Danube Waltz by BIKE + PREMIUM-BOAT Passau-Budapest

MV Vivienne + MV Swiss Crown / Danube Highlights

DonauDanube waltz - bike + boat - map

Route

Tour Profile / Level 1

The cycle route is completely flat with only slightly gradients, ideal for cyclists with less experience and children. Do not feel like cycling? Without effort you will also reach your destination by ship.

Tour profile Passau-Budapest

Day 1: Passau

Boarding time from 4.00-5.00 p.m. Located at the confluence of Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau has numerous interesting sites to visit. Use your free time and stroll through the cobblestoned Old Town centre, listen to the bells of Passau’s Gothic Town Hall or have a look at the world’s largest Catholic Church organ in the Passau Cathedral. Then it’s time to cast off! Slowly, the dreamlike backdrop of Passau’s old town disappears on the horizon.

Day 2: Great Loop / Engelhartszell – Aschach approx. 43 km

Your first day’s cycling begins with a ride through the classic scenery of the ‘Great Loop’ Donauschlinge - one of the most beautiful sections of the Danube. Along the way you will encounter tiny villages and cozy cider taverns. In Austria’s only Trappist monastery at Engelhartszell you can taste their delicious liquors and cheese. The famous ‘Schlogener View’ provides a wonderful panorama of the surrounding Austrian countryside. The boat welcomes all cyclists back on board in the charming market town of Aschach.

Day 3: Devin – Bratislava, approx. 45 km

You pedal along the former ‘Iron Curtain’, cross the green line and reach the imposing Imperial Palace of Hof with its beautifully terraced gardens. Follow the bike path through Austria’s ‘vegetable garden’ to the coronation city of Bratislava and the slopes of the little Carpathians and discover the hidden alleyways and sights of Bratislava on an optional city tour.

  • Excursion: Bratislava - Bus + Walking Tour

    Enjoy a comfortable sightseeing tour in Bratislava by bus or slow train (depending on availability). The tour starts in the harbour and takes you past the famous Saint Martin’s Cathedral - the former coronation church for Hungarian Kings -, and the Church of the Trinitarian Order. You drive past the Grassalkovich-Palais - the present residence of the Slovakian president -, and the Information Centre of the European Union. You walk through the Viennese Gate to the Ehrenhof courtyard that offers a beautiful view of the Old Town. Afterwards the bus or train takes you back down from the hill to St. Michael’s Gate. Together with your guide you will discover the historic centre.

    Price: € 29,-
    Duration: approx. 2 hours
    Participants: min. 25 pers.  

Day 4: Budapest | Excursion to Szentendre, approx. 48 km (or day of rest)

The entrance to Budapest, Hungary’s capital is stunning. Savour the beauty of Budapest during a coach tour or a guided bike tour (optional) to discover many of the highlights of this handsome city. You can also choose to cycle to the charming town of Szentendre with its Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art scene.

  • Excursion: Budapest Sightseeing Tour by BIKE

    Accompanied by an experienced bike guide you will visit the most famous sights. You cross the Danube on the famous Chain Bridge, and cycle past the Parliament building, cross the Liberty Square, and City Park, and get to the Heroe’s Square.

    Price: € 30,-
    Duration: approx. 2,5 hours
    Participants: min. 7 pers.

  • Excursion: Budapest Sightseeing tour by BUS

    Budapest - "The Queen of the Danube" - is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The Danube bank is lined with breathtaking magnificent buildings, such as the Parliament or the Castle. You will visit Heroes’ Square and discover impressive buildings of the past and modern times during a walk through the city park. A special highlight is the visit to the Historic Budapest Market Hall, which attracts with a variety of culinary specialties. 

    Price: € 30,-
    Duration: approx. 3 hours
    Participants: min. 30 pers.

Day 5: Danube bend – Esztergom, approx. 50 km

The wooded hills of Pilis, Visegrád and Börzsöny together with the meandering Danube create a wonderful landscape that has become a nature lover’s paradise. Situated in the middle of the Danube River the idyllic isle of Szentendre exudes silent Puszta romance. You cycle via the baroque village of Vác (influenced by the architects of Austria’s empress Maria Theresia) to the bishop town of Esztergom with its gorgeous basilica – Hungary’s largest Catholic Church.

