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Duration
15 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 14 nights boat
Meals
  • 14 Dinners
  • 13 Lunches
  • 14 Breakfasts

Price

$3590USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: BBV

Trip highlights


  • Cycling through charming landscapes, past historic ruins and along the famous Danube bike path
  • Exploring the enchanting cities of Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade
  • Experiencing the timelessness of the Danube by boat and bike
  • Relaxing on board the comfortable MV Carissima

Our most extensive Danube cruise, taking in four capital cities; the Austrian capital of Vienna, the picturesque old town of Bratislava, the majestic city of Budapest, and the revived city of Belgrade. This journey by comfortable river cruiser and bike offers the opportunity to experience life along the Danube and the surrounding countryside at your own pace. Using our comfortable boat as a base, enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Pannonian Plain, the Hungarian and Serbian countryside, the Slovakian capital at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains and the highlight, the mighty canyon of the Iron Gates National Park on the Romanian border. You will visit charming wine villages, marvel at imposing fortifications that sit high above the river, and cycle through the Danube-Drava National Park. Alongside the scenic and cultural highlights that the Danube offers, the friendly crew will guarantee that you have an unforgettable experience.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Boarding will begin at 4:00pm in Passau and the boat will depart at 5:00pm for the first cruise. Located at the junction of three rivers, the Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau has a number of interesting sites including the Fortress “Veste Oberhaus” built in 1219 where there is an observation tower for a good view of the town and the river and St. Stevens Cathedral with the world’s largest church organ. Cruise via a lock to the Jochenstein power plant on the border between Germany and Austria. As we cruise, information will be provided about the daily biking, sights and sightseeing trips. Dinner will follow.

Meals:  D

This morning you will receive your bicycles from in front of the boat. Generally we provide bikes with 21 gears (or 7 gears if unavailable or requested). Enjoy a delightful day's cycling through the ruggedly romantic Danube Bend at Schlögen, one of the most beautiful sections of the river lined with sleepy farming villages and a natural landscape. Take a break at Austria's only Trappist monastery where you can taste their delicious liquors and cheese. On your way you will encounter tiny villages and cosy cider taverns. The famous “Schlogener View” provides a wonderful vista of the surrounding Austrian countryside. On arrival in the charming market town of Aschach, you reboard the boat.

Meals:  B,L,D

After a morning arrival in Devin, you cycle along the former "Iron Curtain", cross the green line and reach the imposing Imperial Palace of Hof with beautifully terraced gardens and idyllic manor farm. You continue along the bike path through Austria's "vegetable garden" to the vibrant city of Bratislava at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. You can discover the hidden alleyways and sights of Bratislava on an optional city tour before reboarding the boat this evening for an overnight cruise.

Meals:  B,L,D

Our boat arrives into Budapest in the morning and the panoramic view of the Danube bend is quite stunning. The day is free to explore the many sights of the city, with the vast majority located on the river banks, on your own or on an optional sightseeing tour by bus. You can also choose to cycle on a round trip to the charming town of Szentendre with its Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art scene. In the evening, you can explore the Hungarian metropolis on your own or relax onboard.

Meals:  B,L,D

From the quiet baroque town of Baja that is famous for its fish soup, you cycle along the flood protection dykes in the Gemenc floodplain, through sleepy river landscapes past fields of sunflowers. At the end of today's cycle stage, you take the ferry to the small town of Mohacs, Hungary's most southerly town on the Danube and the site of two historic battles with the Ottoman Empire.

Meals:  B,L,D

Optional excursion: discover the vibrant Serbian metropolis by bike or bus on the confluence of the Save and Danube rivers, taking a small journey in time from the past to the present and discovering interesting facts about the rise and full of Yugoslavia. In the evening, Belgrade is bathed in a sea of light. Optional excursion: you visit a colourful folklore show with traditional dances from all parts of the country and then enjoy typical specialties of the country in the renowned artists’ district of “Skadarlija” with lively music from a Serbian band.

