Bike and Barge: Engelhartszell-Budapest-Vienna-Engelhartszell (MS Prinzessin Katharina)

Individual journey to Engelhartszell, known for its Trappist monastery and scenic natural surroundings, approx. 30 km/18,64 miles from Passau. Embarkation will be around 4:00 pm.

The day starts in Engelhartszell (the only Trappist monastery in Austria), where we head towards the “Great Loop” – one of the most beautiful and original sectors of the Danube. Your cycling will encounter small villages and cosy must-see taverns. You’ll board again in Aschach. Then, you “sail into the night” towards Vienna-Nussdorf.

You should be sure to see the most famous places of interest like the St. Stephens Cathedral, the Hofburg, the gorgeous boulevard “Ringstraβe” with the Burgtheater, the State Opera House or the town hall that takes you back to the past. In the night shipping to Budapest.

In the early morning, you enjoy the panoramic view of the Danube’s gorgeous landscape on the Sundeck. The gateway to Budapest is overwhelming, as many of the famous tourist features are situated directly next to the river bank. In the afternoon you can explore the numerous attractions of the city. Nearby, you find the Margaretheninsel which is outstandingly qualified for a small bike tour or the charming town of Szentendre with a Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art life. In the night shipping to Visegrad.

The Danube bend is a delightful part and is called the Hungarian Wachau. Today’s bike leg starts at Visegrad with its famous fortress and the ruins of the former palace. You cycle through the picturesque countryside via the Szentendre Peninsula to the baroque village of Vác, which has been influenced by the architects of the Austrian empress Maria Theresia. Via small Hungarian villages, you return to Visegrad. In the afternoon shipping to Bratislava.

Arrival at Bratislava in the morning. Today discover the small lively capital of Slovakia. Tip: Enjoy a magnificent panoramic view from the castle and take a ride on a mini train through the enchanting old town. Alternatively, explore the city during a guided bike tour. In the night shipping to Rossatz or Dürnstein (Wachau).

Your last biking day is a special highlight! Amidst small dreamy villages, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins, this gentle hilly landscape enchants everybody. A powerful ruin looms above the small Baroque town of Dürnstein, while the blue tower of the monastery church is a landmark of Wachau. In the small village of Pöchlarn, you will board again. After the farewell gala dinner, you start “sailing” back to Engelhartszell.

Every journey draws to an end. Once again you enjoy on deck the first sunbeams and the peaceful silence of the Danube Valley. Take a last sight at the Schlögener Schlinge (“Great Loop”) before you arrive relaxed at Engelhartszell. Arrival: approx. at 09 am, disembarkation half an hour later. We recommend to book train connections from Passau from approx. noon onwards.

Embarkation is from 4:00 p.m., with disembarkation around 09:30 a.m. The minimum number of participants required is 80 guests, which must be confirmed within 21 days before departure.

Bringing your bike is available only upon request due to limited space on the sun deck. E-bikes must have a removable battery pack. We accept no liability for loss, theft, or damage, including damage incurred during transportation from shore to ship or vice versa.

We offer a small selection of excursions that can be booked directly on board with the cruise director. A brief description of the excursions will be provided with your travel documents. Depending on the number of participants, some excursions may be conducted in both German and English.

For your luggage, we recommend bringing rainwear, a bicycle helmet, a sunhat, and sneakers.

Please note that we reserve the right to make changes to the route and programme. In the event of flooding or low water levels, the shipping company may use buses to cover parts of the route. In extreme situations, the shipping company reserves the right to cancel the journey at short notice, with no legal claim arising from such changes. This also applies to previously unannounced repair work on locks or bridges.

Be aware that the cruise ship on the Danube serves as both your hotel and a functioning vessel, operating with engine power during the night. Noise may occur, particularly when crossing locks and bridges, or during preparation work. If you are sensitive to noise, please bring your earplugs.

In the interest of sustainability and climate protection, we encourage you to use our digital route book instead of printed travel documents. The GUIBO app will be your constant companion throughout your SE-Tours trip. A glance at your smartphone will provide all essential information, including travel details, ship and contact information, and bike tours, all available offline for your convenience. The app is free and compatible with all standard smartphones. You will receive access data to download your trip via email before your journey begins.

For travel documents, EU citizens (excluding special cases such as dual citizenship, main residence abroad, or a passport with limited validity) must have a valid passport or ID card that does not expire within six months of the return date of your cruise. Non-EU citizens, EU nationals with multiple citizenships, or those with specific legal entry requirements should check visa and entry documents with the relevant embassy.

This trip is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility. We recommend taking out travel health insurance with repatriation coverage, as well as baggage, accident, and travel cancellation insurance.

All times are subject to change. Please book your travel according to the scheduled arrival and departure times.

Ship name: MS Prinzessin Katharina
Year of Construction: 1990
Refurbishment: 2015
Registry: Slovakia
Length: 110 m
Width: 11.20 m
Draft: 1 m
Number of Crew: Approximately 30
Passenger Capacity: Maximum 140

The MS Prinzessin Katharina offers a luxurious and welcoming environment, ensuring you feel right at home. This premium ship combines classic elegance with a refined interior and a friendly crew. Enjoy the special ambience and indulge in the excellent cuisine. The two passenger decks feature a panoramic restaurant, a comfortable salon, a bar, and an inviting foyer. Additional amenities include a book corner, a small shop, and a massage parlour. On the spacious, partially covered sun deck, there are plenty of chairs available for relaxation.

All 71 cabins are outside cabins, thoughtfully and tastefully furnished. Each cabin includes en-suite facilities with a shower and WC, a hairdryer, air conditioning, TV, on-board radio, telephone, and a small refrigerator.

Upper Deck:

• 29 two-bed cabins (approx. 11 m²)
• 1 triple cabin (approx. 11 m²)
• 2 single cabins (approx. 9 m²)

All cabins on the upper deck feature French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows that open. The two-bed cabins are equipped with a sofa bed and a Pullman bed (available upon request and stowed during the day for added comfort). The triple cabin includes a third bed that folds down from the wall (maximum weight 80 kg).

Main Deck:

• 38 two-bed cabins (approx. 11 m²)
• 1 single cabin

The main deck cabins feature two sofa beds arranged at right angles and a picture window (not opening). In some cabins located at the front and rear of the ship (Eco category), engine and generator noise may be noticeable.

Arrival: Engelhartszell

Departure: Engelhartszell

Nearest arrival airport(s): Munich or Nuremberg

Nearest departure airport(s): Munich or Nuremberg

We also recommend travelling by train to all of our cycling holiday starting and departure points. We can help you plan your journey to Engelhartszell by rail and coach. Car parking is available on all tours at the first hotel or a nearby public parking location. Full details are available on request.

Bus transfer Passau Main Station to Engelhartszell and return(no bicycle transportation): €50.-per person(Departure from Passau Main Station around 4:00 p.m., return transfer from Engelhartszell after disembarkation).

Please do not book travel until an official invoice confirms the cycling holiday.