Along the Danube - Four Country Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Passau at 4 pm
Day 2: Schlögen - Linz, 35 mi. (56 km)
Day 3: Tulln - Vienna, 19 or 32 mi. (31 or 52 km)
Day 4: Komárno - Estzgergom/Štúrovo, 35 mi. (56 km)
Day 5: Budapest/biking to Margarete’s Island 14 mi. (22 km)
Day 6: Sightseeing in Bratislava and cycling Meulsteen Culture Island, 25 mi. (40 km
Day 7: Cycling tour Krems to Marbach, 33 mi. (53 km)  
Day 8: Departure from Passau at 9 am

Day 1: Arrival in Passau
Boarding between 3 and 5 pm. A welcome snack is offered as you arrive. Later in the evening, if water levels allow there may be a short cruise to Passau old town for individual sightseeing.

Day 2: Passau - Schlögen - Linz, 35 mi. (56 km)
The distribution of rental bicycles will occur in the morning. Your cycling will begin from the UNESCO heritage site, ‘Schlogener Schlinge’, through the uninhabited Kaiserau valley, to the Aschach baroque market, and to Linz via Ottensheim.

Day 3: Tulln - Vienna, 19 or 31 mi. (31 or 49 km)
A visit to the Museum of Egon Schiele and garden exhibition (with 65 gardens) in Tulln is on the agenda, followed by a cycle tour from Tulln with a beautiful 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 a dedicated bike path!  More information will be provided onboard. After dinner, at 8:30, a guided bus tour “Vienna by night”  is optional.

Day 4: Komárno - Estzgergom/Štúrovo, 35 mi. (56 km)
Starting in Komárno, known for its historic fortress and Europe Square. Continue your ride past the ancient Roman fort Kelemantia on your way to Štúrovo, a charming town on the Slovak-Hungarian border. You can also enjoy an optional visit to the impressive Esztergom Basilica, one of Hungary’s most iconic landmarks. End your adventure with an evening boat cruise on the Danube River, where you’ll experience the stunningly illuminated skyline of Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube.”

Day 5: Budapest/biking to Margarete’s Island 14 mi. (22 km)
You may enjoy a city tour by bus in the morning, leaving directly from the boat landing station. The tour will take about 3 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, car-free Margareten Island in Budapest. 

Day 6: Sightseeing in Bratislava and cycling Meulsteen Culture Island, 25 mi. (40 km)
Arrive in Bratislava around 10 a.m. and begin your day in Slovakia’s vibrant capital with an optional one-hour guided walking tour through the charming Old Town, filled with historic architecture and scenic river views. Enjoy a relaxing lunch on board your ship before setting out on a bike tour to the Danubia Meulensteen Culture Island, where you can individually explore museums and contemporary art galleries. On the return ride, take time for refreshing stops along the picturesque Danube River, soaking in the beauty and atmosphere of this unforgettable Bratislava cycling and culture experience.

Day 7: Cycling tour Krems to Marbach, 33 mi. (53 km) 
Leaving the UNESCO World Heritage City Krems, you will soon arrive in one of the most famous places in the Wachau: Dürnstein. Continue cycling to Weißenkirchen and Spitz. From afar, you will see the impressive monastery Melk. Continue to Marbach where the MS Primadonna is already waiting for you.

Day 8: Departure from Passau at 9 am
You will arrive in Passau at approximately 9 am and depart after breakfast. At 10 am, a bus transfer to public parking or the central train station is available.

*All distances are approximate. The 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.).

Lisabelle - tour starts on SATURDAY (Day 1)
Vivienne - tour starts on SUNDAY (Day 1)

Day 1: Passau
Day 2: Great Loop | Engelhartszell - Aschach/Brandstatt, 26-27 mi. (43-45 km)
Day 3: Devin - Bratislava, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 4: Budapest (day of rest) | Szentendre, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 5: Danube bend - Esztergom, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 6: Vienna (day of rest)
Day 7: Wachau | Krems - Melk/Pöchlarn, 23-28 mi. (37-45 km)
Day 8: Passau | disembarkation around 11:30 am, connecting travel should not be made earlier than 12 noon

Day 1: Arrival in Passau, boarding at 4 pm, boat departs at 6 pm.
Boarding time is between 4 pm and 5 pm. Located at the meeting point of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers, Passau invites you to explore its many highlights. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the cobblestoned Old Town, listen to the bells of the Gothic Town Hall, or visit Passau Cathedral, home to the world’s largest Catholic church organ. As you depart, the fairytale-like silhouette of Passau’s old town slowly fades into the distance.

