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Danube Experience by BIKE + BOAT / Iron Gate

Fjord-like Landscapes, Puszta, Balkan and Paprika

Route

Tour profile / Level 1-2

The cycle paths are asphalted for the most part and run through flat to lightly hilly terrain – mainly following the routing of Eurovelo 6 – via cycle paths and country roads with little traffic. Don’t feel like cycling today? You can reach your destination easily by boat.

Tour profile Passau - Iron Gate

Day 1: Passau

Embarkation 4.00 p.m. in Passau; departure is at 5.00 p.m. Enjoy a final view of the beautiful city of Passau as you glide serenely into the sunset, past dark green forests before entering the lock at the Jochenstein power plant on the border between Germany and Austria.

Day 2: Schlögen Danube Bend | Engelhartszell - Aschach, approx. 42 km

Enjoy a delightful day cycling from Engelhartszell (Austria’s only Trappist monastery) through the ruggedly romantic Danube Bend at Schlögen, one of the most beautiful sections of the river lined with sleepy farming villages. Along the way, you can drop in at one of the many inviting cider taverns. Rejoin the ship in the idyllic market town of Aschach, with their long tradition of ship-building and shipping, before sailing into the night.

Day 3: Devin - Bratislava, approx. 43 km

A narrow cycle path runs along the Iron Curtain from the castle ruins in Devin to the splendid palace of Schloss Hof, which boasts one of the most magnificent baroque gardens in Europe. There follows a stretch of untouched countryside and a short time later, you arrive in the vibrant city of Bratislava. Our miniature train tour of the Slovakian capital in which Hungarian kings were once crowned (optional) begins with a glorious view from the fortress perched on a hill overlooking the city and ends with a walk through the beautifully restored historic city centre.
  • => Excursion: City Tour by Scenic Train + Walking Tour

    Enjoy a comfortable sightseeing tour in Bratislava with an oldtimer scenic train. 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. The scenic train will wait for you while you walk through the Viennese Gate to the Ehrenhof courtyard that offers a beautiful view of the Old Town. Afterwards the oldtimer takes you back down from the hill and leaves you at the St. Michael’s Gate. Together with your guide you discover the historic centre walking from here to the Slovakian National Theatre.

    • Price: EUR 22 | Duration: approx. 2 hours

Day 4: Budapest | Excursion to Szentendre approx. 54 km (or rest day)

Savour the entrance to Budapest and the stunning views of the city‘s most famous buildings. Discover the city that straddles the Danube on a guided tour (optional) or take a detour to the delightful little town of Szentendre with many artists and galleries. Get a taste of the fiery Hungarian temperament at a Hungarian folklore show with traditional music and folk dance accompanied by wine and hearty local food (optional).

  • => 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.

    • Pice: EUR 25 | Duration: approx. 2,5 hours
  • => Excursion: Budapest Sightseeing tour by Hop On Hop Off BUS

    Budapest - "The Queen of the Danube" - is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Discover the Hungarian capital by Hop On-Hop Off bus. The tour includes an audio guide available in 20 different languages and offers lots of highlights. Many stops and a flexible timetable allow you to make this your very own adventure in Budapest.

    • Price: EUR 19 | 24 hours ticket
  • => Excursion: Budapest Traditional Hungarian folklore show

    We invite you to spend an evening full of atmosphere at a traditional Hungarian Csarda. Get carried away by the fervid music and traditional folk dances while tasting traditional gulash soup and local wines. Afterwards you will drive through the illuminated town, and up to Gellért Hill where you will enjoy an amazing view of the sea of lights along the Danube. Return to the ship at approx. 11 p.m.

    • Price: EUR 43 | Duration: approx. 3 hours

Day 5: Baha - Mohacs, approx. 50 km

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

Day 6: Belgrade (rest day)

Explore the fun loving Serbian capital at the confluence of the Save and the Danube by bike or bus, take a journey in time from the past to the present and learn about the rise and fall of Yugoslavia (optional). In the evening, Belgrade is bathed in a sea of light. Visit a colourful folklore show with traditional dances from all parts of the country, followed by typical regional specialities in the well-known bohemian district of Skadarlija with lively folk music from a Serbian band (optional).
  • Excursion: Belgrade City Tour by BIKE

    Experience the modern and cosmopolitan city of Belgrade from the saddle of your bike and learn interesting facts about the history and politics of the former Yugoslavian Capital. On your tour you’ll be able to see among other things the Kalemegdan Fortress, the Old Palace, Hotel Yugoslavia. A stroll through the historic center of Zemun will bring you closer to the Balkan culture and flair.

