Date
Departure
Ship
Saturday
May 2, 2026
Saturday
May 16, 2026
Passau
Lisabelle
Prices from
β¬3,299.00 p.p.
Jun 27, 2026Jul 11, 2026
Fully booked
Discover our limited seasonal offers and travel Europe at its most beautiful
Find your tour Danube: Danube Experience | Iron Gates Travel through 6 countries
- Difficulty1 Difficulty level 1
Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain
- Duration15 days
The duration of the tour
- GuidanceIndependent / Guided
Independent cycling: No tour leader, the shipsβ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling
Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
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 βwhite cityβ, fall in love with bewitching Budapest, the βParis of the Eastβ, 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. β¦
From β¬ 2,409 p.p.
- Travel through 6 countries in 15 days
- Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, & Belgrade
- Almost 400 km/ 250 miles
- Ship with max. 150 passengers
Get in contact
Monday to Friday
Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00
New York: 6:00AM to 7:00PM
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Danube: Danube Experience | Iron Gates
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 βwhite cityβ, fall in love with bewitching Budapest, the βParis of the Eastβ, 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 βPaprika Capitalβ 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: YouΒ΄ll receive a detailed roadbook with maps and information to the routing on board. You do not cycle in a group β 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 β 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. Youβll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. Itβs 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
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 β Aschach/Brandstatt
45km27 mi
Your first dayβs cycling begins with a ride through the classic scenery of the βGreat Loopβ Donauschlinge β one of the most beautiful sections of the Danube. Along the way you will encounter tiny villages and cozy cider taverns. In Austriaβs only Trappist monastery at Engelhartszell you can taste their delicious liquors and cheese. The famous βSchlogener Viewβ provides a wonderful panorama of the surrounding Austrian countryside. At the charming village Aschach/Brandstatt you go aboard the barge and sail into the beautiful sunset.
Day 3 Devin β Bratislava
15km9 mi or 43km26 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 (or day of rest)
27km16 mi or 45km27 mi
Breathtakingly beautiful is the entrance to Budapest with a view of the cityβs most famous buildings. During a city tour (optional) you will discover the Danube metropolis or take a detour to the charming artistsβ 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.
Day 5 Baja β Mohacs
37km22 mi
From the quiet baroque town of Baja that is famous for its fish soup, youβll cycle along the flood protection dykes in the Gemenc floodplain, through sleepy river landscapes past fields of sunflowers. At the end of todayβs stage, you take the ferry to the little town of Mohacs, Hungaryβs 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 artistsβ quarter βSkadarlijaβ, 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 shipβs 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! 2027: Highlights include the Decebalus Monument and a ship stop at Golubac Fortress with a visit opportunity. This natural wonder will give you goosebumps!
Day 8 Novi Sad β Ilok
48km29 mi
2026: 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).
2027: Perched high above the provincial capital of Vojvodina, the impressive Petrovaradin Fortress overlooks the Danube like a silent guardian of the past. After cycling upstream along a flat and comfortable riverside bike path, you cross the river by ferry and continue toward the gentle foothills of FruΕ‘ka Gora National Park. Here, a picturesque landscape unfolds β rolling hills dotted with orchards, vineyards, and charming farming villages where time seems to slow down. Your destination is Ilok, the easternmost town in Croatia, renowned for its outstanding wines β once even served at the British royal court. If you wish, you can visit a 400-year-old wine cellar of a local winemaker. During a tasting, youβll sample some of the regionβs most celebrated varieties and learn more about Croatiaβs rich winemaking traditions (optional).
Day 9 Batina β Mohacs
42km26 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 β Solt
50km31 mi
Kalocsa is the βPaprika Capitalβ 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 youβll learn all there is to know about Hungaryβs 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. 2027: In the afternoon experience a horse show with breathtaking demonstrations by the Csikosoks and a tasting of local specialties (optional).
Day 11 Danube Bend β Esztergom
50km31 mi
The Danube is framed by steep wooded hills as it flows through the picturesque, hilly landscape of the βHungarian Wachauβ. 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 youβll 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. Hungaryβs 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,β¦)
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 bike ride on the Danube Island β Viennaβs 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 at Schloss SchΓΆnbrunn (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 RingstraΓe will remind you of times long past and inviting coffee houses will tempt you with delicious Viennese cakes and pastries. Afterwards, thereβs 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 β Melk
39km24 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 WeiΓenkirchen/Spitz the cycle path is lined with cosy vintnerβs taverns and you should definitely treat yourself to a break here (optional wine tasting)! At your stage destination awaits the impressive Melk Abbey, one of the most beautiful Baroque ensembles in Europe!
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 SchlΓΆgen β before you reach Passau, your heart bursting with memories and impressions. 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 1-2: The cycle paths are asphalted for the most part and run through flat to lightly hilly terrain β mainly following the routing of Eurovelo 6 β via cycle paths and country roads with little traffic. Donβt feel like cycling today? You can reach your destination easily by boat.
