Along the Danube - Four Country Tour

2020

Day 1: Arrival in Passau at 4 pm
Day 2: Schlögen - Linz, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 3: Tulln - Vienna,  22 mi. or 32 mi. (36 or 52 km)
Day 4: Komárom – Esztergom, 35 mi. (56 km)
Day 5: Sightseeing in Budapest and cycling tour to Margareteninsel, 14 mi. (22 km)
Day 6: Sightseeing in Bratislava and cycling Bratislava - Devin - Bratislava, 20 mi. (33 km)
Day 7: Cycling tour Krems to Pöchlarn, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 8: Departure from Passau at 9 am

*All distances are approximate. Timetable and program are subject to changes by the captain due to regional conditions (among other things high or low water, adverse weather, storms, etc.).

Day 1: Passau - Schlögen 
Arrive at the fenced-in car park until 4 pm or arrival at Passau main station by 4.45 pm (e.g. arrival with train ICE 27). Bus transfer from the car park or from the main station to the ship is available for an additional charge. Boarding begins at 4 pm! Welcome snacks are offered as you arrive. This evening you will enjoy a captain’s welcome dinner with a 4-course menu. The ship will depart Passau at 8 pm and navigate to Schlögen, arriving approximately 11:30 pm.

Day 2: Schlögen - Linz,  34 mi. (55 km)
Distribution of bicycle rentals at Schlögen Bend in the morning. Your cycling itinerary today will lead through the uninhabited narrow valley near Kaiserau to Ottensheim and further on to Linz (European Capital of Culture 2009). The ship will depart from Schlögen at 12 noon and will arrive in Linz at 4:15 pm. The ship will depart from Linz at 8:30 pm, heading to Tullin, arriving at 7:30 am.

Day 3: Tulln - Vienna, 22 mi. or 32 mi. (36 or 52 km)
Plan on a visit to the Museum of Egon Schiele and garden exhibition (with 65 gardens) in Tulln, followed by a cycle tour from Tulln (“city of flowers”), with a wonderful view
of the foothills of the Viennese Wood (Wiener Wald), past Klosterneuburg (monastery – Austrian Escorial) to Vienna. Individual sightseeing in Vienna or if you prefer, a city tour by bike, 95 % of which will take place on dedicated cycle tracks!  More information will be provided onboard. After dinner, at 8:30 pm, a guided city tour is included by bus “Vienna by night”. The ship departs Tulln at 10 am, arriving in Vienna at noon. Departs Vienna at 11 pm and arrives in Komárnom at 9 am.

Day 4: Komárno - Esztergom-Štúrovo,  35 mi. (56 km)
After the ship arrives at 9 am, cyclists disembark to enjoy their cycling itinerary. You depart from Komárom, cycling on the left bank through small, dreamy places on the very beautiful, car-free causeway, sometimes pedaling directly along the Danube past Moča to Esztergom. The boat departs at 12 noon, heading to Esztergon/Štúrovo arriving at 4 pm.  Cyclists embark here for the evening. The ship navigates once again leaving at 6 pm, arriving in Budapest at 11 pm.

Day 5: Budapest, 14 mi. (22 km)
In the morning, you will enjoy a city tour by bus of Budapest which will leave directly from the boat landing station. The tour will take about 3.5 hours, with a stay in the city center of about 1.5 hours. From here you will be transferred back to the ship. In the afternoon, there is a possibility for a round trip tour by bike on the 8 km long car-free Margareten Island in Budapest. The ship departs from Budapest at 5 pm and arrives in Bratislava at 9 am.

Day 6:  Bratislava - Devin - Bratislava, 20 mi. (33 km)
You will enjoy a guided city tour through the historical center of Bratislava. Afterward, on the Danube cycling route, you will pedal to Devin and the Bratislava Castle, one of the landmarks of the city – a National Cultural Monument. It is situated on a rocky hill of the Little Carpathians in the center of the city and is overlooking the river Danube. It also provides an excellent view of Bratislava and Austria. Afterwards, cross the new cycling bridge, you arrive in Austria, to the magnificent palace of the Empress Maria Theresia, Castle Hof with its impressive Baroque gardens, staterooms, etc.). You will return to Bratislava to board the ship and enjoy a sailing dinner.  The ship departs Bratislava at 4 pm arriving in Krems at 9 am. 

Day 7: Krems - Pöchlarn, 30 mi. (48 km)
You will enjoy the cycling this day on the Danube cycling path in the Wachau from Krems (UNESCO world cultural heritage) via Dürnstein to Melk (monastery) and further on to Pöchlarn. After arriving at 9 am in Krems, the ship will depart at 11:30 am for Pöchlarn, arriving at 3:30 pm. Departs once again at 5 pm, heading to Passau.

