Danube river by Bike and Boat from Passau to Budapest and return
Experience an impressive bike and boat trip along the majestic Danube, which takes you from the “Bavarian Venice” of Passau to the heart of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. This unique tour combines cycling and cruising with the opportunity to explore three of Europe’s most charming capital cities: discover Vienna’s waltz, Bratislava’s royalty and Budapest, the “Paris of the East”….
Explore Culture, Nature, and the Best of the Danube
Look forward to a mixture of culture, history and breathtaking nature, enjoy regional specialities, the impressive river landscapes of the Danube and the exclusive atmosphere on board your premium cruise ship.
Choose between a self-guided tour and 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 roadbook with maps and information for the on-board routing. 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 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’ll also get to savour a small selection of regional wine specialties. During a guided tour by bike or bus, you will pass by numerous famous sights in Vienna and Budapest.
Itinerary
Passau (Germany, border to Austria) – Individual arrival
Boarding time from 4.00-5.00 p.m. Located at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz, Passau has numerous interesting sites to visit. Use your free time and stroll through the cobblestoned Old Town centre, listen to the bells of Passau’s Gothic Town Hall, or have a look at the world’s largest Catholic Church organ in the Passau Cathedral. Then it’s time to cast off! Slowly, the dreamlike backdrop of Passau’s old town disappears on the horizon.
Day 2: Great loop – Engelhartszell
Aschach 43 km / 26 miles
Your first day’s cycling 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
45 km / 28 miles
You pedal along the former “Iron Curtain”, cross the green line, and reach the imposing Imperial Palace of Hof with its beautifully terraced gardens and idyllic manor farm. Follow the bike path through Austria’s “vegetable garden” to the coronation city of Bratislava at the slopes of the Little Carpathians and discover the hidden alleyways and sights of Bratislava on an optional city tour.
Day 4: Budapest: Szentendre or day off
24 km / 15 miles
The entrance to Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is stunning. Savour the beauty of Budapest during a coach tour or a guided bike tour (optional) to discover many of the highlights of this city. You can also choose to cycle to the charming town of Szentendre with its Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art scene.
Day 5: Danube Bend – Esztergom
50 km / 31 miles
The hills of Pilis, Visegrád, and Börzsöny, together with the meandering Danube, create a wonderful landscape that has become a nature lover’s paradise. Situated in the middle of the Danube River, the idyllic isle of Szentendre exudes silent Puszta romance. You cycle via the baroque village of Vác (influenced by the architects of Austria’s empress Maria Theresia) to the bishop town of Esztergom with its gorgeous basilica – Hungary’s largest Catholic Church.
Day 6: Vienna (day off)
61 km (38 miles) | 1093 m (3586 ft)
Discover Vienna’s most beautiful attractions. During a city tour by bike or bus (optional) you will experience Vienna’s most famous examples of architecture: the imperial Hofburg, St. Stephens Cathedral, the gorgeous ‘Ring’-boulevard and the State Opera House, the Burgtheater and town hall and, of course, the colorful “Hundertwasserhaus”. Take time to relax in one or more of Vienna’s famous cafés, while the evening ends impressively at a classical concert (optional) in one of Vienna‘s most famous palaces.
Day 7: Wachau – Krems – Melk – Pöchlarn
37 – 45 km / 22 – 28 miles
Your last biking day is a special highlight! A powerful ruin looms above the small Baroque town of Dürnstein, while the blue spire of the monastery church is a landmark of the renowned Wachau. Amidst dreamy towns, apricot trees, vineyards and castles, this hilly landscape enchants everybody who visits … you will be biking on cloud nine! In Spitz (possibility to do a wine-tasting – optional), you will find comfortable wine taverns along the bike path. Along the way, you will also spot one of the most beautiful baroque ensembles in Europe: The Abbey of Melk.
Day 8: Passau – End of bike and boat trip
42 km (27 miles) | 511 m (1677 ft)
As you cruise back up the Danube, enjoy the early morning sunshine as you wind your way to Passau, where you will disembark at about 11 am. Connecting travel should not be booked earlier than 12 pm.
Extend Your Stay
You are also welcome to book an extension at the 3*+ Hotel IBB Passau Süd or 4* Passauer Wolf 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 6 weeks before departure.
Included
- 7 nights accommodation in outside cabins with private facilities and air conditioning Port charges and full program according to the itinerary (from/to Passau) Welcome & farewell experiences: captain’s greeting, welcome cocktail, gala dinner, and farewell cocktail
- Full board meals:
- Breakfast
- Packed lunch (onboard lunch for non-cyclists)
- Afternoon coffee break
- Dinner with 2–3 menu options
- Onboard support & information:
- Tour guide on board (non-cycling)
- Daily briefings
- Travel documents per cabin, GPS tracks, and cycling app with voice navigation
Included in the Guided Tour
- Professional cycling tour guide
- Cider tasting in the Upper Danube Valley
- Wine tasting in the Wachau region
- Guided bike tour in Vienna
- Guided bus tour in Budapest
- 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 October
Season 1
Ship MS Vivienne
April
from
999€
Options & Supplements
✓
Self-Guided
✓
Guided Tour +€359
✓
Single cabin – On request
Season 2
Ship MS Vivienne
April, October
from
1099€
Options & Supplements
✓
Self-Guided
✓
Guided Tour +€359
✓
Single cabin – On request
Season 3
Ship MS Vivienne
May, Jun, Sep
from
1399€
Options & Supplements
✓
Self-Guided
✓
Guided Tour +€359
✓
Single cabin – On request
Season 4
Ship MS Vivienne
Jul, Aug
from
1249€
Options & Supplements
✓
Self-Guided
✓
Guided Tour +€359
✓
Single cabin – On request
Season 5
Ship MS Lisabelle
May, Jun, Sep
from
1399€
Options & Supplements
✓
Self-Guided
X
No Guided Tour
✓
Single cabin – On request
Upgraded Cabins
Comfort cabin
+
360€
Superior cabin
+
570€
Junior Suite*
from
1889€
Master Suite*
from
2119€
The suites are only available on the MS Vivienne ship.
Accomodation
Carefully selected to ensure comfort, quality, and a relaxing and unforgettable journey.
MV Vivienne Premium Ship
The exquisite premium ship MV Vivienne (renovated in 2020) sets new standards in comfort and spaciousness, offering a tasteful, high-quality ambience in a luxurious style. Experience a fantastic view of breathtakingly beautiful natural landscapes, sometimes from the saddle of a bicycle, sometimes from the inviting, partially covered sun deck.
Technical info: Length: 110 m / Wide: 11,40 m
Languages on board: English, German.
Standard Cabin
Comfort Cabin
Superior Cabin
Junior suite
Master suite
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€
Rent KTM bike
+229€
Rent E-Bike (Pedelecs)
+29€
Your Bike
+49€
Your E-Bike
Optional Extras for Rental Bikes
+20€
KTM bike insurance
+50€
E-Bike insurance
+20€
Rental helmet