Cycling holiday Danube Impressions

Danube Impressions

Passau - Vienna - Passau

Starting at € 899,-
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Summary
  • 8 Days Saturday to Saturday
  • 40 km average per day
  • Arrival Munich Airport
  • Departure Munich Airport
Highlights
  • Passau, Bavarian city of 3 rivers
  • The City of Waltz, Vienna
  • The „Great Loop“ / Schlögener Donauschlinge
  • World Cultural Heritage Site Wachau
Characteristics
  • Self-guided Tour
  • Group Tour
  • Bike & Barge
  • Cycling level 1

    The lightest cycling holiday, covering largely flat terrain, suitable for everyone and people of all ages; with distances to 45 kilometers. You spend about 4 hours on your bicycle.

Empress Sisi’s Danube

It was in Passau that Sisi began her journey along the Danube as a young bride to Vienna, where she was eagerly awaited by her Emperor Franz. Follow in the footsteps of the Austrian empress by bicycle and on a nostalgia ship as you discover breathtakingly beautiful river scenery with small sleepy villages, castles and palaces set in gorgeous countryside and enjoy warm Austrian hospitality at every stage of your cycling tour.

The region is a gourmand’s paradise and famous for its cakes, pastries and other irresistible culinary treats. After Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte and apricot dumplings it’ll be much easier to burn up the miles…
Wines from the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Landscape Wachau enjoy an international reputation, Linz, the capital of Upper Austria is home to the biggest church in Austria. And then there’s Vienna… Enchanting, charming and perhaps slightly eccentric, the City of Waltz will capture your heart in an instant. Magnificent buildings from the imperial age bear witness to the impressive history of times gone by.

Guided tour Danube Cycle Path:

The ship has a capacity of 135 people. If you wish to get personal attention from a dedicated, cycling tour guide, you can book this tour as a guided tour. You cycle in a small group (max. 22 people) where you explore a lot of local cultures, discover hidden sites and secret places and enjoy some delicious appetizers.
To book: see Danube Impressions, guided.

Daily Program

  • Day 1 Saturday: Passau

    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 Passau cathedral home to the largest church organ in the world. Your cycling holiday begins after embarkation (4.00 p.m.) 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 Sunday: Engelhartszell - Brandstatt, 45 km

    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 Blick 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 Monday: Brandstatt - Linz, 26 km

    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, the Pöstlingbergbahn 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 Tuesday: Tulln - Vienna, 31 km

    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 most of the numerous and famous sights and have a guided walking tour though the historic centre of Austria’s capital (optional, not included).

  • Day 5 Wednesday: Vienna (day of rest)

    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 Naschmarket 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 Thursday: Krems - Melk, 37 km

    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 Spitz - one of the most famous wine-growing villages in the World Cultural Heritage Landscape - you can discover the first rate famous Wachau wines.

  • Day 7 Friday: Grein - Mauthausen, 36 km

    A beautiful and diverse route awaits you, offering a wide range of experiences! Starting from the medieval town of Grein (home to Austria's oldest theater, visit optional), you'll cycle through the picturesque hinterland of the Strudengau region. With a bit of luck, you may even be personally guided through the romantic Clam Castle by the castle's lord. Additionally, you'll take a journey back in time to prehistory at the Celtic Village in Mitterkirchen. The Mauthausen Memorial, a WWII concentration camp memorial site, is situated on a hill near the town.

  • Day 8 Saturday: Passau

    Enjoy the first rays of sun and the early morning tranquillity one last time from the deck of the ship before you reach Passau/ surroundings, your heart bursting with memories. Disembarkation: approx. 11.00 a.m. We recommend that you do not make any arrangements for onward connections departing before 12.00 a.m. To be on the safe side, later departure times would be even better.

Cycling along the Danube

Austria

Our carefully selected routes will lead you along the most beautiful spots of the Danube region.