Day 8: Passau
The ship is scheduled to arrive in Passau at 8 am.  Disembarkation at 10.00 am. Transfer to the parking spot or train station, if reserved.

 2021

Day 1: Arrival in Passau at 4 pm
Day 2: Schlögen - Linz, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 3: Tulln - Vienna,  22 mi. or 32 mi. (36 or 52 km)
Day 4: Komárom – Esztergom, 35 mi. (56 km)
Day 5: Sightseeing in Budapest and cycling tour to Margareteninsel, 14 mi. (22 km)
Day 6: Sightseeing in Bratislava and cycling Bratislava - Devin - Bratislava, 20 mi. (33 km)
Day 7: Cycling tour Melk/Emmersdorf to Grein, 30 mi. (49 km)
Day 8: Departure from Passau at 9 am

*All distances are approximate. Timetable and program are subject to changes by the captain due to regional conditions (among other things high or low water, adverse weather, storms, etc.).

Carissima - tour starts on SATURDAY (Day 1)

Fortuna - tour starts on SUNDAY (Day 1)

Day 1: Arrival in Passau
Day 2: Passau - Schlögen Danube Loop - Aschach, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 3: Devin - Bratislava, 27 mi. (43 km)
Day 4: Budapest / Szentendre, 33 mi. (54 km)
Day 5: Danube Bend - Esztergom, 26 mi. (43 km)
Day 6: Vienna (day of rest)
Day 7: Wachau / Krems - Melk, 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 8: Passau

Day 1: Board in Passau
Boarding begins at 4:30 PM in Passau in the southeast of Germany, located at the Austrian border. Situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn, and Ilz, Passau is known as "The Three Rivers City".  

Day 2: Passau - Obernzell - Great Loop - Aschach, 26 mi. (42 km)
Your first day’s cycling begins with a ride through the classic scenery of the ‘Great Loop’ Donauschlinge, one of the most beautiful sections of the Danube. Along the way, you will encounter tiny villages and cozy cider taverns. In Austria’s only Trappist monastery at Engelhartszell, you can taste their delicious liquors and cheese. The famous ‘Schlogener View’ provides a wonderful panorama of the surrounding Austrian countryside. The boat welcomes all cyclists back on board in the charming market town of Aschach.

Day 3: Devin - Bratislava,  27 mi. (43 km)  
You pedal along the former “Iron Curtain”, crossing the green line and reaching the imposing Imperial Palace of Hof with its beautiful terraced gardens and idyllic manor farm. Follow the bike path through Austria’s “vegetable garden” to the coronation city of Bratislava at the slopes of the Little Carpathians and discover the hidden alleyways and sights of Bratislava on an optional city tour.

Day 4: Budapest, roundtrip to Szentendre, 33 mi. (54 km)
The entrance to Budapest, Hungary’s capital is stunning. You can explore the beauty of Budapest by bus or a guided bike tour (optional) to discover many of the highlights of this unique city. The Danube River runs straight through it, splitting the city in two. Budapest is bustling but peaceful, a friendly metropolis and a place where old treasures blend with the modern. Long gone is its communist shadow.  You will get a first-hand experience of Hungarian culture at an optional evening show with traditional music and dance. You can also choose to cycle to the charming town of Szentendre with its Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art scene. Experience Hungarian culture up close and personal at an evening show with traditional music and dance (optional).

Day 5: Danube Bend - Esztergom, 26 mi. (43 km)
The wooded hills of Pilis, Visegrád, and Börzsöny mirrored in the meandering Danube create a wonderful landscape that has become a nature lovers paradise. Amidst the Danube river, the idyllic isle of Szentendre exudes silent Puszta Romance. You cycle via the baroque village of Vác (influenced by the architects of Austria's Empress Maria Theresa) to the bishop town of Esztergom with its gorgeous basilica-Hungary's largest Catholic Church. Night cruise to Visegrad.

Day 6: Vienna (day of rest), Sightseeing tour by bike or bus - approx 3.5 hrs.
Discover Vienna's most beautiful attractions. During the bike tour of Vienna you will experience up close the most famous examples of architecture; the imperial Hofburg, St. Stephens Cathedral, the gorgeous boulevard "RingStraβe" with the State Opera House, the Burgtheater and town hall, as well as the colorful "Hunderwasserhaus" and the Ferry wheel, which is situated directly at the Prater. Relaxation can be found at one of the numerous small coffee bars. The evening ends impressively with a Waltz and Opera Concert at the Hofburg(optional), or at a wine tavern.

Day 7: Wachau / Krems - Melk, 22 mi. (37 km)
Small dreamy towns, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries, and ruins along sloping hills await you. This is pure biking bliss! In Spitz, inviting wine taverns beckon along the bike route. In Dúrstein's narrow alleys, you will have to walk your bike. This town is famous because Richard the Lion-Hearted was imprisoned here in 1193. The ruined castle above the town can be reached by a good hike with great river views. In Weißenkirchen (possibility for a wine-tasting – optional) you will find enticing wine taverns right along the bike path. You owe it to yourself to take a break! After a ceremonial gala dinner, lots of fun and entertainment can be experienced during a crew show.

