Along the Danube - Passau to Vienna

Day 1: Passau
Day 2: Engelhartszell - Brandstatt, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 3: Brandstatt - Linz, 16 mi. (24 km)
Day 4: Tulln - Vienna, 19 mi. (31 km)
Day 5: Vienna (day of rest)
Day 6: Wachau | Krems - Melk, 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 7: Grein - Mauthausen, 22 mi. (36 km)
Day 8: Passau

All distances are approximate.

Day 1: Passau
Welcome to Passau, the beautiful three-river city with a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere. After arrival, take time to stroll through the baroque old town, with its charming narrow streets and the magnificent Passau Cathedral, home to the world’s largest church organ. Boarding is scheduled between 4 pm and 5 pm. Your cycling journey begins with a romantic evening cruise, leaving the enchanting cityscape of Passau behind as the sun sets.

Day 2: Engelhartszell - Brandstatt, 28 mi. (45 km)
As you cycle through the lush countryside, you'll enjoy the scents of dense forests and freshly mowed meadows. You may take a break at the Schlögener Blick observation point and see a magnificent view of the Schlögener Schlinge, where the Danube flows through a gorge and doubles back on itself.

Day 3: Brandstatt - Linz, 16 mi. (24 km)
You'll have a rural ride again today. At lunch, you'll reach the Upper Austrian capital of Linz—"it all begins in Linz"! This is the European Capital of Culture 2009. Explore the largest church in Austria or take the Pöstlingberhbahn, the steepest adhesion railway, to a lookout point over the city. You can also visit the ARS Electronica Museum, where you can try out some of the most impressive examples of modern technology.

Day 4: Tulln - Vienna, 19 mi. (31 km)
Before entering Vienna, you can visit Klosterneuburg, a monastery situated in unforgettable scenery. You'll be able to see the dome of this 900-year-old baroque building as you approach. "Kahlenbergerdorf" is known for its wine taverns, and you'll have the opportunity to visit after a stroll through the vineyards and a striking view of Vienna. You'll take a city tour by bus in the afternoon, where you'll pass most of the famous sights. You'll also have the option to go on a guided walking tour through the historic center of Austria's capital.

Day 5: Vienna (day of rest)
You can see all of Vienna's most famous sights on a city tour by bike or a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. The unforgettable Ringstrabße is reminiscent of times long past, and Vienna's welcoming coffee houses will entice you with mouthwatering Viennese cakes and pastries. The Naschmarket market is a feast for every sense. You'll be able to end the evening with a concert of waltz and classical operetta music in Sisi's summer residence.

Day 6: Wachau | Krems - Melk, 23 mi. (37 km)
You'll spend today in the enduring Wachau valley. You'll cycle through wine-growing villages, decorated with terraced vineyards and apricot trees. Dürnstein awaits you with its narrow lanes and the castle in which Richard I of England, or "Lionheart", was once imprisoned. You can find the first-rate famous Wachau wines in Spitz, one of the most famous wine-growing villages according to the World Cultural Heritage Landscape.

Day 7: Grein - Mauthausen, 22 mi. (36 km)
You'll cycle along a varied route, offering memorable scenery beginning in the medieval town of Grein, home to Austria's oldest theater. Next, you'll bike through the delightful hinterland of the Strudengau region, where you may even be personally guided through the romantic Clam Castle by the castle's lord! You'll then take a journey back to prehistoric Celtic Villages in Mitterkirchen. Your last stop will be at the Mauthausen Memorial, a World War II concentration memorial site 5 kilometers outside of Mauthausen, sitting atop a hill.

Day 8: Passau
The ship will bring you to Passau, where you will disembark at about 11:00 am. It's recommended that you don't make any arrangements for onward travel until after 12:00 pm. 

Language on board: German & English

Land excursions:
Offered as an option with a surcharge (not included in tour price), these excursions can be booked directly on board. You will receive more information with your final travel documents. Depending on the number of participants some excursions could be conducted in 2 languages (German/ English).