- Individual bicycle tours: YouΒ΄ll receive a detailed roadbook with maps and information to the routing on board. You do not cycle in a group β 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 βvacation hotelβ, 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
Practical information
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
- Full board: breakfast buffet, lunch on board (non-cyclists) or packed lunch (cyclists), afternoon coffee break, dinner (2/3 dishes to choose from), midnight snack
- Gala-dinner with farewell cocktail
- Daily cabin cleaning, towels and bed linen
- 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 from 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)
- Mandatory fuel surcharge: β¬195 per person, payable on board
- SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: β¬ 5 per person β will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)
Additional options & information
2026:
- Bike rent for 24 gear bike: β¬ 218 per person
- Rental E-Bike: β¬ 458 per person (only on request, available from 160 cm/ 5ft. 2, limited number of e-bikes available, early bookings strongly recommended
- Rental bike disclaimer*: β¬ 50 per bike
- Rental E-Bike disclaimer*: β¬ 120 per E-Bike
- Rental bicycle helmet: β¬ 40 (pre-booking required)
- Own bike: β¬58 (in advance)
- Own E-bike: β¬98 (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.
Reduction children
- 0-2,99y. free of charge in baby cot (baby cot must be brought individually; category superior ONLY)
- 3-11,99y.: -10% with 1 full paying adult in cabin cat. Standard
ECO: front/rear area of the ship (operating noises possible)
*: If a traveller rents a bike, he is basically liable for damages and theft. When booking our rental bike disclaimer, we assume liability so that in case of loss or damage to the rental 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.
Guided Tour (incl. cycling tour guide): β¬ 550 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 bus Belgrade: City tour by bike or bus Ilok: Wine tasting, directly at a local winemaker Solt: Puszta/Csikos equestrian show and nostalgic farmyard Vienna: City tour by bike or Hop onn Hop off bus; / Waltz & operetta concert at a famous SchΓΆnbrunn Palace
Parking Passau incl. shuttle transfer to/from pier:
outdoor area β¬ 126
parking garage β¬ 148 (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 βpartner tourβ. 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, youβll 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!
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Media (52)
Reviews
5/5
| 5 star | 10 (77%) | |
| 4 star | 3 (23%) | |
| 3 star | 0 (0%) | |
| 2 star | 0 (0%) | |
| 1 star | 0 (0%) |
- Another great tour from boat bike tours!All our expectations were exceeded on&
All our expectations were exceeded on this trip, from the luxurious decor of the ship to the cuisine to the routes and scenery along the way. Our cruise director and the bicycle staff and dining and hotel staff were superb! The guided tours of the cities were a special highlight and enhanced our knowledge of the area, its history and culture.
Reply from Boat Bike ToursThank you for your kind feedback. Weβre glad to hear the tour met your expectations and that you enjoyed the atmosphere on board, the routes, and the guided city visits. It s always nice to know the crew contributed to a positive experience. We hope to welcome you on board again in the future. Kind regards, Boat Bike Tours
Joel StormAug 27th, 2025 - It was such a completely wonderful&
It was such a completely wonderful vacation. We relaxed on the boat, we enjoyed the rides, the app worked well and the crew was top notch. The food on board was wonderful! We found Jurgenβs daily briefings to be inaccurate and often confusing, but his heart was in the right place. Overall this will go down as one of our favorite vacations ever!
Reply from Boat Bike ToursThank you for your lovely and thoughtful review! Weβre so happy to hear that this trip will go down as one of your favorite vacations. It s great to know you enjoyed the atmosphere on the boat, the rides, the app, and of course, the food and the crew. We appreciate your honest feedback about the daily briefings and will use it to continue improving the guest experience. We d be delighted to welcome you back for another unforgettable Bike and Boat journey! Kind regards, Boat Bike Tours
Brian TerryJul 19th, 2025 - Boat and staff were great
Boat and staff were great. Bike routes were wonderful. Would have preferred more time to bike and less boating.
Reply from Boat Bike ToursThank you for your lovely review! Weβre so glad to hear that you enjoyed the boat, our staff, and the bike routes. It s great to know the cycling experience stood out for you. We also appreciate your feedback regarding the balance between biking and boating we ll take this into consideration as we continue to refine our tours. We d love to welcome you back for another adventure! Kind regards, Boat Bike Tours
John WolgamottJul 16th, 2025 - Jurgen was a great tour director
Jurgen was a great tour director, full of enthusiasm. The trip included many surprise extras. We did have a few hiccups due to bad weather and broken locks. All of it was handled with humility and full disclosure. Just more adventure along the way.
Reply from Boat Bike ToursThank you so much for the lovely review! Looking forward to welcoming you in the future again! Kind regards, Boat Bike Tours
customerOct 15th, 2024
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1 Ship available for this tour
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Lisabelle
- Modern cabins
- Stylish panorama lounge area
- Panorama restaurant
- Individually controlled air conditioning
max. 152 passengers 76 cabinsMore info
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