Day 8: Departure Passau
As you cruise back up the Danube, enjoy the early morning sunshine as you wind your way to Passau, where you will disembark at about 10:00 am. Connecting travel should not be booked earlier than 11.00 am.

2020 excursions offered (these excursions are reserved and paid for onboard)

Bratislava: 
City tour by old-time excursion train and walking tour
Budapest:
Sightseeing tour by bike or bus                                               
Traditional Hungarian folklore show 
Vienna: 
City tour by bus
City tour by bike
Waltz and Operetta Concert in one of Vienna's famous palaces
Wachau: 
Wine tasting with a local wine grower 

Day 1: Arrival in Passau, Passau - Engelhartszell
Day 2: Engelhartszell -Great Loop - Brandstatt-Bratislava, 29 mi. (46 km)
Day 3: Bratislava, 34 mi. (54 km)
Day 4: Budapest (day of rest) or roundtrip to Szentendre, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Danube Bend | Visegrad- Esztergom, 16 - 37 mi. (25 - 60 km)
Day 6: Vienna - Nussdorf (Korneuburg may also be possible) - Day of rest 
Day 7: Wachau / Rossatz - Melk - Pöchlarn, 26 - 32 mi. (42 - 52 km)
Day 8: Passau

Day 1: Passau – Engelhartszell
Individual arrival in the "Three River City". Passau attracts many with the world's greatest church organ at the Stephansdom and it’s charming Old Town. Embarkation will be at 4:00 pm and departure around 7 pm. 

Day 2: Engelhartszell - Brandstatt - Bratislava - Great Loop, 29 mi. (46 km)
The day starts in Engelhartszell with the only Trappist monastery in Austria, towards the "Great Loop" - one of the most beautiful regions of the Danube. The route leads through small villages with typical taverns. The ship awaits in Brandstatt after which an evening sail is enjoyed towards Bratislava. 

Day 3: Bratislava, 34 mi. (54 km)
Arrival at Bratislava. You start cycling from Bratislava via Hainburg to the imposing Imperial Palace of Hof beautifully terraced gardens and idyllic manor farm further on to Devin and then back to Bratislava. Tip: discover the hidden alleys of Bratislava, places and all the sights of this ambitious metropolis during a tour by mini train and by foot. In the night shipping to Budapest.

Day 4: Budapest, 25 mi. (40 km) or Day of rest
In the early morning, you enjoy the panoramic view of the Danube's gorgeous landscape on the Sundeck. The gateway to Budapest is overwhelming, as many of the famous tourist features are situated directly next to the river bank. In the afternoon you can explore the numerous attractions of the city. Nearby, you find the Margaretheninsel which is outstandingly qualified for a small bike tour or the charming town of Szentendre with a Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art life. In the night shipping to Visegrad.

Day 5: Danube Bend | Visegrad - Esztergom, 16 - 37 mi. (25 - 60 km)
The Danube bend is definitely one of the most delightful and attractive parts and is called the Hungarian Wachau. Today's bike leg starts at Visegrad with its famous fortress and the ruins of the former palace. You can choose from 2 different routes: the longer one includes a side trip to the island of Szentendre and the baroque village of Vác, which has been influenced by the architects of the Austrian Empress Maria Theresia. The other route leads you directly to the bishop-town of Esztergom, with its gorgeous basilica, Hungary's largest Catholic Church, overlooking the village. In the night shipping to Vienna.

Day 6: Vienna - Nussdorf (Korneuburg may also be possible) - Day of rest   
You should be sure to see the most famous places of interest like the St. Stephens Cathedral, the Hofburg, the gorgeous boulevard with the Burgtheater, the State Opera House or the town hall that takes you
back to the past. In the night shipping to Rossatz or Dürnstein (Wachau).

Day 7: Wachau - Melk - Pöchlarn, 26 - 32 mi. (42 - 52 km) 
Your last biking day is a special highlight! Amidst small dreamy villages, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries, and ruins, this gentle hilly landscape enchants everybody. 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 Weißenkirchen, you will find comfy wine taverns right along the bike path. You owe it to yourself to take a break! You’ll board again in the small village of Pöchlarn. After the farewell gala dinner, you start “sailing” back to Passau

Day 8: Passau
Every journey draws to an end. Once again you enjoy on deck the first sunbeams and the peaceful silence of the Danube Valley. Take the last sight at the Schlögener Schlinge ("Great Loop") before you arrive relaxed at Passau. Arrival is at approximately 10 AM, disembarkation is at 10:30 AM. Due to possible unforeseen mooring delays, it is recommended that you do not make travel arrangements until after 12 PM. 

