Along the Danube - Passau, Vienna & Bratislava aboard the Primadonna
Germany, Austria, Slovakia Bike + Boat Tours
The Danube River’s Timeless Charm by Bike & Boat
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€914 Rates
Overview
Cycle along the German/Austrian border on this bike and boat tour that takes you through three countries - Germany, Austria, and Slovakia - following the highly popular Danube Cycle Path. Featuring the popular stretch between Passau and Vienna, this unique itinerary includes the captivating city of Bratislava, Slovakia's fascinating capital.
You will experience the impressive river as it meanders in the "Great Loop" and enjoy the gorgeous landscape of the legendary Wachau. Lush vineyards, scenic river valleys, and enchanting forests create an ever-changing backdrop throughout the journey. Monasteries, castles, palaces, and baroque towns line the way.
Three historic cities, three diverse countries... experience the rich cultural tapestry of Central Europe!
Highlights
- Passau - The City of Three Rivers
- The Schloegen Danube Loop
- Wachau - World Cultural Heritage site
- Linz - Upper Austria's Capital
- Vienna - City of music and culture
- Bratislava - Slovakia's impressive capital
Want to check out more bike & barge tours in Germany or a full list of bike tours along the Danube?
Itinerary
Day 1: Passau
Day 2: Schlögen - Linz, 35 mi. (56 km)
Day 3: Linz - Grein, 35 mi. (57 km)
Day 4: Ybbs - Wachau Dürnstein, 37 mi. (59 km)
Day 5: Wachau and Viennese Forest, 27 mi. (44 km)
Day 6: Vienna by bike, 17 mi. (27 km) or National Park Donau-Auen, 42 mi. (68 km)
Day 7: Wachau and Strudengau, 33 mi. (52 km)
Day 8: PassauIn the event of flooding or low tide, the shipping company retains the authority to modify the route and, if necessary, replace certain sections with bus transportation. Bicycle touring routes may also be subject to alterations. In rare and extreme circumstances, the shipping company may need to cancel the journey with short notice. Please note that no legal entitlement can be claimed under these circumstances, as water level fluctuations are considered force majeure. The same holds true for any unforeseen repair work on locks or bridges, or in case of unexpected engine or power unit issues, as mandated by official authorities without prior announcement.
Day 1: Passau
A group transfer is provided from the Passau train station to the ship at approximately 4:30 pm. The ship sets off from the harbor at 7:30 pm, arriving in Obermühl at 11 pm. The boat will moor here for the night. Meanwhile, you'll enjoy your first evening and overnight on board your lovely Primadonna accommodation. The vessel boasts an attractive double-hull design, and from the glass floor in the reception, you can glimpse the underwater world of the Danube. You will get your first taste of the wonderful cuisine you will enjoy throughout the week ahead as you sit down for a 4-course dinner.Day 2: Schlögen - Linz, 35 mi. (56 km)
The boat pulls up anchor at 6 a.m. and heads to Schlögen, arriving at 8 a.m. Following a delightful breakfast onboard, you'll collect your rental bikes and begin your cycling expedition from the mesmerizing natural wonder of Schlögener Schlinge to Linz. Optionally, you can experience the enchanting "200 years Anton Bruckner" concert featuring the iconic Bruckner organ in Linz.Day 3: Linz - Grein, 35 mi. (57 km)
As you disembark the ship, the cycle path seamlessly guides you into the embrace of the countryside, where scenic vistas unfold before your eyes. En route, you'll pass by the splendid castles of Pragstein, Wallsee, and Greinburg.Day 4: Ybbs - Wachau Dürnstein, 37 mi. (59 km)
From the captivating Gothic town of Ybbs, your cycling route leads through the picturesque landscapes of Gottsdorf and Emmersdorf, leading you to the stunning Wachau region. Pedaling along the vineyard-clad paths, you'll be treated to the scenic beauty as you pass the renowned wine-growing village of Spitz, before arriving at the charming destination of Dürnstein.Day 5: Wachau and Viennese Forest, 27 mi. (44 km)
Today's route features the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wachau, adorned with treasures like Gozzoburg, Kremser Pfennig, Piarist Church, and the quaint Old Town of Krems. Continuing onward, you'll arrive at the vibrant flower city of Tulln, known for its Egon Schiele Museum, housing 16 authentic originals. Savor a delightful lunch before embarking on a scenic ship voyage to Vienna. Once in the 'City of Waltz', you can explore its wonders at your own pace. Optionally, consider joining Vienna's mesmerizing 9.30 pm city tour by night, a 1.5-hour experience that unveils the city's nocturnal charm.Day 6: Vienna by bike, 17 mi. (27 km) or National Park Donau-Auen, 42 mi. (68 km) |
Explore Vienna at your own pace with an individual sightseeing adventure by bike, following a delightful car-free bike path that leads you seamlessly into the pedestrian zone. Optionally, you may visit the Museum of Art History Vienna, a treasure trove of artistic wonders. Enjoy a delightful meal on board, or opt for a packed lunch to fuel your active exploration.Next, embark on a National Park boat trip to Hainburg and Bratislava. For those seeking an active experience, an alternative option awaits - take on the car-free Danube bike path through the national park, pedaling your way via Wolfsthal to the heart of Bratislava.
The ship departs Bratislava this evening, destination Melk.
Day 7: Wachau and Strudengau, 33 mi. (52 km)
Today's cycling features the Strudengau, once synonymous with peril as this is the most dangerous part of the Danube. Here, the riverbed was embedded with rocks that produced dreaded whirlpools. Today, Strudengau stands for wonderful cultural attractions and pleasant cycling and trekking options. In Melk, you can visit the famous abbey. Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube River, this architectural marvel symbolizes Baroque splendor and has become one of Austria's most iconic landmarks. The history of Melk Abbey dates back to the 11th century when it was founded as a medieval castle and fortress. Here, history, beauty, and art converge. As you continue your path, you'll pass through the captivating towns of Pöchlarn and Freyenstein. The route then leads you to the enchanting destination of Grein. A heartfelt farewell dinner will be enjoyed on board tonight as the ship sets off on its final overnight journey back to Passau.Day 8: Passau
The ship arrives in Passau at 9 a.m. as you enjoy your final breakfast, pack up, and get ready to disembark. Disembarkation occurs at 10 a.m. followed by a group transfer back to the Passau train station for your onward journeys.Check out our featured bike & boat tours or our full list of active vacations!
Map
Boats & Bikes
- Primadonna
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… Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights in a double cabin on board the Deluxe Class vessel, the Primadonna
- Welcome snack on arrival day
- Daily breakfast buffet
- Daily afternoon coffee, tea, & cake
- Daily 3-course lunch or packed lunch for the bike tours
- Daily 4-course dinner
- Daily midnight snack in the panoramic bar
- 7-speed hybrid bicycle with pannier
- Two Hydrojet massage (15 min.) per cabin
- All harbor fees
- Daily personal route information for the following cycling day
- Onboard tour guides
- Comprehensive route description & cycling maps
- Transfer from the train station on arrival day & back on departure day - advanced reservation required.
What’s Not Included
- Excursion package (Concert on the Bruckner organ in Linz, Vienna City tour, Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna)
- Cycling tour guide
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Friday departures
June 28, August 9, & August 30, 2024
Please Note
- Rates are per person, 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
2024
Double Occupancy Pricing (per person) Main Deck | Bunk Bed (astern)*
$ 1526 £ 799 $ 1,364 € 914 kr 140168 ₪ 3815 ¥ 157654 Mex$ 17112 NZ$ 1679 NOK 11008 zł 4022 S$ 1359 kr 10859 $ 997
Main Deck | Standard Twin
$ 1770 £ 926 $ 1,582 € 1060 kr 162558 ₪ 4424 ¥ 182838 Mex$ 19846 NZ$ 1947 NOK 12766 zł 4665 S$ 1576 kr 12594 $ 1,157
Upper Deck | Double or Twin
$ 2805 £ 1468 $ 2,508 € 1680 kr 257640 ₪ 7012 ¥ 289781 Mex$ 31454 NZ$ 3086 NOK 20234 zł 7393 S$ 2498 kr 19960 $ 1,833
Promenade Deck | Double or Twin
$ 2947 £ 1542 $ 2,635 € 1765 kr 270675 ₪ 7366 ¥ 304442 Mex$ 33045 NZ$ 3242 NOK 21257 zł 7767 S$ 2624 kr 20969 $ 1,926
Single-Use Cabin Pricing Main Deck Astern* Cabin | Single-Use (includes +25% supplement) $ 1860 £ 974 $ 1,663 € 1114 kr 170840 ₪ 4649 ¥ 192152 Mex$ 20857 NZ$ 2047 NOK 13417 zł 4902 S$ 1656 kr 13235 $ 1,215 Main Deck Cabin | Single-Use (includes +50% supplement) $ 2560 £ 1340 $ 2,288 € 1533 kr 235096 ₪ 6398 ¥ 264425 Mex$ 28701 NZ$ 2816 NOK 18463 zł 6746 S$ 2279 kr 18213 $ 1,673 Upper Deck Cabin | Single-Use (includes +75% supplement) $ 4766 £ 2494 $ 4,260 € 2854 kr 437681 ₪ 11911 ¥ 492282 Mex$ 53434 NZ$ 5243 NOK 34373 zł 12560 S$ 4243 kr 33907 $ 3,114 Promenade Deck Cabin | Single-Use (includes +75% supplement) $ 5014 £ 2624 $ 4,483 € 3003 kr 460531 ₪ 12533 ¥ 517983 Mex$ 56223 NZ$ 5517 NOK 36168 zł 13215 S$ 4464 kr 35678 $ 3,276 *Astern cabin is located at the rear of the ship.
Extra Options
Electric Bike: $ 167 £ 87 $ 149 € 100 kr 15336 ₪ 417 ¥ 17249 Mex$ 1872 NZ$ 184 NOK 1204 zł 440 S$ 149 kr 1188 $ 109 Excursion package*: $ 92 £ 48 $ 82 € 55 kr 8435 ₪ 230 ¥ 9487 Mex$ 1030 NZ$ 101 NOK 662 zł 242 S$ 82 kr 653 $ 60
*Includes:
- Concert on the Bruckner organ in Linz
- Vienna City tour
- Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna
Please book additional services such as an excursion package at the time of booking. Some excursions can also be booked individually on board, subject to availability, and according to the price list (e.g., Vienna city tour 1,5 h approx.30 euros.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This is an easy tour following the flow of the Danube. The route is mostly flat but there are some rolling hills especially coming out of the Danube Valley. It takes place on good, asphalt bike paths very suitable for beginners and children. Daily distances can sometimes be adjusted and of course, you can always stay on board!
Airport Info
The closest international airport to your tour start and tour end in Passau is Munich International Airport (MUC) which is well connected to the city center by either train or express bus.
Local Travel
To travel directly to Passau from the airport by public transportation, you first must take a shuttle bus to Freising train station and from here you take a train to Passau. Train ride is approximately 2½ hr. depending on connections. Group transfers are provided from the train station to the boat at the beginning of your tour and from the boat back to the train station at the end of your tour.
Climate
The region has a moderate maritime climate, generally experiencing pleasantly mild winters and relatively cool summers. Please check local conditions prior to your departure and remember that your tour will cover a significant distance and will stretch along the Danube from Passau to Vienna and back.
Day of Rest
You can stay on board any time you choose. The Primadonna is the perfect ship to do so. You will find extraordinary spaciousness in the social areas, from restaurant to bar. In the 60-meter-long and 8-meter-wide atrium, you can relax and socialize. The Whirlpool, Kneipp pool, and sauna are available for your relaxation free of charge.
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 visaExtra Stay
May we suggest Booking.com for researching and reserving your extra nights? You can read a detailed description of hotels, a clear listing of amenities, and see customer reviews and ratings.
Tour Operator
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?
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