| Tour | Bike+Boat |
|---|---|
| Type | Self Guided |
| Skill | Easy |
| Length | 8 days |
| From | €934 Rates |
| Tour Reviews |
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Tour Dates
2019
Fridays: August 16, August 23, September 6, and September 20, 2019
2020
Fridays: May 8, May 15, July 3, July 10, July 31, August 7, August 14, August 21, August 28, September 4, and September 11, 2020
Skill Level
This is an easy self-guided bike and boat tour with average daily distances between 22 to 35 miles (35 and 56 km).You’ll be following the mostly flat Danube Cycle path.
Tour Boats
Day-To-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Passau at 4 pm
Day 2: Schlögen - Linz, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 3: Tulln - Vienna, 22 mi. or 32 mi. (36 or 52 km)
Day 4: Komárom – Esztergom, 35 mi. (56 km)
Day 5: Sightseeing in Budapest and cycling tour to Margareteninsel, 14 mi. (22 km)
Day 6: Sightseeing in Bratislava and cycling Bratislava - Devin - Bratislava, 20 mi. (33 km)
Day 7: Cycling tour Krems to Pöchlarn, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 8: Departure from Passau at 9 am
*All distances are approximate. Timetable and program are subject to changes by the captain due to regional conditions (among other things high or low water, adverse weather, storms, etc.).
Day 1: Passau - Schlögen
Arrive at the fenced-in car park until 4 pm or arrival at Passau main station by 4.45 pm (e.g. arrival with train ICE 27). Bus transfer from the car park or from main station to the ship available for an additional charge. Please be on board by 7 pm! Welcome snacks are offered on board from 4 pm and this evening you will enjoy a captain’s welcome dinner with a 4-course menu. The ship will depart Passau at 8 pm and navigate to Schlögen, arriving approximately 11:30 pm.
Day 2: Schlögen - Linz, 34 mi. (55 km)
Distribution of bicycle rentals at Schlögen Bend in the morning. Your cycling itinerary today will lead through the uninhabited narrow valley near Kaiserau to Ottensheim and further on to Linz (European Capital of Culture 2009). The ship will depart from Schlögen at 12 noon and will arrive in Linz at 4:15 pm. The ship will depart from Linz at 8:30 pm, heading to Tullin, arriving at 7:30 am.
Day 3: Tulln - Vienna, 22 mi. or 32 mi. (36 or 52 km)
Plan on a visit to the Museum of Egon Schiele and garden exhibition (with 65 gardens) in Tulln, followed by a cycle tour from Tulln (“city of flowers”), with a wonderful view
of the foothills of the Viennese Wood (Wiener Wald), past Klosterneuburg (monastery – Austrian Escorial) to Vienna. Individual sightseeing in Vienna or if you prefer, a city tour by bike, 95 % of which will take place on dedicated cycle tracks! More information will be provided onboard. After dinner, at 8:30 pm, a guided city tour is included by bus “Vienna by night”. The ship departs Tulln at 10 am, arriving in Vienna at noon. Departs Vienna at 11 pm and arrives in Komárnom at 9 am.
Day 4: Komárno - Esztergom-Štúrovo, 35 mi. (56 km)
After the ship arrives at 9 am, cyclists disembark to enjoy their cycling itinerary. You depart from Komárom, cycling on the left bank through small, dreamy places on the very beautiful, car-free causeway, sometimes pedaling directly along the Danube past Moča to Esztergom. The boat departs at 12 noon, heading to Esztergon/Štúrovo arriving at 4 pm. Cyclists embark here for the evening. The ship navigates once again leaving at 8 pm, arriving in Budapest at 11 pm.
Day 5: Budapest, 14 mi. (22 km)
In the morning, you will enjoy a city tour by bus of Budapest which will leave directly from the boat landing station. The tour will take about 3.5 hours, with a stay in the city center of about 1.5 hours. From here you will be transferred back to the ship. In the afternoon, there is a possibility for a round trip tour by bike on the 8 km long car-free Margareten Island in Budapest. The ship departs from Budapest at 7 pm and arrives in Bratislava at 11 am.
Day 6: Bratislava - Devin - Bratislava, 20 mi. (33 km)
You will enjoy a guided city tour through the historical center of Bratislava. Afterward, on the Danube cycling route, you will pedal to Devin and the Bratislava Castle, one of the landmarks of the city – a National Cultural Monument. It is situated on a rocky hill of the Little Carpathians in the center of the city and is overlooking the river Danube. It also provides an excellent view of Bratislava and Austria. Afterwards, cross the new cycling bridge, you arrive in Austria, to the magnificent palace of the Empress Maria Theresia, Castle Hof with its impressive Baroque gardens, staterooms, etc.). You will return to Bratislava to board the ship and enjoy a sailing dinner. The ship departs Bratislava at 6 pm arriving in Krems at 9 am.
