2023
Bike and Boat on the Danube
Four countries and three capitals!
- Three capitals: Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest
- Melk Abbey, Schlögener Loop, Schönbrunn castle
- Daily routes ●●○○○
- Altitude profile ●○○○○
- Bike & Boat MS Prinzessin Katharina
days
8
km / day avg.
50
You will travel through four countries and three capital cities on your bike and the MS Prinzessin Katharina. The splendour of court life radiates from all corners in Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava. Not only the aristocracy left its mark on the banks of the Danube – the churches and monasteries are some of the most beautiful buildings constructed in the Baroque era. Memories of the magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Passau and Melk Abbey will stay with you for a long time. This popular bike and boar tour is perfect for those who like to take their time and savour the surroundings. The stages take you along the pleasantly flat Danube Cycle Path, through impressive landscapes such as the Donauschlinge meander, the Wachau region and the natural landscape of the Strudengau. When your legs are tired, or you would prefer to relax, you can simply stay on board the ship.
Itinerary
- Booking code
DE-DOSBK-08I - Start / Destination
Passau - Duration
8 days / 7 nights - Length
approx. 205 / 230 km
Daily routes ●●○○○
between 25 and 60 km, Ø 50 km
Altitude profile ●○○○○
Your cruiser MS Prinzessin Katharina
On board the premium boat MS Prinzessin Katharina you can look forward to classic elegance, a friendly crew and a dignified interior. Just like you would expect from a princess. Enjoy the special atmosphere and let yourself be spoiled by the kitchen. On its two passenger decks the Prinzessin Katharina also boasts a panorama restaurant, a comfortable lounge, two bars, and a large lounge. The reading corner, a small shop and a Massage parlor add the final touch to your amazing experience aboard the MS Prinzessin Katharina. On the broad sundeck you will find deck chairs, shaded places, and enough protection from the wind for everyone.
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Day 1: Individual arrival in Passau, Passau – Engelhartszell (boat)
Your ship will be awaiting you in the harbour with cocktails served by the crew from 5 pm. After the passengers have moved into their cabins, dinner is served on board. Your ship will embark on the short sail to Engelhartszell. Booked rental bikes will be available on board.
The Danube in Passau
Day 2: Engelhartszell – Untermühl, approx. 35 km, Untermühl – Devin (boat)
In Engelhartszell you will visit the Trappist monastery, one of the most beautiful Baroque churches. The route will then take you through the romantic river landscape of the Donauschlinge meander, where it almost seems like the river is flowing backwards. You will soon reach Brandstatt by cycling through small villages. During the night, your cruiser will take you to Devin.
Engelhartszell
Day 3: Devin – Bratislava, approx. 45 km, Bratislava – Budapest (boat)
The MS Prinzessin Katharina will land in Devin in the morning. The imposing ruins of Devin Castle, a place steeped in history, sit enthroned on a high rock. Even the Celts and the Romans had already settled here. On your bike you make your way towards Bratislava. You cycle along the Austrian-Slovak border. One of the highlights of your trip today is the beautiful palace Schloss Hof with its wonderful baroque gardens. In Bratislava you have the option of exploring the historic district in an old-timer train (not included). You will have a magnificent view of Slovakia's capital from the four-towered Bratislava castle.
Hof Palace, Lower Austria
Day 4: Rest day in Budapest or Cycle to Szentendre, approx. 50 km, Budapest – Visegrád (boat)
Welcome in the city of the operetta – Budapest! This lively metropolis, which has been a UNSECO world cultural heritage site since 1987, is one of the highlights of your journey. Explore Hungary’s capital or go on a bike tour to the enchanting small artist town Szentendre. Sit in one of the charming street cafes and soak up the atmosphere.
Castlepalace, Budapest
Day 5: Visegrád – Esztergom, approx. 25 / 60 km, Esztergom – Vienna (boat)
The Danube Bend, also known as Hungarian Wachau, is surrounded by an impressive landscape. Today’s bike tour begins in the small town Visegrád. You can choose between two routes: The shorter, direct option, or the longer route, which will take you to the Baroque town Vác. Either way you will reach Esztergom at the end of the stage, where Hungary’s largest church is located.
