Passau-Budapest
The lightest cycling holiday, covering largely flat terrain, suitable for everyone and people of all ages; with distances to 45 kilometers. You spend about 4 hours on your bicycle.
Pearls of the Danube 4 countries – 3 metropolises by bike and boat from the “Bavarian Venice“ directly into the heart of the famous and glamorous former Imperial and Royal monarchy Austria/Hungary. You can look forward to three of Europe’s most charming capitals: Vienna, the metropolis of Waltz, Bratislava, the capital of coronation and Budapest, the „Paris of the East“.
Guided tour:
The ship has a capacity of 150 people. If you wish to get personal attention from a dedicated guide, you can book this guided tour. You cycle in a small group (max. 22 people) where you explore a lot of local cultures, discover hidden sites and secret places and enjoy some delicious appetizers.This bike and boat tour leads you to the romantic „Great Loop“ (Schlögener Donauschlinge), the picturesque Danube Bend with Hungary’s greatest cathedral and the legendary Wachau valley, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage with the small villages and beautiful palaces and castles.
Boarding time at 4.30 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. At 6.00 p.m. we cast off!
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.
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.
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 beautiful city. You can also choose to cycle to the charming town of Szentendre with its Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art scene. You will get a very close experience of Hungarian culture at an evening Folklore show with traditional music, local appetizers and dance (optional).
Situated in the middle of the Danube River the idyllic isle of Szentendre exudes silent Puszta romance. History, folklore and hungarian way of life will accompany you on your way to Esztergom where the gorgeous basilica – Hungary’s largest Catholic Church is impressing its guests.
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 the imperial palace Schönbrunn.
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 Valley. Amidst dreamy towns, apricot trees, vineyards and castles, this hilly landscape enchants everybody who visits … you will be biking on cloud nine! In Weißenkirchen (possibility to do a wine-tasting – optional) you will find comfortable wine taverns along the bike path.
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 10:00 am. Connecting travel should not be booked earlier than 11.00 am..
Austria
Our carefully selected routes will lead you along the most beautiful spots of the Danube region
Prices are per person 2021
Carissima
April & October
Main deck: twin cabin Standard ECOnomy € 1.064,-
Main deck: twin cabin Standard € 1.164,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort ECOnomy € 1.254,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort € 1.354,-
Upper deck: twin cabin Superior € 1.444,-
May & August
Main deck: twin cabin Standard ECOnomy € 1.114,-
Main deck: twin cabin Standard € 1.214,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort ECOnomy € 1.254,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort € 1.354,-
Upper deck: twin cabin Superior € 1.444,-
June, July & September
Main deck: twin cabin Standard ECOnomy € 1.164,-
Main deck: twin cabin Standard € 1.264,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort ECOnomy € 1.304,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort € 1.404,-
Upper deck: twin cabin Superior in €1.494,-
Fortuna
April & October
Main deck: twin cabin Standard € 1.054,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort € 1.154,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Superior € 1.254,-
Upper deck: twin cabin Deluxe € 1.414,-
Upper deck: twin Suite € 1.734,-
May & August
Main deck: twin cabin Standard € 1.154,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort € 1.254,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Superior € 1.354,-
Upper deck: twin cabin Deluxe € 1.514,-
Upper deck: twin Suite € 1.834,-
June, July & September
Main deck: twin cabin Standard € 1.204,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort € 1.304,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Superior € 1.404,-
Upper deck: twin cabin Deluxe € 1.564,-
Upper deck: twin Suite € 1.884,-
Reduction for children
0-2,99 years in 2-bed cabin with 2 full paying adults (in baby cot) -90%
3-12,99 years in cabin with min. 1 full paying adult -20%
Extras
Collective transfer from/to Munich Airport, one-way per person € 75,-
Collective transfer from/to Munich Airport, round trip per person € 125,-
Private transfer from/to Munich Airport, one-way, max. 8 people € 285,-
Private transfer from/to Munich city centre, one-way, max. 8 people € 325,-
Not included
21-speed Unisex hybrid bike € 80,-
E-Bike Unisex € 180,-
Bike helmet (Helmet use is mandatory in Slovakia) € 35,-
Bringing own bike € 25,-
Bringing own E-bike € 35,-
Reservation costs € 20,- per booking.
Sunday is the day of arrival. You can bring your luggage on board from 3 PM, but embarkation will not start earlier than 4 PM.
Passau has two different ship landing stages:
Passau-centre: Fritz-Schäffer-Promenade/Untere Donauländer
Lindau: just outside of Passau at the Franz-Weismann-Straße.
Your travel documents will inform you about the exact mooring place.
The nearest international airport to the embarkation point in Passau is Munich Airport (MUC). Passau is reachable within about 2.5 hours by public transport from Munich. You also can book a shuttle transfer from Munich Airport to the barge. That ride takes about 1.5 hours. Prices: € 64,- per person one-way, € 109,-both directions. Waiting time max. 60 min. after check in at the transfer desk. A transfer from Munich city centre/train station to Passau: € 40,- one-time surcharge (1-8 pers.) A private Minibus transfer also can be ordered. No waiting time at the airport. € 300,- one-way, € 580,- both directions (max. 8 passengers).
The nearest train station is Passau. The mooring place is located between 2 and 6 km (1.25 and 3.75 miles) from the station. You can take a taxi to the barge.
