Passau - Vienna - Passau
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.
It was in Passau that Sisi began her journey along the Danube as a young bride to Vienna, where she was eagerly awaited by her Emperor Franz. Follow in the footsteps of the Austrian empress by bicycle and on a nostalgia ship as you discover breathtakingly beautiful river scenery with small sleepy villages, castles and palaces set in gorgeous countryside and enjoy warm Austrian hospitality at every stage of your cycling tour.
The region is a gourmand’s paradise and famous for its cakes, pastries and other irresistible culinary treats. After Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte and apricot dumplings it’ll be much easier to burn up the miles…
Wines from the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Landscape Wachau enjoy an international reputation, Linz, the capital of Upper Austria is home to the biggest church in Austria. And then there’s Vienna… Enchanting, charming and perhaps slightly eccentric, the City of Waltz will capture your heart in an instant. Magnificent buildings from the imperial age bear witness to the impressive history of times gone by.
This tour can also be booked as an individual trip, without an accompanying tour guide: Danube Impressions
Boarding time is at 4 p.m. Experience Mediterranean flair in Passau, the city of three rivers. You should definitely set aside some time on the day of your arrival for a walk through the picturesque baroque city with its narrow lanes and Passau cathedral home to the largest church organ in the world. Your cycling holiday begins after embarkation when you sail into the sunset and Passau’s magnificent silhouette with its church towers and domes slowly fades into the horizon behind you.
Breathe in the fragrance of the dense forest and freshly mown meadows. Explore the pristine countryside of the Upper Danube valley on the former towpath as it runs past sleepy villages. Small, rustic inns at the edge of the trail invite you to linger, the aroma of fresh fish grilled according to tradition on a stick wafts through the air. The Schlögener Blick observation point offers a truly stunning view of the Schlögener Schlinge where the Danube carves its way through a gorge and doubles back on itself.
Catch some fresh country air again – at lunch time, you’ll reach the Upper Austrian capital of Linz. Discover the European Capital of Culture 2009 on a bright yellow miniature train (optional). The cathedral is the biggest church in Austria, the Pöstlingbergbahn the steepest adhesion railway in the world. Are you curious about the future? At the ARS Electronica Museum you can try out some of the most impressive examples of modern technology for yourself. Make sure you don’t miss it!
Right in front of Vienna's entrance, embedded in a breathtaking scenery, the monastery of Klosterneuburg is situated. You can already see the dome of this 900-year-old baroque building from a distance. "Kahlenbergerdorf" with its wine taverns is only a hop from the shipping pier and definitely worth a visit. After a stroll through the vineyards, you can enjoy the panoramic view over Vienna. During a city tour by bus in the afternoon. You will pass most of the numerous and famous sights and have a guided walking tour though the historic centre of Austria’s capital (optional, not included).
On a city tour of Vienna all the sights are within reach from the saddle of your bike or on the HOP ON HOP OFF bus (optional). The magnificent Ringstraße will remind you of times long past and inviting coffee houses will tempt you with delicious Viennese cakes and pastries, while the Naschmarket market is a feast for all the senses. End the evening on a magical note with a concert of waltz and classical operetta music in Sisi’s summer residence (optional).
An unforgettable day in the picturesque Wachau. Cycle through delightful wine-growing villages surrounded by terraced vineyards and apricot trees. The charming little town of Dürnstein with its narrow lanes is an absolute highlight. In Spitz - one of the most famous wine-growing villages in the World Cultural Heritage Landscape - you can discover the first rate famous Wachau wines.
A beautiful and diverse route awaits you, offering a wide range of experiences! Starting from the medieval town of Grein (home to Austria's oldest theater, visit optional), you'll cycle through the picturesque hinterland of the Strudengau region. With a bit of luck, you may even be personally guided through the romantic Clam Castle by the castle's lord. Additionally, you'll take a journey back in time to prehistory at the Celtic Village in Mitterkirchen. The Mauthausen Memorial, a WWII concentration camp memorial site, is situated on a hill near the town.
Enjoy the first rays of sun and the early morning tranquillity one last time from the deck of the ship before you reach Passau/ surroundings, your heart bursting with memories. Disembarkation: approx. 9 a.m. We recommend that you do not make any arrangements for onward trains departing before 10.30 a.m. To be on the safe side, later departure times would be even better.
Austria
Our carefully selected routes will lead you along the most beautiful spots of the Danube region
* 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.
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).
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: 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.
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.
On this tour the following barge is 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:
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.
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.
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 then you can 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.
On board this comfortable cruise ship you enjoy an exclusive atmosphere – in the spacious, convenient cabins as well as in the stylish outdoor area. Experience the fantastic view to breathtaking landscapes – on the bike, from the pool on the sun deck, in the comfy seats of the lounge, and even during your amazing meals in the first class restaurant.
This exciting bike trip will make your holiday unforgettable. A warm and charming crew is waiting for you to make your stay on board 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 barge has a capacity of 150 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). You explore a lot of local cultures, discover hidden sites and secret places.
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 Impressions. You will receive a detailed roadbook with maps and infomation to the routing on board.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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
