe braking. The frame shape of this rental bike is designed to fit all road surfaces. The frame shape of this rental bike primarily offers comfort. The so-called wave frame has no top tube at all, which makes it possible to get on and off the bike safely. The riding position is straight and very comfortable.
26″ bicycles: suitable for a body height between 1.45 – 1.60 m. 28″ bicycles: suitable for a body height between 1.61 – 1.90 m

Unisex Touring bike – 21 gears with freewheel | 28″

The 21-speed touring bike with freewheel function is from the brands Schauff or Kalkhoff. This touring bike is suitable for all road surfaces. It features a 21-speed derailleur. A Shimano front and rear brake ensure safe braking. This touring bike comes in two frame styles.
Trapezoidal frame
The frame shape of this rental bike offers comfort, sportiness and stability in one. The so-called trapezoidal frame allows a lower entry due to the top tube inclined to the saddle and thus a comfortable mounting and dismounting. The seating position is slightly tilted forward with this type of frame.
Wave frame
The frame shape of this rental bike primarily offers comfort. With the so-called wave frame, the top tube is missing entirely and thus a safe mounting and dismounting is given. The riding position is straight and very comfortable.

Men’s Touring bike – 21 gears with freewheel | 28″ (on request available for tall men)

The 21-speed touring bike with freewheel function is from the brands Schauff or Kalkhoff. This touring bike is suitable for all road surfaces. It features a 21-speed derailleur. A Shimano front and rear brake ensure safe braking. In the frame shape of this bike, the top tube runs almost horizontally. The so-called diamond frame is characterized by high stability and is suitable for sporty riding styles. The seating position is slightly tilted forward and stretched.

Men’s Touring bike – 7 gears with backpedal brake | 28″ (on request available for tall men)

The 7-speed touring bike with backpedal brake is from the brands Schauff or Kalkhoff. This touring bike is suitable for all road surfaces. It features a 7-speed gear hub. A Shimano front and a backpedal brake ensure safe braking. In the frame shape of this bike, the top tube runs almost horizontally. The so-called diamond frame is characterized by high stability and is suitable for sporty riding styles. The seating position is slightly tilted forward and stretched.

Unisex E-Bike – 7 gears with freewheel | 28″ (supplement)

The 7- or 8-speed electric bike with freewheel function is from the Kalkhoff brand. This electric bike is suitable for all road surfaces. It has a 7- or 8-speed gear hub. A high braking power and good dosage due to the hydraulic rim brakes ensure safety. The frame shape of this rental bike primarily offers comfort. With the so-called wave frame, the top tube is missing entirely and thus a safe mounting and dismounting can be enabled. The riding position is straight and very comfortable. This electric bike has a powerful 250W motor and a powerful 621Wh battery. The motor is extremely durable and suitable for all weather conditions.

All bicycles

Saddle
The bike has a comfortable gel saddle or a saddle equipped with Slow Fit Foam. Furthermore, this touring bike has a quick release. This allows you to quickly adjust the saddle of your rental bike to the seating position that suits you best without tools.

Tyres
This rental bike is equipped with a Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyre. With this so-called “unflat” tyre, the puncture protection is incorporated into the casing with a 5 mm thick insert made of high-quality and resilient materials. For this reason, these tyres are much more resilient and offer increased protection against a puncture.

Additional options & information - 2025
  • Rental bicycle: 95€ per week (7-gear pedal brake or 21-gear freewheel, please indicate your choice when booking)
  • Rental E-Bike:  210€ per week/person (only on request, available from 161 cm, limited number of e-bikes available, early bookings strongly recommended.
  • Own bike / E-Bike: If you want you can bring your own bike/e-bike at no additional costs (please indicate by booking)
  • Save on the way, helmet required in Slovakia: We advise you to wear a bike helmet. Please bring your own helmet (there are no helmets on board). 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).
  • Excursionprogram: 98€ per person (City tour by bus Vienna & Budapest; guided city walk Bratislava; concert on the Bruckner organ in Linz) (minimum participation 20 persons)
  • Private parking Passau: 60€ per car (unguarded, fenced)

 

Minimum of participants: 140 people  (has to be reached 4 weeks prior to departure date)

Legal notice: Boat Bike Tours is not the operator of this tour; this is a so called ‘partner tour’. Tour operator is: Donau Touristik, Linz (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.

Additional options & information - 2024
  • Rental bicycle: 90€ per week (7-gear pedal brake or 21-gear freewheel, please indicate your choice when booking)
  • Rental E-Bike: 195€ per week/person (only on request, available from 161 cm, limited number of e-bikes available, early bookings strongly recommended.
  • Own bike / E-Bike: If you want you can bring your own bike/e-bike at no additional costs (please indicate by booking)
  • Save on the way, helmet required in Slovakia: We advise you to wear a bike helmet. Please bring your own helmet (there are no helmets on board). 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).
  • Excursionprogram: 95€ per person (City tour by bus Vienna & Budapest; guided city walk Bratislava; concert on the Bruckner organ in Linz) (minimum participation 20 persons)
  • Private parking Passau: 65€ per car (unguarded, fenced)

 

Minimum of participants: 140 people  (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: Donau Touristik, Linz (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 2025.

 

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!



Reviews

based on 1 reviews on
9 Aug 2024

Lloyd Knotts

Excellent trip with good balance of cycling and other tour activities. The staff and crew were friendly, professional and attentive. The food was quite good and the itinerary was full and interesting. We plan to take another BoatBike trip next year.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 12 Aug 2024

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great trip. It's fantastic to know that our staff and crew were friendly, professional, and attentive, and that you enjoyed the food and itinerary. We're especially excited that you're planning to join us for another Boat Bike trip next year. We look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable adventure! Best regards, Boat Bike Tours


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Available ships for this tour

Premium Experience the higher levels of comfort, smaller groups and extra’s.
The ship Primadonna on the water
Premium ship Primadonna Danube

Catamaran-style ship

Wellness area

Cabins with balcony

Individually controlled air conditioning

max. 198 passengers
82 cabins
1 tours available with this ship

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The Esztergom Dome in Hungary Highlights of the Danube

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