The Danube by Bike & Boat
8 Days Starting and ending in Passau, Germany
Visiting: Passau, Upper Danube Valley, Linz, Vienna, Wachau Valley, Mauthausen
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DBS
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Group size:
1 - 150
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with "The Danube by Bike & Boat" tour, exploring the scenic beauty of Germany and Austria. This unique adventure combines cycling along the famous Danube bike path with the relaxation of a deluxe river cruise. Discover the cultural treasures of Vienna, the historic charm of Passau, and the picturesque Wachau Valley, renowned for its terraced vineyards and apricot trees. Enjoy guided briefings, live music, and gourmet meals on board, while cycling through quaint villages and past stunning landscapes. Highlights include visits to Linz, the European Capital of Culture 2009, and the charming town of Durnstein. This tour offers a perfect blend of activity and leisure, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned cyclists.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Passau (Germany)
Location: Passau
Accommodation Name: deluxe category river boat
Meals Included: Dinner
Boarding is at 4:00pm (luggage drop-off from 3pm is possible) and the boat will depart at approximately 5:30pm to the next location. 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 during the night through the Danube Valley.
Day 2 : Cycle To Brandstatt From Engelhartszell (45Km/28Mi)
Location: Upper Danube Valley
Accommodation Name: deluxe category river boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning you will receive your bikes for the trip. Today's cycle tour takes you directly along the banks of the Danube, with plenty of time to enjoy the landscape as you cycle. You'll explore the pristine countryside of the Upper Danube valley on the former towpath as it runs past sleepy villages. Small, rustic inns at the edge of the trail invite you to linger, and the aroma of fresh fish traditionally grilled might waft through the air. The Schlögener Blick observation point offers a truly stunning view of the Schlögener Schlinge where the Danube carves its way through a gorge and doubles back on itsellf. Overnight Brandstatt.
Day 3 : Cycle To Linz (24Km/15Mi)
Location: Linz
Accommodation Name: deluxe category river boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today the tour continues along the banks of the Danube to reach the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. Here you can discover the European Capital of Culture 2009 on a bright yellow miniature train (optional). The cathedral is the largest in Austria, the Pöstlingbergbahn is the steepest adhesion railway in the world. At the ARS Electronica Museum you can try out some of the most impressive examples of modern technology. Alternatively relax and enjoy the charms of this atmospheric town. Overnight Linz.
Day 4 : Cycle Tulln To Vienna (31Km/19Mi)
Location: Vienna
Accommodation Name: deluxe category river boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will arrive in Vienna and in the afternoon have free time to explore the beautiful city. Right in front of Vienna's entrance and surrounded by breathtaking scenery is the monastery of Klosterneuburg. "Kahlenbergerdorf" with its wine taverns is only a hop from the pier and definitely worth a visit. After a stroll through the vineyards, you can enjoy the panoramic view over Vienna. You will be provided with information to plan your sightseeing or there's an optional city tour by bus in the afternoon passing most of the numerous and famous sights and a guided walking tour though the historic centre of Austria’s capital (optional, not included). There are many famous places of interest to explore including the Prater, St Stephens Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace.
Day 5 : Rest Day Vienna
Location: Vienna
Accommodation Name: deluxe category river boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you are free to explore Vienna. You can take a city tour of Vienna's sights from the saddle of your bike or on the HOP ON HOP OFF bus (optional). The magnificent Ringstraße will remind you of times long past and inviting coffee houses will tempt you with delicious Viennese cakes and pastries, while the Naschmarket market is a feast for all the senses. End the evening on a magical note with a concert of waltz and classical operetta music in Sisi’s summer residence (optional). Late departure from Vienna and cruise towards Krems.
Day 6 : Wachau Valley From Krems To Melk (37Km/23Mi)
Location: Wachau Valley
Accommodation Name: deluxe category river boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy an unforgettable day in the picturesque Wachau. Today you will cycle through delightful wine-growing villages surrounded by terraced vineyards and apricot trees from Krems to Melk. The charming little town of Dürnstein with its narrow lanes is a highlight. In In Spitz - one of the most famous wine-growing villages in the World Cultural Heritage Landscape - you can discover the first rate famous Wachau wines.
Day 7 : Cycle Grein To Mauthausen Via Mitterkirchen (36Km/22Mi)
Location: Mauthausen
Accommodation Name: deluxe category river boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue along the banks of the Danube, again enjoying the landscape as you cycle. A beautiful and diverse route awaits, offering a wide range of experiences. Starting from the medieval town of Grein (home to Austria's oldest theatre, visit optional), cycle through the picturesque hinterland of the Strudengau region. With a bit of luck, you may even be personally guided through the romantic Clam Castle by the castle's lord. Additionally, you'll take a journey back in time at the Celtic Village in Mitterkirchen. The Mauthausen Memorial, is situated on a hill near the town.
