Along the Danube - Iron Gates

Day 1: Passau
Day 2: Great Loop/Engelhartszell – Brandstatt, 28 mi. (45 km) 
Day 3: Devin – Bratislava, 9-28 mi. (15-45 km)
Day 4: Budapest | Excursion to Szentendre, 27 mi. (45 km) (or rest day)
Day 5: Baja – Mohacs, 23 mi. (36 km)
Day 6: Belgrade (rest day)
Day 7: Cataract Canyons /Iron Gates National Park (rest day)
Day 8: Novi Sad – Ilok, 29 mi. (47 km)
Day 9: Batina – Mohacs, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 10: Kalocsa – Solt, 32 mi. (52 km)
Day 11: Danube Bend – Esztergom, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 12: Vienna (Bike excursion to Klosterneuburg, Danube Island)
Day 13: Vienna (rest day)
Day 14: Wachau | Krems – Melk, 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 15: Passau

*All distances are approximate. The above-planned itinerary is subject to change due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, etc. 

Day 1: Passau
After embarkation between 4 pm and 5 pm, it is time to cast off. Enjoy a final view of the beautiful city of Passau as the ship glides gently into the sunset, passing dark green forests before entering the lock at the Jochenstein power plant on the border between Germany and Austria.

Day 2: Great Loop/Engelhartszell – Brandstatt, 28 mi. (45 km) 
Your first cycling day leads through the classic scenery of the Great Loop, known locally as the Donauschlinge, one of the most beautiful sections of the Danube. Along the way, you will pass small villages and cozy cider taverns. In Engelhartszell, visit Austria’s only Trappist monastery, where you may sample locally produced liqueurs and cheese. The famous Schlögener View offers a stunning panorama of the surrounding Austrian countryside before you return to the ship in Brandstatt.

Day 3: Devin – Bratislava, 9-28 mi. (15-45 km)
A narrow cycle path follows the former Iron Curtain route from the castle ruins of Devin to the impressive Schloss Hof Palace, home to one of Europe’s most magnificent baroque gardens. After riding through peaceful stretches of unspoiled countryside, you arrive in the vibrant Slovak capital of Bratislava. An optional city tour by miniature train begins with sweeping views from the hilltop fortress and concludes with a walk through the beautifully restored historic center, once the coronation site of Hungarian kings.

Day 4: Budapest | Excursion to Szentendre, 27 mi. (45 km) (or rest day)
Your arrival in Budapest is truly breathtaking, with sweeping views of the city’s most iconic landmarks along the Danube. During an optional city tour, discover the highlights of Hungary’s vibrant capital. Alternatively, cycle to the charming artists’ town of Szentendre, with the option to shorten the route by train. In the evening, explore the Hungarian metropolis at your own pace or admire the illuminated Parliament building from the sundeck.

Day 5: Baja – Mohacs, 23 mi. (36 km)
From the quiet baroque town of Baja, which is famous for its fish soup, you’ll cycle along the flood protection dykes in the Gemenc floodplain, through sleepy river landscapes past fields of sunflowers. At the end of today’s stage, you take the ferry to the little town of Mohacs, Hungary’s most southerly town on the Danube and the site of two battles with the Ottoman Turks. *You will encounter some hilly terrain on today's route, so the biking is more moderate in difficulty.

Day 6: Belgrade (rest day)
Explore the fun-loving Serbian capital at the confluence of the Save and the Danube by bike or bus, take a journey in time from the past to the present, and learn about the rise and fall of Yugoslavia (optional). In the evening, Belgrade is bathed in a sea of light. Visit a colorful folklore show with traditional dances from all parts of the country, followed by typical regional specialties in the well-known bohemian district of Skadarlija with lively folk music from a Serbian band (optional).

Day 7: Cataract Canyons /Iron Gates National Park (rest day)
Experience the stunning fjord-like landscape at close quarters from the ship’s deck. The river cuts through the Romanian Carpathian mountains and the mighty foothills of the Balkan mountain range. Showcased for you will be a spectacular landscape with steep gorges, dark forests with historic monuments, and impregnable fortresses on the shores that are reflected in the blue waters of the river: this miracle of nature will take your breath away!

Day 8: Novi Sad – Ilok, 29 mi. (47 km)
The impressive Petrovaradin Fortress rises high above Novi Sad, the capital of the Vojvodina region. After departing the city, you’ll cycle upstream along a flat bike path before crossing the Danube by ferry. From there, continue into the gentle foothills of Fruška Gora, passing orchards, vineyards, and idyllic farming villages along the way. Ilok, the easternmost town in Croatia, is renowned for its exceptional wines, once served even at the English royal court. You may visit a 400-year-old wine cellar of a local winemaker to sample regional varieties and learn about Croatia’s long-standing winemaking traditions during an optional tasting.