Meals:  B,L,D

Experience the stunning fjord-like landscape from the boat as we cruise through the Romanian Carpathian mountains and the foothills of the Balkan mountain range, or the "Iron Gates". The steep gorges, dark forests with historic monuments, impregnable fortresses and monasteries on the shores that are reflected in the blue waters of the river are spectacular.

Meals:  B,L,D

Novid Sad, the provincial capital of Vojvodina, will capture your heart with its southern flair. The Petrovaradin fortress built in the 18th century by French architect Vauban as his masterpiece, one of the largest defensive structures in Europe, is the symbol of the city. You will cycle upstream along a flat cycle path then take a ferry to reach the gentle foothills of the Fruska Gora, with its orchards, vineyards and idyllic farming villages. Ilok, the eastern settlement of Croatia near the border of Serbia, is a wine kingdom of the Danube, known worldwide for its Traminer which the British royal family are fond of. Optional excursion: guided walk with Serbian wine tasting.

Meals:  B,L,D

In the border triangle you will cycle through the never-ending "Backa" region. Small, idyllic villages and endless canola fields accompany you 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 untouched nature in Nemzeti National Park and after the ferry ride to Mohacs there is enough time for a visit at the White Stork Museum or the memorial of the Battle of Mohacs.

Meals:  B,L,D

Kalocsa is the paprika capital of Hungary. Wreaths made of paprika peppers, hand-painted, bright floral patterns on houses and wonderfully embroidered traditional dress shape the image of the town. The cathedral rises like a cliff from the Puszta, the Archbishop’s Palace houses a collection of 150,000 books and you can learn all about Hungary’s favourite spice in the paprika museum. You will cycle on the well defined cycle path along the flood protection dyke through the expansive puszta, corn fields and orchards until you reach the historic town of Solt. It is the birthplace of the renowned conductor Sir George Solti, and worth seeing are its Vecsey Castle and the library with some 34,000 books in its collection.

Meals:  B,L,D

The Danube is framed by steep wooded hills as it flows from the picturesque, hilly landscape of the "Hungarian Wachau". Setting off from Vac, you cycle past the island of Szentendre set in the middle of the Danube and continue on idyllic paths though the Hungarian countryside to Esztergom, the old royal residence and Hungary’s original capital city. The dome of the imposing basilica, Hungary’s largest Catholic church, that sits enthroned high over the Danube can be seen from far and wide and is well worth seeing with its Tuscan-style high altar and red marble walls.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is an opportunity to relax as we cruise to Vienna and enjoy the breath-taking view of the idyllic floodplain forest of the Donauauen National Park. The choice is yours: cycle on Vienna's favourite recreational area the Danube Island, cycle out to the nearby Klosterneuburg Abbey or wander through the idyllic vineyards on Kahlenberg with magnificent views over the city and the Danube. Optional evening excursion: Waltz and Operetta concert.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is at leisure in Vienna. Optional day excursions: 3-hour guided bike tour, hop-on/hop-off bus tour. We will provide you with information to plan your sightseeing. You may choose to take a circuit through Hofburg with a visit to the Sisi museum or a short break in the antique bakery Demel. Or there is the middle ages area between Hafnersteig, Heiligenkreuzerhof and the Blut – and Domgasse. In the evening you may like to enjoy a glass of wine at a Viennese tavern. During the night we cruise to Krems.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today, one of the prettiest section of the trip, you pedal through the renowned Wachau, with its truly romantic scenery of vineyards and quaint villages, en route to Melk. Today’s cycle from Krems will take you past small dreamy villages, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins. A powerful ruin looms above the small Baroque town of Durnstein. In Weißenkirchen you will find comfy wine taverns right along the bike path where there is the possibility for wine tasting. Our last evening on board will include a gala dinner and crew show, while we cruise overnight back to Passau.

