Discover the Majesty of the Habsburg Empire: A Danube Bike & Boat Adventure
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the heart of the historic Austrian Empire! Our bike and boat tour, tracing the legendary Danube from Passau to Budapest, offers an unparalleled experience of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery across four fascinating countries.
For over 20 years, terranova has perfected this unique travel concept, seamlessly blending the charm of river cruising with the exhilaration of cycling. Imagine: your comfortable "floating hotel" accompanies you, ensuring a stress-free adventure. After a day of exploring by bike, return to your welcoming cabin and unwind. As evening falls, savor delectable cuisine in our onboard restaurant, all while the stunning Danube landscape unfolds before your eyes.
Cycle through the picturesque Wachau Valley and the enchanting Danube Bend, where you'll have the chance to sample the renowned Grüner Veltliner wine and delve into the legends of the Nibelungs. Everywhere you turn, the grandeur of the old Habsburg Empire comes alive, transporting you back in time.
Highlights
- 5 guided bike tours along the Danube & beyond the river banks
- iconic cities and charming towns at the river: Vienna, Budapest, Esztergom, Bratislava, Klosterneuburg, Dürnstein and Melk
- picturesque landscapes: the Wachau, the Danube floodplains and the Danube Bend in Hungary
- Accommodations on the BELLA, state of the art cruise ship
- Stress-free battery-assisted cycling with a support vehicle
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Itinerary
- Day 1: Passau
- Day 2: Vienna | 21 mi. (34 km)
- Day 3: Vienna - Klosterneuburg | 22,5 mi. (36 km)
- Day 4: Esztergom - Visegrad - Budapest 22 mi. (35 km)
- Day 5: Budapest City Day (no cycling)
- Day 6: Hainburg - Bratislava 20 mi. (32-41 km)
- Day 7: Wachau - Melk 24,5 mi. (39 km)
- Day 8: Departure or extension in Passau or Munich
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Day 1: Embark on your Danube Dream in Bavarian Passau!
Your Danube adventure begins in the charming city of Passau! Take a taxi to the the nearby Port of Passau-Racklau (Address: Racklau 3a, Passau) which is less than 3 km away from the train station. You can take a taxi or book the A-ROSA shuttle (EUR 40 p.p. for arrival and departure). It departs around 3:00 PM.
Step aboard the elegant BELLA no later than 3:30 PM, as we set sail promptly at 4:00 PM, heading downstream towards the magnificent city of Vienna.
As we embark on our voyage, prepare to be awestruck by the first scenic masterpiece: the Schlögener Schlinge. Witness the Danube's majestic dance through the Bohemian Massif, a series of enchanting meanders. The highlight? A breathtaking 180-degree bend, a true spectacle of nature's artistry. It's the perfect introduction to the unforgettable journey that awaits!
Day 2: Explore Vienna's Green Heart & Danube Island by Bike I E-BIKE: 34 km
We arrive in Austria's Capital Vienna around noon. After a delightful onboard lunch, it's time to hop on your e-bike and explore! Your adventure begins as you cross the iconic Reichsbrücke, leading you to the sprawling Danube Island, a beloved oasis for Viennese recreation. On the northern banks, discover the lush Lobau floodplain, a protected haven within the Donau-Auen National Park, home to diverse wildlife and flora.
Cycle through Vienna's vibrant entertainment district, the Prater, and return to the ship along the picturesque Danube banks. Tonight, immerse yourself in Vienna's cultural riches! Your guide will provide tips for navigating the city center, ensuring you experience the best of this captivating capital.
Day 3: Vienna Woods, Panoramic Vistas, & Monastery Marvels I E-BIKE: 36 km
Another day in Vienna and we start again directly from the landing stage. This time we journey upriver, leaving the cityscape behind as you ascend into the verdant Vienna Woods.
With the assistance of your e-bike, climb to the summit of Leopoldsberg, where a breathtaking panoramic view awaits. Gaze upon Vienna from above, a scene steeped in history – the very spot where Vienna's fate was decided during the Turkish sieges.
Enjoy a delightful descent to Klosterneuburg, home to a magnificent abbey, a baroque masterpiece symbolizing the connection between divine and imperial power.
A scenic, traffic-free route leads you back to the BELLA in Vienna. As evening falls, we bid farewell to Vienna and set sail towards Hungary, allowing you to relax and savor the tranquil beauty of the Danube under the starlit sky.
Day 4: "Etzel's Castle" & the Majestic Danube Bend in Hungary I E-BIKE: 35 km
Start your day with a breakfast buffet as we approach the captivating town of Esztergom. Rising above the skyline is the magnificent Esztergom Castle Hill, crowned by Hungary's largest basilica. This historic site, where Hungarian rulers were once crowned, even features in the legendary Nibelungenlied as the castle of King Etzel (Attila the Hun)!