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

  • Excursion: Belgrade Sightseeingtour by BUS

    Discover the largest metropolis of the Balkans by bus. Gain insight into the rich history of the former Yugoslavian capital at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Visit the largest cathedral in the Balkans, the Temple of St. Sava. The tour covers the main sights of the city, including the monument of Mihailo Obrenović, Serbian Parliament, Fortress of Belgrade Kalemegdan. Concluding with a walk through the student quarter of Belgrade in the center.

    Price: € 30,-
    Duraton: approx. 3,5 h
    Participants: min. 25 pers.

  • => Excursion: Belgrade Folkloreshow

    Experience a Serbian evening  with typical snacks, music, and folkdance. While you listen to the traditional sound and watch the professional dancers dressed in talija you enjoy the taste of lepinja, kobasica, cevapcici, raznijici, and rakija. 2 drinks included. 

    • Price: EUR 49 | Duraton: approx. 2 hours

Day 7: Cataract Canyons / Iron Gates National Park (rest day)

Experience the stunning fjord-like landscape at close quarters from the ship’s deck. The river cuts through the Romanian Carpathian mountains and the mighty foothills of the Balkan mountain range. A spectacular landscape with steep gorges, dark forests with historic monuments and impregnable fortresses on the shores that are reflected in the blue waters of the river: this miracle of nature will take your breath away!

Day 8: Novi Sad - Ilok, approx. 51 km

The imposing Petrovaradin fortress perches high above the provincial capital of the Vojvodina. After cycling upstream along a flat cycle path you take a ferry to reach the gentle foothills of the Fruska Gora, with their orchards, vineyards and idyllic farming villages. Everything in the medieval town of Ilok revolves around wine. During an evening tour of the town, you will have the opportunity to sample some famous croatian wines at a wine cellar (optional).
  • Excursion: Ilok - Tradition, Wine & Music

    Spend an atmospheric evening in the easternmost town of Croatia - Ilok, the town of wines and antiques. After a tour of the medieval part of the town and a visit to the Kapistran Church, you will visit the old wine cellar (1450) of Odescalchi Castle. A very special highlight is the tasting of the most famous wines of Fruska Gora and Croatian Snacks accompanied by a tamburica group, whose folk songs tell of love and happy village life and make this evening an unforgettable experience.

    Price: € 41,00
    Duration: approx. 3 hours
    Participants: min. 35 pers. 

Day 9: Apatin - Bezdan (Batina), approx. 54 km

Apatin beer is well known throughout the western Balkan region. Cycle along the Danube Canal on idyllic paths, lined by meadows and trees, and over country roads through the vast expanse of the Batschka (the area populated by Danube Swabians). Sombor is a small romantic town with buildings, dating back to the Habsburg period.

Day 10: Kalocsa - Solt, approx. 53 km

Kalocsa is the "Paprika Capital" of Hungary and the character of the town is strongly influenced by colourful houses with hand painted, bright floral patterns and the cathedral with their towers that can be seen even from a distance as they rise into the skies from the flat Hungarian plain. Visiting the Paprika Museum, you’ll learn all there about Hungary’s favourite spice. Continue your journey on the well built cycle path along the flood protection dyke through the vast expanse of the puszta, and corn fields and orchards that stretch as far as the eye can see until you reach Solt, birthplace of the famous conductor Sir George Solti. Vecsey Castle and the library with some 34,000 books are especially worth seeing.

Day 11: Danube Bend - Esztergom, approx. 43 km

The Danube is framed by steep wooded hills as it flows through the picturesque, hilly landscape of the "Hungarian Wachau". Set in the middle of the Danube, the delightful island of Szentendre radiates real puszta romance. As you continue your journey on idyllic cycle paths through picturesque villages, you’ll be able to experience the Hungarian zest for life at first hand. The dome of the imposing basilica in Esztergom that sits high over the Danube can be seen from far and wide. Hungary’s largest church, with its Tuscan style high altar and a side chapel with red marble walls is especially worth seeing.

Day 12: Vienna (Bike excursion to Klosterneuburg, Danube Island,...)

