Bike and Barge: The Danube Passau-Vienna-Passau
From the elegant city of Passau in southern Germany, you travel past the dramatic Schlögener Loop, a 180° turn in the Danube’s course, and visit some of the highlights of the Austrian Danube. Passau, close to the German-Austrian border, is known as the city of 3 rivers, and the tour also visits the World Heritage Site of Wachau, and Linz, the capital of Upper Austria.
The tour includes a full day in Vienna with no riding, giving you time to visit some of the highlights of the Austrian capital. These are too numerous to mention, but include St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Burgtheater, the State Opera House, the Naschmarkt, or one of the many traditional coffee houses.
The cruise is rounded off by a final cycle ride through the special Wachau region. An area famous for its wines and attractive baroque towns, and the Captain’s Farewell Dinner. You leave the boat in Passau on the final morning after a cruise of infinite variety and interest.
Itinerary
Also known as the “City of three Rivers”, Passau is a stunning city, close to the Austrian border. Boardingwill be approx. 4-5 pm, and departure around 7 pm Enjoy your first dinner on board, before sailing in the evening to Engelhartszell.
In Engelhartszell visit the Trappist monastery, where you can delight your tastebuds with some special local cordials and liqueurs, which are supposed to have a special healing power. Carry on down the river where you will pass by sleepy villages and natural scenery. You’ll change to a smaller ferry boat through the Schlöngener loop, this huge meander is a true beauty spot and famous photo location. Next you will head on to Linza, this is the capital of upper Austria.
Today’s sailing will set off early on the way to Mauthausen, here you can visit the memorial of the Mauthausen concentration camp. You can also dive into local history in Mitterkirchen. From here you will pass through the luscious land of the Machland region, a famously green area. Your stop for the day will be in Grein, also known as the “pearl of the Strudengau”. Here you can pay a visit to the amazing castle of Greinburg.
Today’s stage will take you through various landscapes. At the beginning, there is the Strudengau, a narrow point of the Danube, which used to be notorious amongst skippers. The valley then expands from Persenbeug and the bike tour leads you further to Melk with its gorgeous baroque monastery of the Benedictine brethren. From the beck of the ship, you can enjoy the sunset and the beautiful evening illumination of the Wachau. Today’s final destination is Tulln, famous for its numerous market gardens where the famous Art Nouveau artist Egon Schiele was born.
The monastery of Klosterneuburg is situatedright in front of Vienna’s entrance, and embedded in a breathtaking landscape. You can already see the cupola of this 900 year old baroque building from a distance. “Kahlenbergerdorf” with it’s wine taverns is definitely worth a visit. Enjoy the panoramic view over Vienna, and perhaps a relaxing stroll through the vineyards.
Take time to see all the most famous places of interest like the St. Stephens Cathedral and the Hofburg, the gorgeous boulevard “Ringstraβe” with the Burgtheater, the State Opera House and the town hall, which is sure to transport you to times gone by. Take your time in the afternoon for a relaxing stroll, or to visit one of the famous Viennese coffee bars.
In the night, you will sail to either Dürnstein or Rossatz.
The final day on the bike, is sure to prove a special highlight! Amidst the small dreamy, villages, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins, you will ride, completely enchanted by this magical landscape. 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 evening there will be a farewell dinner with cocktail.
Every journey must come to an end. You will arrive into Passau at about 10 am, and disembarkation will be half an hour later. We recommend you arrange connecting trips from noon onwards.
Route overview
The route is nearly all flat, as you cycle along the Danube valley on metalled towpaths and minor roads.
Starting point of the cycling holiday: Passau
Distance: 210km
Route Map (For guidance only):
Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.
What’s included
Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
- 7 nights accommodation on MS Normandie
- Standard Bike Hire
- Full board
- Captain’s greeting and welcome cocktail
- Tour guide on board (does not cycle with the group)
- Daily cabin cleaing
- Detailed route notes & maps (1 per cabin)
- Daily live music
- Farewell dinner with farewell cocktail
Not included
- Flights to/from the start and finish
- Evening meals (unless stated)
- Local daily taxes (Payable at the hotel)
- Helmets
- Water Bottles
- Travel Insurance
- Bike Insurance (unless stated)
- Welcome Meetings (unless stated)
- Transfers (unless included)
- E-Bike Hire – Available as an optional extra
Services not included:
Journey to and from Passau, shuttles, entrance fees and excursions, bike rental, travel insurances, parking fee, ferry fees, drinks on board, tips.
Parking space inclusive transfer to/from ship: €66.-
Parking garage inclusive transfer to/from ship: € 77.-
(registration form in the travel-documents, payable on site)
MS PRINZESSIN KATHARINA
The comfortable MS Prinzessin Katharina provides the right ambience to make you feel at ease. On board the premium ship you can expect classic elegance, a tasteful interior and a friendly crew. Enjoy the special atmosphere and let yourself be spoilt by the good cuisine. On two passenger decks you will find a panoramic restaurant, a comfortable salon, two bars and an inviting foyer, a book corner, a small shop and a hairdresser’s salon. On the spacious, partly covered sun deck there are enough deck chairs available.
All 71 cabins are outside cabins and comfortably and tastefully furnished featuring en-suite facilities with shower/WC, hair dryer, air-conditioning, TV, on-board-radio, telephone and a small refrigerator.
Upper deck: 29 two-bed cabins, 1 triple cabin und 2 single cabins;
all cabins have approx. 11 m2 with french balcony (= floor-to-ceiling windows which can be opened). 2-bed cabins with a sofa bed and a pullman bed (stowed during the day for more comfort). In the triple cabin a 3rd bed is folded down from the wall (max. 80 kg).
Main deck: 38 two-bed cabins, 1 single cabin (all cabins have approx.
11 m2) with two sofa beds standing in a right angle and a picture window (not to open).
Technical Details:
Year of construction: 1990. Refurbishment: 2015. Registry: Malta. Length: 110 m. Width: 11.20 m. Draft: 1 m. Passengers: max. 140. Number of crew: 30.
Check Availability
We have put a calendar of events together that will provide you with some inspiration of what you can expect on your holiday, and when the best time to jet off is. Now’s your chance to travel further than you can by foot and be part of a memorable and exciting two-wheel journey with us.
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