Along the Danube-Iron Gates
Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia Bike + Barge Tours
Six countries, four capitals, & the Iron Gates National Park
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length15 days
- Prices from€2018 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
We are pleased to offer this adventure-packed bike and boat tour through six countries with widely differing cultures that reveal the beauty of the majestic Danube River in all its glory and diversity.
You will discover the breath-taking natural scenery of the Iron Gates, one of the most spectacular gorges in Europe, and the vast expanse of the Pannonian plains. You will cycle through the Danube Bend in Hungary and the breadbaskets of Croatia and Serbia, through idyllic wine-growing regions, and past commanding fortresses, high above the river!
Belgrade, the “white city”, is on the agenda, as well as bewitching Budapest, the “Paris of the East”. You will marvel at the baroque palaces in the picturesque Old Town of Bratislava and the elegant charm of Vienna, the city of the waltz.
Scenic and cultural highlights, excellent food, and a crew that caters to your every whim, guarantee that your cycling holiday will be a unique and unforgettable experience.
Highlights
- The four capital cities along the Danube, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade
- The mighty canyon of the Iron Gates National Park is the highlight of this cycling holiday
- Kalocsa, the “Paprika Capital” and center of folk art
- The commanding citadel Petrovaradin
- Novi Sad, the magnificent capital of the Vojvodina
- The basilica in Esztergom, the biggest church in Hungary
- The Drava-Nemzeti National Park
- The picturesque countryside of the Danube Bend
- The fabulous Wachau region with its vineyards and castles
Interested in more? Check out all of our Danube Bike Tours.
Itinerary
Day 1: Passau, embarkation at 4 pm, the boat departs at 5
Day 2: Schlögen Danube Bend, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 3: Devin – Bratislava, 9 - 27 mi. (15 - 43 km)
Day 4: Budapest | Excursion to Szentendre, 17 - 34 mi. (27 - 54 km) (or rest day)
Day 5: Baja – Mohacs, 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 6: Belgrade (rest day)
Day 7: Cataract Canyons /Iron Gates National Park (rest day)
Day 8: Novi Sad – Ilok, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 9: Batina - Mohacs, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 10: Kalocsa – Solt, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 11: Danube Bend – Esztergom, 27 mi. (43 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
Embarkation is at 4:00 p.m. in Passau. Do note that the boat will depart at 5.00 p.m. so be prompt. Onboard, you will enjoy a final view of the beautiful city of Passau as you glide serenely into the sunset, past dark green forests, before entering the lock at the Jochenstein power plant on the border between Germany and Austria in Obernzell.Day 2: Schlögen Danube Bend, 22 mi. (35 km)
Enjoy a delightful day’s cycling through the ruggedly romantic Danube Bend at Schlögen, one of the most beautiful sections of the river lined with sleepy farming villages and a natural landscape. Along the way, you can drop in at one of the many inviting cider taverns.Day 3: Devin – Bratislava, 9 - 27 mi. (15-43 km)
A narrow cycle path runs along the Iron Curtain from the castle ruins in Devin to the splendid palace of Schloss Hof, which boasts one of the most magnificent baroque gardens in Europe. There follows a stretch of untouched countryside and a short time later, you arrive in the vibrant city of Bratislava. The miniature train tour of the Slovakian capital in which Hungarian kings were once crowned (optional) begins with a glorious view from the fortress perched on a hill overlooking the city and ends with a walk through the beautifully restored historic city center.Day 4: Budapest | Excursion to Szentendre, 17-34 mi. (27- 54 km) (or rest day)
Savour the entrance to Budapest and the stunning views of the city‘s most famous buildings as this is a site to behold. You will have the option to discover the city that straddles the Danube on a guided tour (optional) or take a detour to the delightful little town of Szentendre with its many artists and galleries. Get a taste of the fiery Hungarian temperament at a Hungarian folklore show with traditional music and folk dance accompanied by wine and hearty local food (optional).Day 5: Baja – Mohacs, 23 mi. (37 km)
From the quiet baroque town of Baja that 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 specialities 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, 30 mi. (48 km)
The imposing Petrovaradin fortress perches high above the provincial capital of the Vojvodina. After cycling upstream along a flat cycle path you take a ferry to reach the gentle foothills of the Fruska Gora, with its orchards, vineyards and idyllic farming villages. Everything in the medieval town of Ilok revolves around wine. During an evening tour of the town, you will have the opportunity to sample some famous Serbian wines at a wine cellar (optional).Day 9: Batina - Mohacs, 26 mi. (42 km)