After so many action packed days of cycling, you deserve some relaxation. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the idyllic floodplain forest of the Donauauen National Park and the impressive skyline as you sail into Vienna. Go for a ride on the Danube Island – Vienna’s favourite recreational area, cycle out to the nearby Klosterneuburg Abbey or wander through the idyllic vineyards of the so called Kahlenberg (with magnificent views over the city and the Danube). The day ends traditionally with a concert of classic waltz and operetta music in a historic Viennese palace (optional).

  • => Excursion: Mozart & Strauß Concert at Schönbrunn Palace

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

    • Price: EUR 49 | Duration: approx. 3 hours

Day 13: Vienna (rest day)

Discover Vienna: from the saddle on a guided bike tour or on your own with the HOP ON HOP OFF Bus (optional). Ride through the historic city centre at a leisurely pace and see the sights from close up. The magnificent Ringstraße will remind you of times long past and inviting coffee houses will tempt you with delicious Viennese cakes and pastries. Afterwards, there’s enough time to stroll through the quaint lanes or visit the Naschmarkt, a feast for the senses. End your day in Vienna in traditional fashion at a rustic wine tavern.

  • => 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: EUR 35 | Duration: approx. 3 hours
  • => Excursion: Vienna City tour - Hop On Hop Off BUS

    During this sightseeing tour you will get closer to Vienna’s fascinating history. You will get to know breathtaking architecture, beautiful castles and gardens, impressive monuments and green parks. You will see Roman fundaments alongside with Gothic and Barock as well as modern buildings. The hop on hop off busses allow you to explore the town at your own pace and enjoy the panoramic view from the double deckers’ roofs while you get back ground information about the sights from the audio guide.

    • Price: EUR 25 | 24-hours ticket

Day 14: Wachau | Krems - Melk, approx. 37 km

This final stage of your cycling tour can best be described as magical! The gentle hilly countryside of the Wachau with their picturesque villages, historic castles and palaces surrounded by apricot trees and terraced vineyards, is one of the loveliest stretches of the river. In Weißenkirchen the cycle path is lined with cosy vintner’s taverns and you should definitely treat yourself to a break here (optional wine tasting)!

  • => Excursion: Unique Wine Tasting at a Local Winery

    The Wachau Valley is Austria’s most famous wine region along the Danube River. In the historical "Salzstadl" (storage for salt) dating back to the 17th century you will learn more about, and taste local white wines (Grüner Vetliner, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc), and a local Red wine (Zweigelt). Served with brown bread from the village bakery.

    • Price: EUR 8

Day 15: Passau

Enjoy the first rays of sun and the early morning tranquillity of the Danube valley one last time. Catch a final view of the Danube Bend at Schlögen – before you reach Passau, your heart bursting with memories and impressions. Disembarkation at approx. 10.00 a.m.. Independent homeward travel. We recommend that you do not make any arrangements for onward connections departing before 11.00 a.m.. To be on the safe side, later departure times would be even better.

Services

Included services

  • 14 nights in outside cabins with private facilities and air conditioning
     
  • Port charges
     
  • Program according to itinerary from/to Vienna
  • Captains greeting and welcome cocktail
  • Daily cabin cleaning, towels and bed linen
  • Full board: rich breakfast, lunch on board (non-cyclists) or packed lunch (cyclists), afternoon coffee break, dinner (2/3 dishes to choose from), late night snack
  • Gala dinner with farewell cocktail
  • Farewell-Crew-Show
  • Daily live-music
  • Tour guide on board (does not cycle with the group)
  • Daily information meeting
  • Detailed roadbook (one per cabin)

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. (Water level is act of god). The same applies for officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges or in case breakdown of engine or power unit through no fault of shipping company or tour operator.