Basilica, Esztergom
Day 6: Rest day in Vienna, Vienna – Wachau (boat)
In Vienna you can do a tour of the town by bike or bus (duration: 3 hours, not included). Prater Park, Ringstrasse – the circular road surrounding Vienna's centre and castle theatre, the state opera and town hall all await your visit. The boat remains in the port during the day leaving you time to discover Vienna. How about a trip through the castle with a break in the famous pastry shop and chocolatier, Demel?
Heroes' Square, Vienna
Day 7: Wachau – Melk – Pöchlarn, approx. 40 km, Pöchlarn – Passau (boat)
Today the unique landscape of the Wachau awaits you. The old Wine Road takes you past countless historical buildings and castles, as well as charming Heurige – typically Austrian wine taverns. At the end of today’s stage you will be able to spot Melk Abbey from afar. It is one of the largest and most important Baroque buildings. In the evening we invite you to a gala dinner on board the ship.
Melk Abbey
Day 8: Individual departure or extended stay
This morning you will be able to enjoy the morning peacefulness of the Danube Valley and cast a last look at the Schlögen Bend, before reaching Passau at about 11.00 am, where your boat and bike tour at the Danube ends. If you would like to stay in the city where the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz meet, we would be happy to extend your stay at the Danube.
Passau
Dates / prices / services
Main deck
Upper deck
Services
- 7 overnight stays on board in the selected category
- Full board (7 x breakfast, 6 x packed lunch, 6 x dinner)
- Coffee and cake in the afternoon
- Welcome drink
- 1 Farewell dinner with farewell drink
- On-board musician
- Daily cleaning of cabins
- Bed linen and towels supplied and changed as needed
- Harbour and passenger fees
- Daily routing discussion, On-board tour guide
- GPS tracks available on request
- Cycle route description with maps (1 x per cabin)
- 7 day Service Hotline
Not included:
- Drinks on board
- Entry fee and costs for excursions
- Tips
The minimum number of 80 participants must be reached 21 days prior to the arrival date.
Changes are possible on a ship journey due to the weather, water level, or technical conditions. We reserve the right to make changes.
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MS Prinzessin Katharina
- Outer cabins: approx. 11 m² with ground-level beds, central air conditioning, shower / WC, TV, hairdryer, small fridge
- Main deck: 38 two bed cabins with two sofa beds arranged in the shape of an L and 1 single cabin; windows cannot be opened
On the main deck you can also book the cheaper cabins in the forward and aft areas of the MS Princess Katharina. Here, however, you can hear engine and generator noises when the ship is moving and in locks. - Upper deck: 29 2 bed cabins with one sofa bed and one pullman bed (folded during the day to free up more room), 2 single cabins and one three bed cabin; every cabin has a french balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows you can open.
Boat facts
- Built in 1990
- Renovated in 2015
- 2 passenger decks | 71 outer cabins
- Maximum capacity: 140 passengers
- Length: 110 m
- Width: 11,2 m
- Draught: 1 m
- Crew: approx. 30
- Fittings: sun deck with deck chairs, panorama restaurant, lounge, 2 bars, book corner and small shop
- Language on board: German and English
Additional Services
Additional bookable services
|
Main deck
|
Upper deck
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Surcharge for single use of double cabin |
50 % |
|
|
Additional fee single cabin |
300 € |
|
|
Discount cabins in the front/back |
-100 € |
Rental Bikes
Rental Bikes
Rental Bike
79 €
E-Bike
189 €
|
Rental Bike
|
|
|---|---|
|
7-gear Rental Bike |
79 € |
|
E-bike |
189 € |
Brief Information
- Booking code
DE-DOSBK-08I - Start / Destination
Passau - Duration
8 days / 7 nights - Length
approx. 205 / 230 km
Daily routes ●●○○○
between 25 and 60 km, Ø 50 km
Altitude profile ●○○○○ - Parking information
Fenced, not-covered parking space incl. transfer to / from the boat: 71 €
Parking garage incl. transfer to / from the boat: 83 €
You will get the application form with your travel documents.
No reservation possible through Radweg-Reisen. - Note
In Austria helmets are mandatory for children up to 12 years. In Slovakia for children up to 15 years and for all cyclists outside of towns. - Minimum number of participants
The minimum number of 80 participants must be reached 21 days prior to the arrival date.
Changes to boat trips due to weather, water levels or technical conditions are possible; the right to change is reserved. - Tour operated by
Local cooperation partner - Mobility note
This holiday is suitable to only a limited extent for people with restricted mobility.
Please contact us if you have individual requirements.
