Along the Danube-Iron Gates
Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia Bike + Barge Tours
Six countries, four capitals, and the Iron Gates National Park
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length15 days
- Prices from€1658 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.2021 excursion details pending. All excursions are booked and paid for on board.
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
Concert of waltz and operetta music in a historic Viennese palace (2018: Schonbrunn palace)
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
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
- Beverage Packages offered on the Carissima from €6,50-€25 per person/per day - can only be booked onboard - please see boat pages for more details
- Electric bike, available for a supplement. Electric bikes are back pedal bike, 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
2021
Deluxe Class Boat
CARISSIMA:
Saturday departures
Season 1: October 2, 2021
Season 2: May 22, July 17, August 7, & September 4, 2021Guided tour dates:
May 22, July 17, August 7, 2021Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2021
Season 1: October 2, 2021
Season 2: May 22, July 17, August 7, & September 4, 2021Guided tour dates:
May 22, July 17, August 7, 2021Special offer for reservations made between January 1 to January 28: Free rescheduling to an alternative departure date in 2021 until 6 weeks prior to tour date.
Carissima
Season 1
Season 2
Standard (Main deck): 2-bed cabin-ECO* $ 2609 £ 1468 $ 2,591 € 1658 NZ$ 2790 kr 17071 $ 2,065 $ 2766 £ 1557 $ 2,748 € 1758 NZ$ 2958 kr 18100 $ 2,190 Standard (Main deck): 2-bed cabin $ 3176 £ 1787 $ 3,154 € 2018 NZ$ 3396 kr 20777 $ 2,514 $ 3333 £ 1876 $ 3,310 € 2118 NZ$ 3564 kr 21807 $ 2,638 Comfort (Middle deck): 2-bed cabin-ECO* $ 3176 £ 1787 $ 3,154 € 2018 NZ$ 3396 kr 20777 $ 2,514 $ 3333 £ 1876 $ 3,310 € 2118 NZ$ 3564 kr 21807 $ 2,638 Comfort (Middle deck): 2-bed cabin $ 3679 £ 2071 $ 3,654 € 2338 NZ$ 3934 kr 24072 $ 2,912 $ 3836 £ 2159 $ 3,810 € 2438 NZ$ 4102 kr 25101 $ 3,037 Superior (Upper deck): 2-bed cabin $ 3836 £ 2159 $ 3,810 € 2438 NZ$ 4102 kr 25101 $ 3,037 $ 3994 £ 2248 $ 3,967 € 2538 NZ$ 4271 kr 26131 $ 3,162 Superior (Upper deck): 2-bed cabin/single-use* $ 5809 £ 3270 $ 5,769 € 3691 NZ$ 6212 kr 38007 $ 4,598 $ 6053 £ 3407 $ 6,012 € 3846 NZ$ 6472 kr 39603 $ 4,792 *Very limited availability
Extra Options
2021
Comfort Relax Guided Package: $ 598 £ 337 $ 594 € 380 NZ$ 639 kr 3912 $ 473
Electric bike: $ 173 £ 97 $ 172 € 110 NZ$ 185 kr 1133 $ 137
Discount for bringing your personal touring bike: $ 164 £ 92 $ 163 € 104 NZ$ 175 kr 1071 $ 130 Discount for bringing your personal electric bike:
Extra night in Passau 3 Star Hotel 4 Star Hotel Double/twin pending pending Single pending pending Transfers:
Munich Airport to Passau or v.v One-way: pending
Munich Airport to Passau Round-trip: pending
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. Average high/low temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit for the region are; May, 74°/55°, June, 79°/60°, July, 83°/63°, August, 84°/64°, & September, 75°/56°.
Remarks
Don’t forget to request helmets and/or transfers with your booking!
Important to know
DOCUMENTS
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation
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?
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