Individual tour:

You´ll receive a detailed roadbook with maps and infomation to the routing on board. You do not cycle in a group – you cycle individually in your own tempo and are therefor able to time your day to your needs. Only the schedule gives you a timeframe. Our cruise director explains the evening before the next cycling path in the daily breefings and inform you about the specifics and gives tipps about sightseeing, possibilities to take a rest and specialities. If you do not want to cycle, just stay on board and enjoy the passing landscape on the sun deck or relax in the infrared cabin. The crew is trying to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

 

 

Dates & Prices

Dates

Merkmale

    Season / Period
    Type

    Extras

    Supplement on 2-bed/2-bed ECO cabin for single use
    Supplement (valid on price per person) +50%
      
    Child discount/3rd adult
    Children 0-2,99 yrs in a cabin with 2 full paying persons in a babybed free
    Children 3-12,99 yrs in a cabin with min. 1 full paying person -50%
    13-99 yrs in a cabin with min. 2 full paying persons -20%
       
    Bikes and Equipment
    7-/21-speed bike 139
    E-bike 249
    Bringing of own bike 25
      

    Extra nights Passau 3*

    Double room 58
    Single room 83
      
    Extra nights Passau 4*
    Double room 66
    Single room 92
      
    Transfer (from/to Munich airport) *
    One-way 69
    Return transfer 119
    supplement from/to Munich city/hotel, (1-8 pers., once) 40

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

    Individual transfers (without waiting time) - prices on request


    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

    Bicycle

    Bicycle & Equipment:

    Our bicycles are modern and high stardard quality of KTM. We offer 28-Zoll-Unisex-tourbikes with deep comfort-entrance. The bikes are equipped with 21-derailleur-gear with override, caliper breaks and robust wheels. Our bicycles are mostly not older than 3 years.

    We offer

    • 21-speed-bikes UNISEX* with caliper breacks and override

    and

    • E-Bikes (Pedelecs) UNISEX

    with 28" wheels in frame sizes 46 / 51 / 56 cm .*For men taller than 186 cm we offer men frames.

    Our bicycles are equipped with:

    • 1 good sized, waterproofed pannier bag
    • 1 handle bar bag
    • repair kit
    • air pump
    • lock

    Following can be purchased in our bord shop:

    • helmets (approx. € 25,-)
    • cycling clothes
    • raining suits

    On request 7 speed UNISEX hybrid bike with coaster and caliper brake as well as children seat, children trailer and tagalong.


    Electric bikes | E-Bikes | Pedelecs
    You will receive modern high quality E-Bikes of the brands Flyer/Kalkhoff and KTM with 8-gearhub, individual regulated use of support of pedal-use, robust wheels and deep Unisex comfort entrance. The bikes have a strong Panasonic Pedelec-mechanism and a strong licium-ionen-battery. The batteries lasts up to 70 kilometres, depending on sort of cycling, weight and routing. The more hills to go, the heavier the weight, the more accucapacity will be used. You can regulate range of the battery if you use less support at the beginning
    and raise it if needed. Batteries will be loaded with the battery recharger by night in your room.

    ATTENTION: Please pre-book your E-bike early enough as we have restricted availability of approx. 12-15 E-bikes/ship.


    Bike breakdown
    Can also occur with very new and good bikes. A puncture of the wheel will be fixed by yourself, for bigger damages please contact your cruise director. Please do not make any repair-service without our agreement on our bikes. For smaller technical problems with the bike please contact the cruise director or a member of the crew at the end of the bike-leg.


    Private Bikes
    You are welcome to bring your own bicycle. This is adapted especially to your needs. Do not forget to bring a repair kit with all necessary tools such as: keys, reserve tube and lock. Please check your own bicycle for operability upon arrival. You will receive
    on board a pannier for your bike.

    Bikes will mostly be brought on/off board by the ship crew. Please note that we are not liable in case of damage.
    Due to organizational reasons (anchor second row) bikes will be partly left outside in front of the ship. Bicycles are exposed to the weather on board as the parking space is not covered. Storage of bikes inside the ship is not possible. The bicycle storage possibilities are restricted therefore the bikes will be transported close to each other or in a lying position. Please therefore remove all additional tools.

    Attention: Whether the ship, nor the shipping company/crew/Eurocycle are liable for customers’ own bikes on/off board.

    Useful

    Arrival and Departure


    Landing stages

    There are 3 landing stages in Passau for cruises. One is in the Old City (A) at the Fritz-Schäffer-Promenade/Untere Donaulände and the second one is outside of the city in Passau-Lindau (B) at the Franz-Weismann-Straße (B 388) and one is in Passau Racklau, Racklau 3a. Please ask Your travel agency for the embarkation pier.

    >>Division of landing stages in Passau

    Please be informed that the appropriate landing stage can be changed from the port company in Passau.