Day 6: Vienna (day of rest)

Discover Vienna’s most beautiful attractions. During a city tour by bike or bus (optional) you will experience Vienna’s most famous examples of architecture: the imperial Hofburg, St. Stephens Cathedral, the gorgeous ‘Ring’-boulevard and the State Opera House, the Burgtheater and town hall and, of course, the colorful "Hundertwasserhaus". Take time to relax in one or more of Vienna’s famous cafés, while the evening ends impressively at a classical concert (optional) in one of Vienna‘s most famous palaces.

  • Excursion: Vienna City Tour by BIKE

    With your bike you will experience the most famous sights from a new, and completely different point of view. Riding along the Ringstraße boulevard  you will pass the State Opera, Johann Strauß Monument, Hofburg - the Habsburg family’s winter residence - and the city hall. Through the Old Town’s lanes you get to St. Stephan’s Cathedral where the tour ends. Many photo stops!

    Price: € 38,- 
    Duration: approx. 3 hours 
    Participants: min. 7 pers.

  • Excursion: Vienna Historical City Tour by BUS

    Vienna is a town full of highlights that impresses its visitors. Get to know the most famous sights during a comfortable sightseeing tour by bus. You find many magnificent buildings like pearls on a string along the Ringstraße: the State Opera House, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Natural History,  Hofburg Palace, Parliament, City Hall, University and Votive Church. To get the best possible impression of this wonderful metropole you will discover the historic centre by foot.

    Price: € 38,-
    Duration: approx. 3,5 hours
    Participants: min. 25 pers.

  • Excursion: Waltz and Operetta Concert at Schönbrunn Palace

    Enjoy a concert in the location that Mozart returned to time and again throughout his career: the restored Schönbrunn Palace’s Orangery. The baroque Orangery was often used for pompous celebrations already during Imperial times. The most famous melodies by Mozart and Strauß presented by the renowned Schönbrunn Palace Festival Orchestra, accompanied by virtuoso vocals and dance fascinate the guests every evening anew.

    Price:
    Cat. A € 89,-
    Cat. B € 69,-
    Cat. C € 55,-
    Duration: approx. 3 hours 
    Participants: min. 30 pers.

Day 7: Wachau / Krems – Melk / Pöchlarn, approx. 37-45 km

Your last biking day is a special highlight! A powerful ruin looms above the small Baroque town of Durnstein, while the blue spire of the monastery church is a landmark of the renowned Wachau. Amidst dreamy towns, apricot trees, vineyards and castles, this hilly landscape enchants everybody who visits ... you will be biking on cloud nine! In Spitz (possibility to do a wine-tasting – optional) AT05_WeinverkostungSpitz you will find comfortable wine taverns along the bike path. Along the way you will also spot one of the most beautiful baroque ensembles in Europe: The Abbey of Melk AT03_StiftMelk_EN.

Day 8: Passau

As you cruise back up the Danube, enjoy the early morning sunshine as you wind your way to Passau, where you will disembark at about 11am. Connecting travel should not be booked earlier than 12pm.

You are also welcome to book an extension at the 3*+ Hotel IBB Passau Sued DE04_IBBPassauSued_EN or 4* Passauer Wolf DE04_PassauerWolf_EN in Passau through us.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

In the event of extremely high or low water, the shipping company reserves the right to bridge stages by bus or even to cancel the trip at short notice without any legal claim arising therefrom (water levels are force majeure). The same applies for officially decreed repairs to locks or bridges, not announced in advance, or in the event of motor or propulsion damage to the ship without attributed fault.
On one hand, a riverboat is a “holiday hotel”, while on the other, it is also a means of transport that moves with motor power and must always be operated, even at night (partially with lock and bridge passages and the retractions and extensions of the structures caused as a result). Mistakes can happen with lock passages. This is the case for all Danube journeys and cannot be avoided.
Please bear in mind that riverboats are restricted (bridge passages, locks) in size (length, height, width) and therefore cannot be compared with cruise liners at sea. The cabins are limited in space but are nevertheless comfortable and furnished.

