From the elegant city of Passau in southern Germany, you travel past the dramatic Schlögener Loop, a 180° turn in the Danube's course, and visit some of the highlights of the Austrian Danube. Passau, close to the German-Austrian border, is known as the city of 3 rivers, and the tour also visits the World Heritage Site of Wachau, and Linz, the capital of Upper Austria.
The tour includes a full day in Vienna with no riding, giving you time to visit some of the highlights of the Austrian capital. These are too numerous to mention, but include St Stephen's Cathedral, the Burgtheater, the State Opera House, the Naschmarkt, or one of the many traditional coffee houses.
The cruise is rounded off by a final cycle ride through the special Wachau region. An area famous for its wines and attractive baroque towns, and the Captain's Farewell Dinner. You leave the boat in Passau on the final morning after a cruise of infinite variety and interest.
Day 1: Passau – Engelhartszell
Also known as the "City of three Rivers", Passau is a stunning city, close to the Austrian border. Boardingwill be approx. 4-5 pm, and departure around 7 pm Enjoy your first dinner on board, before sailing in the evening to Engelhartszell.
Day 2: Engelhartszell – Untermühl – "Great Loop“ – Linz, ca. 35 km
Try some of the special cordials and liqueurs in the Trappist monastery in Engelhartszell which are said to have "special healing power." The route for the day will then lead you downstream, through pretty villages amid natural landscape. For a unique experience, why not take the little ferry boat through the romantic Schlögener loop, where the river makes a very abrupt 180 degree turn (approx. € 3,- per pers.). Later, you will sail from Untermühl to Linz. Discover Linz, the capital of upper Austria, which you can do, while riding on the bright yellow City-Express.
Day 3: Linz – Mauthausen – Grein, ca. 36 - 42 km
In the early morning you will sail to Mauthausen.
You will have the chance this morning to visit the memorial-place KZ-Mauthausen. The Celtic town Mitterkirchen gives you an insight into life in the past. For cyclists seeking a leisurely ride, the tour leads along the Danube. Alternatively, you can take the "Clam Castle," route through the beautiful back country of the "Strudengau". It is a rolling route, but rewards you with a fantastic landscape. Worth a visit in Grein: the impressive Castle of Greinburg.
Day 4: Grein – Melk – Tulln, ca. 50 km
Today's stage will take you through various landscapes. At the beginning, there is the Strudengau, a narrow point of the Danube, which used to be notorious amongst skippers. The valley then expands from Persenbeug and the bike tour leads you further to Melk with its gorgeous baroque monastery of the Benedictine brethren. From the beck of the ship, you can enjoy the sunset and the beautiful evening illumination of the Wachau. Today's final destination is Tulln, famous for its numerous market gardens where the famous Art Nouveau artist Egon Schiele was born.
Day 5: Tulln – Vienna-Nussdorf / (Korneuburg may also be possible), ca. 35 km
The monastery of Klosterneuburg is situatedright in front of Vienna's entrance, and embedded in a breathtaking landscape. You can already see the cupola of this 900 year old baroque building from a distance. "Kahlenbergerdorf" with it's wine taverns is definitely worth a visit. Enjoy the panoramic view over Vienna, and perhaps a relaxing stroll through the vineyards.
Day 6: Vienna-Nussdorf / Korneuburg (day of rest)
Take time to see all the most famous places of interest like the St. Stephens Cathedral and the Hofburg, the gorgeous boulevard "Ringstraβe" with the Burgtheater, the State Opera House and the town hall, which is sure to transport you to times gone by. Take your time in the afternoon for a relaxing stroll, or to visit one of the famous Viennese coffee bars.
In the night, you will sail to either Dürnstein or Rossatz.
Day 7: Wachau – Pöchlarn, ca. 39 km
The final day on the bike, is sure to prove a special highlight! Amidst the small dreamy, villages, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins, you will ride, completely enchanted by this magical landscape. A powerful ruin looms above the small Baroque town of Dürnstein, while the blue tower of the monastery church is a landmark of Wachau. In the evening there will be a farewell dinner with cocktail.
Day 8: Departure from Passau
Every journey must come to an end. You will arrive into Passau at about 10 am, and disembarkation will be half an hour later. We recommend you arrange connecting trips from noon onwards.
The route is nearly all flat, as you cycle along the Danube valley on metalled towpaths and minor roads.
Starting point of the cycling holiday: Passau
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.
Tour Details (Subject to change:)
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.
Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
Not Included
Services not included:
Journey to and from Passau, shuttles, entrance fees and excursions, bike rental, travel insurances, parking fee, ferry fees, drinks on board, tips.
Parking space inclusive transfer to/from ship: €66.-
Parking garage inclusive transfer to/from ship: € 77.-
(registration form in the travel-documents, payable on site)
Important remarks:
• Embarkation: ca. 4-5 pm, disembarkation: ca. 10:30 am
• Bicycles on board: unisex trekking bicycles with normal mount (ladies model), 7 gears with coaster breaking hubs or 7 speed freewheel hubs (subject to availability) and pannier bag. E-Bikes are available after prior request and at limited number. Please indicate your height when you book.
• To bring your own bike: on request only – due to lack of space on sundeck.
• Languages on board: German, English
• Cycle tours: all distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours. When a guest does not want to cycle one day, she/he can skip the bike tour and relax on board while cruising to the next harbour. The bike tours are individual, at your own pace, without a tour guide, but with daily briefings on board and detailed bicycle maps and directions. All cycle tours can be classified as being easy.
• Luggage: we recommend rainwear, bicycle helmet, sunhat and sneakers. Please be aware that the cabin storage space is very limited
• Smoking: the interior of the ship is a non-smoking zone: smoking is only allowed on the sun deck. As a safety measure, a statutory smoking ban applies in all cabins; this means that all cabins and rooms on board are non-smoking areas.
• Land excursions: we offer an optional (surcharge - not included in the tour price) excursion programme which can be booked directly on board at the cruise director only. Together with your travel documents you will get a brief description. Depending on the number of participants some excursions could be carried out in 2 languages (German/ English)
• Routing/Program: basically, we reserve the right to make changes of routing and program. 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. The same applies for officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges. Please be aware that a cruise ship on the Danube is not only your hotel but also a machine, working with engine power also during the night. Especially crossing locks and bridges - and the preparation work - may cause noise. If you are sensitive please bring your own ear plugs.
•Travel documents: EU-citizens (without special situations like dual citizenship, main residence abroad or a limited-validity passport) are required to have a valid passport or ID-card, not expiring within six(6) months of the return of your cruise. We kindly ask non-EU citizens, EU-nationals with multiple citizenship or anybody who has to respect special legal entry requirements for the country to visit, to inform about visa and entry documents at the competent embassy.
• Important - This trip is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.
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.
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 m2 with 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.
You can find out more about this cycling holiday. Call 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.
Ship | Route Summary |
MS Prinzessin Katharina | The Danube - Passau - Vienna - Passau |
Season | Date Band | Arrival Day |
Season A | 23APR – 30APR I 01OCT – 08 OCT | Saturday |
Season B | 07MAY – 14MAY I 17SEP – 24SEP | Saturday |
Season C | 21MAY – 28MAY I 04JUNE – 11JUNE I 18JUNE – 25JUNE I 02JULY – 09JULY I 16JULY – 23JULY 30JULY– 06AUG I 13AUG – 20AUG I 27AUG – 03SEP | Saturday |
Season | Prices per person | Arrival Day |
Season A: Main Deck 2 bed Front Astern | £565 | Saturday |
Season A: Main Deck 2 bed | £660 | Saturday |
Season A: Main Deck (Single use) | £930 | Saturday |
Season B: Main Deck 2 bed Front Astern | £660 | Saturday |
Season B: Main Deck 2 bed | £750 | Saturday |
Season B: Main Deck (Single use) | £1020 | Saturday |
Season C: Main Deck 2 bed Front Astern | £750 | Saturday |
Season C: Main Deck 2 bed | £840 | Saturday |
Season C: Main Deck (Single use) | £1110 | Saturday |
Season | Prices per person | Arrival Day |
Season A: Upper Deck 3 bed | £660 | Saturday |
Season A: Upper Deck 2 bed | £840 | Saturday |
Season A: Upper Deck Single Cabin | £1160 | Saturday |
Season B: Upper Deck 3 bed | £750 | Saturday |
Season B: Upper Deck 2 bed | £930 | Saturday |
Season B: Upper Deck Single Cabin | £1250 | Saturday |
Season C: Upper Deck 3 bed | £840 | Saturday |
Season C: Upper Deck 2 bed | £1020 | Saturday |
Season C: Upper Deck Single Cabin | £1340 | Saturday |
Bike Type | Price |
Rental Bike: | £80 |
Electric Bike Upgrade: | £165 |
Date From | Date To | Price |
23 April 2022 | 08 October 2022 | £0 |