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€2508 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Bike and boat the majesty, and beauty of the Danube River through 6 countries on this epic 15-day tour! Four diverse and beautiful capital cities will be highlighted along your route, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade as well as the breath-taking natural scenery of the Iron Gates, one of the most spectacular gorges in Europe.
Your route leads through the vast expanse of the Pannonian plains and the Danube Bend in Hungary. Small, dreamy farming villages, bright yellow rape fields, and endless agricultural areas, including idyllic wine-growing regions, line your way from Croatia via Serbia to Hungary.
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
- Vienna, the city of music
- Cultural and historic Bratislava
- Budapest, Paris of the East
- Belgrade, the "white city"
- The mighty canyon of the Iron Gates National Park
- 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: Great Loop/Engelhartszell - Aschach, 26 mi. (42 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, 26 mi. (42 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: Great Loop/Engelhartszell - Aschach, 26 mi. (42 km)
Your first day’s tour 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, 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)
Savor the entrance to Budapest and the stunning views of the city‘s most famous buildings as this is a sight 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 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, 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 to 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. By 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 firsthand. 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 breathtaking 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 favorite 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 (2022)
Ilok: Wine-tasting at a wine cellar
Vienna: City tour by bike or HOP ON HOP OFF 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 earplugs.
Be sure to check out all of our featured bike & boat tours, or our full list of tours, including hiking, multi-adventure, & more.
Boats & Bikes
Inclusions
What’s Included
Self-guided
- 14 nights in an air-conditioned cabin with private bathroom
- Captain’s cocktail reception
- 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
- Cabins cleaned daily
- On board musician
- 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 will be provided
- Tour Guide that cycles with you
- Ferry rides
- City tour by bus in Budapest
- City tour by bus in Belgrade
- City tour by bike 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
2023
Deluxe Class Boat
Saturday departures
May 6*, August 5*, & September 30*, 2023*Guided option available (supplement applies)
Minimum number of participants to confirm a departure: 90
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
2023
Standard (Main deck): Double/twin $ 3913 £ 2243 $ 3,701 € 2508 ₪ 9548 NZ$ 4284 NOK 27438 kr 28681 $ 2,781 Comfort (Middle deck): Double/twin $ 4537 £ 2601 $ 4,291 € 2908 ₪ 11071 NZ$ 4967 NOK 31814 kr 33255 $ 3,225 Minisuite (Middle deck): Double/twin $ 4693 £ 2690 $ 4,438 € 3008 ₪ 11451 NZ$ 5138 NOK 32908 kr 34398 $ 3,336 Superior (Upper deck): Double/twin $ 5083 £ 2914 $ 4,807 € 3258 ₪ 12403 NZ$ 5565 NOK 35643 kr 37257 $ 3,613 Standard single (Main deck): Twin $ 5929 £ 3398 $ 5,607 € 3800 ₪ 14467 NZ$ 6491 NOK 41572 kr 43455 $ 4,214 Extra Options
2023
Guided package:* $ 716 £ 410 $ 677 € 459 ₪ 1747 NZ$ 784 NOK 5021 kr 5249 $ 509
**Minimum number of participants to confirm: 10
*Maximum number of participants total: 18Electric bike: $ 234 £ 134 $ 221 € 150 ₪ 571 NZ$ 256 NOK 1641 kr 1715 $ 166 Helmet purchase, +/-: $ 39 £ 22 $ 37 € 25 ₪ 95 NZ$ 43 NOK 274 kr 286 $ 28
Extra nights (Passau) Double/twin Single 3-star Pending Pending 4-star € 72 € 105 Arrival & departure airport transfer (to/from boat) City center Airport One way (1 - 8 people) € 240 € 260 Children's discounts available.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This is an easy to moderate self-guided or 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 (MUC).
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. 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.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visaLife 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
It is important that you check with us regarding your preferred ship's policy in regards to Covid, vaccines, and other requirements. Sometimes a ship will have a different policy than the country or countries you may pass through or a different policy than another ship. For example, as we update for the 2023 travel season, we note that many of our ships are requiring face masks at this time (June 2022).
Extra Stay
We can arrange extra nights in Passau! If you would like to reserve additional nights on your own, we advise Booking.com for researching and reserving. You can read a detailed description of the hotels offered including a listing of amenities, customer reviews, and ratings.
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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