Services

  • 7 nights in outside cabins with private facilities and air conditioning

  • Port charges

  • Program according to itinerary from/to Passau

  • Captains greeting and welcome cocktail

  • Full board: rich breakfast, lunch on board (non- cyclists) or packed lunch (cyclists), afternoon coffee break, dinner (2/3 dishes to choose), late night snack

  • Gala dinner with farewell cocktail

  • Board musician

  • Tour guide on board (does not cycle with the group)

  • Daily information meeting

  • Detailed travel documents per cabin, GPS tracks + cycling tour app with voice navigation


Additionally included in guided tour

  • Cycling tour guide

  • Tasting of homemade cider directly at the cider farm in the Upper-Danube valley

  • Wine tasting in the Wachau region

  • Guided city tour by bike in Vienna

  • Guided city tour by bus in Budapest

  • Ferry rides

  • Rental helmet (for adults)


Individual Cyclingtour

Ride free: cycle individually, at your own pace, and design your day around your desires. The only limit is the overall schedule.
Never miss a turn: Our bike tour app with voice navigation ensures gets you there safely and reliably. For extra peace of mind, a detailed route book packed with maps and insightful information is also included.
Daily insider tips: Learn about must-see sights, refreshing rest stops, and local delicacies during the daily briefing with your cruise director.
Flexibility on board: Want to take a day off? No problem! Simply stay on board and enjoy the passing scenery from the sun deck.

Guided tour

You cycle in a small group guided by a local tour guide. Taste some Austrian delicacies: you’ll try sweet cider in a wine tavern in the world-famous Wachau region you will also get to savour a small variety of regional wine specialties. During a guided tour by bike or bus you will pass by numerous famous sights in Vienna and Budapest.

Dates & Prices

Dates

Merkmale

    Season / Period
    Type
    S1   20.04. - 27.04.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S2   27.04. - 04.05.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S3   04.05. - 11.05.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S3   11.05. - 18.05.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S3   18.05. - 25.05.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S3   25.05. - 01.06.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S4   01.06. - 08.06.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S4   08.06. - 15.06.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S4   15.06. - 22.06.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S4   22.06. - 29.06.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S4   29.06. - 06.07.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S4   06.07. - 13.07.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S4   13.07. - 20.07.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S4   20.07. - 27.07.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S4   27.07. - 03.08.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S3   03.08. - 10.08.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S3   10.08. - 17.08.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S3   17.08. - 24.08.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S3   24.08. - 31.08.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S4   31.08. - 07.09.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S4   07.09. - 14.09.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S4   14.09. - 21.09.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S4   21.09. - 28.09.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S4   28.09. - 05.10.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S2   05.10. - 12.10.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    S1   12.10. - 19.10.25
    MV VIVIENNE / Individual
    FULLY BOOKED

    Extras

    % Child Discounts
    0-2,99 years in baby cot* -100%
    3-11,99 years in cabin with min. 2 full paying adults (Vivienne: Cat.Juniorsuite, Swiss Crown**: Cat.Standard) -30%
    3-11,99 years in cabin with min. 1 full paying adult (Cat.Standard) -10%
       
    *baby cot must be brought individually, just possible in Cat. Standard and Comfort
    **3rd bed in cabin - body height max. 140 cm
       
    Bicycle & equipment
    24-speed bike 99
    E-bike 219
    Bringing own bike 29
    Bringing own e-bike (max. 23 kg excluding battery)
    For Vivienne: not allowed to charge battery in cabin - the crew will charge it for you!
    49
    Rental helmet (only bookable in advance) 15
    Rental bike disclaimer hybrid/e-bike 20/50
       
    Additional nights
    Passau 4* (dbl/sgl) 81/119
       
    Transfers ¹
    one way PRIVATE (total, 1-8 pers.), from/to Munich Airport 290
    one way PRIVATE (total, 1-8 pers.), from/to Munich City 340

    ¹ please update us to your exact requirements; flight details and i.a. hotelname required


    Best - Price - Guarantee

    If you would verifiably receive better conditions and/or prices from another tour operator at the time of booking we guarantee at least the same conditions PLUS 1 handlebar bag for FREE!
    All prices per person in EUR

    Ship

    Welcome on Board!

    Your accommodation during your river cruise will be one of our premium-ships MV Vivienne or MS Swiss Crown. Get entchanted by the comfortable and elegant atmosphere of our premium ships.


    MV VIVIENNE

    The exquisite premium ship MV Vivienne (renovated 2020) sets new standards in comfort and spaciousness and offers a tasteful, high-quality ambience in a luxurious style. Experience a fantastic view of breathtakingly beautiful natural landscapes, sometimes from the saddle of a bicycle, sometimes from the inviting, partially covered sun deck. → Ship´s description / details

    → Start the virtual 3D-tour!


