The Danube by Bike & Boat

The Danube by Bike & Boat

18 Views
8 Days From

$1280

$1240

The Danube by Bike & Boat

8 Days Starting and ending in Passau

Visiting: Germany, Austria

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

DBS

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

90 - 150

Physical rating:

introductory to moderate

From: $1280 $1240 Mid-Year Mayhem Discount: -$40

NB: Prices correct on 27-Jul-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Europe's second longest river, the Danube, courses through ten nations en route to the Black Sea. This itinerary follows its journey through some of the most romantic European landscapes. From the cobblestone streets of charming Passau head out into Austria, winding your way past enchanting monasteries and majestic castles. By boat cruise the Danube through Upper Austria to reach the romantic Austrian capital of Vienna, one of the most magical cities in Europe. Heading west, the pace slows down, with a memorable cycle across the Wachau Valley past rolling vineyards, hill top castles, meadows and forests to encounter atmospheric landscapes and sites of arresting history. Enjoy the atmosphere of life on board with like minded active travellers, sampling local culinary delights and relaxing atop the sundeck with splendid views of the changing scenery.

Highlights

  • Exploring the majestic city of Vienna and the three river town of Passau

  • Cycling through the stunning Wachau Valley and along the famous Danube bike path

  • Experiencing the timelessness of the Danube by boat and bike

  • Relaxing on board the comfortable barge, your home for the week

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Passau (Germany)

Boarding is at 4:00pm (luggage drop-off from 3pm is possible) and the boat will depart at approximately 5:30pm to the next location. Located at the junction of three rivers, the Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau has a number of interesting sites including the Fortress “Veste Oberhaus” built in 1219 where there is an observation tower for a good view of the town and the river and St. Stevens Cathedral with the world’s largest church organ. Cruise during the night through the Danube Valley.

Day 2 : Cycle To Brandstatt From Engelhartszell (45Km/28Mi)

This morning you will receive your bikes for the trip. Today's cycle tour takes you directly along the banks of the Danube, with plenty of time to enjoy the landscape as you cycle. You'll explore the pristine countryside of the Upper Danube valley on the former towpath as it runs past sleepy villages. Small, rustic inns at the edge of the trail invite you to linger, and the aroma of fresh fish traditionally grilled might waft through the air. The Schlögener Blick observation point offers a truly stunning view of the Schlögener Schlinge where the Danube carves its way through a gorge and doubles back on itsellf. Overnight Brandstatt.

Day 3 : Cycle To Linz (24Km/15Mi)

Today the tour continues along the banks of the Danube to reach the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. Here you can discover the European Capital of Culture 2009 on a bright yellow miniature train (optional). The cathedral is the largest in Austria, the Pöstlingbergbahn is the steepest adhesion railway in the world. At the ARS Electronica Museum you can try out some of the most impressive examples of modern technology. Alternatively relax and enjoy the charms of this atmospheric town. Overnight Linz.

Day 4 : Cycle Tulln To Vienna (31Km/19Mi)

Today you will arrive in Vienna and in the afternoon have free time to explore the beautiful city. Right in front of Vienna's entrance and surrounded by breathtaking scenery is the monastery of Klosterneuburg. "Kahlenbergerdorf" with its wine taverns is only a hop from the pier and definitely worth a visit. After a stroll through the vineyards, you can enjoy the panoramic view over Vienna. You will be provided with information to plan your sightseeing or there's an optional city tour by bus in the afternoon passing most of the numerous and famous sights and a guided walking tour though the historic centre of Austria’s capital (optional, not included). There are many famous places of interest to explore including the Prater, St Stephens Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace.

Day 5 : Rest Day Vienna

Today you are free to explore Vienna. You can take a city tour of Vienna's sights from the saddle of your bike or on the HOP ON HOP OFF bus (optional). The magnificent Ringstraße will remind you of times long past and inviting coffee houses will tempt you with delicious Viennese cakes and pastries, while the Naschmarket market is a feast for all the senses. End the evening on a magical note with a concert of waltz and classical operetta music in Sisi’s summer residence (optional). Late departure from Vienna and cruise towards Krems.

Day 6 : Wachau Valley From Krems To Melk (37Km/23Mi)

Enjoy an unforgettable day in the picturesque Wachau. Today you will cycle through delightful wine-growing villages surrounded by terraced vineyards and apricot trees from Krems to Melk. The charming little town of Dürnstein with its narrow lanes is a highlight. In In Spitz - one of the most famous wine-growing villages in the World Cultural Heritage Landscape - you can discover the first rate famous Wachau wines.

Day 7 : Cycle Grein To Mauthausen Via Mitterkirchen (36Km/22Mi)

Continue along the banks of the Danube, again enjoying the landscape as you cycle. A beautiful and diverse route awaits, offering a wide range of experiences. Starting from the medieval town of Grein (home to Austria's oldest theatre, visit optional), cycle through the picturesque hinterland of the Strudengau region. With a bit of luck, you may even be personally guided through the romantic Clam Castle by the castle's lord. Additionally, you'll take a journey back in time at the Celtic Village in Mitterkirchen. The Mauthausen Memorial, is situated on a hill near the town.

