Cycling holiday Danube Waltz

Danube Waltz

Passau-Budapest / 4 countries-3 metropolises

Starting at € 899,-
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Summary
  • 8 Days Sunday to Sunday/ Saturday to Saturday
  • 43 km average per day
  • Arrival Munich Airport
  • Departure Munich Airport
Highlights
  • Passau at the intersection of three rivers
  • Hungarian Danube Bend
  • The metropolises of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest
  • UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site Wachau
Characteristics
  • Self-guided Tour
  • Group Tour
  • Bike & Barge
  • Cycling level 1

    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.

Highlights of the Danube

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 visiting three of Europe’s most charming capitals: Vienna, the metropolis of waltz, Bratislava, the capital of coronation and Budapest, the „Paris of the East“.

This bike and boat tour leads you to the romantic „Great Loop“ (Schlögener Donauschlinge), the picturesque Danube Bend with Hungary’s largest cathedral and the legendary Wachau valley, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage with its small villages, beautiful palaces and castles. 

Guided tour:
The ship Vivienne has a capacitiy of 146 people and the ship Swiss Crown has a capacity of 135 people. If you wish to get personal attention from a dedicated, cycling tour guide, you can book this tour as a 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.
To book: see Danube Waltz, Guided.

Daily Program

  • Day 1 Passau

    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!

  • Day 2 Great Loop – Engelhartszell – Aschach, 42 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, 43 km

    You pedal along the former ‘Iron Curtain’, cross the green line and reach the imposing Imperial Schlosshof Palace 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.

  • Day 4 Budapest – Szentendre, 54 km

    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).

  • Day 5 Danube bend – Esztergom, 43 km

    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.

  • 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)  at a famous Viennese Palace.

  • Day 7 Wachau/Krems – Melk, 37 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 Valley. Amidst dreamy towns, apricot trees, vineyards and castles, this hilly landscape enchants everybody who visits. In Weißenkirchen (possibility for wine-tasting – optional) you will find comfortable wine taverns along the bike path.

  • 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 10:00 am. Connecting travel should be booked earlier for 11.30 a.m. onwards.

Cycling from Passau to Budapest

Austria

Our carefully selected routes will lead you along the most beautiful spots of the Danube region

Passau
Engelhartszell
Bratislava
Budapest
Danube Bend
Vienna
Durnstein
Passau

Travel dates

Departure
End
Accommodation
Starting at
Availability
Departure
20 Apr 2025
End
27 Apr 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 899,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
27 Apr 2025
End
04 May 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 999,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
04 May 2025
End
11 May 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.149,-
Availability
Limited
Book
Departure
11 May 2025
End
18 May 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.149,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
17 May 2025
End
24 May 2025
Accommodation
Swiss Crown
Starting at
€ 1.149,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
18 May 2025
End
25 May 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.149,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
25 May 2025
End
01 Jun 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.149,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
01 Jun 2025
End
08 Jun 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.299,-
Availability
Limited
Book
Departure
07 Jun 2025
End
14 Jun 2025
Accommodation
Swiss Crown
Starting at
€ 1.299,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
08 Jun 2025
End
15 Jun 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.299,-
Availability
Limited
Book
Departure
15 Jun 2025
End
22 Jun 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.299,-
Availability
Limited
Book
Departure
21 Jun 2025
End
28 Jun 2025
Accommodation
Swiss Crown
Starting at
€ 1.299,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
22 Jun 2025
End
29 Jun 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.299,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
29 Jun 2025
End
06 Jul 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.299,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
06 Jul 2025
End
13 Jul 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.299,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
13 Jul 2025
End
20 Jul 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.299,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
20 Jul 2025
End
27 Jul 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.299,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
27 Jul 2025
End
03 Aug 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.299,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
03 Aug 2025
End
10 Aug 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.149,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
10 Aug 2025
End
17 Aug 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.149,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
17 Aug 2025
End
24 Aug 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.149,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
24 Aug 2025
End
31 Aug 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.149,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
30 Aug 2025
End
06 Sep 2025
Accommodation
Swiss Crown
Starting at
€ 1.299,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
31 Aug 2025
End
07 Sep 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.299,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
07 Sep 2025
End
14 Sep 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.299,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
13 Sep 2025
End
20 Sep 2025
Accommodation
Swiss Crown
Starting at
€ 1.299,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
14 Sep 2025
End
21 Sep 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.299,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
21 Sep 2025
End
28 Sep 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.299,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
28 Sep 2025
End
05 Oct 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 1.299,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
05 Oct 2025
End
12 Oct 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 999,-
Availability
Limited
Book
Departure
12 Oct 2025
End
19 Oct 2025
Accommodation
Vivienne
Starting at
€ 899,-
Availability
Fully booked

What else do you need to know?