Day 7: Krems - Pöchlarn, 30 mi. (48 km)
You will enjoy the cycling this day on the Danube cycling path in the Wachau from Krems (UNESCO world cultural heritage) via Dürnstein to Melk (monastery) and further on to Pöchlarn. After arriving at 9 am in Krems, the ship will depart at 11:30 am for Pöchlarn, arriving at 3:30 pm. Departs once again at 5 pm, heading to Passau.
Day 8: Passau
The ship is scheduled to arrive in Passau at 8 am. Disembarkation at 10.00 am. Transfer to the parking spot or train station, if reserved.
Be sure to check out all of our featured bike and boat tours, or our full list of bicycle tours.
*Important Information:
In case of flood or low tide, the shipping company reserves the right to change the route and/or bridge parts of passages with buses. Bicycle touring routes may also be affected. 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 case of unexpected breakdown of engine or power unit.
Please be aware that these ships, like all other ships on the Danube, are not just your "floating hotels" but also a machine, running engines, 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.
Email or Call 800-951-4384 +1 570-965-2064
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Pricing Information
Travel Details
This tour is run by Donau Touristik.
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?
Along the Danube - Passau - Vienna - Budapest aboard the Primadonna Boats + Barges
Primadonna Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary Deluxe Class Boat Experience the elegance of the MS Primadonna, with spacious decks, spa facilities, restaurant, bar, atrium and much more, on a cycling holiday without having to pack and unpack each day. Your boat will await you at your destination every day. You can also feel free to spend some of your time on board where you can enjoy the Jacuzzi on the outdoor deck or the spa area, which is equipped with Jacuzzi, sauna, Kneip basin, etc. All meals on this Austrian cruise line are freshly cooked and have a particular emphasis on regional and organic products.
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Tour Reviews
Cindy T. 2 weeks ago Verified Reviewer
As far as the bike routes, I prefer dedicated bicycle paths (not "sharrows") and loved every ride. Most were on dedicated paved paths, but some traversed through villages on very quiet roads. A few tips: Breakfast was the best meal of the day. Check your packed lunch at breakfast, which typically contained a veggie (cheese) sandwich, a cold cut sandwich, fruit, sparkling water, and a pastry. From the breakfast buffet, you can exchange the fruit and add a slice of meat to your veggie sandwich. If you don't like sparkling water, they will exchange that for bottled water at the reception desk. Dinner was good and I thought the portion size was reasonable given the four course meals (the soups were yummy!). Watch the tightness of the breaks on the bikes (the front break can launch you if you're not careful) but the bikes were in great condition. Plan ahead for your massage (which was fantastic). One came with the room and we purchased a second. We chose to skip one day of biking along the Danube, and we're pleased that we had plenty of time to bike around the town in the morning before the ship left port, get lunch, a massage, and a nap, and then bike around the new port we arrived in that afternoon.
Thanks to all the crew on the MS Primadonna, who learned our names and favorite drinks by the second day! We miss you already.
Boat: Primadonna
Reply
Terry C. 2 weeks ago Verified Reviewer
This is the only way to do a river cruise. You are able to see and enjoy the country and at the same time stay active and get exercise. The bike paths were mostly flat, very few hills. The boat was very nice with good food and service. The highlight of the trip was entering Budapest at 10 pm. It was more than amazing. The bike guide really tried to prepare us each day for the following day bike ride, but it is easy to get lost and the maps we were given were not very clear.
Boat: Primadonna
Reply
Winifred T. 3 weeks ago Verified Reviewer
Our most memorable part of the trip was riding with several other cyclists who had better directions, and hence did not get lost!!! We rode through rain and sun, cold wind and steep hills, chic coffee shops and picturesque towns together. This is a wonderful first time experience for our family.
I'd suggest to get to know other cyclists as soon as possible and try to arrange riding together. This would make the journey more fun.
Boat: Primadonna
Reply
Patricia C. 1 month ago Verified Reviewer
Sailing down the Danube at night under the full moon we witnessed the beautiful lighted bridges and magnificent buildings of Vienna. It was magical!
Boat: Primadonna
Reply
Anna A. 7 months ago Verified Reviewer
Most Memorable Part? Cycling the afternoon around Vienna
Boat: Primadonna
Reply
Jeanne D. 9 months ago Verified Reviewer
The serene beauty of the country side of Germany, Austria and Hungry. Riding a bike through these wonderful countries was very special. The barge ride was very relaxing after a day of riding.
Boat: Primadonna
Reply
Laney B. 9 months ago Verified Reviewer
The scenery was beautiful and the accommodations were great. The riding was a pleasure start to finish. We loved it all and would do it again in a heartbeat!
