Germany & Austria | Danube River Biketour | Bike & Boat
Germany & Austria | Danube River Biketour | Bike & Boat
Germany & Austria | Danube River Biketour | Bike & Boat
Germany & Austria | Danube River Biketour | Bike & Boat
Germany & Austria | Danube River Biketour | Bike & Boat
Germany & Austria | Danube River Biketour | Bike & Boat
Germany & Austria | Danube River Biketour | Bike & Boat
Germany & Austria | Danube River Biketour | Bike & Boat
Germany & Austria | Danube River Biketour | Bike & Boat
Germany & Austria | Danube River Biketour | Bike & Boat
Germany & Austria | Danube River Biketour | Bike & Boat
Early Bird Specials

Germany & Austria | Danube River Biketour | Bike & Boat

8 Days
25.05.2025 - 01.06.2025
from 3021 €
pro Person
description

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).

dates & prices
Select your date
25.05.2025 - 01.06.2025
8 Days
25.05.2025 - 01.06.2025 | 8 Days
MV BELLA
Cabin Category A double-use / per person
3221 €
Early bird price when booking by 30.11.2024
3021 €
Cabin Category C double-use / per person
3621 €
Early bird price when booking by 30.11.2024
3421 €
Cabin Category D double-use / per person
3755 €
Early bird price when booking by 30.11.2024
3555 €
Cabin Category A single-use
4260 €
Early bird price when booking by 30.11.2024
4060 €
Cabin Category C single-use
4900 €
Early bird price when booking by 30.11.2024
4700 €
Cabin Category D single use
5113 €
Early bird price when booking by 30.11.2024
4913 €
added options / discounts
Rental helmet
10 € more info
Do you need a helmet?

More and more cyclists are realizing that wearing a helmet can increase their own safety. The decision to wear a helmet is at your own discretion. Just as you are responsible for complying with the road traffic regulations, this also applies to wearing a protective helmet.

We offer you a rental helmet for EUR 10 if you reserve it with us (2-3 weeks before the start of your journey)!

Private transfer, Munich airport/city - Passau (1-8 people), one way
350 €

Train ticket, Vienna - Passau from
50 €

Private transfer, Vienna airport/city - Passau (1-8 people), one way
490 €

accomodation / hotels
MV BELLA weniger Infos

Extra Info | terranova customer Reviews
  • SKILL LEVEL
    EASY - MODERATE:
    Rating a tour is one of the most difficult things we do. The bike route takes you through the picturesque wine-growing landscape of the Danube Valley along the terraced slopes. The total distance by e-bike is about 150 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). All gradients are easy to ride with e-bikes! On an electric bike, we are giving this tour an easy to moderate rating. On your premium pedelec equipped with Bosch or Shimano mid-mounted motor, you can decide how much assistance you require. The difficulty rating will be entirely up to you.
     
  • Safety regulations:
    In Slovakia, wearing a helmet is required by law outside the city limits.
    In Hungary, wearing a safety vest is required by law at night and during times of low visibility outside limits of cities/villages.
    In Austria, wearing a helmet is mandatory for children under 12 years of age.
     
  • AIRPORT INFO
    Fly to Munich (MUN) or Vienna (VIE) Airport
     
  • LOCAL TRAVEL
    There are a couple of options as far as arrival and departure airports.

    Munich Airport is located 188 km from Engelhartszell at the Donau and to get there with a transfer from Munich Airport will take about 02 h. The duration of the transfer may vary depending on the chosen vehicle and the traffic circumstances. Please book your flight so that you arrive at Munich airport no later than 1 pm, otherwise, you run the risk of yourself arriving too late at the meeting point on board the ship (4 pm) and unable to take part in the panorama tour.

    Arrival/Departure in Munich:
  • Take a bus to Freising train station (approximately €3). It’s also possible to take a taxi from the Airport to Freising Station (approximately €27). From Freising, continue by train to Passau. The train ride is approx. 2–2½ hr. (depending on connections) and costs €30 to €45 depending on type of train.
  • Take the Regional Express train from the airport to Landshut and then get on another regional train that takes you to Passau. The wait between trains is approximately 15 minutes and does not require you to change tracks. Ticket price is approximately €16. Important to note, these tickets can only be purchased on the DB phone app or at the train station. Purchasing tickets from the machine will not give you this option since it does not allow bookings for multiple regional trains.
  • Private transfers are available for a supplement from the airport or Munich City Center to Passau. See pricing.

    Vienna Airport is located 262.94 km from Engelhartszell at the Donau and to get there with a transfer from Munich Airport will take about 03 h. The duration of the transfer may vary depending on the chosen vehicle and the traffic circumstances. Please book your flight so that you arrive at Munich  airport no later than 12pm, otherwise, you run the risk of yourself arriving too late at the meeting point on board the ship (4 pm) and unable to take part in the panorama tour. 

    Arrival in Vienna:
  • From Vienna Airport, you can take a train to Passau. There are a few direct departures or many departures with transfers involved. We can assist you with reserving a ticket. See pricing.
  • Private transfers are available for a supplement to the airport or Vienna City Center. See pricing.

