Visit Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest on the Danube
Discover an array of impressive natural wonders and captivating landscapes on your journey along the Danube. Marvel at the breathtaking Schlögener Donauschlinge, witness the enchanting scenery of Wachau adorned with vineyard-covered terraces, majestic castles, and opulent palaces. Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Donau-auen National Park's pristine forests, and soak in the picturesque charm of the Hungarian Danube Bend.
As you cruise along the wide river, Budapest reveals its splendour, with the river serving as a shimmering divider between the mountainous Buda and the flat Pest. Behold the magnificent dome of Esztergom's basilica, offering a warm greeting from a distance. Explore Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, nestled at the foot of the scenic Little Carpathians, and embark on a leisurely stroll through its captivating old town as well as the baroque town of Vác with its colourful 18th-century houses
Indulge in the perfect blend of natural wonders and vibrant metropolises, as Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest add a lively touch to your unforgettable Danube adventure.
The highlights of the Danube sail and cycling holiday at a glance
Imperial City of Vienna: Enjoy a Sachertorte in a traditional Viennese coffee house, an enchanting Fiaker tour through the streets of Vienna and a walk through the city to St. Stephen's Cathedral.
Budapest: The Paris of the North and the Pearl of the Danube. A fantastic metropolis, a large part of which can be found on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Wachau: Dreamy villages, wine terraces, castles, monasteries and ruins are enchanting. The Baroque town of Dürnstein with the symbol of the Wachau and the imposing Melk Abbey.
Useful information about the cycle tour along the Danube Cycle Path
On the eight-day bike and boat tour, you will not only experience the culture but also the spectacular landscapes of the Danube Valley. The route runs alongside the well-developed Danube cycle path over flat terrain. For each section of the route, you can cycle comfortably for 25 to 55 kilometres. This combined trip is perfect for beginners or occasional cyclists.
Approximate timings (subject to sailing conditions)
Day 1: Passau (Embarkation at 1600) | Depart: 1900 Day 1: Engelhartszell | Arrival: 2200 Day 2: Engelhartszell | Depart: 1000 Day 2: Aschach | Arrival: 1330 | Depart: 1530 Day 3: Vienna Nussdorf | Arrival: 0800 | Depart: 1800 Day 4: Budapest | Arrival: 1000 Day 5: Budapest | Depart: 0200 Day 5: Visegrad | Arrival: 0700 | Depart: 1500 Day 6: Bratislava | Arrival: 0930 | Depart: 1500 Day 7: Rossatz/Durnstein | Arrival: 0800 | Depart: 0930 Day 7: Pochlam | Arrival: 1430 | Depart: 1530 Day 8: Passau (Disembarkation at 1130) | Arrival: 1100
The day starts in Engelhartszell (the only Trappist monastery in Austria), where we head towards the "Great Loop" - one of the most beautiful and original sectors of the Danube. Your cycling will encounter small villages and cosy must-see taverns. You'll board again in Aschach. Then, you "sail into the night" towards Vienna-Nussdorf.
You should be sure to see the most famous places of interest like the St. Stephens Cathedral, the Hofburg, the gorgeous boulevard "Ringstraβe" with the Burgtheater, the State Opera House or the town hall that takes you back to the past. In the night shipping to Budapest.
In the early morning, you enjoy the panoramic view of the Danube's gorgeous landscape on the Sundeck. The gateway to Budapest is overwhelming, as many of the famous tourist features are situated directly next to the river bank. In the afternoon you can explore the numerous attractions of the city. Nearby, you find the Margaretheninsel which is outstandingly qualified for a small bike tour or the charming town of Szentendre with a Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art life. In the night shipping to Visegrad.
The Danube bend is definitely a delightful part and is called the Hungarian Wachau. Today's bike leg starts at Visegrad with its famous fortress and the ruins of the former palace. You cycle through the picturesque countryside via the Szentendre Peninsula to the baroque village of Vác, which has been influenced by the architects of the Austrian empress Maria Theresia. Via small Hungarian villages, you return to Visegrad. In the afternoon shipping to Bratislava.
Arrival at Bratislava in the morning. Today discover the small lively capital of Slovakia. Tip: Enjoy a magnificent panoramic view from the castle and take a ride on a mini train through the enchanting old town. Alternatively, explore the city during a guided bike tour. In the night shipping to Rossatz or Dürnstein (Wachau).
The rolling hilly landscape with hidden dreamy villages, wine terraces, castles, monasteries and ruins has already enchanted everyone. Towering above the baroque town of Dürnstein is the church's blue tower, a symbol of the Wachau. In the afternoon, visit the imposing Melk Abbey, one of the most important Baroque buildings in Austria. You will board again in Pöchlarn. In the evening a festive farewell dinner. At night you will sail back to Passau.