Passau
Engelhartszell
Linz
Wachau
Danube Loop
Hofburg, Vienna
Wachau
Danube
Passau & the Carrisima

Travel dates

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Departure
27 Apr 2024
End
04 May 2024
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Swiss Crown
Starting at
€ 899,-
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Fully booked
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25 May 2024
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01 Jun 2024
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Swiss Crown
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€ 999,-
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08 Jun 2024
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15 Jun 2024
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Swiss Crown
Starting at
€ 1.099,-
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Fully booked
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15 Jun 2024
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22 Jun 2024
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Swiss Crown
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€ 1.099,-
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Limited
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22 Jun 2024
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29 Jun 2024
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Swiss Crown
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€ 1.099,-
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Limited
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29 Jun 2024
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06 Jul 2024
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Swiss Crown
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€ 1.099,-
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Limited
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Departure
06 Jul 2024
End
13 Jul 2024
Accommodation
Swiss Crown
Starting at
€ 1.099,-
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Limited
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Departure
13 Jul 2024
End
20 Jul 2024
Accommodation
Swiss Crown
Starting at
€ 1.099,-
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Limited
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Departure
20 Jul 2024
End
27 Jul 2024
Accommodation
Swiss Crown
Starting at
€ 1.099,-
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Available
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Departure
27 Jul 2024
End
03 Aug 2024
Accommodation
Swiss Crown
Starting at
€ 1.099,-
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Available
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Departure
17 Aug 2024
End
24 Aug 2024
Accommodation
Swiss Crown
Starting at
€ 999,-
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Fully booked
Departure
24 Aug 2024
End
31 Aug 2024
Accommodation
Swiss Crown
Starting at
€ 999,-
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Limited
Book
Departure
07 Sep 2024
End
14 Sep 2024
Accommodation
Swiss Crown
Starting at
€ 1.099,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
21 Sep 2024
End
28 Sep 2024
Accommodation
Swiss Crown
Starting at
€ 1.099,-
Availability
Limited
Book

What else do you need to know?

Prices per person in 2024

Supplements:
Reservation costs € 25,- per booking
Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund € 5,- per person (Insolvency Protection)

Swiss Crown

Departure in April
Main deck: double/twin cabin Standard € 899,-
Middle deck: double/twin cabin Comfort € 1.089,-
Middle deck: double/twin Mini Suite € 1.199,-
Upper deck: double/twin cabin Superior € 1.299,-

Departure in May / August
Main deck: double/twin cabin Standard € 999,-
Middle deck: double/twin cabin Comfort € 1.189,- 
Middle deck: double/twin Mini Suite € 1.299,-
Upper deck: double/twin cabin Superior € 1.399,-

Departure in June / July / September
Main deck: double/twin cabin Standard € 1.099,-
Middle deck: double/twin cabin Comfort € 1.289,-
Middle deck: double/twin Mini Suite € 1.399,-
Upper deck: double/twin cabin Superior € 1.499,-

Extras    
Private transfer from/to Munich Airport, one-way, max. 8 people € 270,-      
Private transfer from/to Munich City, one-way, max. 8 people € 320,-

Extra options:
Cabin single use +55% (Standard cabin; limited available)
Bringing own bike  € 29,-
Bringing own E-bike € 39,-
24-speed Unisex hybrid bike € 89,-
E-Bike Unisex € 189,- (from 160cm)
Bike helmet for adults: bring your own or for rent € 15,- (also available in shop on board)

Included

  • 7 nights in outside cabins with private facilities and air conditioning
  • Port charges
  • Program according to itinerary from/to Passau
  • Captains greeting and Welcome cocktail
  • Full board: breakfast buffet, lunch on board (non-cyclists) or packed lunch (cyclists), afternoon coffee break, dinner (2/3 dishes to choose)
  • Gala-dinner with farewell cocktail
  • Board Musician
  • Tour guide on board (does not cycle with the group)
  • Daily information meeting
  • Detailed travel documents + cycling guide App + GPS-tracks

Not Included

  • Reservation costs 
  • Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund (Insolvency Protection)
  • Rental bike
  • Rental bike disclaimer € 18,- per touring bike / € 38,- per e-bike, can be booked and paid on-spot
  • Cycling tour guide (for the tour incl. tour guide, see Danube Impressions, Guided)
  • Ferry rides
  • Excursion program, can be booked on board only, see under ‘Special details’
  • Personal insurance/ Cancellation insurance (optional)
  • Other drinks
  • Admission charges

Special details

  • This tour is operated by our local partner.
  • Please take good notice of our Terms & Conditions.
  • Minimum number of participants: 90 persons (has to be achieved at least 4 weeks before departure)
  • All mileages are approximate distances of recommended routes.
  • Please be aware that the cabin storage space is very limited.
  • In case of flood or low tide, the shipping company reserves the right to bridge parts of passages by buses. In extreme situations, the shipping company reserves the right to cancel the journey on short notice. No legal right shall be constituted of both situations. (Water level is force majeure). The same applies for officially ordered – previously not announced – repair work on locks or bridges or in case breakdown of engine or power unit through no fault of shipping company or tour operator.
  • Please be aware that a cruise ship on the Danube is not only your hotel but also a machine, working with engine power also during the night. Especially passing locks and bridges – and the preparation work – may cause noise.