Day 8 : Cruise To Passau And Disembark, Trip Concludes
Location: Passau
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the first rays of sun and the early morning tranquillity one last time from the deck before we reach Passau/surrounds. Disembarkation will be at approx. 11.00am. We recommend that you do not make any arrangements for onward travel departing before Midday to be on the safe side, later departure times would be even better.
What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners are included. The trip is based on full board which includes a buffet breakfast daily, packed lunches (or light lunch on board if not cycling), and a 3-course dinner each night (2-3 choices for the main course). Vegetarian or other dietary options are available.
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Accommodation
7 nights accommodation on board a deluxe category river boat. The price shown is for a 2-bed cabin on the Main Deck (lower deck). For other categories of berths in cabins on Middle (comfort or minisuite) or Upper (superior) decks, a supplement applies. All cabins are equipped with private facilities.
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Bike Rental
21 or 24-speed bike rental with pannier and handlebar bag. Children trailers (max 2 children, 40kgs) are available on request. A limited number of electric bikes are available for hire, approximately 12-15 per departure, which must be pre-booked and a supplement applies.
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Information Pack
An information pack including route notes and maps per cabin, and a navigational app to use on your smartphone is provided.
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Cruise Director
A cruise director is on board who does not cycle with the group but provides daily briefings.
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Entertainment
Welcome drink, farewell crew show, live music every night, and a gala dinner on the last evening with a farewell cocktail are included.
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Docking & Harbour Fees
Docking and harbour fees are included.
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Emergency Hotline
An emergency hotline is available for assistance.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Passau
Travel to and from Passau is not included.
Parking in Passau including transfer to and from the boat (reservation necessary, payable locally); Closed parking lot EUR75 approx, Parking garage EUR87 approx.
Private or shuttle transfers from Munich Airport to Passau – price varies. -
Optional Excursions
Optional excursions are booked and paid locally.
Detailed information and pricing is provided on board.
Examples include city tours in Linz and Vienna, wine tasting in Wachau valley, and more. -
Drinks
Drinks other than afternoon tea and coffee on board are not included.
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Meals Not Detailed
Meals not detailed in the itinerary are not included.
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Personal Items
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
, are not included. -
Bike Insurance
Bike insurance is available locally - allow EUR18 for a hybrid bike, EUR50 for an electric bike (subject to change).
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Helmets
Helmets are not included.
Optional rental (must be pre-booked and pre-paid) or purchase (payable locally but must be pre-booked) is available. -
Tour Guide
A tour guide is not included as this is a self-guided tour.
Guided cycling packages are available on select dates - supplement and additional inclusions apply. -
Single Cabin Supplement
A single cabin supplement applies.
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Supplement for Own Bike
A supplement applies if bringing your own bike - ask for details.
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WiFi
WiFi onboard is available at a surcharge from 100MB.
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Ferry Rides
Ferry rides (e.
g.
, to cross the river by bike) are not included. -
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees and sightseeing fees are not included.
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Tips
Tips are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
Grading
GRADE 2 - This trip involves 5 days cycling usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain up to 50km/31mi in a day. It is almost exclusively on the Danube cycle path. In and out of the cities there will be some traffic. You need only carry your camera
ain 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/3ft 11.3in), as are bike seats (max 18kg/39lb 10.93137oz) and trailers (2 children, maximum 40kg/88lb 2.95oz). *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel along the Danube by bike and boat, with 21 or 24-speed bike rentals included. The boat departs from Passau and cruises through various scenic locations, providing a unique and relaxing travel experience.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights on board a deluxe category river boat, with options for 2-bed cabins on the Main Deck and other categories on Middle or Upper decks. All cabins are comfortable and well-equipped.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of bike is included in the rental?
The bike rental includes 21 or 24-speed bikes with pannier and handlebar bag. There are also a limited number of electric bikes available for hire, which must be pre-booked and come with a supplement.
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Are there any dietary options available for meals?
Yes, vegetarian or other dietary options are available for meals. The trip is based on full board which includes a buffet breakfast daily, packed lunches (or light lunch on board if not cycling), and a 3-course dinner each night with 2-3 choices for the main course.
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Is there a guide for the cycling tours?
No, this is a self-guided tour. However, a cruise director is on board to provide daily briefings. Guided cycling packages are available on select dates for an additional supplement.
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What kind of entertainment is provided on the boat?
Entertainment on the boat includes a welcome drink, farewell crew show, live music every night, and a gala dinner on the last evening with a farewell cocktail.
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What should I carry during the cycling day?
During the cycling day, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water.
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Are helmets included in the bike rental?
No, helmets are not included in the bike rental. Optional rental or purchase of helmets is available, but they must be pre-booked and pre-paid.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?
The trip involves 5 days of cycling usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain, making it suitable for beginners and children. The trip is graded as a Level 2 cycle.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is mandatory but not included in the tour package. You will need to arrange your own travel insurance.
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What happens if I need assistance during the tour?
An emergency hotline is available for assistance during the tour.
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Are there any optional excursions available?
Yes, optional excursions are available and can be booked and paid for locally. Examples include city tours in Linz and Vienna, wine tasting in the Wachau Valley, and more.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.