Every journey draws to an end. Once again you enjoy on deck the first sunbeams and the peaceful silence of the Danube Valley. Take a last sight at the Schlögener Schlinge ("Great Loop") before you arrive relaxed at Passau. Arrival: approx. at 11 am, disembarkation half an hour later. We recommend booking train connections from approx. 1:30 pm onwards.
Route information
The well-developed Danube Cycle Path has flat terrain with no significant inclines and is suitable for everyone. And if you need a break, just stay on board for a day and enjoy the scenery passing by from the sundeck.
7 nights in outside cabins on board the MS Prinzessin Katharina in the booked cabin category
Full board: 7x breakfast buffet, 6x packed lunch for cycling or lunch snack, 6x coffee and tea in the afternoon, 7x 3-course evening menu
Welcome cocktail
Daily live music
Daily bike tour meeting
Travel folder 1 x per room (German, English with route and overview maps, detailed route description, places of interest, important telephone numbers, luggage labels)
GPS data available on request
SE-Tours tour guide
Not included
Bike rental
Excursions
Gratuities
Drinks
Personal expenses
Arrival information
Airport: Munich or Nuremberg Airport(s)
Train: Passau station, approx. 5 km from the pier
Parking: Parking (fenced outdoor area) including transfer to the ship and back €75 per week. Parking garage including transfer to the ship and back €87 per week. Registration form with the travel documents, to be paid on site
General information
A minimum number of 80 people applies for this trip (at least 21 days before departure)
Embarkation takes place between 4-5 p.m., disembarkation after breakfast no later than 11:30 a.m.
Bicycles on board are equipped with a hand brake, freewheel or coaster brake (limited availability, please specify when booking as a non-binding preference) and bicycle bag
It is possible to bring your own bicycles, due to the limited space on the sundeck you can only bring your own bicycle on request and only to a limited extent. Any damage to your bike is at your own risk
Daily cycling tours are individual and unaccompanied, the tour guide remains on board. It is not mandatory to cycle the route, you can also stay on board and sail to the next port
This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility
If the cycling stages and rest times allow, an excursion program is offered, this can only be booked on board and paid in cash. Depending on the composition of the participants, the excursions can be offered bilingually German-English
Sailing times, schedule and program changes are in principle reserved. For example, if a route cannot be completed due to low tide, high tide or bad weather, the captain reserves the right to change the route for your safety (this is not a valid reason to cancel your trip free of charge)
Engine and generator noises can be heard in the cabins at the front and rear of the ship
Please note: In Austria, helmets are compulsory for children under the age of 13, in Slovakia for all cyclists outside built-up areas and generally for children under the age of 15. High-visibility vests are compulsory in Slovakia and Hungary in poor visibility and at night.
Please bring your own bike helmet (no onboard selling) and, if necessary, your high-visibility vest from home.
Accommodation
MS PRINZESSIN KATHARINA☀☀☀☀
The comfortable MS Prinzessin Katharina provides the right ambience to make you feel at ease. On board the premium ship you can expect classic elegance, a tasteful interior and a friendly crew.
Beds: 142Cabinsize: ca. 11 m²Length: 110 mWidth: 11,2 m
MS PRINZESSIN KATHARINA☀☀☀☀
The comfortable MS Prinzessin Katharina provides the right ambience to make you feel at ease. On board the premium ship you can expect classic elegance, a tasteful interior and a friendly crew. Enjoy the special atmosphere and let yourself be spoilt by the good cuisine. On two passenger decks you will find a panoramic restaurant, a comfortable salon, two bars and an inviting foyer, a book corner, a small shop and a hairdresser's salon. On the spacious, partly covered sun deck there are enough deck chairs available.
All 71 cabins are outside cabins and comfortably and tastefully furnished featuring en-suite facilities with shower/WC, hair dryer, air-conditioning, TV, on-board-radio, telephone and a small refrigerator.
Upper deck: 29 two-bed cabins, 1 triple cabin und 2 single cabins; all cabins have approx. 11 m2 with French balcony (= floor-to-ceiling windows which can be opened). 2-bed cabins with a sofa bed and a pullman bed (stowed during the day for more comfort). In the triple cabin a 3rd bed is folded down from the wall (max. 80 kg).
Main deck: 38 two-bed cabins, 1 single cabin (all cabins have approx. 11 m2) with two sofa beds standing in a right angle and a picture window (not to open).
Beds: 142Cabinsize: ca. 11 m²Length: 110 mWidth: 11,2 m