    Enlarged view
     


    Embarkation

    Embarkation in Passau starts at 04:00 p.m Thank You for Your understanding that an earlier boarding is not possible. You can handover Your own bikes & your luggage from 2:30 p.m. though. In the meanwhile you can take a rest in the Panoramabar until your cabin is ready.

    Disembarkation

    Disembarkation takes place at approx. 09:30 a.m. and lasts approx. 1 hour. Please reconsider it by planing Your onward travelling. We suggest to calculate 2 hours between disembarkation and onward travelling. You will get further information from Your cruise director.


    Arrival by car / parking

    Landing station Passau Old City: Car access directly to the landing stage not possible (pedestrian zone)

    Landing station Passau-Lindau: Car access possible - parking is not possible/allowed, Stops only allowed for loading and/or unloading

    Landing station Passau Raklau:Racklau 3a, 94036 Passau

     

    >> Parking Online Reservation


    Arrival by train 

    Train station: Passau

    Passau is part of the Intercity- und Region Network of the Federal German Railnetwork. The train station is approx. between 2 and 6 km from the landing stages (depending on which landing stage) There are taxis waiting at the train station. Am Bahnhof stehen Taxen bereit. Eurocycle/Rad+Reisen assumes no liability for late arrivals.


    Arrival by plane

    Airport:  Munich (MUC) / Vienna (VIE)

    You can reach Passau from the airport Munich in approx. 2,5 h by public transport.


    Transfers

    Taxicosts: Train station Passau - Landing stage: approx. € 9.

    Private shared transfer Munich airport - Passau: see PRICES (pre-reservation)

    With the so-called Bavarian ticket by train to Passau (1st person € 26,-. Each further person € 6,-, (up to 4 persons); Duration approx 2 h; Public bus or taxi (approx. € 25,-) from Munich airport - Freising; Trainride Freising – Passau; >>www.bahn.com


    Min. amount of participants

    50 persons (must be reached approx. 4 weeks prior arrival)

    Videos



    Travel stories

    5,3 of 6 Stars | 48
    This was a wonderful experience and very well organized.  It was my first cycling tour and I could not have been more pleased....D.M. 08/19
    5.7 16.10.2023 | Catherine C. Danube Experience by BIKE + BOAT / Iron Gate

    True to description

    This trip was everything I had hoped for. The staff were wonderful and the biking included some of the most beautiful towns and cities I?ve ever experienced. Topping that off were incredible meals and wines. Can?t think of anything to improve.
    • Overall satisfaction 6
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 6
    • Information at the beginning of the tour 6
    • Accomodation 5
    • Board 5
    • Route description 6
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 6
    • Bicycle + equipment 6
    • Price-performance ratio 5
    more
    5.1 16.10.2023 | James S. Danube Experience by BIKE + BOAT / Iron Gate

    Danube Boat and bike

    Just a comment. On the boat and bike, there was too much travel and not enough biking. The trip was great and everyone was friendly and helpful, EXCEPT THE CAPTIANS. I was i nterested in the boat as an engineer, and received very unentheusiastic, ...
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 5
    • Information at the beginning of the tour 5
    • Accomodation 6
    • Board 6
    • Route description 5
    • On-site assistance 5
    • Route-character 5
    • Bicycle + equipment 4
    • Price-performance ratio 4
    more
    5.6 22.05.2023 | Larry B. Danube Experience by BIKE + BOAT / Iron Gate

    Excellent trip

    The trip exceeded our expectations. The boat and the food and service were all excellent. The sections chosen for us to ride were excellent as well. We were unlucky with the weather and therefore missed the Iron Gate section but other than that every ...
    • Overall satisfaction 6
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 6
    • Information at the beginning of the tour 4
    • Accomodation 6
    • Board 5
    • Route description 5
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 6
    • Bicycle + equipment 6
    • Price-performance ratio 6
    more
    5.4 30.12.2022 | Judith H. Danube Experience by BIKE + BOAT / Iron Gate

    Cycling on the Danube

    We completed the 2 week Danube bike-and-barge in late September 2022. We had previously done the 1 week trip (thru Rad Reisen), and we were pleased to have the same excellent level of service and accommodation. The staff on board were universally lovely ...
    • Overall satisfaction 6
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 5
    • Information at the beginning of the tour 5
    • Accomodation 6
    • Board 5
    • Route description 5
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 5
    • Bicycle + equipment 5
    • Price-performance ratio 6
    more
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