Through the old Austrian Empire
Exploring the Habsburg Empire along the Danube, from Passau to Budapest by bike and boat, promises a captivating journey through history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Spanning four countries, this itinerary offers a unique perspective on the heart of the old empire.
Combining river cruising with bike touring, this tour by terranova has been a successful concept for over 20 years. Your room travels with you on the luxurious ship, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your adventure. After an exhilarating day of cycling, returning to the comfortable cabin on board the ship is a welcome respite. In the evening, the on-board restaurant beckons, offering a chance to relax and enjoy a delicious dinner while the picturesque Danube landscape drifts by outside your window.
Pedaling through the Wachau and the enchanting Danube Bend, you'll have the opportunity to taste Grüner Veltliner and explore the footsteps of the Nibelungs. Everywhere you go, you'll sense the enduring splendor of the old empire, as history comes to life along the banks of the Danube. Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with spectacular views, magnificent architecture, and rich cultural experiences in the historic cities of Vienna, Budapest, Esztergom, Melk, and Dürnstein.
Highlights
- 5 guided bike tours along the Danube & beyond the river banks
- glamorous places 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: Bratislava 20 mi. (32 km)
- Day 7: Wachau - Melk 24,5 mi. (39 km)
- Day 8: Departure or extension in Passau or Munich
*All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change, at times without prior notice. Some waterways may be subject to occasional closures due to drought, storms, floods, canal or lock repairs, or other unforeseen circumstances that make navigation unsafe or impossible. The captain reserves the right to make any changes deemed necessary.
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Day 1: Embark in Passau
For individual arrivals in Passaul, you have the option to make your own way to the designated meeting point. The ship BELLA offers a complimentary bus shuttle service from the main train station in Passau to the quay. The shuttle departs at around 3:00 p.m. and takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Upon arrival at the ship, it's essential to be on board by 4:00 p.m. at the latest, as the ship sets sail promptly at 4:30 p.m., heading downstream towards Vienna. For larger groups exceeding 10 guests, a terranova tour guide will typically remain on board to assist you throughout the journey.
As the ship begins its voyage, you'll soon encounter the first scenic highlight just 14 kilometers after departure: the Schlögener Schlinge. Here, the Danube winds its way through the Bohemian massif in a series of meanders. One particularly striking feature is the loop, where the river sharply curves to the left in a 180-degree bend, followed by another 180-degree bend. It's a breathtaking sight to behold as you embark on your Danube adventure.
Day 2: Through the Danube Floodplain Forests I E-BIKE: 34 km
In the morning, as the ship gracefully glides past the verdant slopes of the Vienna Woods, it arrives in Vienna around noon. After enjoying a delightful lunch on board, it's time to embark on today's cycling adventure.
The bikes are ready and waiting for you on the bank, right at the jetty. Your bike stage begins as you pedal over the Bridge "Reichsbrücke", leading you to the elongated Danube Island, a beloved recreational and bathing spot for the Viennese. On the northern side of the Danube lies the floodplain landscape of Lobau, nestled within the Donau-Auen National Park. This protected area serves as a refuge for numerous water birds and other endangered animal and plant species, safeguarding them from the impact of the Danube's engineering projects.
Your cycling path takes you across the Danube Island, traversing through Vienna's entertainment haven, the Prater. From there, you'll cycle back to the ship along the banks of the Danube. If you desire, you can spend the evening exploring downtown Vienna, as the ship stays overnight in the city. Your guide will be on hand to provide guidance on the best way to navigate the city center, ensuring you make the most of your time in this vibrant and culturally rich capital.
Day 3: Vienna Woods & Monastery Splendor I E-BIKE: 36 km
Today offers another opportunity to start your cycling adventure directly from the landing stage in the morning. Heading upriver from Vienna, you'll pass by the cityscape and venture towards the steeply sloping slopes of the "Wiener Wald" or Vienna Woods, affectionately referred to by locals as the "nose."
With your eBike, you'll ascend from the river shore to the Leopoldsberg, where you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view high above the Danube, offering a stunning vista of Vienna below. It's here that Vienna's fate was decided during the 2nd siege by the Turks, adding a historical depth to the scenery.
From the top you enjoy an enjoyable descent that effortlessly carries you to Klosterneuburg. Klosterneuburg Abbey holds a rich history as a center of art and culture in the High Middle Ages. Later, Charles VI oversaw its transformation into a baroque masterpiece, symbolizing the connection between the kingdom of God and the empire, akin to an Austrian Escorial.
From Klosterneuburg, a pleasant and mostly traffic-free route leads you back to your ship in Vienna. As evening descends, the Bella bids farewell to Vienna and continues its journey downstream towards Hungary, offering you the chance to relax and enjoy the river's gentle flow under the evening sky.
Day 4: "Etzels Castle" and Hungary's Danube Knee I E-BIKE: 35 km
As you indulge in a tempting breakfast buffet aboard the ship, the picturesque town of Esztergom comes into view. Dominating the skyline is the imposing Esztergom Castle Hill, crowned by the grand basilica, the largest sacred building in Hungary. Once the coronation site of Hungarian rulers, Esztergom boasts a rich history dating back to ancient times, even earning a mention in the Nibelungenlied as the castle of the legendary Hun king Etzel.