Day 8 : Cruise To Passau And Disembark, Trip Concludes

Enjoy the first rays of sun and the early morning tranquillity one last time from the deck before we reach Passau/surrounds. Disembarkation will be at approx. 11.00am. We recommend that you do not make any arrangements for onward travel departing before Midday to be on the safe side, later departure times would be even better.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    7 nights in a 2 bed cabin on Main Deck

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners. The trip is based on full board which includes a buffet breakfast daily, packed lunches (or light lunch on board if not cycling) and a 3 course dinner each night (2-3 choices for main course). Vegetarian or other dietar

  • 7 nights accommodation on board a deluxe category river boat. Price shown is for a 2 bed cabin on the Main Deck (lower deck). For other categories of berths in cabins on Middle (comfort or minisuite) or Upper (superior) decks - a supplement applies. All c

  • 21 or 24 speed bike rental with pannier and handlebar bag (children trailers (max 2 children, 40kgs) on request. A limited number of electric bikes are available for hire, approx 12-15 per departure - must be pre-booked and a supplement applies)

  • Information pack including route notes & maps per cabin, navigational app to use on your smartphone

  • Welcome drink, farewell crew show, live music every night, gala dinner on last evening with farewell cocktail

  • Cruise director on board - does not cycle with the group, provides daily briefings

  • Docking & harbour fees

  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Passau *Parking in Passau including transfer to and from the boat (reservation necessary, payable locally); Closed parking lot EUR75 approx, Parking garage EUR87 approx *Private or shuttle transfers from Munich Airport to Passau – price

  • Helmet. Optional rental (must be pre-booked & pre-paid) or purchase (payable locally but must be pre-booked) available - please request with your consultant

show more

What's Not Included

  • Travel to and from Passau *Parking in Passau including transfer to and from the boat (reservation necessary, payable locally); Closed parking lot EUR75 approx, Parking garage EUR87 approx *Private or shuttle transfers from Munich Airport to Passau – price

  • Optional excursions - booked and paid locally (detailed information and pricing is provided on board):- *Linz: city tour with scenic train *Vienna: Hop On Hop Off bus, City tour by Bike, Concert Schönbrunn - Orangerie *Wachau valley: Wine tasting *Grein:

  • Drinks other than afternoon tea and coffee on board

  • Meals not detailed in the itinerary

  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.

  • Bike insurance is available locally - allow EUR15 for hybrid bike, EUR50 for electric bike (subject to change)

  • Helmets - can be purchased on board for EUR32 (subject to change, advance reservation recommended)

  • Supplement for bringing your own bike - ask us for details

  • Helmets. Bring your own or can be purchased on board - EUR39 (subject to change) - must be pre-reserved, payable locally

  • Helmet. Optional rental (EUR15) or purchase (EUR32) available - payable locally but must be pre-booked - please request with your consultant

  • Helmet. Optional rental (must be pre-booked & pre-paid) or purchase (EUR32 - payable locally but must be pre-booked) available - please request with your consultant

Grading

This trip involves 5 days cycling usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain up to 50km/31mi in a day. It is almost exclusively on the Danube cycle path. In and out of the cities there will be some traffic. You need only carry your camera
ain gear and water bottle. Your luggage remains on the boat. For this reason the trip is a Grade 2 cycle and is considered suitable for beginners and children. A limited number of children’s bikes are available (minimum height 120cm/3ft 11.3in), as are bike seats (max 18kg/39lb 10.93137oz) and trailers (2 children, maximum 40kg/88lb 2.95oz). *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

What You Carry

During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

S. Anderson(Seattle, United States)  

The Danube by Bike & Boat

10 Oct 2023

Our first bike trip really did exceed our expectations. Food, staff, bike support and condition of boat (stately!) was all great.

S. Konnad(USA)  

The Danube by Bike & Boat

27 Sep 2022

Great food. Great service. Easy ride, mainly along the river on excellent bike paths.

L. Exley(Vernon, Canada)  

The Danube by Bike & Boat

26 Sep 2023

It was a wonderful trip in the Danube. The bikes were in perfect order. The cabin adequate, the food top notch, the service for the most part excellent. The cruise director did not always explain very clearly and one evening the hotel manager forgot to go into English. Overall we were delighted!

J. Kehoe(Seattle, WA, USA)  

The Danube by Bike & Boat

12 Jul 2022

MS Swiss Crown was excellent with great bikes and delicious foods. Wine and beer was well priced. Danube river trail was scenic and full of history.

G. Bartel(Delta, Canada)  

The Danube by Bike & Boat

26 Aug 2022

After getting through the pandemic, we were very excited to finally be travelling. We spent just over a month in Europe visiting many places but the Bike and Barge trip through Austria was the best part of our trip. Our cruise director was just fabulous and made the trip even more enjoyable. The passengers all became like one big family. What a blast we had and we can't wait to do it again.

S. Hawley(Santa Cruz)  

The Danube by Bike & Boat

17 Oct 2021

Very satisfied.

P. Roberts(East Ryde, Australia)  

The Danube by Bike & Boat

16 May 2024

Excellent trip. Self guided. Balcony room, clean, delicious meals, great bikes. Distances doable even without electric bikes. Small spa bath on ship to help recovery.

Jennifer Cleary(Reston, Virginia, United States)  

The Danube by Bike & Boat

9 Jul 2024

It was our favorite vacation ever! We enjoyed the freedom to explore at our own pace, and the suggested stops were amazing. Food, service and accommodations on the boat were lovely too.

David Budner(GORHAM, Ontario, Canada)  

The Danube by Bike & Boat

4 Jul 2023

The service was excellent, the E Bikes were perfect for the longer days so you were not so tired and enjoyed the sights.The boat was beautiful, great state rooms ,the food ,wonderful with plenty of choices. I think one of the best ways to see Europe .

D. Brierley(Toronto, Canada)  

The Danube by Bike & Boat

10 Oct 2023

The Swiss Crown exceeded all expectations. Great food, service and cabins. The (pedal) bikes were adequate but heavy.

Read all 50 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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