Boat: Primadonna
Reply
Ken S. 9 months ago Verified Reviewer
We really enjoyed the Abbey in Melk, Tulln Gardens and the short walk about tour in Bratislavia
Boat: Primadonna
Reply
Mary B. 9 months ago Verified Reviewer
The most memorable part of the trip was sitting on the top deck in the evening, wrapped in a blanket, watching the clouds sail past the moon as the barge moved on to our next city on the Danube.
Ensure you respond to the call to choose a table for meals on the barge if you wish to sit with or close to friends.
Stay an extra night in Passau if you have the time...there is a lot to see and do.
If possible, do some cycling before your trip to prepare you for the daily tours.
If you would prefer to cycle with a guide let your agent know and they may be able to arrange it. It may be an option and worth an extra cost if it would make your trip more enjoyable.
Boat: Primadonna
Reply
Jeanne D. 9 months ago Verified Reviewer
The serene beauty of the country side of Germany, Austria and Hungry. Riding a bike through these wonderful countries was very special. The barge ride was very relaxing after a day of riding.
Boat: Primadonna
Reply
David F. 10 months ago Verified Reviewer
Breakfast good. Bagged lunches okay but not great and they only had sparkling water which I don't like and can't drink. No option to get still water without paying extra. Dinners good but not great. Only one meal very good. Most upset about not being able to drink the water from the room sink (which was announced over the PA system just before dinner after we had been onboard for a few hours)and then having to pay for still safe water for the cabin, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Bike barge nightly talk about the following day was always the second talk of the evening (made for later evenings or no room in the bar). Would have liked to share the first time slot for half of the evenings.
Concierge staff outstanding and serving staff in the dinning room good.
Boat: Primadonna
Reply
Linda T. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
Most Memorable Part? Cruising into Budapest at night. It was breath taking!!
Boat: Primadonna
Reply
Susan W. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
I had left my phone at a restaurant on the bike route and it was returned to me within 3 hours...I was so grateful.
Having a tour guide would have been very helpful on certain days of the trip...ie Vienna.
I was very disappointed with the fact that the biking portion of the Wachau valley that was in the itinerary had been eliminated without our knowing until the night before.
it was to have been a highlight for our group and the cruise company said that it was Never a part of the biking route.!
We rented e bikes at an extra cost for the 4 of us because of the distance to be covered that day and otherwise would not have.
All of the cycling group received the same information from Tripsite about the Wachau valley and we were all disappointed.
Otherwise I would highly recommend this trip but do feel that you should update Read more… your itinerary so that people aren't disappointed.
Boat: Primadonna
Reply
Jehiel from Tripsite 1 year ago Staff
Hi Susan,
I wanted to apologize that a portion of the Wachau Valley had to be eliminated from the itinerary. This was because of the low tides and the impossibility of docking at this location.
For 2018 we solved this problem. Only habours running the whole year will be part of the itinerary.
Glad you still had a time!
Reply
York C. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
Great trip. Boat and river cruise portion of the trip was more than expected. Service and the crew on the boat were excellent, including the food.
Quality of bicycles was excellent. They were mechanically perfect. The only down side of the entire trip were the nightly route planning meetings and the quality of the maps and route guides. It was obvious that the tour leader giving the route agenda had never ridden the bike paths. Her English was not very good which made it even more difficult to understand the route(s). We had to fend for ourselves (asking people on the street for directions) numerous times because the routes were just not made clear. Also, the route was not what was not the same as what was spelled out on the website.
Overall, we were very satisfied with the trip.
Boat: Primadonna
Reply
Carla from Tripsite 1 year ago Staff
Hi York,
Thanks so much for your feedback! We have good news.... the route guides & maps are currently being updated for the 2018 season. We hope to avoid any confusion in the upcoming tours.
Unfortunately the guide on board was a replacement and not as knowledgable as our usual guides. On rare occasions there is sickness or other factors that prevent our normal guides from being on board.
So glad to hear you still had a great tour!
Sincerely,
Carla
Reply
Carolyn H. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
We had a a great time . The only feedback I would give is that most of the passengers were German and there was very little information given in English.
Boat: Primadonna
Reply
Linda T. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
We really enjoyed our experience on the Primadonna! Food was delicious and staff were very attentive. Biking the countryside was a definite highlight! Our most spectacular and memorable part of the trip would be cruising into Budapest at night! It was breath taking!!
We really had a great time and look forward to doing another bike trip soon.
Boat: Primadonna
Reply
Antonina G. 2 years ago Verified Reviewer
Loved the ship-the Primadonna. We liked it that the servings were not big and that you could ask for seconds. Appreciated the lunches they prepared. It was a great trip. Staff was helpful and efficient.
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