Upon disembarking, you'll have the opportunity to explore this historic site and delve into its significance in Hungarian history. A short transfer then takes you to Visegrad Castle, perched high above the Danube Bend, one of the most picturesque regions along the river. From the castle's vantage point, you'll be treated to a breathtaking view of the Danube's narrow meander as it winds through the surrounding landscape.
After visiting the fortress, a scenic descent awaits, leading you back to the banks of the Danube. Following a short stretch on a bustling road, a charming ferry ride transports you to the elongated island nestled within the Danube Bend. Here, amidst a rural idyll, your route spans over 20 kilometers south across the island of Szentendrei-sziget.
Your journey culminates in Szentendre, a vibrant baroque town renowned for its artistic heritage, nestled on the banks of the Danube. With its plethora of churches and charming riverside location, Szentendre exudes a timeless charm. From here, it's just a short distance to Budapest, where a bus awaits to transport you back to the ship, marking the end of today's cycling adventure.
Day 5: Beautiful Budapest
Today, you have the luxury of spending almost an entire day at leisure in Budapest, often hailed as one of the most beautiful cities along the Danube. As Péter Esterházy eloquently described, Budapest is akin to a lady with the Danube gracefully flowing between her breasts. The river serves as a majestic divider between the two distinct districts of Buda and Pest, connected by magnificent bridges.
In Pest, you'll encounter the iconic Parliament building, a monumental architectural masterpiece, and the grandiose Heroes' Square. Near the river port, you'll find the renowned market hall, a basilica-like structure dating back to 1897, offering a delightful culinary and cultural experience.
Crossing over to Buda, the castle district beckons with its unique charm. Budapest boasts a well-developed public transportation system, including metro, tram, trolley, and bus services, making it convenient to explore the city center at your own pace. Alternatively, you may opt to join a comprehensive 3.5-hour city tour organized by your ship BELLA, offering insights into key landmarks such as the Millennium Monument at Heldenplatz, the majestic opera house, and the imposing parliament building. The tour also ventures through the enchanting castle district, passing by Matthias Church and the Fishermen's Bastion, before ascending Gellért Hill to visit the Citadel, crowned by the Statue of Liberty.
As the day draws to a close, the BELLA sets sail around 4 p.m., embarking on its upstream journey towards Germany, offering you the opportunity to bid farewell to the enchanting beauty of Budapest from the deck of the ship.
Day 6: From Bratislava to the Gate of the Danube River 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
As you enjoy your breakfast, the MV (motor vessel) Bella gracefully navigates through the enchanting landscape of the Wachau. Upon reaching Krems in the morning, around 8:15 am, our group of cyclists disembarks for a captivating journey to Dürnstein, arguably one of the most renowned wine-growing regions in the Wachau. Nestled along the Danube, Dürnstein boasts picturesque vineyards and the remnants of an ancient castle, romantically dilapidated since the Thirty Years War. It serves as a poignant reminder of King Richard the Lionheart's historic captivity there.
Continuing our cycling route towards Weißenkirchen, we traverse terraced vineyards adorned with quaint winegrowers' dwellings. As we approach a charming row of houses boasting inviting wine taverns, we find ourselves on the cusp of Weißenkirchen, a wine-growing village distinguished by its magnificent Gothic fortified church dating back to the 14th century.
Our journey leads us through other idyllic wine-growing towns like St. Michael, Spitz, and Willendorf, the latter known for the discovery of the iconic "Venus von Willendorf" statuette, dating back almost 30,000 years. This remarkable find, Austria's most celebrated relic from the Stone Age, now resides in the Natural History Museum in Vienna.
The cycling adventure concludes in the early afternoon near Melk, opposite the grandiose monastery complex. This baroque Benedictine monastery serves as a picturesque gateway to the Wachau, offering a captivating fusion of landscape and culture. Returning to the ship around noon, we set sail upstream towards Passau, continuing our immersive exploration of the Danube's treasures.
Day 8: Disembark in Passau / Departure or Extension in Passau
As the ship docks in Passau around 8:00 am, you've reached the starting point of your journey once more. After enjoying breakfast on board, disembarkation commences, and around 9:00 am, transfers to the train station in Passau are provided.
Considering the charm and allure of Bavarian cities like Passau and Munich, it's highly recommended to extend your stay for another night or two. Whether exploring historic landmarks, indulging in delectable cuisine, or simply immersing yourself in the lively ambiance, extending your stay promises to enrich your experience of Bavaria even further.
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We kindly ask for your understanding that changes to the timetable and program may occur. Factors such as high and low tide, maintenance work, and waiting times at locks and bridges can necessitate adjustments at short notice. In rare instances of high or low tide or force majeure, certain parts of the route may need to be covered by alternative transportation such as bus or train. Additionally, in individual cases, hotel accommodation may be required. Rest assured, 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 distance by e-bike is about 176-185 km. The bike routes mostly run on cycle paths with little traffic or small side roads (a few unpaved stretches; short sections on motorways). The paths along the Danube have only a few and slight inclines (only on the 6th day there is an approx. 200 m long ascent that has to be pushed).