Start cycling through the never-ending "Backa“ through the small, idyllic villages and endless canola fields from Croatia to Serbia and Hungary. Farmers stop their work to greet you and now and then you will meet a carriage. You will experience an almost untouched nature at the Nemzeti National Park. After a ferry ride to Mohacs, there is enough time for a visit at the White Stork Museum or the memorial of the Battle of Mohacs.Day 10: Kalocsa – Solt, 31 mi. (50 km)
Kalocsa is the “Paprika Capital” of Hungary and the character of the town is strongly influenced by colorful houses with hand-painted, bright floral patterns and the cathedral with its towers that can be seen even from a distance as they rise into the skies from the flat Hungarian plain. Visiting the Paprika Museum you’ll learn all there is to know about Hungary’s favorite spice. Continue your journey on the well-built cycle path along the flood protection dyke through the vast expanse of the puszta, and cornfields and orchards that stretch as far as the eye can see until you reach Solt, the birthplace of the famous conductor Sir George Solti. Vecsey Castle and the library with some 34,000 books are especially worth seeing.Day 11: Danube Bend – Esztergom, 27 mi. (43 km)
The Danube is framed by steep wooded hills as it flows through the picturesque, hilly landscape of the “Hungarian Wachau“. Set in the middle of the Danube, the delightful island of Szentendre radiates real puszta romance. As you continue your journey on idyllic cycle paths through picturesque villages you’ll be able to experience the Hungarian zest for life at first hand. The dome of the imposing basilica in Esztergom that sits high over the Danube can be seen from far and wide. Hungary’s largest church, with its Tuscan-style high altar and a side chapel with red marble walls, is especially worth seeing.Day 12: Vienna (Bike excursion to Klosterneuburg, Danube Island…)
After so many action-packed days of cycling, you deserve some relaxation. Enjoy the breath-taking view of the idyllic floodplain forest of the Donauauen National Park and the impressive skyline as you sail into Vienna. Go for a ride on the Danube Island – Vienna’s favourite recreational area, cycle out to the nearby Klosterneuburg Abbey or wander through the idyllic vineyards on Kahlenberg (with magnificent views over the city and the Danube). The day ends traditionally with a concert of classical waltz and operetta music in a historic Viennese palace (optional).Day 13: Vienna (rest day)
Discover Vienna: from the saddle on a guided bike tour or on your own with the HOP ON HOP OFF Bus (optional). Ride through the historic city center at a leisurely pace and see the sights from close up. The magnificent Ringstraße will remind you of times long past and inviting coffee houses will tempt you with delicious Viennese cakes and pastries. Afterward, there’s enough time to stroll through the quaint lanes or visit the Naschmarkt, a feast for the senses. End your day in Vienna in traditional fashion at a rustic wine tavern.Day 14: Wachau | Krems – Melk, 23 mi. (37 km)
This final stage of your cycling tour can best be described as magical! The gentle hilly countryside of the Wachau with its picturesque villages, historic castles, and palaces surrounded by apricot trees and terraced vineyards, is one of the loveliest stretches of the river. In Weißenkirchen the cycle path is lined with cozy vintner’s taverns and you should definitely treat yourself to a break here (optional wine tasting)!Day 15: Passau
Enjoy the first rays of the sun and the early-morning tranquillity of the Danube valley one last time. Catch a final view of the Danube Bend at Schlögen – before you reach Passau, your heart bursting with memories and impressions. Disembarkation at approx. 10.00 a.m. Independent homeward travel. We recommend that you do not make any arrangements for onward connections departing before 11.00 a.m. To be on the safe side, later departure times would be even better.Excursions (booked and paid for onboard)
Bratislava: City tour on a scenic train, walk through the historic city center
Budapest: City tour by bike or by HOP ON HOP OFF Bus
Budapest by night and folklore show in a Hungarian Csarda
Belgrade: City tour by bike or bus
Belgrade by night with Folklore Show
Ilok: Wine-tasting at a wine cellar
Vienna: City tour by bike or bus
Wachau: Wine-tasting at a vintner in the Wachau*Important Information:
In the case of flood or low tide, the shipping company reserves the right to bridge parts of 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 of both situations. (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 undeserved breakdown of 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, working with engine power also during the night. Especially crossing locks and bridges - and the preparation work - may cause noise. If you are sensitive to noises, please bring your own ear plugs.