Prices per person in 2025

Supplements:
Reservation costs € 25,- per booking
Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund € 5,- per person (Insolvency Protection)

Swiss Crown

Departure on Saturday May 17th 
Main deck: double/twin cabin Standard € 1.149,-
Middle deck: double/twin cabin Comfort € 1.469,-
Middle deck: double/twin Mini Suite € 1.569,- 
Upper deck: double/twin cabin Superior € 1.669,-

Departure on Saturday June 7th + June 21st + August 30th + September 13th 
Main deck: double/twin cabin Standard € 1.299,-
Middle deck: double/twin cabin Comfort € 1.619,-
Middle deck: double/twin Mini Suite € 1.719,- 
Upper deck: double/twin cabin Superior € 1.819,-

Vivienne 

Departure on Sunday April 20 & October 12th
Main deck: twin cabin Standard € 899,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort € 1.219,-
Middle deck + Upperdeck: twin cabin Superior € 1.419,-
Upper deck: twin Junior Suite € 1.719,-
Upper deck: twin Master Suite € 1.919,-

Departure on Sunday  April 27th & October 5th
Main deck: twin cabin Standard € 999,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort € 1.319,-
Middle deck + Upperdeck: twin cabin Superior € 1.519,-
Upper deck: twin Junior Suite € 1.819,- 
Upper deck: twin Master Suite € 2.019,-

Departure every Sunday from May 4th to May 25th & from August 3rd to August 24th
Main deck: twin cabin Standard € 1.149,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort € 1.469,-
Middle deck + Upperdeck: twin cabin Superior € 1.669,-
Upper deck: twin Junior Suite € 1.969,- 
Upper deck: twin Master Suite € 2.169,-

Departure every Sunday from June 1st to July 27th & from August 30th to September 28th
Main deck: twin cabin Standard € 1.299,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort € 1.619,-
Middle deck + Upperdeck: twin cabin Superior € 1.819,-
Upper deck: twin Junior Suite € 2.119,- 
Upper deck: twin Master Suite € 2.319,-

Extras
Private transfer from/to Munich Airport, one-way, max. 8 people: € 290,-
Private transfer from/to Munich City, one-way, max. 8 people: € 340,-

Extra options:
Cabin single use +55% (Standard cabin; limited available)
24-speed Unisex hybrid bike € 99,-
E-Bike Unisex (from 160cm) € 219,-
Bringing own bike € 29,-
Bringing own E-bike € 49,-
Bike helmet for adults: bring your own or rent a helmet € 15,- (helmet use is mandatory in Slovakia)

Included

  • 7 nights in outside cabins with private facilities and air conditioning
  • Port charges
  • Program according to itinerary from/to Passau
  • Captain‘s greeting and welcome cocktail
  • Full board: breakfast buffet, packaged lunch, afternoon coffee break, dinner (2/3 dishes to choose), late night snack
  • Gala dinner with farewell cocktail
  • Board Musician
  • Cruise director (does not cycle with the group)
  • Daily information meeting
  • Detailed travel documents per cabin, GPS tracks + cycling tour app / cabin

Not Included

  • Reservation fee
  • Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund (Insolvency Protection)
  • Rental bike
  • Rental bike disclaimer for 24-speed bike: € 20,-*
  • Rental bike disclaimer for E-bike: € 50,- *
  • Cycling tour guide (for the tour incl. tour guide, see Danube Waltz Guided)
  • Other drinks
  • Admission charges
  • Personal insurance

* 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.
Insured are: any repair costs, spare parts in the event of an accident; theft (if bike is properly locked and secured; please never leave your bike unattended, especially in big cities).
Excluded from this are only lost keys, batteries and chargers of e-bikes, as well as damage due to intent or gross negligence.

Special details

  • This tour is operated by our local partner
  • Please take good notice of our Terms & Conditions
  • This program is subject to change without notice
  • All bike tours are unescorted.
  • All mileages are approximate distances of recommended routes.
  • Please be aware that the cabin storage space is very limited. 
  • 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 force majeure). The same applies for officially ordered – previously not announced – repair work on locks or bridges or in case of breakdown of engine or power unit through no fault of shipping company or tour operator.
  • Please be aware that a cruise ship on the Danube is not only your hotel but also a machine that works with engine power that may cause noise during the night, when passing locks and bridges and during preparation work.
  • Minimum of participants: 90 people (has to be reached at the latest 4 weeks before cruise start)

Embarkation Passau / Dockings

Embarkationfrom 4 pm.