Day 9: Batina – Mohacs, 30 mi. (48 km)
Today, you cycle through the border triangle, crossing the vast plains of the Bačka region, historically home to the Danube Swabians. Small, picturesque farming villages, bright yellow rapeseed fields, and expansive agricultural landscapes accompany you as you ride from Croatia through Serbia and onward to Hungary. An alternative route leads through the unspoiled nature of the Danube-Drava National Park, a protected area rich in wildlife and wetlands. Along the way, you may spot numerous white storks nesting on farmhouse rooftops, a symbol of the region that even has its own dedicated museum. Before reaching Mohács, you will pass the National Memorial commemorating the historic Battle of 1526, an important chapter in Hungarian history.

Day 10: Kalocsa – Solt, 32 mi. (52 km)
Kalocsa, known as the “Paprika Capital” of Hungary, is famous for its colorful houses adorned with hand-painted floral motifs. The town’s cathedral, with its twin towers rising above the flat Hungarian plain, can be seen from afar. A visit to the Paprika Museum offers insight into Hungary’s beloved spice and its cultural significance. Continue along a well-maintained cycle path atop the flood protection dyke, riding through the vast landscapes of the Puszta. On the way to Solt, the birthplace of renowned conductor Sir Georg Solti, white sandbanks along the Danube invite you to pause and take a refreshing dip. In the afternoon, you may attend an optional horse show featuring impressive demonstrations by the Csikós horsemen, followed by a tasting of regional specialties.

Day 11: Danube Bend – Esztergom, 31 mi. (50 km)
The Danube winds its way through a picturesque, hilly landscape framed by steep, wooded slopes in the region often called the “Hungarian Wachau.” In the middle of the river lies the charming island of Szentendre, radiating authentic Puszta romance. As you continue along peaceful cycle paths through idyllic villages, you’ll experience the warmth and zest for life that define Hungarian culture. From afar, the impressive dome of the Basilica in Esztergom comes into view. Hungary’s largest church is particularly noteworthy for its Tuscan-style high altar and its striking red marble side chapel.

Day 12: Vienna (Bike excursion to Klosterneuburg, Danube Island)
After several active cycling days, today offers a balance of relaxation and exploration. As the ship sails toward Vienna, enjoy sweeping views of the floodplain forests of Donau-Auen National Park and the city’s impressive skyline. Once in Vienna, you may cycle along Danube Island, the city’s favorite recreational area, visit nearby Klosterneuburg Abbey, or ride through the vineyards of Kahlenberg, where magnificent views over Vienna and the Danube await. In the evening, you may attend an optional classical waltz and operetta concert at Schönbrunn Palace.

Day 13: Vienna (rest day)
Discover Vienna at your own pace. Join an optional guided bike tour or explore independently using the Hop On Hop Off bus. Cycle through the historic city center and experience its landmarks up close. The grand Ringstrasse boulevard recalls the splendor of imperial times, while traditional coffeehouses tempt visitors with classic Viennese cakes and pastries. Later, stroll through charming alleyways, browse the vibrant Naschmarkt, or conclude the day at a traditional wine tavern.

Day 14: Wachau | Krems – Melk, 23 mi. (37 km)
Your final cycling stage is nothing short of magical. The gently rolling hills of the Wachau Valley are dotted with picturesque villages, historic castles, apricot orchards, and terraced vineyards, creating one of the most beautiful landscapes along the Danube. In Spitz, cozy vintner’s taverns line the cycle path and invite you to pause for a break, with optional wine tastings available. At your destination, the magnificent Melk Abbey awaits, regarded as one of the most beautiful Baroque ensembles in Europe.

Day 15: Passau
Enjoy the first rays of sunlight and the peaceful early morning atmosphere of the Danube Valley one last time. Take in a final view of the famous Danube Bend at Schlögen before arriving in Passau and the surroundings, your heart full of lasting memories and impressions. Disembarkation is scheduled for approximately 11 am. Independent onward travel. We recommend booking connecting departures no earlier than 12 pm.

Excursions (booked and paid for onboard)

Bratislava: Scenic city tour by miniature train, followed by a guided walking tour
Budapest: Guided city tour by bike or coach
Belgrade: Guided city tour by bike or coach
Ilok: Wine tasting at a local winery
Solt: Traditional Puszta horse show featuring Csikós riders, followed by a tasting of regional specialties
Vienna: Guided city tour by bike or Hop On Hop Off bus
Vienna: Classical waltz and operetta concert at Schönbrunn Palace

*Important Information:

In the event of a flood or low tide, the shipping company reserves the right to block parts of the passages with buses. In extreme situations, the shipping company reserves the right to cancel the journey on short notice. No legal right shall be constituted in either situation. (Water level is force majeure). The same applies for officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges or in the case of an undeserved breakdown of the engine or power unit.

Please be aware that your ship, like all other ships on the Danube, is not only your hotel for the tour but also a machine that operates with engine power, even at night. Especially crossing locks and bridges - and the preparation work - may cause noise. If you are sensitive to noise, please bring your own earplugs.

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