Engelhartszell - Vienna - Engelhartszell

Day 1: Arrival in Engelhartszell
Day 2: Engelhartszell – Aschach – Linz – Tulln | Bike tour: 27 – 29 mi. (44 – 47 km)
Day 3: Tulln – Vienna-Nussdorf | Bike tour: 20 – 24 mi. (32 – 39 km)
Day 4: Vienna-Nussdorf | Day of rest (optional sightseeing & coffee house visits)
Day 5: Krems – Melk | Bike tour: 23 – 26 mi. (37 – 42 km)
Day 6: Melk – Grein | Bike tour: 32 – 34 mi. (51 – 55 km)
Day 7: Grein – Mauthausen | Bike tour: 22 – 25 mi. (36 – 40 km)
Day 8: Return to Engelhartszell and disembarkation

All distances are approximate.

Day 1: Arrival in Engelhartszell
Make your way to Engelhartszell, a tranquil town nestled along the Danube and renowned for its Trappist monastery and scenic natural beauty. Located approximately 30 km (19 miles) from Passau, it’s the perfect starting point for your adventure. Embarkation begins around 4:00 pm. Settle in and enjoy your first evening on board. Overnight stay in Engelhartszell.

Day 2: Engelhartszell – Great Loop – Aschach – Linz – Tulln, 27 – 29 mi. (44–47 km)
Start your day with a taste of the monastery’s famous herbal liqueurs, said to have special healing properties. Then set off downstream through serene villages and lush river landscapes. For a scenic detour, hop aboard the small ferry through the dramatic Schlögener Loop, where the Danube twists in a perfect 180-degree curve (approx. €7 per person). From Aschach, the ship takes you onward to Linz and then Tulln. Tip: In Linz, take a ride on the bright yellow City Express to explore the capital of Upper Austria.

Day 3: Tulln – Vienna-Nussdorf, 20 – 24 mi. (32–39 km)
Cycle toward Vienna along a beautiful stretch of the Danube. Just before reaching the city, visit the impressive baroque Klosterneuburg Monastery, its grand cupola visible from afar. Consider stopping at Kahlenbergerdorf, a charming village known for its cozy wine taverns. A short vineyard hike leads to the Kahlenberg lookout, where breathtaking views of Vienna await.

Day 4: Vienna-Nussdorf (day of rest)
Take the day to explore Austria’s magnificent capital. Marvel at iconic sights such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, the grand Ringstraße, the State Opera House, and the historic Town Hall. Spend your afternoon strolling the lively streets or relaxing in one of Vienna’s famous coffee houses. In the evening, the ship departs for Krems in the picturesque Wachau Valley.

Day 5: Krems – Melk, 23 – 26 mi. (37 km)
Today’s route takes you through the heart of the Wachau Valley, one of Europe’s most stunning river landscapes. Ride past charming villages, terraced vineyards, medieval ruins, and stately monasteries. In Dürnstein, the abbey’s blue baroque tower welcomes you from a distance. End the day in Melk, home to the awe-inspiring Benedictine Abbey that stands proudly above the Danube—a true highlight of the trip.

Day 6: Melk – Grein, 32 – 34 mi. (51 km)
Cycle through river meadows and quiet countryside, passing through the wild and once-dangerous Strudengau gorge. The route leads to Grein, a quaint riverside town where you can visit Greinburg Castle—the oldest residential castle in Austria—with an optional guided tour.

Day 7: Grein – Mauthausen – Cruise to Engelhartszell, 22 – 25 mi. (36–40 km)
Enjoy a peaceful ride through the flat Machland region, dotted with fields and historical sites. A visit to the reconstructed Celtic Village in Mitterkirchen offers a glimpse into ancient life. In Mauthausen, a visit to the memorial site of the former concentration camp is a moving opportunity for reflection. In the evening, return to the ship for a festive farewell dinner as you cruise back to Engelhartszell.

Day 8: Departure from Engelhartszell
Arrive in Engelhartszell around 9:00 am, with disembarkation at approximately 9:30 am. We recommend booking your onward travel for noon or later to allow a relaxed departure.