2020 excursions offered (these excursions are reserved and paid for onboard)

Bratislava: 
City tour by old-time excursion train and walkabout
Budapest:
Sightseeing tour by bike or bus                                                      
Budapest by night 
Wachau
Wine-tasting
Vienna: 
City tour by bus
City tour by bike
Waltz and Operetta Concert at the historic halls of the Vienna Imperial Palace (Hofburg)

Day 1: Passau - Engelhartszell
Day 2: Engelhartszell - Great Loop -  Brandstatt, 29 mi. (46 km)
Day 3: Devin - Bratislava, 34 mi. (54 km)
Day 4: Budapest (day of rest) or roundtrip to Szentendre, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Danube Bend | Visegrad – Esztergom,  16 or 37 mi. (25 or  60 km)
Day 6: Vienna-Nussdorf / (Korneuburg may also be possible) (day of rest)
Day 7: Wachau – Emmersdorf, 22 mi. (35 km) 
Day 8: Departure from Passau

Day 1: Passau – Engelhartszell
Individual arrival to the "Three River City". Passau attracts many with the world's greatest church organ at the Stephansdom and it’s charming Old Town. Embarkation will begin at 4:00 pm. The ship will depart at 7 pm to sail to Engelhartszell in the evening.

Day 2: Engelhartszell - Great Loop -  Brandstatt - Devin 29 mi. (46 km)
The day starts in Engelhartszell (the only Trappist monastery in Austria) and leads towards the"Great Loop", one of the most beautiful and original sectors of the Danube. Your route passes through small villages and cozy must-see taverns. You'll board again in Brandstatt and "sail into the night" towards Devin

Day 3: Devin – Bratislava, 34 mi. (54 km)
Arrival in Devin at about 9 am. The cycling itinerary leads to the imposing Imperial Palace of Hof. After crossing the green line you cycle along the former “Iron Curtain” towards the coronation city of Bratislava at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. Tip: discover the hidden alleys of Bratislava, places and all the sights of this ambitious metropolis during a tour by mini train and by foot. At 9 pm, the ship departs for Budapest.

Day 4: Budapest (day of rest) or roundtrip to Szentendre, 25 mi. (40 km)
In the early morning, you enjoy the panoramic view of the Danube's gorgeous landscape on the sundeck. The gateway to Budapest is overwhelming, as many of the famous tourist features are situated directly next to the river bank. Your ship will moor at about 9 am. In the afternoon you can explore the numerous attractions of the city. Nearby, you find the Margaretheninsel which is perfect for a short bike tour or a longer ride to the charming town of Szentendre with a Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art life. In the night shipping to Visegrad.

Day 5: Danube Bend | Visegrad – Esztergom,  16 or 37 mi. (25 or  60 km)
The Danube bend is definitely one of the most delightful and attractive parts and is called the Hungarian Wachau. Today's bike route starts at Visegrad with its famous fortress and the ruins of the former palace. You can choose from 2 different routes: the longer one includes a side trip to the island of Szentendre and the baroque village of Vác, which has been influenced by the architects of the Austrian Empress Maria Theresia. The other route leads you directly to the bishop-town of Esztergom, with its gorgeous basilica – Hungary's largest Catholic Church – overlooking the village. In the night shipping to Vienna.

Day 6: Vienna-Nussdorf / (Korneuburg may also be possible) (day of rest)
You should be sure to see the most famous places of interest like the St. Stephens Cathedral, the Hofburg, the gorgeous boulevard "Ringstraβe" with the Burgtheater, the State Opera House or the town hall that takes you back to the past. In the night shipping to Rossatz or Dürnstein (Wachau).

Day 7: Wachau – Melk  -  Pöchlarn | Pöchlarn - Passau,  22 mi. (35 km)
Your last biking day is a special highlight! Amidst small dreamy villages, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries, and ruins, this gentle hilly landscape enchants everybody. 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 small village of Pöchlarn located close to Melk,  you will board again. After the farewell gala dinner, you start “sailing” back to Passau.

Day 8: Departure from Passau
Every journey draws to an end. Once again you enjoy on deck the first sunbeams and the peaceful silence of the Danube Valley. Take a last sight at the Schlögener Schlinge ("Great Loop") before you arrive relaxed at Passau. Arrival: approx at 11:00 a.m., disembarkation half an hour later. We recommend arranging connecting trips from noon onwards.

2020 excursions offered (these excursions are reserved and paid for onboard)

Bratislava: 
City tour by old-time excursion train and walkabout
Budapest:
Sightseeing tour by bike or bus                                                      
Budapest by night 
Wachau
Wine-tasting
Vienna: 
City tour by bus
City tour by bike
Waltz and Operetta Concert at the historic halls of the Vienna Imperial Palace (Hofburg)