Meals:  B,L,D

Check-out from the cabins is by 9:00am. During breakfast the boat continues to Passau with estimated arrival time 9:30am and disembarkation at approximately 10:00. We recommend that you do not make any travel plans until after midday.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners. The trip is based on full board which includes a buffet breakfast daily, packed lunches when cycling or lunch on board, and a 3 course dinner each night (2-3 choices for main course). Vegetarian or other dietary requirements are catered for but we ask that you advise this in advance (at least 21 days prior to the trip commencement).
  • 14 nights accommodation in a standard twin/double cabin on the Main deck on board MV Swiss Crown. A supplement applies for other cabin categories: Comfort or Mini suite on the middle deck, Superior on the upper deck. All cabins are air-conditioned with ensuite facilities. Windows can be opened on Comfort and Superior cabins only, Superior cabins have a private baclony
  • 21 or 24 speed bike rental with pannier and handlebar bar (7 speed bikes on request or if 21/24-speed is fully booked, children trailers (max 2 children, 40kgs) on request. A limited number of 8-speed electric bikes are available for hire, approx 12-15 per departure - must be pre-booked and a supplement applies)
  • Information pack including route notes & maps per cabin
  • Cruise director on board and daily briefing (does not cycle with group)
  • Welcome drink, crew show, daily live music, gala dinner on last evening with farewell cocktail
  • Docking & harbour fees
  • Daily cabin cleaning, towels and bed linen
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Passau
  • *Parking in Passau including transfer to and from the boat (reservation necessary, payable locally); Closed parking lot EUR119, Undercover parking EUR135
  • *Private or shuttle transfers from Munich Airport to Passau – price on request according to number of participants
  • *Taxi costs between Passau train station to the boat dock - allow approx EUR5-15
  • Helmet. Optional rental (must be pre-booked & pre-paid) or purchase (EUR32 - payable locally but must be pre-booked) available - please request with your consultant
  • Guide - this is a self guided tour. A guided cycling package is available - supplement and additional inclusions apply.
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks other than afternoon tea and coffee on board
  • Travel insurance - mandatory *cruise cover may be required - check with your insurer
  • Bike insurance is available for purchase locally - allow EUR18 for hybrid bike, EUR50 for e-bike (subject to change)
  • Fee for bringing own bike - EUR60 or EUR80 (e-bike) - payable locally
  • Entrance fees not listed included
  • Optional activities such as side trips, booked and paid locally, detailed information will be provided on board:-
  • *Bratislava: City tour with scenic train and walking tour
  • *Budapest: city tour by bike or hop-on/hop-off bus
  • *Belgrade: city tour by bike or bus
  • *Ilok: city tour, wine tasting at a local wine cellar, Tamburica concert
  • *Vienna: city tour by bike or HOP ON HOP OFF bus; Concert of waltz and operetta music at a famous Viennese palace
  • Tips
  • Items of a personal nature

Cabins


Bike information


Grading

introductory to moderate  

This trip involves 10 days cycling usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain with some lightly hill stages and up to 54km/33.5mi in a day. It is mostly on the Danube cycle path and also country roads with little traffic, generally following the Eurovelo 6 route. In and out of the cities there will be some traffic. You need only carry your camera/rain gear and water bottle. Your luggage remains on the boat. For this reason the trip is a Grade 2 cycle and is considered suitable for beginners and children. A limited number of children’s bikes are available (minimum height 120cm), as are bike seats (max 18kg) and trailers (2 children, maximum 40kg), and tag-a-long bikes (minimum height is 120cm/3ft 11.3in). *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.


Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
Note:
A compulsory Fuel Surcharge may apply - payable locally

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$3590USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Helmet rentalUSD$19
  • E-bike supplementUSD$180
  • Comfort 2 bed cabin middle deck upgrade supplement ppUSD$470
  • Minisuite cabin middle deck upgrade supplement ppUSD$580
  • Superior 2 bed cabin middle deck upgrade supplement ppUSD$870
  • Standard cabin - supplement for Single use (limited availability)USD$1500
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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Explore the Danube River from Passau to Budapest on a Bike and Barge Tour | UTracks
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