Be sure to check out all of our featured bike and boat tours, or our full list of bicycle tours.
Boats & Bikes
Inclusions
What’s Included
Self-guided
- 14 nights in an air-conditioned cabin with private bathroom
- Captain’s cocktail reception
- Cabins cleaned daily
- Buffet breakfast, lunch on board (non-cyclists) or packed lunch for cyclists, dinner (choice of 2-3 main dishes)
- Afternoon Coffee Break
- Late night snack
- Gala dinner with farewell cocktail
- Crew show
- Tour guide on board (does not cycle with the group)
- Daily information meeting
- Detailed route booklet (one per cabin)
- 24-speed unisex trekking bike equipped with pannier and handlebar bag
- Port fees
- GPS tracks can be provided on request
- Tour Guide that cycles with you
- Ferry rides
- City tour by bus in Budapest
- City tour by bus in Belgrade
- City tour by bus in Vienna
- Helmet Rental (adults only)
Guided package also includes
What’s Not Included
- Excursions - can be booked onboard
- Electric bike, available for a supplement. Electric bikes are back pedal bikes, equipped with a torque sensor that measures how hard you push on the pedals, however, you do set assistance level
- Helmets - adult helmets can be purchased on board (€25)
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2022
Deluxe Class Boat
Swiss Crown
Saturday departures
Season 1: August 13, 2022
Season 2: May 7, June 11, July 16 & September 17, 2022*Guided option available for all dates listed above (supplement applies)
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
Season 1
Season 2
Standard (Main deck): Double/twin bed $ 3111 £ 1762 $ 2,833 € 2018 ₪ 7428 NZ$ 3427 kr 21561 $ 2,209 $ 3265 £ 1849 $ 2,973 € 2118 ₪ 7796 NZ$ 3597 kr 22629 $ 2,319 Comfort (Middle deck): Double/twin bed $ 3604 £ 2041 $ 3,282 € 2338 ₪ 8606 NZ$ 3970 kr 24979 $ 2,560 $ 3758 £ 2128 $ 3,423 € 2438 ₪ 8974 NZ$ 4140 kr 26048 $ 2,669 Minisuite (Middle deck): Double/twin bed $ 3758 £ 2128 $ 3,423 € 2438 ₪ 8974 NZ$ 4140 kr 26048 $ 2,669 $ 3913 £ 2215 $ 3,563 € 2538 ₪ 9342 NZ$ 4310 kr 27116 $ 2,778 Superior (Upper deck): Double/twin bed $ 3758 £ 2128 $ 3,423 € 2438 ₪ 8974 NZ$ 4140 kr 26048 $ 2,669 $ 3913 £ 2215 $ 3,563 € 2538 ₪ 9342 NZ$ 4310 kr 27116 $ 2,778 Standard single (Main deck): Twin bed $ 3419 £ 1936 $ 3,114 € 2218 ₪ 8164 NZ$ 3766 kr 23697 $ 2,428 $ 3573 £ 2023 $ 3,254 € 2318 ₪ 8532 NZ$ 3936 kr 24766 $ 2,538 Fuel surcharge* $ 185 £ 105 $ 168 € 120 ₪ 442 NZ$ 204 kr 1282 $ 131 *Effective June 1, 2022. For arrivals in April and May, this surcharge will be collected onboard. For arrivals in June, this surcharge will be invoiced directly to you and paid before your arrival.