Step ashore and explore this storied landmark, then enjoy a short transfer to Visegrad Castle, perched high above the breathtaking Danube Bend – one of the river's most scenic spots. From this vantage point, you'll witness the Danube's dramatic turn as it carves its way through the landscape.
After visiting the fortress, enjoy a scenic descent back to the Danube. A short ferry ride then takes you to the enchanting Szentendrei-sziget Island, where you'll cycle through a peaceful rural region for over 20 kilometers.
Your journey concludes in Szentendre, a vibrant baroque town renowned for its artistic heritage. With its charming old town and riverside setting, Szentendre exudes timeless appeal. A short bus ride brings you back to the ship in Budapest, completing your day's adventure.
Day 5: Beautiful Budapest I no biking
Today, immerse yourself in the splendor of Budapest, often hailed as one of the Danube's most beautiful cities. The river divides the city into two distinct districts, Buda and Pest, connected by stunning bridges.
In Pest, marvel at the iconic Parliament building and the grand Heroes' Square. Near the river, explore the famous market hall, a basilica-like structure dating back to 1897, offering a taste of Hungarian culture and cuisine.
Cross over to Buda and discover the enchanting castle district. Budapest's excellent public transportation makes exploring the city a breeze.
Alternatively, you may opt to join a comprehensive 3.5-hour city tour organized by your ship BELLA, showcasing landmarks like the Millennium Monument, the Opera House, and Parliament. The tour also includes the castle district, Matthias Church, Fishermen's Bastion, and Gellért Hill with its Citadel and Statue of Liberty (city tour is optional and has to be booked on board). As evening approaches, the BELLA sets sail upstream, giving you a final chance to admire Budapest's beauty from the deck.
Day 6: From Bratislava to the Danube's "Gate" I E-BIKE: 32-41 km
In the morning, our journey brings us to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. While the cityscape still retains hints of its socialist past, the old town has undergone a splendid renovation, reminiscent of the grandeur of the Habsburg Empire, much like Vienna and Budapest. Previously known as Pressburg until the founding of Czechoslovakia, Bratislava assumed its current status as the capital of Slovakia after the country's separation from the Czech Republic in 1993.
Our cycling adventure commences at the ruins of Devín Castle, located a few kilometers west of the city. From this historic vantage point, we embark on a scenic route that leads us to the majestic baroque palace, Schloss Hof, in Austria. Crossing the Danube via a colossal suspension bridge at Hainburg, we reach the end of our cycling journey at the "Hainburger Pforte", a narrow passage of the Danube straddling the borders of Austria and Slovakia. Following this exhilarating cycling excursion, we return to Bratislava by bus, as the ship prepares to depart again in the afternoon.
Day 7: Through the Wachau to Melk I E-BIKE: 39 km
Enjoy breakfast as the BELLA cruises through the breathtaking Wachau Valley. In Krems, we disembark for a scenic bike ride to Dürnstein, a renowned wine region. Dürnstein's picturesque vineyards and ancient castle ruins, where King Richard the Lionheart was once held captive, create a truly romantic setting.
Our route continues through terraced vineyards and charming wine villages like Weißenkirchen, with its magnificent Gothic church. We'll also pass through St. Michael, Spitz, and Willendorf, home to the famous "Venus of Willendorf" statuette. This remarkable find - dating back almost 30,000 years - is Austria's most celebrated relic from the Stone Age.
Our cycling adventure concludes in Melk, opposite the grand Melk Abbey, a baroque masterpiece. We return to the ship for lunch and begin our journey back to Passau.
Day 8: Farewell to the Danube in Passau!
We arrive back in Passau around 8:45 AM. After breakfast, disembarkation begins around 9:00 AM.
Consider extending your stay in Passau or exploring the vibrant city of Munich. With their rich history, delicious cuisine, and lively atmosphere, these Bavarian gems offer a perfect way to conclude your Danube adventure.
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Please note that the itinerary may change, sometimes at short notice. Occasionally, waterways may be closed due to conditions such as drought, severe weather, flooding, canal or lock maintenance, or other unexpected events that prevent safe navigation. The captain reserves the right to make necessary adjustments.
Our priority is to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the journey, and we will strive to minimize any disruptions to your experience. Thank you for your flexibility and cooperation.
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E-BIKE TRIP - ROUTE ASSESSMENT: The total E-bike riding distance is approximately 176-185 kilometers (110-115 miles). The bike routes primarily utilize designated cycling paths, low-traffic secondary roads, and paved trails. Occasional sections may include unpaved surfaces. Short segments involve riding on roads with moderate to high traffic volume. The routes along the Danube are predominantly flat, with minimal inclines. Exceptions: at day 3 you will climb up on top of the Leopoldsberg (app. 300 vertical meters (975 feet)); day 6 includes an ascent of approximately 200 vertical meters (650 feet).
