Passau-Vienna-Bratislava-Budapest-Belgrade-Passau / 6 countries - 4 capital cities
The route mainly follows the Eurovelo 6 cycle path; in A/SK/H it runs asphalted paths over flat terrain; in HR/SRB country roads with little traffic and cycle paths not all of which are asphalted. One stage runs over hilly terrain.
Experience an unforgettable cycling cruise through six countries and immerse yourself in the diversity of Europe! This captivating cycling journey reveals a wealth of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant metropolises, and multifaceted cultures.
Marvel at the spectacular Danube Bend and the deep gorges of the "Iron Gates," cycle through the endless expanse of the Pannonian Plain and experience the fascinating equestrian art of the Puszta herdsmen. The "White City" Belgrade impresses with its distinctive Sava Cathedral, Budapest, the "Paris of the East," enchants with a very special atmosphere. Explore the baroque noble palaces in the coronation city of Bratislava and let yourself be seduced by the charm of the waltz metropolis Vienna. During your cycling tours through unique, enchanting landscapes, you can discover idyllic wine villages, imposing fortresses, and enjoy the delicious specialties of the Balkan region.
Welcome on board of the MV Lisabelle
Experience unforgettable moments on board of the MV Lisabelle - an elegant premium ship, that perfectly combines comfort, pleasure and relaxation. Lean back and enjoy the cheerful atmosphere on board. Whether on the spacious sun deck or in the stylish panorama lounge area - experience a journey full of discoveries and magic moments. The MV Lisabelle stands for relaxed luxury on one of Europe's most beautiful waterways, the Danube. Lets get spoiled by the friendly and courteous crew and enjoy the excellent service. WIFI is available to you during the entire voyage (connection may vary). So you can stay in touch with your friends and family.
This tour can also be booked as an individual, self-guided trip, without an accompanying tour guide: Danube Experience Iron Gates.
Immediately after embarkation between 04.00 p.m. and 05.00 p.m, it's time to "cast off". 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.
Your first day’s tour 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 cosy 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.
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. After a stretch of untouched countryside is followed and a short time later, you arrive to 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.
Breathtakingly beautiful is the entrance to Budapest with a view of the city's most famous buildings. During a city tour (optional) you will discover the Danube metropolis or take a detour to the charming artists' town of Szentendre (the route can be shortened by train). In the evening, you can explore the Hungarian metropolis on your own or enjoy the view of the festively lit Parliament from the sundeck.
From the quiet Baroque town of Baja that is famous for its 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 southernmost town on the Danube and famously the site of two battles with the Turks.
Explore the fun-loving Serbian capital at the confluence of the Sava 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 Zemun, the oldest district of Belgrade, or the famous artists' quarter "Skadarlija," where taverns serve traditional specialties accompanied by lively folk music.
Experience a breathtaking fjord landscape in the middle of the Danube, where the river cuts through the Romanian Carpathians and the mighty foothills of the Balkan Mountains. From the deck, enjoy steep gorges, dark forests, and historical landmarks. Highlights include the Decebalus Monument and a ship stop at Golubac Fortress with a visit opportunity. This natural wonder will give you goosebumps!
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 its orchards, vineyards and idyllic farming villages. Ilok, the easternmost town in Croatia is famous for its wines, which are drunk even in the English royal family: You'll visit the 400-year-old wine cellar of a local winemaker, taste famous wine varieties of the region, and learn a lot about Croatian wine-making traditions (optional).
You are in the border triangle and cycling through the endless expanse of the Batschka (the territory of the Danube Swabians). Small, dreamy farming villages, bright yellow rape fields and endless agricultural areas line your way from Croatia via Serbia to Hungary. Farmers cheerfully wave from their fields, and every now and then a horse-drawn wagon crosses the road. The alternative route leads through the untouched nature of the Dunav-Drava-Nemzeti Nations Park. On the roofs of the farmhouses nest numerous white storks, for which even a separate museum has been established. On your way to Mohacs, Hungary, you will pass the National Memorial commemorating the great battle of 1526.
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 its towers that can be seen even from a distance as they rise into the sky from the flat Hungarian plain. Visiting the Paprika Museum, you’ll learn a lot 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. On your way to Solt, the birthplace of the famous conductor Sir George Solti, white sandbanks along the Danube bank invite you to jump into the cool water again and again. In the afternoon experience a horse show with breathtaking demonstrations by the Csikosoks and a tasting of local specialties (optional).
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 can be seen from far. Hungary’s largest church, with its Tuscan-style high altar and a side chapel with red marble walls is especially worth seeing.
After so many action-packed days of cycling, you deserve some relaxation. Enjoy the breath-taking view of the idyllic floodplain forest of the Donau-Auen National Park and the impressive skyline as you sail to Vienna. Go for a bike ride on the Danube Island – Vienna’s favourite recreational area, cycle to the nearby Klosterneuburg Abbey or wander through the idyllic vineyards of Kahlenberg (with magnificent views over the city and the Danube). The day ends traditionally with a concert of classic waltz and operetta music at Schloss Schönbrunn (optional).
