Danube from Passau-Vienna and Vice-versa by Bike & Boat
Experience an unforgettable bike and boat journey along the Danube, cycling between Passau and Vienna while following the paths of the Austrian Empress Sissi. This unique route takes you through some of the most beautiful river landscapes in Europe, passing picturesque villages, historic towns, and elegant castles set along the banks of the Danube.
Culture, Landscapes, and Austrian Charm
Enjoy a perfect balance of cycling, culture, and relaxation as you ride through the Austrian countryside and cruise comfortably between stages. Along the way, you will discover the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, taste regional specialties, and experience the warm hospitality that defines this region. Highlights include the vibrant cities of Linz and Vienna, where imperial architecture and cultural heritage create a truly memorable atmosphere.
Choose between a self-guided tour or a guided group tour. Your tour guide will show you all the hidden treasures and sights.
ROUTE
Self-Guided Tour
You´ll receive a detailed road book with maps and on-board routing information. You do not cycle in a group – 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. Our cruise director explains the evening before the next cycling path in the daily briefings, informs you about the specifics, and gives tips on sightseeing, places to rest, and specialities. 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.
Guided Tour
You cycle in a small group guided by a local tour guide. Taste some Austrian delicacies: you’ll try sweet cider in a wine tavern in the world-famous Wachau region, and you will also get to savour a small variety of regional wine specialties. During a guided tour by bike or bus, you will pass by numerous famous sights along the Danube
Itinerary
Day 1: Passau – Individual arrival for embarkation
Experience Mediterranean flair in Passau, the city of three rivers. You should definitely set aside some time on the day of your arrival for a walk through the picturesque baroque city with its narrow lanes and the Passau Cathedral, home to the largest church organ in the world. Your cycling holiday begins after embarkation 4 pm when you sail into the sunset and Passau’s magnificent silhouette with its church towers and domes slowly fades into the horizon behind you.
Day 2: Engelhartszell – Brandstatt
45 km / 28 miles
Breathe in the fragrance of the dense forest and freshly mown meadows. Explore the pristine countryside of the Upper Danube valley on the former towpath as it runs past sleepy villages. Small, rustic inns at the edge of the trail invite you to linger; the aroma of fresh fish grilled according to tradition on a stick wafts through the air. The Schlögener View observation point offers a truly stunning view of the Schlögener Schlinge, where the Danube carves its way through a gorge and doubles back on itself.
Day 3: Branstatt – Linz
24 km / 15 miles
Catch some fresh country air again – at lunch time, you’ll reach the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. Discover the European Capital of Culture 2009 on a bright yellow miniature train (optional). The cathedral is the biggest church in Austria, and the Pöstlingbergbahn is the steepest adhesion railway in the world. Are you curious about the future? At the ARS Electronica Museum, you can try out some of the most impressive examples of modern technology for yourself. Make sure you don’t miss it!
Day 4: Tulln – Vienna
31 km / 20 miles
Right in front of Vienna’s entrance, embedded in a breathtaking scenery, the monastery of Klosterneuburg is situated. You can already see the dome of this 900-year-old baroque building from a distance. “Kahlenbergerdorf” with its wine taverns is only a hop from the shipping pier and definitely worth a visit. After a stroll through the vineyards, you can enjoy the panoramic view over Vienna. During a city tour by bus in the afternoon. You will pass many of the famous sights and take a guided walking tour through the historic center of Austria’s capital (optional, not included).
Day 5: Day in Vienna
On a city tour of Vienna, all the sights are within reach from the saddle of your bike or on the HOP ON HOP OFF bus (optional). The magnificent Ringstraße will remind you of times long past and inviting coffee houses will tempt you with delicious Viennese cakes and pastries, while the Naschmarkt (market) is a feast for all the senses. End the evening on a magical note with a concert of waltz and classical operetta music in Sisi’s summer residence (optional).
Day 6: Wachau valley round trip
37 km / 23 miles
An unforgettable day in the picturesque Wachau. Cycle through delightful wine-growing villages surrounded by terraced vineyards and apricot trees. The charming little town of Dürnstein, with its narrow lanes, is an absolute highlight. In Weißenkirchen – the most important wine-growing village in the World Cultural Heritage Landscape – you can discover the famous Wachau wines (optional wine tasting). Along the way, you will also spot one of the most beautiful baroque ensembles in Europe: The Abbey of Melk.
