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Route:
Technical Characteristics:
Tour Profile: Level 1and 2: The route mainly follows the Eurovelo 6 cycle path; in Austria/Slovakia/Hungary it runs on asphalted paths over flat terrain; in Croatia/Serbia country roads with little traffic and cycle paths not all of which are asphalted. 1 stage runs over hilly terrain. Don’t feel like cycling today? You can reach your destination easily by boat.
Distance: 344 - 398 km
Travel Season: Self-Guided Departures: Saturday departures: May 6; August 5 and September 30, 2023
Guided Departures: Saturday departures: May 6; August 5 and September 30, 2023
The cruise ship MV Swiss Crown
Stylish, elegant and timelessly beautiful - this is how the 4* SUPERIOR ship MS Swiss Crown presents itself as it glides gently along the Danube river. You will immediately feel at home on board as soon as you enter the spectacular foyer. Designed in warm wood tones, the ship radiates a comfort and leaves nothing to be desired. The simple elegance of the timelessly beautiful staterooms, which are decorated with great attention to detail, will inspire you. Sit back, enjoy the serene, relaxed atmosphere, the fantastic views of breathtakingly beautiful natural landscapes, sometimes from the bicycle seat, sometimes from the inviting, partially covered sun deck. Let yourself be pampered by the friendly, accommodating crew and create on board relationships alongside memories to last a lifetime.
Come with us on an adventure packed bike and boat tour through six countries and widely differing cultures that reveals the beauty of the majestic Danube River in all its glory. Discover the breathtaking 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 “white city”, fall in love with bewitching Budapest, the “Paris of the East”, and 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.
Itineraries
Day 1
Passau/Surroundings
Embarkation 4:00 p.m. in Passau; departure is at 5:00 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 – Aschach 42 km
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.
Day 3
Devin – Bratislava 15- 43 km
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 27-54 km (or rest day)
Savour the entrance to Budapest and the stunning views of the city‘s most famous buildings. Discover the city that straddles the Danube on a guided tour (optional) or take a detour to the delightful little town of Szentendre with its many artists and galleries. Get a taste of the fiery Hungarian temperament at a Hungarian folklore show with traditional music and folk dance accompanied by wine and hearty local food (optional).
Day 5
Baja – Mohacs 37 km
From the quiet baroque town of Baja that is famous for its fish soup, you’ll cycle along the flood protection dykes in the Gemenc floodplain, through sleepy river landscapes past fields of sunflowers. At the end of today’s stage, you take the ferry to the little town of Mohacs, Hungary’s most southerly town on the Danube and famously the site of two battles with the Turks
Day 6
Belgrade (rest day)
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 a colourful folklore show with traditional dances from all parts of the country, followed by typical regional specialties in the well-known bohemian district of Skadarlija with lively folk music from a Serbian band (optional).
Day 7
Cataract Canyons / Iron Gates National Park (rest day)
Experience the stunning fjord like landscape at close quarters from the ship’s 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!
Day 8
Novi Sad – Ilok 48 km
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. Ilok, the easternmost town in Croatia is famous for its wines, which are drunk
even in the English royal family. 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).
Day 9
Batina – Mohacs 42 km
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 horse-drawn 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 – Solt 50 km
Kalocsa is the “Paprika Capital” of Hungary and the character of the town is strongly influenced by colourful 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 you’ll learn all there is to know about Hungary’s favourite 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.
Day 11
Danube Bend – Esztergom 43 km
The Danube is framed by steep wooded hills as it flows through the picturesque, hilly landscape of the “Hungarian Wachau“. 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 you’ll be able to experience the Hungarian zest for life at first hand. The dome of the imposing basilica in Esztergom can be seen from far and wide. Hungary’s 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…)
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 ride on the Danube Island – Vienna’s favourite 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 a famous Viennese Palais (optional).
Day 13
Vienna (rest day)
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 centre at a leisurely pace and see the sights from close up. The magnificent Ringstraße will remind you of times long past and inviting coffee houses will tempt you with delicious Viennese cakes and pastries. Afterwards, there’s enough time to stroll through the quaint lanes or visit the Naschmarkt, a feast for the senses. End your day in Vienna in traditional fashion at a rustic wine tavern.
Day 14
Wachau | Krems – Melk 39 km
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 Weißenkirchen the cycle path is lined with cozy vintner’s taverns and you should definitely treat yourself to a break here (optional wine tasting)!
Day 15
Passau/Surroundings
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 Schlögen – before you reach Passau, your heart bursting with memories and impressions. Disembarkation at approximately 11:00 a.m. Independent homeward travel. We recommend that you do not make any arrangements for onward connections departing before 12:00 p.m. To be on the safe side, later departure times would be even better.
Prices
Included:
Self-Guided Tour:
- 14 nights in an outside cabin with private facilities and air conditioning
- Port charges
- Programme according to the itinerary from/to Passau
- Captain’s greeting and welcome cocktail
- Daily cabin cleaning, towels and bed linen
- Full board: Buffet breakfast, lunch on board (non-cyclists) or packed lunch for cyclists, afternoon coffee and cake, dinner (choice of 2-3 main dishes), late night snack
- Gala dinner with farewell cocktail
- On-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
Guided Tour:
- All items included with self-guided tour
- Cycling tour guide
- Ferry rides
- City tour Budapest by bus
- City tour Belgrade by bus
- City tour Vienna by bus
- Rental helmet
Not Included:
- Personal expenses
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