    MS SWISS CROWN

    The 68 outward-facing cabins are spacious 14m² (single cabin 12m²) and convince with elegant, comfortable interior. The cabins have a double bed (can be separated to 2 single beds), shower/toilet, hairdryer, SAT TV, safe, coffee maker and individually adjustable air conditioning. → Ship´s description / Details

    → Start the virtual 3D-tour

    Bicycle

    Bicycles and Equipment

    Our bicycles are the most modern quality bikes of the brand KTM, which were specially designed for the requirements and the wishes of our guests. This resulted in easy-running, robust touring bikes with low comfort entry and puncture-proof tires. The elevated handlebars allow for comfortable and back-friendly riding. The bikes in our fleet are usually not older than 3 years. During the duration of the trip you are liable for damage, loss or theft. Bike insurance can be purchased on board.

    The following bikes are available for rent:

    • 24-Speed UNISEX* with comfort entry, hand brakes and freewheel
    • E-Bikes (Pedelecs) UNISEX with freewheel and 28" tires in frame sizes 43 / 45 / 50 cm. max. permissible total weight 130kg

    *Men’s frames are provided for men over 188 cm tall.

    Our rental bikes are equipped with: Pannier, handlebar bag, air pump. Per cabin you will receive a service kit with tools and a bike lock. In the on-board store you will receive quality bicycle helmets as well as cycling clothing (e.g. jerseys, pants, sweaters, rain jackets, rain ponchos).

    On request, 7-speed UNISEX* touring bikes with hand and coaster brakes can be provided, as well as child seats and child trailers.


    Electric Bikes | E-Bikes | Pedelecs

    We provide modern quality e-bikes (pedelecs) with 5/8-speed hub gears and low UNISEX comfort entry. The bikes have a powerful Bosch mid-motor and strong 500wh battery. IMPORTANT: please reserve ebikes early, as they are only available in very limited numbers.


    Breakdowns

    Punctures can occur even with new wheels and the best maintenance. Fix punctures yourself, for major damage please contact our on-site staff. Please do not have any repairs done to the bikes without consulting the cruise director.


    Bringing of own bikes

    You are welcome to bring your own bike. Please bring spare tube and tool bag as well as a lock and check the bike for functionality before your departure. The bikes will be parked on the sun deck (not covered), unfortunately parking inside the ship is not possible for safety reasons.

    You bring your own bicycles at your own risk. We exclude any liability for loss, theft or damage. Your bike has to be brought ashore and back by our crew almost every day. We try to treat your bike as gently as possible, but in rare cases scratches or damage cannot be avoided. Due to the very limited space available, the bicycles on board are close together and have to be laid flat when crossing bridges. For organizational reasons, bicycles (including customers’ own) are sometimes not brought on board overnight, but are locked up on the gangway in front of the ship.

    IMPORTANT: Please be sure to remove any bike boxes/baskets permanently mounted on the luggage rack and any side mirrors attached to the handlebars. Our crew requires unobstructed access. Batteries must also be removed for loading and unloading. The weight of the e-bikes must not exceed 23kg without the battery.

    For the transport of your daily luggage, we provide you free of charge with a waterproof Ortlieb pannier bag (20 l), which you can easily attach to your luggage rack.


    Rental bike disclaimer

    If a traveller rents a bike, he is basically liable for damages and theft. When booking our rental bike disclaimer, we assume liability so that in case of loss or damage to the rental bike (when properly used and secured) no financial responsibility must be paid. Excluded from this are only lost keys, batteries and chargers of e-bikes, as well as damage due to intent or gross negligence.

    Prices see under "dates and prices"

    Useful

    Shipping station and embarkation

    Shipping station Passau/Racklau
    Address: Racklau 3a (Passau - Winterhafen)
    GPS: 48°34’29.55"N 13°25’49.42"E

    Embarkation
    from 4pm to 5pm (earlier boarding of the ship is not possible due to the change of passengers). Checking in of luggage or private bikes is possible from 3pm at the earliest. Please do not arrive too early - the berth does not have a covered waiting area, seating or other infrastructure.

    Please do not leave the ship after boarding - when all guests are boarded, an earlier departure might be possible!

    The berth can be changed at short notice by the port authorities.
    If you cannot find your berth, please contact the cruise director on board (tel. no. in your travel documents).