Day 7: Grein – Mauthausen trip
36 km / 23 miles
A beautiful and varied route with impressions in all facets lies ahead of you! From the medieval town of Grein (Austria’s oldest municipal theater, visit optional) you cycle through the idyllic hinterland of the Strudengau, with a bit of luck, you will be guided through the romantic Clam Castle by the lord of the castle himself and take a journey back in time to prehistory in the Celtic village of Mitterkirchen. The Mauthausen Memorial Concentration Camp is located on a hill near the town.
Day 8: Passau – End of trip or extension
Enjoy the first rays of the sun and the early-morning tranquility one last time from the deck of the ship before you reach Passau, your heart bursting with memories. Disembarkation: approx. 11:00 a.m. We recommend that you do not make any arrangements for onward trains departing before 12.00 a.m. To be on the safe side, later departure times would be even better.
Extend Your Stay
You can also add an extension at a 4-star hotel in Passau through us.
Getting to Passau (Departure Point)
By Plane: Munich Airport (MUC) → Bus to Freising → Train to Passau (approx. 2 h).
By Train: Passau Hbf is approx. 3 km from the embarkation point.
By Bus: From Passau Hbf, take lines 8, 10 or 11 to Stelzhamerstraße
By Car: Parking is available at the Globus parking hall, including transfer to and from the ship with your luggage.
Private transfers can also be arranged.
How to book this tour
We require a deposit of 25% of the tour price per person upon reservation, final payment 60 days before tour departure.
Included
- Accommodation & Program
- 7 nights in outside cabins with private facilities and air conditioning
- Port charges and full program according to the itinerary (from/to Passau)
- Welcome & Onboard Experience
- Captain’s greeting and welcome cocktail
- Gala dinner with farewell cocktail
- Daily live music on board
- Full Board Meals
- Rich breakfast
- Packed lunch (onboard lunch for non-cyclists)
- Afternoon coffee break
- Dinner with a choice of 2–3 dishes
- Onboard Support & Navigation
- Tour guide on board (non-cycling)
- Daily information briefings
- Detailed travel documents per cabin
- GPS tracks and cycling app with voice navigation
Included in the Guided Tour
- Professional cycling tour guide
- Ferry rides
- Rental helmet (adults only)
Check available options
Departures & Prices
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and start planning your cycling journey.
Prices are per person sharing a Standard cabin for 2027.
Departures April to September
Season 1
24 Apr–04 Sep
from
879€
Options & Supplements
✓
Self-Guided
X
No Guided Tour
✓
Single cabin – On request
Season 2
10 Jul–23 Jul | 07 Aug–20 Aug
from
1029€
Options & Supplements
✓
Self-Guided
✓
Guided Tour +€249
✓
Single cabin – On request
Season 3
22 May–04 Jun | 12 Jun–18 Jun
04 Sep–10 Sep
from
1179€
Options & Supplements
✓
Self-Guided
✓
Guided Tour +€249
✓
Single cabin – On request
Upgraded Cabins
Comfort cabin
+
320€
Superior cabin
+
540€
ECO-Standard*
from
819€
ECO-Comfort*
from
1139€
The ECO cabins are only available on request and subject to availability.
Accomodation
Carefully selected to ensure comfort, quality, and a relaxing and unforgettable journey.
Ship MS Lisabelle
Experience unforgettable moments aboard the MS Lisabelle, an elegant premium ship that combines comfort, enjoyment, and relaxation. Enjoy the cheerful, relaxed atmosphere, whether on the spacious sun deck or in the stylish panorama lounge, while sailing along the Danube—one of Europe’s most beautiful waterways. Let the attentive crew take care of you and enjoy excellent service. Wi-Fi is available throughout the journey (connection may vary), so you can stay in touch at all times. Cast off—your dream vacation begins here.
Technical info: 2000 (rennovated in 2019).
Size of boat: 110m x 11.4 m. Draft: 1.50m.
Capacity: 152 passengers. Cabins: 76. Crew: approx. 35 persons.
Languages on board: English, German.
Standard Cabin
Superior Cabin
BIKES
You can choose to rent a bicycle or bring your own bike for the trip. Below you’ll find the essential information for both options.
+109€
24-Speed Bike
+229€
Rent E-Bike (Pedelecs)
+29€
Your Bike
+49€
Your E-Bike
Optional Extras for Rental Bikes
+25€
Bike insurance
+60€
E-Bike insurance
+20€
Rental helmet