A 15-Day Cycling Journey from Germany to Serbia and Beyond
Cycle the Danube from Passau through six countries on a journey that combines riverside cycling with time in some of Central and Southeastern Europe’s most distinctive destinations. From the Danube Loop and Bratislava to Budapest, Belgrade and the dramatic Iron Gate gorges, the route brings together historic cities, rural landscapes, floodplains, vineyards and distinctive river scenery.
Explore the Danube Guided or Self-Guided by Bike & Boat
Bike & Boat combines active days on two wheels with the comfort of travelling by river. Cycle independently or with a guide on prepared routes, while the boat connects the stages and offers an alternative when you choose not to cycle. Together, cycling, sightseeing and river travel take you beyond the classic upper Danube towards Serbia and the Iron Gate.
ROUTE
The route follows the Danube from Passau towards Central and Southeastern Europe, crossing Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia and Serbia. Along the way, cycling takes you through the Danube Loop near Engelhartszell, the countryside around Bratislava, Budapest and Szentendre, the Gemenc floodplain, the farming landscapes of the Batschka, the Puszta and the Danube Bend. The journey also reaches Novi Sad, Belgrade and the Iron Gate National Park before turning north again towards Vienna and the Wachau.
Cycling follows mainly asphalted cycle paths and quiet country roads along the Danube, with many sections on EuroVelo 6 and mostly flat to lightly hilly terrain. This allows you to focus on discovering the landscapes, towns and cultural highlights along the river.
Self-Guided Tour
Cycle independently at your own pace, following the prepared routes with voice navigation in the cycling app, a detailed route book and daily insider tips during the onboard briefing. You can decide how much to cycle each day and even take a day off and stay onboard. The boat connects the stages, while the crew provides daily information to help you make the most of the route.
Guided Tour
Cycle in a group with a cycling tour guide who accompanies you along the routes. The guided option includes selected city tours by bus in Budapest and Belgrade and a guided bike tour in Vienna, as well as the ferry rides included in the itinerary. Daily briefings and onboard support make it easy to combine guided cycling with time to discover the Danube destinations.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Passau: Embarkation
Germany
Embark in Passau between 4:00 and 5:00 pm and settle in on board. As the ship leaves the port, enjoy views of Passau and the Danube valley before reaching the Jochenstein lock on the German-Austrian border.
Day 2 – Danube Loop: Engelhartszell–Aschach
Austria
43 km / 27 mi
Your first cycling stage follows the classic Danube Loop through small villages and quiet riverside landscapes. Ride through Engelhartszell, home to Austria’s only Trappist monastery, and continue to the famous Schlögen View for a panoramic look over the Danube Loop before reaching Aschach, where the boat awaits.
Day 3 – Devin–Bratislava
Slovakia → Austria → Slovakia
15–45 km / 9–28 mi
Cycle from the castle ruins of Devin along the former Iron Curtain towards Schloss Hof, passing through quiet countryside before reaching Bratislava. The route offers a choice of cycling distances, while you can also enjoy part of the journey from the ship if you prefer a break from the bike. In Bratislava, explore the historic capital and its hilltop fortress.
Day 4 – Budapest & Szentendre
Hungary
45 km / 28 mi or rest day
Arrive in Budapest by boat and take in views of the city’s landmarks along the Danube. The cycling option leads to Szentendre, a small town known for its artists and galleries, before returning towards Budapest. Alternatively, take a rest day and enjoy the city or remain on board.
Guided: The guided option includes a Budapest city tour by bus.
Day 5 – Baja–Mohács
Hungary
36 km / 22 mi
Leave the Baroque town of Baja and cycle along the flood-protection dykes through the Gemenc floodplain. The route follows quiet river landscapes towards Mohács, where you cross the Danube by ferry. Mohács is known for its location on the southern Danube and its historic battles with the Turks.
Day 6 – Belgrade: Rest Day
Serbia
There is no cycling stage today, leaving time to discover Belgrade, located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube. Explore the historic district of Zemun, browse the lively markets or discover the city’s riverfront and Serbian culture.
Guided: The guided option includes a Belgrade city tour by bus.
Day 7 – Iron Gate National Park: Cataract Canyons
Serbia
Today is a rest day as the boat passes through the dramatic Iron Gate National Park. From the deck, watch the Danube cut through steep gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, with dark forests and historic landmarks along the river. One of the highlights is the monumental Decebalus rock sculpture.
Day 8 – Novi Sad–Ilok
Serbia → Croatia
47 km / 29 mi
Begin in Novi Sad beneath the imposing Petrovaradin Fortress and cycle upstream along a flat cycle path. After crossing by ferry, the route continues towards the foothills of Fruška Gora through orchards, vineyards and farming villages before reaching Ilok in eastern Croatia.
Day 9 – Batina–Mohács
Croatia → Serbia → Hungary
48 km / 30 mi
Cycle through the Batschka and the border region where Croatia, Serbia and Hungary meet. Small farming villages, agricultural landscapes and fields accompany the route towards Mohács. An alternative route passes through the natural landscapes of Dunav-Drava National Park, while the stage also takes you past the national memorial commemorating the 1526 battle.