     


    Arrival - Parking - Departure

    Arrival by car
    If you arrive in Passau with your own car, we offer you a place in the Globus parking hall. We will bring you with your luggage from the parking hall to the ship and back. Vehicle acceptance until 3.30 pm the latest!

    >>More information on the parking service

    Arrival by train
    train station: Passau Hbf.
    The berth is about 3 km from the station. Cabs are available at the station.

    Bus from Passau HBF
    From Passau HBF: with bus line 8,10 and 11 to the station Stelzhamerstraße - approx. 650m from the shipping station Passau/Racklau.
    Details and schedules can be found >>here

    Please allow sufficient time for your train journey, as delays are also possible here. You should choose your connection so that you reach the port in time, at the latest 2 hours before departure. Please note that you are responsible for your own timely arrival at the port. Timetables and information you find at Deutsche Bahn or ÖBB.

    Arrival by plane
    Airport: Munich (MUC) 
    From Munich airport it is best to take the bus to Freising train station (travel time approx. 30 min.) and then continue by train to Passau (approx. 2 h)Timetables and information you find at Deutsche Bahn or ÖBB.

    We are also happy to organize a private transfer directly from the airport to Passau. For details please refer to the price section of the trip.

     


    Disembarkation

    Disembarkation will take place after the arrival of the ship (approx. 11am) and will take about 1 h. Please take this into account when planning your onward journey and do not book trains before 12pm.
    Note for privately departing guests: Taxis are in high demand in Passau on embarkation and disembarkation days - therefore longer waiting times must be expected.

    Further information is available on board from the cruise director or at the reception.

     


    Participants

    Minimum number of participants Bike Cruise: 90 persons (must be reached at least 4 weeks before departure)
    Minimum number of participants guided tour (guided tour) : 10 persons (max. number of participants 18)

    Videos







    Travel stories

    5,4 of 6 Stars | 192
    Leslie was a great cruise director. The staff was great and accomodating. Bike equipment was top notch. Routes were fun and easy to navigate....D.S. 06/22
    5,5 14.10.2024 | Donald Ralph R. Danube Waltz by BIKE + PREMIUM-BOAT Passau-Budapest

    Wonderful Experience!

    We were relieved that Rad Reisen was able to go on with the cruise even with the tragic flooding that occurred just weeks before. We found every crew member incredibly accommodating and wonderful to deal with. Food was wonderful. Cycling routes were awesome. ...
    • Overall satisfaction 6
    • Booking handling 5
    • Travel documents 5
    • Per-Tour information 6
    • Accomodation 6
    • Board 5
    • Route description 5
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 6
    • Bicycle + equipment 6
    • Price-performance ratio 5
    more
    5,1 04.10.2024 | Doris H. Danube Waltz by BIKE + PREMIUM-BOAT Passau-Budapest

    Great tour under difficult circumstances.

    Unfortunately, the tour did not proceed as planned or described due to the local flooding along the Danube. However, Rad and Reisen did everything possible to provide an excellent experience with as much riding along the Danube as was possible. The ...
    • Overall satisfaction 6
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 5
    • Per-Tour information 2
    • Accomodation 5
    • Board 5
    • Route description 5
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 5
    • Bicycle + equipment 6
    • Price-performance ratio 5
    more
    5,9 01.10.2024 | Sandy A. Danube Waltz by BIKE + PREMIUM-BOAT Passau-Budapest

    Danube Waltz during the flood!

    Our trip was wonderful....the boat, the bikes, the crew. The food was beautifully plated, yet somewhat flavorless ...dinner especially. The tour guides in Vienna were terrible. Given it was raining and blowing very hard, they did not gather us in protected ...
    • Overall satisfaction 6
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 6
    • Per-Tour information 6
    • Accomodation 6
    • Board 5
    • Luggage transport 6
    • Route description 6
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 6
    • Bicycle + equipment 6
    • Price-performance ratio 6
    more
    5,8 01.10.2024 | Jeff A. Danube Waltz by BIKE + PREMIUM-BOAT Passau-Budapest
    The crew on the MS Vivienne was awesome!!
    • Overall satisfaction 6
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 6
    • Per-Tour information 6
    • Board 5
    • Route description 6
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 5
    • Bicycle + equipment 6
    • Price-performance ratio 6
    more
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