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 at point-blank range. The magnificent Ringstraße boulevard will remind you of times a long time ago 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. Let your day in Vienna end at a rustic wine tavern.
This final stage of your cycling tour can be described as magical! The gentle hilly countryside of the Wachau valley with its picturesque villages, historic castles and palaces surrounded by apricot trees and terraced vineyards, is one of the loveliest stretches. In Spitz the cycle path is lined with cosy vintner’s taverns and you should definitely have a break in this area. (optional wine tasting)! At your stage destination awaits the impressive Melk Abbey, one of the most beautiful Baroque ensembles in Europe!
Enjoy the first rays of sunlight 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/surroundings, your heart bursting with memories and impressions. Disembarkation at approx. 11.00 a.m. Independent homeward journey. We recommend not to make any arrangements for onward connections departing before 12.00 pm.
Fjord-like Landscapes, Puszta, Balkan and Paprika
Cycling level 1-2: The route mainly follows the Eurovelo 6 cycle path; in Austria, Slovakia/Hungary it runs asphalted paths over flat terrain; in Hungary and Serbia country roads with little traffic and cycle paths not all of which are asphalted. One stage runs over hilly terrain. Don’t feel like cycling today? You can reach your destination easily by boat.
Supplements:
Reservation costs € 25,- per booking
Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund € 5,- per person (Insolvency Protection)
Departure on Saturday May 2nd, June 27th, August 29th and September 26th
Main deck: twin cabin Standard Eco € 2.879,-
Main deck: twin cabin Standard € 2.999,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort Eco € 3.279,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort € 3.399,-
Middle + Upper deck: double bed cabin Superior € 3.849,-
Extras
Private transfer from/to Airport, one-way, max. 8 people: € 300,-
Private transfer from/to Munich City, one-way, max. 8 people: € 350,-
Extra options:
Cabin single use +55% (Standard cabin; limited available)
24-speed Unisex hybrid bike € 218,-
E-Bike Unisex (from 160cm) € 458,-
All rental bikes are equipped with 20 l panniers and a handlebar bag incl. lock and repair kit.
Bringing own bike € 58,-
Bringing own E-bike € 98,-
Bike helmet for adults: bring your own or rent a helmet € 40,- (helmet use is mandatory in Slovakia)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplements:
Reservation costs € 25,- per booking
Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund € 5,- per person (Insolvency Protection)
Departure on saturday May 1, June 26, July 24, August 21 and September 25
Main deck: twin cabin Standard Eco € 2.978,-
Main deck: twin cabin Standard € 3.108,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort Eco € 3.398,-
Middle deck: twin cabin Comfort € 3.518,-
Middle + Upper deck: double bed cabin Superior € 3.988-
Private transfer from/to Airport, one-way, max. 8 people: € 300,-
Private transfer from/to Munich City, one-way, max. 8 people: € 350,-
Extra options:
Cabin single use +55% (Standard cabin; limited available)
24-speed Unisex hybrid bike € 218,-
E-Bike Unisex (from 160cm) € 458,-
All rental bikes are equipped with 20 l panniers and a handlebar bag incl. lock and repair kit.
Bringing own bike € 58,-
Bringing own E-bike € 98,-
Bike helmet for adults: bring your own or rent a helmet € 40,- (helmet use is mandatory in Slovakia)
Rental bike disclaimer: Touring bike € 50,- / E-bike € 120,-
Optional excursions (not included in the price of your tour) can be booked on board only.
* 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.
Embarkation: from 4 pm - 5 pm.
Drop-off luggage + bikes: possible from 3 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).
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
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.
Driveway to the dockings Passau Lindau / Racklau / Schalding:
Driveway is possible - parking is forbidden, stops only for un-/loading
Car parking Passau (14 nights/pre-reservation): outdoor area € 126,- / parking garage € 148,- (2027: Outdoor area € 126,- / Parking garage € 148,-)
incl. shuttle transfer to/from pier
(registration form in the travel documents or online, payable locally).
Further information will be given within your travel documents prior departure.
Disembarkation will take place after arrival of the ship (about 11:00 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 12:00 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.
On this tour the following barges are scheduled
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:
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 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 Lisabelle has a capacity of 152 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 .....
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
Yes, free WiFi is limited available in lounge and on deck.
We offer a trip cancellation insurance. We recommend that all travelers take out cancellation insurance for their tour with us or with an insurance company of their choice in their home country.
We advice you to check whether you want or need to take out accident/luggage or medical insurance, and arrange this in your home country.
For more information: Insurances
Bike insurance For the tours on the barges Anna Antal; Anna van Aemstel; Floor van Aemstel; Godefridus van Aemstel; Elisabeth van Aemstel; 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’.