Day 10 – Kalocsa–Solt
Hungary
52 km / 32 mi
Start in Kalocsa, Hungary’s “Paprika Capital”, known for its colourful houses, floral decorations and cathedral. After exploring the town, continue along the cycle path beside the flood-protection dyke into the vast Puszta landscape. The flat terrain and open countryside make this one of the characteristic cycling stages of the journey.
Day 11 – Danube Bend–Esztergom
Hungary
50 km / 31 mi
Cycle through the hilly landscapes of the Danube Bend, often compared with the Wachau. The route follows idyllic cycle paths through villages and around Szentendre Island before reaching Esztergom. The city’s imposing basilica rises above the Danube and is one of the main landmarks of the stage.
Day 12 – Vienna: Danube Island & Klosterneuburg
Austria
Sail towards Vienna through the floodplain forests of Donauauen National Park before reaching the Austrian capital. Choose a cycling excursion to Danube Island or continue towards Klosterneuburg Abbey, with the vineyards of Kahlenberg offering views over Vienna and the Danube.
Day 13 – Vienna: Rest Day
Austria
Take a day to explore Vienna at your own pace. Cycle through the historic centre, follow the Ringstraße or discover the city’s cafés and Naschmarkt. The day can also be used for optional sightseeing by bike or bus.
Guided: The guided option includes a city tour of Vienna by bike.
Day 14 – Wachau: Krems–Melk
Austria
37 km / 23 mi
The final cycling stage leads through the gently hilly Wachau, with picturesque villages, historic castles and palaces, apricot trees and terraced vineyards along the Danube. Follow the cycle path towards Melk, where the impressive Baroque Melk Abbey overlooks the river.
Day 15 – Passau: Disembarkation
Germany
Enjoy the final views of the Danube valley and the Schlögen Bend as the ship returns towards Passau. Disembarkation is scheduled for approximately 11:00 am, marking the end of the cycling journey.
Extend Your Stay
Additional nights can be organized on request.
Getting to Passau (Departure Point)
Passau is easily accessible by train and car.
By train, arrive at Passau Hbf, approximately 3 km from the port.
By plane, the recommended airport is Munich (MUC), with a bus to Freising followed by a train to Passau.
A private transfer from Munich Airport to Passau is also available.
Return Journey
The tour ends in Passau, with disembarkation at approximately 11:00 am. Allow enough time after disembarkation when booking your onward journey; trains before 12:00 pm are not recommended.
How to book this tour
We require a deposit of 25% of the tour price per person upon reservation, final payment 6 weeks before tour departure.
Included
- 14 nights in an outside cabin with private facilities and air conditioning
- Full board: breakfast, packed lunch for cycling days and dinner
- Port and harbour fees
- Captain’s welcome and welcome cocktail
- Farewell cocktail and gala dinner
- Daily information meetings on board
- Onboard musician
- 1 handlebar bag per cabin
- Detailed travel documents and route information
- 1 cycling app per person
- Tour guide on board for daily information and support
- Use of the ship’s facilities
Guided Tour Includes
- Cycling tour guide
- Ferry rides
- Budapest city tour by bus
- Belgrade city tour by bus
- Vienna city tour by bike
- Rental helmet for adults
Self-Guided Tour Includes
- Individual cycling at your own pace
- Cycling app with voice navigation
- Detailed route book with maps and information
- Daily insider tips during the onboard briefing
- Flexibility to take a day off and remain on board
NOT Included
- Individual travel/flights
- Bicycle or E-bike rental
- Personal expenses and Tips
- Drinks and beverages not included in the meal service
- Optional excursions and services
- Travel insurance
- Anything not listed as included is not included
Check available options
Departures & Prices
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and start planning your cycling journey.
Prices are per person for 2027. Departures May to September
Ship MS Lisabelle
cabin Standard ECO
May, Jun., Aug, Sep
from
2409€
Options & Supplements
✓
Self-Guided
✓
Guided Tour +569€
Upgraded Cabins
Standard
from
2,539€
ECO Comfort
from
2,829€
Comfort
from
2949€
Superior
from
3419€
Standard single use
from
3935€
Comfort single use
from
4571€
Accomodation
Carefully selected to ensure comfort, quality, and a relaxing and unforgettable journey.
Ship MS Lisabelle
The MS Lisabelle is a premium ship with 76 outside cabins, a panoramic restaurant, lounge and spacious sun deck. Enjoy comfortable accommodation, full board and daily information on board while cruising along the Danube. Wi-Fi is available on board, with connection quality depending on coverage.
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
Below you’ll find the essential information for rent options.
Bike
218€
eBike
458€
Own bike
58€
Own e-bike
98€
Insurance bike
50€
Insurance ebike
120€
Helmet
25€
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and represent the type of bicycles offered for the tour.
The exact bicycle provided is subject to availability.