Day 2: Great Loop | Engelhartszell - Aschach/Brandstatt, 26-27 mi. (43-45 km)
Your first cycling day leads you through the classic scenery of the “Great Loop” (Donauschlinge), one of the most beautiful stretches of the Danube. Along the way, you’ll pass through small villages and cozy cider taverns. In Engelhartszell, Austria’s only Trappist monastery, you can sample local liqueurs and cheese. The famous “Schlögener View” offers a stunning panorama of the surrounding Austrian countryside. In the charming market town of Brandstatt, the boat welcomes cyclists back on board.

Day 3: Devin - Bratislava, 28 mi. (45 km)
Today’s ride follows the route of the former Iron Curtain as you cross the historic “green border” into Slovakia. Along the way, you’ll pass the impressive Schloss Hof Palace, known for its beautifully terraced Baroque gardens. Continue along dedicated bike paths through Austria’s fertile “vegetable garden” region toward Bratislava, Slovakia’s charming coronation city, set at the foothills of the Little Carpathians. Upon arrival, you may join an optional city tour to explore the hidden alleyways, historic squares, and highlights of this vibrant capital.

Day 4: Budapest (day of rest) | Excursion to Szentendre, 28 mi. (45 km)
Your arrival in Budapest, Hungary’s magnificent capital, is truly unforgettable. To discover the city’s many highlights, you may join an optional guided coach tour or bike tour. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic ride to the charming riverside town of Szentendre, known for its Mediterranean flair and lively art scene. In the evening, consider exploring Budapest’s atmospheric Jewish Quarter, filled with history, culture, and unique cafés.

Day 5: Danube Bend - Esztergom, 31 mi. (50 km)
Steep mountain slopes frame the gently rolling landscape of the Danube Bend, often referred to as the “Hungarian Wachau.” In the lively market town of Vác, you may stop at the local farmer’s market to sample regional specialties. Along the way, history, folklore, and the unmistakable Hungarian joie de vivre accompany you as you cycle toward Esztergom, where the magnificent Basilica, Hungary’s largest church, rises high above the castle district.

Day 6: Vienna (day of rest)
Spend the day exploring Vienna at your own pace. During an optional city tour by bicycle or coach, you’ll discover many of the Austrian capital’s most famous sights. The grand Ringstrasse recalls the splendor of bygone imperial eras, while traditional coffeehouses tempt visitors with classic Viennese pastries. An optional evening visit to Schönbrunn Palace offers a memorable experience, often featuring a classical waltz and operetta concert. During the night, the ship cruises toward the Wachau.

Day 7: Wachau | Krems - Melk/Pöchlarn, 23-28 mi. (37-45 km)
Your final cycling day is a true highlight. The dramatic ruins above the baroque town of Dürnstein and the distinctive blue spire of its monastery church are iconic symbols of the Wachau Valley. As you ride through charming villages, past apricot orchards, vineyards, and castles, this rolling landscape reveals its timeless beauty. Traditional wine taverns along the bike path invite you to sample regional wines, with optional tastings available. The day concludes near Melk, where the impressive Benedictine Abbey rises high above the Danube, a masterpiece of baroque architecture.

Day 8: 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 11:00 am. Connecting travel should not be booked earlier than 12 pm.

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                                               
Vienna: 
City tour by bus or bike
Waltz and Operetta Concert in one of Vienna's famous palaces
Wachau:
Wine tasting

Day 1: Arrival in Passau, Passau - Engelhartszell
Day 2: Engelhartszell - Great Loop - Brandstatt, 27-29 mi. (44-47 km)
Day 3: Bratislava, 34 mi. (54 km)
Day 4: Budapest (day of rest) or roundtrip to Szentendre, 30 mi. (48 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, 24 mi. (39 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 - Great Loop - Brandstatt 27-29 mi. (44-47 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. and you board again in Untermühl. This ship will navigate during the night to Bratislava.

Day 3: Bratislava, 34 mi. (54 km)
Arrival in Bratislava at approximately 9 am.  You start cycling from here 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. 

Day 4: Budapest - Szentendre - Budapest, 30 mi. (48 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. (*60 km-tour is designed for strong cyclists only).

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 (Stephansdom), 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, 25 - 31 mi. (40 - 49 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. 

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)