Embarkation Passau / Dockings

Embarkationfrom 4 pm.

Drop-off luggage + bikes: possible from 2.30 pm

The ship is moored at one of the following docking-addresses:

- Passau-Lindau (A), Franz-Weismann-Straße an der B 388
- Passau-Racklau (B), Racklau 3a
- Passau-Schalding (C),  Industriestrasse 14a

Please note: place of embarkation/disembarkation can be changed by the port authorities even on the day of arrival. You will find the web site where you can check the correct mooring place in your travel documents
If you cannot find your ship, please contact the cruise manager on board (phone number in your travel documents).

Airport

The nearest international airport to the embarkation point in Passau is  Munich Airport (MUC). Driving Munich airport - Passau (via Freising): approx. 2 1/2 h (bus/taxi, train) 

Recommended routing:
Munich - Freising
BUS Munich Airport - Freising train station (ca. € 3,30/person)
TAXI Munich Airport – Freising train station (ca. € 30,-/way)
Freising - Passau
TRAIN Freising – Passau / Bayernticket: 1st person € 26,- >> www.bahn.de
every next person € 6,- (up to person).; driving time approx. 2 hrs

Train

Passau is connected with the regional and intercity trafficnet of the Deutschen Bahn (german train). Main train station is reachable - depending on the ship landing stage of the ship - between 2-6 km. You´ll find taxis at the Airport exit. No liability for any delays. Please be informed that seat reservations can only be done via Deutsche Bahn AG (f.i. via webpage >>www.bahn.de)  or in your travel agency.

Car + parking

Driveway to the dockings Passau Lindau / Racklau / Schalding:
Driveway is possible - parking is forbidden, stops only for un-/loading

Car parking Passau: attended parking lot € 68,- / garage € 79,-
(incl. transfer to / from ship, payable locally; prebooking required)

In Passau we offer a guarded parking possibility with our Partner Globus Parkservice / Eichberger Reisen.
Parking for special vehicles (caravan, minibus, van) for additional charge. Prices incl. 2 transfers (parking-ship-parking). A transferbus will bring you directly to the ship. As buses cannot reach pier 1 or 2 you will get off at Römerplatz (pier 5) and have to walk the last meters (walking distance approx. 4-5 min.). Your luggage will be delivered seperately by minibus directly to the ship.

Further information will be given within your travel documents prior departure.

End of the tour

Disembarkation will take place after arrival of the ship (about 10:00 h) and will take about 1 hour to complete.
Please take this into account when planning your return journey and do not book trains before 11:30 h.
Note for private departing guests: Taxis are very popular in Passau on embarkation and disembarkation days - very long waiting times.
Further information can be obtained on board from the cruise line or at the reception.

By this tours you can rent the following bikes:

  • Rental bike Danube

    Bicycles are modern and high stardard quality of KTM. We offer 28-Zoll-Unisex-tourbikes with deep comfort-entrance. The bikes are equipped with either 21 or 24-derailleur-gear (depending on ship) with override, caliper breaks and robust wheels.

  • Rental E-bike Danube

    Our modern e-bikes (pedelecs) are quality branded bikes with hub gear, freewheel, powerful electric motor and gradually selectable pedal assistance. To be booked only by experienced cyclists with a very good sense of balance. Not suitable for people who rarely ride a bicycle.

A ship as your hotel

Imagine a floating hotel sailing to the next stage, while you are calmly pedalling along. No lugging of luggage: that is exactly what Bike & Barge is all about! In the pleasant atmosphere on board you can have a chat, go through the day with the others, and enjoy the meals prepared specially for cyclists. In the evenings you can enjoy a drink and admire the setting sun on deck. 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.

On board this comfortable cruise ship you enjoy an exclusive atmosphere – in the spacious, convenient cabins as well as in the stylish outdoor area. Experience the fantastic view to breathtaking landscapes – on the bike, from the pool on the sun deck, in the comfy seats of the lounge, and even during your amazing meals in the first class restaurant.