Drop-off luggage + bikes: possible from 2.30 pm

The ship is moored at one of the following docking-addresses:

- Passau-Lindau (A), Franz-Weismann-Straße an der B 388
- Passau-Racklau (B), Racklau 3a
- Passau-Schalding (C),  Industriestrasse 14a

Please note: place of embarkation/disembarkation can be changed by the port authorities even on the day of arrival. You will find the web site where you can check the correct mooring place in your travel documents
If you cannot find your ship, please contact the cruise manager on board (phone number in your travel documents).

Airport

The nearest international airport to the embarkation point in Passau is  Munich Airport (MUC). Driving Munich airport - Passau (via Freising): approx. 2 1/2 h (bus/taxi, train) 

Recommended routing:
Munich - Freising
BUS Munich Airport - Freising train station (ca. € 3,30/person)
TAXI Munich Airport – Freising train station (ca. € 30,-/way)
Freising - Passau
TRAIN Freising – Passau / Bayernticket: 1st person € 26,- >> www.bahn.de
every next person € 6,- (up to person).; driving time approx. 2 hrs

Train

Passau is connected with the regional and intercity trafficnet of the Deutschen Bahn (german train). Main train station is reachable - depending on the ship landing stage of the ship - between 2-6 km. You´ll find taxis at the Airport exit. No liability for any delays. Please be informed that seat reservations can only be done via Deutsche Bahn AG (f.i. via webpage >>www.bahn.de)  or in your travel agency.

Car + parking

Driveway to the dockings Passau Lindau / Racklau / Schalding:
Driveway is possible - parking is forbidden, stops only for un-/loading

Car parking Passau: attended parking lot € 68,- / garage € 79,-
(incl. transfer to / from ship, payable locally; prebooking required)

In Passau we offer a guarded parking possibility with our Partner Globus Parkservice / Eichberger Reisen.
Parking for special vehicles (caravan, minibus, van) for additional charge. Prices incl. 2 transfers (parking-ship-parking). A transferbus will bring you directly to the ship. As buses cannot reach pier 1 or 2 you will get off at Römerplatz (pier 5) and have to walk the last meters (walking distance approx. 4-5 min.). Your luggage will be delivered seperately by minibus directly to the ship.

Further information will be given within your travel documents prior departure.

End of the tour

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.
Further information can be obtained on board from the cruise line or at the reception.

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.
Insured are:
» Any repair costs, spare parts in the event of an accident
» Theft (if bike is properly locked and secured)*

*Please never leave your bike unattended, especially in big cities.

Excluded from this are only lost keys, batteries and chargers of e-bikes, as well as damage due to intent or gross negligence.

By this tour you can rent the following bikes:

  • Rental E-bike Danube

    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.

  • Rental bike Danube

    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.

A ship as your hotel

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 team

The captain, cruise director and the chef 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.

Individual tour
You will 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 time frame. 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.

Guided option
The Swiss Crown has a capacity of 135 people and the Vivienne has a capacity of 146 people. If you wish to get personal attention from a dedicated guide, you can book this tour including a cycling tour guide. You cycle in a small group (max. 18 people) where you explore a lot of local cultures, discover hidden sites and secret places and enjoy some delicious appetizers. To book: see Danube  Waltz Guided.

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 menu-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.

You and the group,new friends from around the world!

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).

F.A.Q.

  • What happens when it rains?

    Most of the participants then wear rainwear. When the weather is so bad that cycling becomes really impossible (but that is almost never the case!), you can stay on board or your guide can organize an alternative program with, for example, cultural excursions and city tours (at your own expense).

  • Which countries do the participants come from

    The main countries represented by our cycling guests are: United States and Canada. We also receive guests from United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand. The common language on board is English.

  • Can I rejoin the barge before the end of a stage

    No, the barge doesn’t take the same route as 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.

  • Is WiFi available on board

    Yes, free WiFi is limited available in lounge and on deck.

  • What insurances does Cycletours offer

    Travel/Cancellation insurance We do not offer a travel and/or cancellation insurance. We recommend that all travelers take out cancellation insurance for their tour with the insurance company of their choice in their home country.

    Bike insurance For the tours on the barges Anna Antal; Wending; Liza Marleen; Sailing Home; Zwaan; Clair de Lune and Feniks the bike rental includes a bicycle insurance. This insurance covers the cost of the repair or replacement of bicycle parts in case of an accident. It also protects against theft of the bike while it was locked.
    On some tours you can add this insurance to your reservation or buy it on board. This is indicated on the tour page under ‘Rent a bike’.

    For more information: Insurances