For short loading and unloading, you can directly drive to the landing stage. Short loading and unloading permitted. In Passau there are several parking possibilities. There is a guarded parking in Passau (Globus Parking). This parking needs to be reserved in advance (detailed information will be included in your travel documents). Costs for this parking are between € 65,- and € 80,- for 7 nights. These costs include 2 transfers (parking-ship-parking). A transfer bus will bring you near the ship. You have to walk the last meters (walking distance approx. 4-5 min.). Your luggage will be delivered separately by minibus.
Disembarkation will take place after arrival of the ship (about 10:00 h) and will take about 1 hour to complete. Please take this into account when planning your return journey and do not book trains before 11:30 h
Note for private departing guests: Taxis are very popular in Passau on embarkation and disembarkation days - very long waiting times.may apply. Further information can be obtained on board from the cruise line or at the reception.
On this tour the following barges are scheduled
The first thing you will experience when boarding is the friendly atmosphere and the cosiness of this river ship. From the Panorama-Lounge you will have a fantastic view of the beautiful scenery. Read more...
The ship Fortuna is equiped with a Panorama Salon/Restaurant, the comfortable Bar, the Sun Deck and 3-passengersdecks with 85 cabins. The 2-bed cabins and suites are from 14–15 m² uu to 25-28 m² (suites). Read more...
By this tours you can rent the following bikes:
Our modern e-bikes (pedelecs) are quality branded bikes with hub gear, freewheel, powerful electric motor and gradually selectable pedal assistance. To be booked only by experienced cyclists with a very good sense of balance. Not suitable for people who rarely ride a bicycle.
Bicycles are modern and high stardard quality of KTM. We offer 28-Zoll-Unisex-tourbikes with deep comfort-entrance. The bikes are equipped with either 21 or 24-derailleur-gear (depending on ship) with override, caliper breaks and robust wheels.
Imagine a floating hotel sailing to the next stage, while you are calmly pedalling along. No lugging of luggage: that is exactly what Bike & Barge is all about! In the pleasant atmosphere on board you can have a chat, go through the day with the others, and enjoy the meals prepared specially for cyclists. In the evenings you can enjoy a drink and admire the setting sun on deck. 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.
Do not expect a cruise ship with its passive luxury. The Bike & Barge Holidays are for people who really enjoy the physical activity of cycling and who value sociability more than wholesale luxury. Please keep in mind that our ship is a river vessel, not a large ocean cruise ship. Riverboat cabins, in comparison, are relatively small, and ship amenities, in general, are comfortable but not lavish. On some docks several ships are docked next to each other and noise and other disturbances cannot be avoided. Please do not forget that the ship is your hotel as well as a machine, which has to be maintained and operated. A certain level of noise is therefore inevitable.
The captain, cruise director, the chef and tour guide all welcome you warmly. They are prepared specifically for these trips and will provide good and safe passage, good meals, and a friendly, pleasant atmosphere. They will, of course, also give you a great deal of interesting information during and after the cycling and sailing. The captain is responsible for the smooth running of things on board; the chef is in charge of the catering. The cruise director will be available to answer questions and solve any problem you may have during the entire week. During the daily meeting he will provide you with useful information referring the next cycling-day.
The Carissima has a capacity of 150 people and the Forutuna has a capacity of 170 people. On this guided tour you cycle in a small group (max. 18 people). A local tour leader accompanies you during this bike ride and can assist in case of breakdowns. He/She will be your guide to point out the things of interest along the way and is multi-lingual (German/English). 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.
Individual tour
If you prefer to cycle individually in your own tempo and to time your day to your needs without a tour guide, you also can book the self-guided option: the Danube Waltz. You will receive a detailed roadbook with maps and infomation to the routing on board.
The meals
In the convivial panoramic restaurant, all guests will eat together at the same time. We provide daily fresh prepared international and national specialties from the cuisine of the countries along the route. If you are traveling with friends, please mention this when booking. Gladly an internal note is deposited to get a common table in the restaurant. Please note that it is not always possible for several people to accommodate all at one table as there is limited space in the restaurant and not all table sizes are available. The full board consists of: breakfast, packed lunch for bikers (resp. light meal for guests on board), dinner with menue-choice, coffee-/tea break with sweets in the afternoon. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lacto-free etc is no problem. Special meals have to be ordered latest by 3 weeks prior departure. Please be informed that due to the limited shopping possibilities of the constantly changing ports, not all diets can be offered. In individual cases and by appointment, you are also welcome to bring along your own food for your special meal.
One of the most attractive aspects of the Bike & Barge holidays is that you encounter an international company on board. It’s a great opportunity for you to get to know various cultures at the same time! We have people of all ages, solo travelers, couples and also families with children (during the school holidays).
Yes, this must be notified when booking, but at least 14 days before arrival. Diets which need a special preparation or special ingredients can only be offered in limited form. We will do our best to meet your needs, but we also ask for your understanding as due to limited logistic possibilities on a barge we are not able to prepare complete specialized menus. In case of Celiac; gluten free diet or vegan meals there is an additional charge of € 50,- per week. On some tours there also is an additional charge of € 50, – for lactose-free meals.
Most people wear rainwear and get on their bicycle. If the weather makes cycling absolutely impossible (this doesn’t happen very often!) the guide will arrange an alternative programme which might include a longer visit to one of the towns along the way or cultural excursions.
The main countries represented by our cycling guests are: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and France. However we regularly welcome South Africans and Japanese guests.The common language on board is English.
No, the barge doesn’t take the same route that the cyclists do. Sometimes the route may be altered because of weather conditions or repairs to bridges or locks and then the guests and the guide can arrange with the skipper to be met at a different place. Naturally you can always stay on board for one or more days.