    Departure from Vienna:

    At the end of your tour, from Passau’s main train station, you can take a train to Vienna. Travel time is just under 3 hours. The airport is outside the city limits, about 20 km (12.5 miles) from the city center. The CAT train line is the dedicated train link between Vienna and the airport. It leaves from Wien Mitte and delivers you to the airport (and vice versa) in 16 minutes, with no stops en route.You can also request a bus ticket from us. See pricing.
  • Private transfers are available for a supplement to the airport or Vienna City Center. See pricing.
     
  • CLIMATE
    The Danube River is a charming destination to visit at almost any time of the year, though most travel experts agree the that best times to take a Danube cruise are Spring (April and May) and Fall (September and October). Apart from the frigid months of January and February when most cruise lines don’t operate, the Danube is a great year-round destination. You will travel through a climatic region between mountains and lowlands, where the weather can be very changeable! It can often be quite cool in the mountains. Temperature fluctuations between morning and evening are the rule. You need clothing for hot and fickle/cool weather. You shouldn’t travel without a warm jacket/sweater and rain protection! 
     
  • REMARKS
    This tour offers an optional CO2 compensation program for a supplement through Atmosfair, a non-profit climate protection organization with a focus on travel. Your voluntary contribution will provide for the expansion of renewable energies in countries where they are scarcely available. See pricing.
     
  • IMPORTANT TO KNOW
    Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.

    Documents: Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have proper identification. For US citizens, the U.S. Passports & International Travel website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. It is important to research before you travel as airlines will not permit boarding if you do not have the required valid documents. We recommend that you make copies of your important documents and papers (insurance cards, etc.). Leave a copy at home and have a copy with you. In the unfortunate situation that you lose your original documents, having copies facilitates the replacement process.

    *Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
     
  • Insurance: Before traveling, we strongly recommend you review your personal insurance and health insurance to ensure you have coverage appropriate to meet your needs, and the needs of your family and dependants, in case of any loss of property or illness, injury, or death.


CUSTOMER REVIEWS

  • mister S. from Taunusstein ⭐⭐⭐⭐
    "Although I'm not normally a big fan of cycling, this Danube bike tour in Austria changed my mind! The combination of bike and boat was perfect for me as I could always retreat to the comfortable boat after a day on the bike. The scenery along the Danube was simply breathtaking and the food on the boat was also super tasty. I would recommend this trip to anyone who likes to be active and explore new places."
  • couple E. from Bergisch Gladbach ⭐⭐⭐⭐
    "My partner and I had a wonderful time on this Danube bike tour in Austria! The combination of bike and boat was a great way to explore the countryside along the Danube without it being too strenuous. The staff on the boat were very friendly and the food was super tasty. We also met some other nice people who were on the trip. Overall it was a great experience and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys cycling and exploring new places."

 

 

services

What’s Included

  • A river cruise with 7 nights in a double outside cabin of category A (also C or D for an additional charge) with breakfast on board the MV BELLA
  • 7 multi-course dinners (buffet style)
  • Lunch as a buffet or picnic
  • Drinks are included on the cruise, with the exception of champagne and exclusive rarities
  • Free use of on-board facilities such as sauna and fitness area
  • 15% discount on treatments in the SPA-MV
  • Bathroom amenities, bathrobe and bottled water in the cabin
  • Children up to 15 years of age travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one adult supervising them
  • Guided visits with local guides and entrance fees in Klosterneuburg, Esztergom, Visegrad etc.
  • 5 guided cycling tours on selected routes including all transfers indicated in the itinerary
  • rental E-bike
  • Service station accompanying bus with transfer option and technical support
  • 2 terranova tour guides (bike guide and driver/guide for the support van)
  • Mineral water on the excursions
  • All port and passenger fees (tourist taxes)
  • CO2 compensation of the excursion package
  • free Shuttle from main station Passau to the ship and back

What is not included

- Flights, arrival transfers to the ship

- Helmets

- Gratuities

- Bicycle insurance

- Travel insurance

 

In deviation from our general terms and conditions, the following payment and cancellation conditions apply to this trip:

45 % of the tour price up to the 31st day before arrival
65 % of the tour price up to the 25th day before arrival
75 % of the tour price up to the 18th day before arrival
85 % of the tour price up to the 9th day before arrival
90 % of the tour price up to the 4th day before arrival
95 % of the tour price up to the day of arrival or in case of no-show

*When you receive our travel confirmation and the security certificate, a deposit per person of 25% of the tour price is due.
 

Map | Video | Contact

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

We personalize your travel experience:
Our tours go beyond the typical off-the-shelf options. Every tour-detail has been meticulously explored, scrutinized, and firsthand experienced. Prior to featuring a trip in our program, we conduct on-site evaluations of each element to ensure its suitability. We only present trips that not only align with our high standards but also meet our personal criterias.

 
Your contact for this trip:

Jens Barklage

Senior product manager


terranova Touristik

Martin-May-Str. 7
60594 Frankfurt a. M.
barklage@terranova-touristik.de
Tel.: +49 69.69.30.54

 

 

 

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