Freewheel - Bike & Barge: Passau-Budapest-Vienna-Passau (MS PRINZESSIN KATHARINA)

Bike & Barge: Passau-Budapest-Vienna-Passau (MS PRINZESSIN KATHARINA)

From £660 P/P

Accompanied by a comfortable cruise ship, you will cycle along Europe's second largest river. the Danube. Starting at the charming Bavarian “three river city", Passau, before making your way straight into the heart of a once glorious Imperial and Royal Monarchy.

Discover three of Europe's most enchanting capitals: the lively Vienna, the Slovak coronation city at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava, and Budapest, the "Hungarian Queen of the Danube"!

Experience the stunning Schlögener Donauschlinge ("Great Loop"), by bike. Explore the legendary Wachau, an area known for romantic towns and mighty castles amidst lovely vineyards, and the untouched alluvial forests of the Danube National Park, as well as the picturesque Hungarian Danube bend where the important cupola of the basilica in Esztergom salutes from the distance. Guided and Self-Guided tours available in 2021 subject to arrival date.

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Itinerary
Itinerary

Day 1: Passau (Embarkation)

Boarding time will be from 4 p.m. Located at the confluence of Danube, Inn and Ilz, the three river city, Passau, is full of interest and sites worth a visit. In your free time you can stroll through the cobblestoned old town centre, listen to the bells of Passau's Gothic Town Hall, or see the world's largest Catholic Church organ in the Passau Cathedral. Enjoy your first dinner on board, at 7 pm we cast off, for an evening sail to Engelhartszell.

Day 2: Great Loop | Engelhartszell - Brandstatt- Devin, approx. 46 km

Your day will start in Engelhartszell (where you will find the only Trappist monastery in Austria). From here, you will head towards the "Great Loop", one of the most beautiful and unique sections along the Danube. As you cycle you will encounter small villages and cosy must-see taverns. You'll board tonight in Brandstatt. Then, you "sail into the night" towards Devin.

Day 3: Devin - Bratislava, approx. 11-43 km

You will arrive at Devin in the morning. The cycle tour takes you to the imposing Imperial Palace of Hof. After crossing the green line, you cycle along the former “Iron Curtain” towards the coronation city of Bratislava at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. Take time to discover the hidden alleys of Bratislava, and all the sights and sounds of this ambitious metropolis during a tour by mini train and by foot. In the night you will sail to Budapest.

Day 4: Budapest | roundtrip to Szentendre, ca. 40 km

In the early morning, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Danube's gorgeous landscape from the Sundeck. The first glimpse of Budapest will be overwhelming, as many of the famous tourist features are situated directly next to the river bank. In the afternoon you can explore the numerous attractions of the city. Nearby, you find the island, Margaretheninsel, which is perfect for a small bike tour, or you can explore the charming town of Szentendre with its Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art scene. In the night shipping to Visegrad.

Day 5: Danube bend to Visegrad - Esztergom, approx. 25-60 km

The Danube bend is one of most delightful and attractive areas on the river and is called the Hungarian Wachau. Today's bike leg starts at Visegrad, where you will find a famous fortress and the ruins of the former palace. You can choose from 2 different routes: the longer one includes a side trip to the island of Szentendre and the baroque village of Vác. The other route leads you directly to Esztergom,a town with an incredible basilica. Hungary's largest Catholic Church the bacilica overlooks the river and the village. In the night shipping to Vienna.

Day 6: Vienna - Nussdorf / (Korneuburg may also be possible) (day of rest)

Discover the best of Vienna's sights during your recovery day. You can take a city tour by bike or bus (optional), during which you will experience Vienna's most famous examples of architecture, such as; 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". Relax in one of Vienna's famous cafes. You can bring your evening to an end impressively at a classical concert (optional), hoested in one of Vienna's most famous palaces. In the night shipping to Rossatz or Dürnstein (Wachau).

Day 7: Wachau - Melk -Pöchlarn approx. 42 -52 km

Your final day on the bike will offer a special highlight!The impressive castle ruins looms over the small Baroque town of Durnstein, while the blue spire of the monastery church is a landmark of the breath-taking Wachau Valley. Amidst the dreamy towns, apricot trees, vineyards and castles, this landscape is sure to enchant everybody who visits ... you will be riding on cloud nine! You will board againIn the small village of Pöchlarn. After the farewell gala dinner, you start “sailing” back to Passau.

Day 8: Passau

Enjoy the early morning sunshine, as you cruise back up the Danube, and wind your way to Passau. You will disembark at approx. 10.00 a.m. therefore connecting travel should be booked for no earlier than 11.30 a.m.
Route Overview

Route Overview

Nearly all flat, as you cycle along the Danube valley on metalled towpaths and minor roads.

Route Map (For guidance only):

Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.

Total distance cycled: 219 km

Starting point of the cycling holiday: Passau

Passau
Getting There

Getting There

We recommend flying to Munich, Nuremberg, Linz or Salzburg airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.

Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.

We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Rail Europe for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.

Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0161 703 8161 for more specific travel advice.

You do not need to go back to the starting point of the cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.

Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
What’s Included?
What’s Included?

The Bike & Barge: Passau-Budapest-Passau cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required. On some arrival dates the cycling tours are Guided where the minimum number of cyclists would be 10.

Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
- 7 nights' accommodation on on MS Prinzessin Katharina
- Full board including tea & coffee
- Captains greeting and welcome cocktail
- Daily cabin cleaning, towels & bed linen
- Gala dinner with farewell cocktail
- Farewell crew show
- Daily live music
- Daily Information meeting
- Detailed route notes & maps (1 per cabin)
Not Included
- Flights to/from the start and finish
- Evening meals (unless stated)
- Local daily taxes (Payable at the hotel)
- Helmets
- Water Bottles
- Travel Insurance
- Bike Insurance (unless stated)
- Welcome Meetings (unless stated)
- Transfers (unless included)
- Bike Hire Available as an Optional Extra
Bike Hire

Bike Hire

About the Rental Bikes

This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes. Quality Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres are among the components that will ensure you have an enjoyable cycle tour.

You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation while. Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.

Unisex Bike (Colour may vary)

Rental Bike PLUS

E - Bike (Colour may vary)

Accessories

If you would like GPX files for a suitable device, please request them at the time of booking. Devices are not provided. Please ensure you bring any fittings required to attach the Garmin (or similar) to the handlebars. You might want to download maps onto your phone to avoid data charges when roaming.

All bikes are provided with standard flat pedals. You can bring your own cycling pedals but ensure that you have the correct tools to remove the pedals if the tour does not have a welcome meeting. You may also not be able to travel through airports with the tools if you are carrying hand luggage only.

You can rent a men's bike with a crossbar, unisex/female bike with a sloping tube or an electric bike for a supplement.

Gearing information available on request.

Frame Sizing

When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Unisex frame 21-gears with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm. Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedalling brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm. Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 "sloping" cm. Helmets are not provided, and you will need to bring your own to use.

We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday!

Bike Hire Insurance

This cycle tour benefits from bike insurance against rental bike theft and damage in the holiday price. Please make sure you lock up the bike, leave it where told by the hotel, and treat your hire bicycle as if the bike was your own. Any negligent treatment of the bike will exempt you from cover. We advise you to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance for your cycling holiday prior to arrival.

Electric Bike Hire

Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging, and assistance up to 25 km/h. They have a range of around 120 km for each full charge.

E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
Hotels

Hotels

MS PRINZESSIN KATHARINA

The comfortable MS Prinzessin Katharina provides the right ambience to make you feel at ease. On board the premium ship you can expect classic elegance, a tasteful interior and a friendly crew. Enjoy the special atmosphere and let yourself be spoilt by the good cuisine. On two passenger decks you will find a panoramic restaurant, a comfortable salon, two bars and an inviting foyer, a book corner, a small shop and a hairdresser's salon. On the spacious, partly covered sun deck there are enough deck chairs available.

All 71 cabins are outside cabins and comfortably and tastefully furnished featuring en-suite facilities with shower/WC, hair dryer, air-conditioning, TV, on-board-radio, telephone and a small refrigerator.

Upper deck: 29 two-bed cabins, 1 triple cabin und 2 single cabins;
all cabins have approx. 11 m²with french balcony (= floor-to-ceiling windows which can be opened). 2-bed cabins with a sofa bed and a pullman bed (stowed during the day for more comfort). In the triple cabin a 3rd bed is folded down from the wall (max. 80 kg).

Main deck: 38 two-bed cabins, 1 single cabin (all cabins have approx.
11 m²) with two sofa beds standing in a right angle and a picture window (not to open).

Technical Details:

Year of construction: 1990. Refurbishment: 2015. Registry: Malta. Length: 110 m. Width: 11.20 m. Draft: 1 m. Passengers: max. 140. Number of crew: 30.

Date & Prices

You can find out more about this cycling holiday by calling 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.

Sailing Information:

Ship	Route Summary
MS Prinzessin Katharina	Passau – Vienna – Bratislava – Budapest - Passau

2022 Cycling Holiday Prices:

Season	Date Band	Arrival Day
Season A	16APR – 23APR I 08OCT – 15 OCT	Saturday
Season B	30APR – 07MAY I 24SEP – 01OCT	Saturday
Season C	14MAY – 21MAY I 28MAY – 04JUNE I 11JUNE – 18JUNE I 25JUNE – 02JULY I 09JULY – 16JULY 23JULY– 30JULY I 06AUG – 13AUG I 20AUG – 27AUG I 03SEP – 10SEP I 10SEP – 17SEP	Saturday

Main Deck Information:

Season	Prices per person	Arrival Day
Season A: Main Deck 2 bed astern	£660	Saturday
Season A; Main Deck 2 bed	£750	Saturday
Season A: Main Deck (Single use)	£1020	Saturday
Season B: Main Deck 2 bed astern	£750	Saturday
Season B; Main Deck 2 bed	£840	Saturday
Season B: Main Deck (Single use)	£1100	Saturday
Season C: Main Deck 2 bed astern	£840	Saturday
Season C; Main Deck 2 bed	£930	Saturday
Season C: Main Deck (Single use)	£1205	Saturday

Upper Deck Information:

Season	Prices per person	Arrival Day
Season A: Upper Deck 3 bed	£750	Saturday
Season A: Upper Deck 2 bed	£930	Saturday
Season A: Upper Deck (Single use)	£1250	Saturday
Season B: Upper Deck 3 bed	£840	Saturday
Season B: Upper Deck 2 bed	£1020	Saturday
Season B: Upper Deck (Single use)	£1340	Saturday
Season C: Upper Deck 3 bed	£930	Saturday
Season C: Upper Deck 2 bed	£1110	Saturday
Season C: Upper Deck (Single use)	£1430	Saturday

Bike Hire per person:

Bike Type	Price
Rental Bike:	£80
Electric Bike Upgrade:	£165

SE22

Date From	Date To
16 April 2022	15 October 2022

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