Day 1: Passau – Engelhartszell
Day 2: Engelhartszell – Great Loop – Aschach – Linz – Tulln | Bike tour: 27 – 29 mi. (44–47 km)
Day 3: Tulln – Vienna-Nussdorf | Bike tour: 20 – 24 mi. (32–39 km)
Day 4: Vienna-Nussdorf | Day of rest (optional sightseeing and cultural highlights)
Day 5: Krems – Melk | Bike tour: 23 – 26 mi. (37–42 km)
Day 6: Melk – Grein | Bike tour: 32 – 34 mi. (51–55 km)
Day 7: Grein – Mauthausen – Cruise to Passau | Bike tour: 22 – 25 mi. (36–40 km)
Day 8: Passau | Disembarkation at approx. 10:30 am

All distances are approximate.

Day 1: Passau – Engelhartszell
Arrive in Passau, the “City of Three Rivers,” where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz meet. Explore the charming Old Town or visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to the world’s largest cathedral organ. Embarkation begins around 4:00 pm, and the ship departs at approximately 7:00 pm for Engelhartszell. Enjoy your welcome dinner on board and settle into your cabin as your Danube adventure begins.

Day 2: Engelhartszell – Great Loop – Aschach – Linz – Tulln, 27 – 29 mi. (44–47 km)
Start your day with a taste of the monastery’s famous herbal liqueurs, said to have special healing properties. Then set off downstream through serene villages and lush river landscapes. For a scenic detour, hop aboard the small ferry through the dramatic Schlögener Loop, where the Danube twists in a perfect 180-degree curve (approx. €7 per person). From Aschach, the ship takes you onward to Linz and then Tulln. Tip: In Linz, take a ride on the bright yellow City Express to explore the capital of Upper Austria.

Day 3: Tulln – Vienna-Nussdorf, 20 – 24 mi. (32–39 km)
Cycle toward Vienna through peaceful riverside paths. Along the way, visit the impressive Klosterneuburg Monastery, its grand baroque cupola visible from afar. Stop in Kahlenbergerdorf for a glass of local wine, then take a short hike through vineyards to the Kahlenberg terrace, where a breathtaking view of the Vienna skyline awaits.

Day 4: Vienna-Nussdorf (day of rest)
Spend your rest day soaking in Vienna’s imperial charm. Visit must-see sights such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg, the Burgtheater, and the State Opera House. Stroll along the Ringstraße or unwind in one of Vienna’s iconic coffee houses. In the evening, the ship sets sail for Krems in the heart of the Wachau Valley.

Day 5: Krems – Melk, 23 – 26 mi. (37–42 km)
Cycle through the enchanting Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with vineyards, hilltop ruins, and baroque landmarks. In Dürnstein, the blue spire of the abbey church welcomes you from afar. Continue to Melk, where the majestic Benedictine Abbey towers over the Danube—a place steeped in history and architectural splendor.

Day 6: Melk – Grein, 32 – 34 mi. (51–55 km)
Ride along tranquil river meadows through the scenic Strudengau, once dreaded by shipmen for its strong currents. Today, it’s a picturesque stretch of forested hills and rocky cliffs. Your destination is Grein, a storybook town home to Greinburg Castle—the oldest residential castle in Austria.

Day 7: Grein – Mauthausen – Cruise to Passau, 22 – 25 mi. (36–40 km)
Today’s route crosses the Machland region, known for its fertile fields and open landscapes. Stop by the reconstructed Celtic Village in Mitterkirchen to experience early European life. In Mauthausen, a visit to the memorial site of the former concentration camp offers a solemn moment of reflection. Celebrate your journey in the evening with a festive farewell dinner on board as the ship cruises back to Passau.

Day 8: Passau – Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast as you take in the scenic return to Passau. Arrival is expected around 10:00 am, with disembarkation at approximately 10:30 am. We recommend arranging onward travel for noon or later.