This exciting bike trip will make your holiday unforgettable. A warm and charming crew is waiting for you to make your stay on board as comfortable as possible.

Do not expect a cruise ship with its passive luxury. The Bike & Barge Holidays are for people who really enjoy the physical activity of cycling and who value sociability more than wholesale luxury. Please keep in mind that our ship is a river vessel, not a large ocean cruise ship. Riverboat cabins, in comparison, are relatively small, and ship amenities, in general, are comfortable but not lavish. On some docks several ships are docked next to each other and noise and other disturbances cannot be avoided. Please do not forget that the ship is your hotel as well as a machine, which has to be maintained and operated. A certain level of noise is therefore inevitable.

The team

The captain, cruise director and the chef all welcome you warmly. They are prepared specifically for these trips and will provide good and safe passage, good meals, and a friendly, pleasant atmosphere. They will, of course, also give you a great deal of interesting information during and after the cycling and sailing. The captain is responsible for the smooth running of things on board; the chef is in charge of the catering. The cruise director will be available to answer questions and solve any problem you may have during the entire week. During the daily meeting he will provide you with useful information referring the next cycling-day.

Individual tour
You will receive a detailed roadbook with maps and infomation to the routing on board. You do not cycle in a group – you cycle individually in your own tempo and are therefor 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 breefings and inform you about the specifics and gives tipps about sightseeing, possibilities to take a rest and specialities.

Guided option
The barge has a capacity of 135 people. If you wish to get personal attention from a dedicated guide, you can book this tour including a cycling tour guide. You cycle in a small group (max. 22 people) where you explore a lot of local cultures, discover hidden sites and secret places and enjoy some delicious appetizers. To book: see Danube Impressions, Guided.

The meals

In the convivial panoramic restaurant, all guests will eat together at the same time. We provide daily fresh prepared international and national specialties from the cuisine of the countries along the route. If you are traveling with friends, please mention this when booking. Gladly an internal note is deposited to get a common table in the restaurant. Please note that it is not always possible for several people to accommodate all at one table as there is limited space in the restaurant and not all table sizes are available. The full board consists of: breakfast, packed lunch for bikers (resp. light meal for guests on board), dinner with menue-choice, coffee-/tea break with sweets in the afternoon. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lacto-free etc is no problem. Special meals have to be ordered latest by 3 weeks prior departure. Please be informed that due to the limited shopping possibilities of the constantly changing ports, not all diets can be offered. In individual cases and by appointment, you are also welcome to bring along your own food for your special meal.

You and the group,new friends from around the world!

One of the most attractive aspects of the Bike & Barge holidays is that you encounter an international company on board. It’s a great opportunity for you to get to know various cultures at the same time! We have people of all ages, solo travelers, couples and also families with children (during the school holidays).

F.A.Q.

  • What happens when it rains?

    Most of the participants then wear rainwear. When the weather is so bad that cycling becomes really impossible (but that is almost never the case!), you can stay on board or your guide can organize an alternative program with, for example, cultural excursions and city tours (at your own expense).

  • Can I rejoin the barge before the end of a stage

    No, the barge doesn’t take the same route as the cyclists do. Sometimes the route may be altered because of weather conditions or repairs to bridges or locks and then the guests and the guide can arrange with the skipper to be met at a different place. Naturally you can always stay on board for one or more days.

  • Is WiFi available on board

    Yes, free WiFi is limited available in lounge and on deck.

  • Which countries do the participants come from

    The main countries represented by our cycling guests are: United States and Canada. We also receive guests from United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand. The common language on board is English.

  • What insurances does Cycletours offer

    Travel/Cancellation insurance We do not offer a travel and/or cancellation insurance. We recommend that all travelers take out cancellation insurance for their tour with the insurance company of their choice in their home country.

    Bike insurance For the tours on the barges Anna Antal; Wending; Liza Marleen; Sailing Home; Zwaan; Clair de Lune and Feniks the bike rental includes a bicycle insurance. This insurance covers the cost of the repair or replacement of bicycle parts in case of an accident. It also protects against theft of the bike while it was locked.
    On some tours you can add this insurance to your reservation or buy it on board. This is indicated on the tour page under ‘Rent a bike’.

    For more information: Insurances