Extra Options
Guided Package: $ 586 £ 332 $ 533 € 380 ₪ 1399 NZ$ 645 kr 4060 $ 416
Electric bike: $ 170 £ 96 $ 154 € 110 ₪ 405 NZ$ 187 kr 1175 $ 120
Extra night in Passau 3 Star Hotel 4 Star Hotel Double/twin $ 79 £ 45 $ 72 € 51 ₪ 188 NZ$ 87 kr 545 $ 56 $ 105 £ 59 $ 95 € 68 ₪ 250 NZ$ 115 kr 727 $ 74 Single $ 122 £ 69 $ 111 € 79 ₪ 291 NZ$ 134 kr 844 $ 86 $ 148 £ 84 $ 135 € 96 ₪ 353 NZ$ 163 kr 1026 $ 105 Private Transfers:
Munich Airport to Passau or v.v One-way, 1 - 8 people: $ 462 £ 262 $ 421 € 300 ₪ 1104 NZ$ 509 kr 3205 $ 328 Munich Airport to Passau Round-trip: $ 925 £ 524 $ 842 € 600 ₪ 2209 NZ$ 1019 kr 6410 $ 657 Pick-up or Drop-off Munich City Center, one-time surcharge per GROUP (1-8 pers.) surcharge: pendingChildren's discounts available.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This is an easy to moderate self guided bike and boat tour. The route mainly follows the EuroVelo #6 cycle path. In Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, the path is asphalted and the terrain is flat. In Serbia, the route follows a combination of country roads, with very little traffic, and designated cycle paths, not all of which are asphalted. There are significant hills on one stage of the route (Day 5 Baja-Mohacs) which does warrant a moderate rating. Remember that you can always stay on board!
Airport Info
The closest international airport to your tour start and tour end is Munich International Airport.
Local Travel
Arrival:
Utilizing public transportation: from the airport, you first take a bus to Freising, and then train to Passau. Total travel time is about 3 1/2 hours.
Collective transfer can be reserved from the airport to the ship. See pricing.
If traveling from Munich Center, you can take a train to Passau or again, collective transfer can be reserved.
Departure:- Check out of cabin by 9 a.m.
- Arrival in Passau: approx. 9:30 a.m.
- Disembarkation: estimated time 10 a.m Please note, that after the arrival in Passau the ship must be anchored (duration approx. 30 min.).
- Onward journeys: We recommend that you plan on 11 a.m. as the earliest departure from Passau.
- Departure train travel to airport: travel time is about 2 1/2 hours to Freising , from here, bus to airport.
- Departure transfer: Please see pricing.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival. There are many good websites to visit to research regional weather including average high/low temperatures, average rainfall, and more. See below for more weather-related information.
Remarks
Don’t forget to request helmets and/or transfers with your booking!
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.Life on board
In the convivial panoramic restaurant, all guests will eat together at the same time. Provided daily are freshly prepared international and national specialties from the cuisine of the countries along the route.
If you are traveling with friends, please mention this when booking so as to ensure a common table in the restaurant. Please note that it is not always possible for several people to accommodate all at one table as there is limited space in the restaurant and not all table sizes are available.The full board consists of: breakfast, packed lunch for bikers (resp. light meal for guests onboard), dinner with menu choice, coffee-/tea break with sweets in the afternoon. Your table number will be provided during boarding.
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
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.
Tour Requirements
Passengers are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 at least 14 days before boarding our ships or to present a COVID-19 Recovery Certificate valid until the end of the booked trip.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Rad und Reisen.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
Photos
Reviews
R Lynn B.
2 years agoVerified Reviewer
Anne B.
2 years agoVerified Reviewer
Darren B.
3 years agoVerified Reviewer
kirk g.
3 years agoVerified Reviewer
Ida L.
3 years agoVerified Reviewer
Dennis E.
3 years agoVerified Reviewer
Scott S.
3 years agoVerified Reviewer
Robert W M.
3 years agoVerified Reviewer
Roger P.
3 years agoVerified Reviewer
Wendy R.
3 years agoVerified Reviewer
Alex Zucosky
3 years agoVerified Reviewer
Gayle D.
3 years agoVerified Reviewer
Deirdre S.
4 years agoVerified Reviewer
Mary R.
4 years agoVerified Reviewer
Jim S.
5 years agoVerified Reviewer
Tripsite Customer Reviews
Anne B.
2 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Darren B.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer