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Germany

Danube: Passau – Vienna – Passau

Between Germany and Austria
Passau Round tour.
From €699 p.p.
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Danube: Passau – Vienna – Passau

Highlights of this tour

Indulging in a bike tour along the German and Austrian stretch of the Danube is a true pleasure — and your floating hotel will be with you the entire way! The bike paths slope gently downhill, following the river banks through gorgeous little villages and verdant Danube landscapes. Soon you’ll find yourself admiring the wondrous “Great Loop” as you make a breathtaking 180º turn on the Danube and enter the realm of Wachau, with its old-world delights including monasteries, terraced vineyards, and fairytale castles. And then, prepare yourself for Vienna! […]

Between Germany and Austria

Day of rest & exploration in Vienna

Around 200 km / 147 miles

Ships with max. 150 passengers

Guidance
  • Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
  • Independent cycling: No tour leader, the ships’ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling
guidance Independent cycling
Difficulty
  • Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain
  • Level 2: quite easy tours, mostly flat terrain
  • Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain
  • Level 4: for experienced cyclists, hilly terrain with climbs
Difficulty level 1 Difficulty level 1
Duration of the tour.
tijd2 Created with Sketch.
8 days

About this tour

Indulging in a bike tour along the German and Austrian stretch of the Danube is a true pleasure — and your floating hotel will be with you the entire way! The bike paths slope gently downhill, following the river banks through gorgeous little villages and verdant Danube landscapes. Soon you’ll find yourself admiring the wondrous “Great Loop” as you make a breathtaking 180º turn on the Danube and enter the realm of Wachau, with its old-world delights including monasteries, terraced vineyards, and fairytale castles.

And then, prepare yourself for Vienna! Although we could talk about its marvelous city hall, the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the world’s oldest Ferris wheel (the Riesenrad), you really have to see it for yourself to understand the beauty. These and many more attractions are easily explored by bike, and when you need a break, drop into one of Vienna’s world-famous coffee houses for cake, comfort and carefree relaxation. Continue the culinary and cultural adventures as you see fit — perhaps stop by at the Vienna State Opera House or taste Wiener schnitzel with local wine in the bistros of its hometown.

Individual bicycle tour: You´ll receive a detailed roadbook with maps and information to the routing on board. You do not cycle in a group – you cycle individually in your own tempo and are therefore able to time your day to your needs. Only the schedule gives you a time frame.

The ship – Your sailing hotel
In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own if you mention it when booking.

The highlights of the tour: The Three-river City Passau, the Schlögener Schlinge or Great Loop, UNESCO World Heritage Site Wachau, baroque Linz, elegant and multifaceted Vienna.

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Day to day program

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The tour details are barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons.

Please note:
2019: The tours with the Normandie and Arlene II start and end on Mondays.
2020: the Normandie tours start and end on Saturday and the Arlene II tours start and end on Sunday.

 

Day 1: Boarding in Passau | Passau to Engelhartszell

This historic city lies close to the Bavarian/Austrian border, and also goes by the name the City of Three Rivers. You’ll board between 4 and 5 p.m., the ship departs at approx. 7 p.m. Enjoy your first dinner on board as the ship sails on to Engelhartszell.

Day 2: Pr. Katharina: Engelhartszell – “Great Loop” – Aschach (approx. 40 –  46 km/24-27.6 mi.) | Aschach to Linz
SE-Manon: Engelhartszell to “Great Loop” to Untermühl (approx. 33 – 39 km/19.8-23.4 mi.) | Untermühl to Linz

For those still getting into holiday mode, Engelhartszell’s Trappist monastery has special cordials and liqueurs that can pep you up for the coming tour with their “special healing powers.” Following the river, you’ll pass through wonderful vistas and charming villages before having the chance to hop on a cozy ferry (€6 p.p.) to marvel at the powerful 180° turn made by the Schlögener Schlinge river loop. It’s then time to board the ship at Brandstatt/Aschach/Untermühl, from which point you’ll cruise on to Linz, the capital of Upper Austria.

Day 3: Linz to Mauthausen | Mauthausen to Grein (approx. 36-40 km/21.6-24 mi.)

Enjoy breakfast during an early morning cruise to Mauthausen, where you’ll have the chance to visit the memorial site of the KZ Mauthausen concentration camp. Later downstream, the town of Mitterkirchen will give you a glimpse into Austria’s Celtic past, and then you’ll have the choice between an easy cycle tour or a more challenging one. The first follows a flat path along the Danube, while the “Clam Castle” tour snakes through the handsome Strudengau backcountry, tackling slightly hillier terrain but making up for it with excellent views. Either way, you’ll end the day in Grein, where you can feast your eyes on the Castle of Greinburg (closed on Mondays – can only be visited as part of an optional excursion).

Day 4: Grein to Melk (approx. 51 km/30 mi.) | Melk to Tulln

The touring today will lead you through a wonderful variety of landscapes, starting with a return to the Strudengau, which is where the Danube River narrows to a treacherous body of water that was once the bane of river captains. The Danube valley starts to widen from Persenbeug onwards, and you’ll cycle on to Melk, which is overlooked by a baroque Benedictine Monastery which is also the resting place of Austria’s first ruling dynasty. Cruise on through the Wachau, taking in the sunset and dusk light with a refreshing drink in hand. At night cruising to Tulln, which is known for its market gardens and art scene — not the least because the Art Nouveau artist Egon Schiele was born here.

Day 5: Tulln to Vienna-Nussdorf (approx. 32-38 km/19.2-22.8 mi.)

Your highlight for today: Set in impressive scenery right on the footstep of Vienna, the Klosterneuburg Monastery. You’ll already spot its 900-year-old baroque silhouette from afar, its grand marble hall and lavishly-decorated interior will inspire awe, and the wine taverns of the Kahlenbergerdorf are also a must. Top it all off with a walk through the oldest vineyards in Austria, and an unbeatable perspective looking out over Vienna.

Day 6: Vienna-Nussdorf (rest day) | Vienna to Dürnstein/Rossatz

Today you’ll have plenty of time to explore Vienna’s must-see attractions, like St. Stephens Cathedral, the Museum Quarter, and the Hofburg. You can opt to take an extra city bike tour (not included), or make your own way along the monumental Ringstraβe boulevard, stopping by the town hall, the State Opera House and Imperial Palace. Give your feet a rest in one of Vienna’s world-renowned coffee houses and seek out some apfelstrudel, apple strudel, before embarking for a night cruise to Dürnstein or Rossatz.

Day 7: Wachau to Pöchlarn (approx. 40-50 km/ 24-30 mi.) | Pöchlarn to Passau

We’ve saved the best for last! You can’t help but be enchanted as you bike through this scenic portmanteau of fruit trees, villages, vineyards and fortresses, with remnants of medieval history everywhere you look. The compact but romantic town of Dürnstein is overlooked by impressive ruins, which contrast with its famous blue monastery tower — a true icon of Wachau. Carrying on, guests will re-embark in Pöchlarn, just in time for a farewell cocktail and dinner.

Day 8: Disembarkation in Passau

All good things come to an end, but you’ll have one last time to relax on deck, enjoying the peaceful Danube dawn and the first light of day. Get another perspective of the Great Donau Loop as you make your way back to Passau, arriving at approx. 11 a.m. A relaxed disembarkment follows half an hour later, with connecting trips recommended from 1.30 p.m. on.

 

Good to know
  • Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
  • On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
  • The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
  • Cycle tours: The bike tours are individual, at your own pace, without a tour guide, but with daily briefings on board and detailed bicycle maps and directions. All cycle tours can be classified as being easy. When a guest does not want to cycle one day, she/he can skip the bike tour and relax on board while cruising to the next harbor.
  • Profil: Nearly all cycle tours can be classified as being easy.
  • Luggage: we recommend rain-wear, bicycle helmet, sunhat and sneakers. Please be aware that the cabin storage space is very limited
  • Smoking: the interior of the ship is a non-smoking zone: smoking is only allowed on the sun deck. As a safety measure, a statutory smoking ban applies in all cabins; this means that all cabins and rooms on board are non-smoking areas.
  • Schedule and program changes: Basically, we reserve the right to make changes of routing and program. In case of flood or low tide, the shipping company reserves the right to bridge parts of passages by 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. The same applies for officially ordered – previously not announced – repair work on locks or bridges.
  • Notes: Please be aware that a cruise ship on the Danube is not only your hotel 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 please bring your own ear plugs.
  • Travel documents: EU-citizens (without special situations like dual citizenship, main residence abroad or a limited-validity passport) are required to have a valid passport or ID-card, not expiring within six(6) months of the return of your cruise. We kindly ask non-EU citizens, EU-nationals with multiple citizenship or anybody who has to respect special legal entry requirements for the country to visit, to inform about visa and entry documents at the competent embassy.
  • This trip is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.  

 


Prices & availability

To view the availability of this tour and/or book online please click on the button below. A new screen will open.


Prices & information

Pricing overview - 2024
Cabin type For Season A Season B Season C Season D
Twin cabin in front/astern* lower deck 2 pers. € 699 € 799 € 899 Not available Twin cabin lower deck 2 pers. € 849 € 949 € 999 € 999 Single cabin lower deck 1 pers. € 1149 € 1249 € 1299 Not available Twin cabin middle deck 2 pers. Not available Not available Not available € 1199 Twin cabin upper deck 2 pers. € 1049 € 1149 € 1249 € 1399 Triple cabin upper deck 3 pers. € 849 € 949 € 1049 Not available Single cabin upper deck 1 pers. € 1349 € 1449 € 1549 Not available
Included in this tour
  • 7 nights in a cabin with shower/toilet and air-conditioning in the booked category
  • Program according to the description from/to Passau
  • Full meals: 7x breakfast-buffet, 6x lunch snack on board (non cyclists) or packed lunch for cyclists, 6x afternoon coffee break, 6x 3-course-dinner and 1x farewell-dinner with farewell-drink
  • Bed linen and towels on board; daily cleaning of the cabin
  • Captains greeting and welcoming drink
  • On-board musician
  • Information pack with route book (one per cabin)
  • Daily bike tour instructions
  • GPS tracks
  • Board manager (does not cycle)
  • Port fees and tourist taxes
Excluded in this tour
  • Transfers to/from the docking place in Passau
  • Rental bicycle or e-bike (optional)
  • Other transfers
  • Parking fee
  • Entrance fees & excursions
  • Drinks on board
  • Personal insurances
  • Gratuities (at your discretion)
  • SGR Insolvency protection
SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person - will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)
Bicycles/E-Bikes

Bicycles on board: 28-inch unisex trekking bicycles of the brand Velo de Ville (custom built) with normal mount (ladies model), Shimano 7 gears with hand brake and coaster breaking hubs or 7 speed freewheel hubs (subject to availability, please indicate as non-binding customer request when booking), lock and pannier bag.

E-Bikes:  modern high quality unisex E-bikes of the brand Velo de Ville (custom built) with 8-gear hub and Pedelec cycling support triggered by using the pedals with 3 support modes, robust wheels and comfortable to ride for both men and women. The energy supply is provided by a detachable lithium battery with a range of up to 65 km. The range is subject to body weight, amount of support used, wind, cycling style and terrain. E-Bikes with hand brake and coaster breaking hubs or 7 speed freewheel hubs (subject to availability and limited, please indicate as non-binding customer request when booking).

To bring your own bike/E-bike: On request only – due to lack of space on sun deck. We exclude any liability for loss, theft and damage – this also applies to damage caused by transportation from shore to ship or vice versa.

Additional options & information - 2024
  • Rental bicycle: € 89 per bike/week
  • Rental E-Bike: € 199 per bike/week (limited, on request)
  • To bring your own bike/e-bike: € 29 per bike/week (on request only – limited number)
  • Travel safe: we recommend to wear a bike helmet (compulsory use for helmets: In Austria for children till 12 years). Please bring your own bike helmet (no onboard selling) from home.

 

Parking in Passau:
– Parking space (fenced area) incl. transfer parking space – boat – parking space €78 per week
– Parking garage incl. transfer park garage – boat – park garage €92 per week.
– (registration form in the travel-documents, payable on site)

Minimum number of participants: 80 guests (Pr. Katharina) or 90 guests (SE-Manon) (must have been reached within 21 days prior to departure).

Legal notice: Boat Bike Tours is not the operator of this tour; this is a so called ‘partner tour’. Tour operator is: SE-Tours GmbH, Bremerhaven (D). The tour operator is entitled to cancel the tour if the minimum number of participants has not been reached. If the tour will not take place, all deposits/payments will be fully refunded.


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Reviews

based on 25 reviews on
21 Sep 2023

Deborah Howard

The boat, the food, the crew were wonderful. We enjoyed the bikes and the bike routes. We made new friends on the tour. I had a mishap with no fault of the tour. We had to make changes to our itinerary. We had tremendous support from the Swiss Crown staff related to the changes, especially the Cruse Director. She was a tremendous help.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 4 Oct 2023

Thank you for your kind review! We are delighted that you enjoyed our tour. Hopefully, we can welcome you on board again soon. Best wishes, Boat Bike Tours.

11 Sep 2023

Ingvar Högvall

A great holiday with excellent food, very good service from the crew on the fine ship “Swiss Crown”. Nice bycycling on fine bikes in the beautiful nature along the Danube. Could not be better.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 2 Nov 2023

It sounds like you had an amazing experience on the "Swiss Crown" and enjoyed your bike rides along the Danube. We're glad that it couldn't have been better! Thank you for sharing your positive feedback, and we hope to welcome you on board again in the future. Best regards, Boat Bike Tours

24 Aug 2023

Trine

Wonderful tour to Germany and Austria, boat and bike tours are the best, serviceminded tourleader and very good service on board. The biking tours were excellent. Stunning views.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 2 Nov 2023

We're delighted to hear that your tour to Germany and Austria was wonderful, and you found boat and bike tours to be the best. We look forward to having you back for more adventures in the future! Best regards, Boat Bike Tours

26 Jul 2023

Morrie Paul

My wife and I thoroughy enjoyed the Danube tour on the SE Manon (June 9-16). The cabins were comfortable, the crew was friendly and helpful, the food was fine. The scenery – well, quite spectacular. This was our first trip with Boat Bike Tours and it left us with a very positive impression overall. However, we do have a few comments and suggestions: – We found that the travel information that we received in advance did not make it clear where the boat would be docked. We had tried via email to get clarification before our arrival, but were unsuccessful. Upon our arrival in Passau, we were surprised when the staff at the Tourist Office directly across from the train station were not aware of our tour (run by SE Tours) or where the SE Manon was docked. After a number of phone calls by the Tourist Office, they found where the boat was docked and were able to provide us with the information. It was then interesting to discover (from fellow passengers) that taxi drivers seemed to know the location of every boat that was docked in town. – While snacks were provided every afternoon, it would be nice if there could be something other than cake with afternoon coffee/tea (a healthier option perhaps?) – It would be helpful if the bikes were equipped with water bottle holders. – For those who choose to go into cities on their own, it would be helpful if the crew could provide some basic and accurate travel information for common excursions (e.g., Vienna). When the boat was docked outside of Vienna, we were told to walk 200m in order to get to the tram station. This left us and a number of others from the boat scurrying around, asking shopkeepers and locals for information, as the actual distance was 1 km. Overall we enjoyed our trip and it left us with wonderful memories.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 26 Jul 2023

Hi Morrie, Thank you for sharing your feedback about your Danube tour on the SE Manon. We are delighted to hear that you and your wife had a thoroughly enjoyable experience, with comfortable cabins, a friendly and helpful crew, delicious food, and spectacular scenery. We appreciate your positive impression of Boat Bike Tours from this trip. Your comments and suggestions are valuable to us, and we take them seriously to continually improve our services. We apologize for any inconvenience you faced regarding the lack of clear information about the boat's docking location in advance. We will work on providing better communication to ensure a smoother experience for our guests upon arrival. Regarding the snacks provided during afternoon coffee/tea, we understand your desire for healthier options. We'll review the offerings and try to include more diverse and nutritious choices in the future. As for providing accurate travel information for independent city excursions, we recognize the importance of assisting our guests in exploring the cities they visit. We are committed to ensuring that the cruise company and tour leader deliver improved information about the cities, including detailed and precise insights into local transportation options and distances to significant landmarks. We are thrilled that your overall experience was positive and that you have wonderful memories from your trip. Thank you again for your feedback, and we hope to welcome you back for another memorable journey in the future. If you have any other suggestions or questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Happy travels!


Available ships for this tour

Premium Experience the higher levels of comfort, smaller groups and extra’s.
Motor ship Prinzessin Katharina Danube

Hair salon

Two bar areas

Library

Individually controlled air conditioning

max. 140 passengers
71 cabins
2 tours available with this ship
Premium Experience the higher levels of comfort, smaller groups and extra’s.
Motor ship SE-Manon Danube

Restaurant with separate lounge

Spa facilities (Sauna/Whirlpool/Fitness)

Outdoor pool

Individually controlled air conditioning

max. 150 passengers
75 cabins
2 tours available with this ship

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Danube: Passau – Vienna – Passau

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