The Danube river by boat and bike

The tour “Danube - by boat and bike” is a very laid-back river cruise, that can be actively enhanced by optional bike tours along the way. A lot of time is set aside for the exploration of three European capitals: Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. By bike you will be discovering the perhaps most beautiful stretches along the river Danube: the Danube valley, the Wachau region, the Danube wetlands at Devin and the Danube’s knee. Aboard the ship you can book several optional guided tours or excursions. This boat and bike tour along the Danube is perfectly suited for both seasoned cyclists and new enthusiasts. Couples or groups are free to organise their days to suit their needs and interests. Here you can find more details on the ship, the MS Normandie.

Day 1 Arrival in Passau
Passau’s historic centre has a very distinct Mediterranean flair about it. Embarkation at 4 pm, departure to Engelhartszell at approx. 7 pm.

Day 2 Engelhartszell-Brandstatt, approx. 45 km/28 mi, overnight boat trip to Bratislava
You will be cycling through the romantic Danube valley, where the Schlögener Schlinge distinctly stands out. Afterwards, the boat will take you to Bratislava, where you will arrive at around lunchtime on the following day.

Day 3 Round trip Bratislava, approx. 55 km/34 mi, overnight boat trip to Budapest
Today’s bike tour features a lot of natural beauty and sights well worth visiting, such as the Hainburg or Hof Castle. Or you can choose to explore the Slovakian capital instead. Throughout the night, the boat will take you to Budapest.

Day 4 Budapest (day off) or round trip Szentendre, approx. 40 km/25 mi, overnight boat trip to Visegrád 
Today, you can cycle to the lively artist’s town of Szentendre. Or, why not explore the hungarian capital. This will be followed by an overnight boat trip to Visegrád

Day 5 Visegrád - Esztergom, approx. 25-60 km/16-37 mi, overnight boat trip to Vienna
Today you can choose between different routes. They will take you through famous landmarks such as the Danube’s knee or the King’s palace and basilica. Followed by an overnight boat trip to Vienna.

Day 6 City tour by bike, overnight boat trip to Wachau (day off)
Vienna is perfectly suited to be discovered on a bike - but obviously, other options are also available. Followed by an overnight boat trip to the Wachau region.

Day 7 Wachau - Pöchlarn, approx. 42-52 km/26-32 mi, overnight boat trip to Passau
The charming wine villages of the Wachau region and the magnificint Melk monastery are all stops along today’s tour. Followed by an overnight boat trip to Passau.

Day 8 Passau and departure
Around 10:30 am we will be arriving in Passau where this tour concludes.

Here are the details on MS Normandie:

Included in your package "The Danube - by boat and bike":

• 7 nights aboard in your chosen category
• full board (7 x breakfast, 6 packed lunches, 7 x dinner)
• afternoon coffee and cake served daily
• cabins are cleaned daily
• bed linen and towels supplied
• daily live music
• free welcome drink and goodbye cocktail
• english speaking on-board tour operators
• bike tours are introduced and discussed daily
• detailed travel documents in english
• GPS tracks
• passenger-, harbour- and lock dutie
• optional rental bike
• optional event tickets and guided tours, bookable aboard

Accomodation:

• outside cabins, approx. 10-11 square metres (107-111 square feet), with ensuite WC and shower
• air condtioning
• beds with level access
• upper-deck cabins have adjustable windows
• cabins aft: during sailing and manoeuvres the engine sounds can be more audible here

Rental bicycles:

• We offer comfortable unisex-bikes with 7-speed gearboxes and coaster brakes or freewheel systems, equipped with a bike bag and a bike lock. We also offer e-bikes if desired.

Travel time 2020:

• Arrival on saturdays
  25.04. + 09.05. + 23.05. + 06.06. + 20.06.
  04.07. + 18.07. + 15.08. + 29.08.
  12.09. + 26.09.
• minimum number of participants: 50. This tour can be cancelled by the provider up to 4 weeks prior to its commencement. If this is the case, we will strive to supply our customers with an equivalent offer.

Prices:

All prices are per person in a twin cabin.

•   799 € main deck 25.04.
•   839 € upper deck aft 25.04.
•   949 € upper deck 25.04.
• 1249 € single cabin upper deck 25.04.

•   889 € main deck, may/september
•   929 € upper deck aft, may/september
• 1039 € upper deck, may/september
• 1339 € single cabin upper deck, may/september

•   929 € main deck, further dates
•   969 € upper deck aft, further dates
• 1079 € upper deck, further dates
• 1379 € single cabin upper deck, further dates

• + 50 % double cabin, single occupancy
• - 20 % 2nd person under 13 years

•   75 EUR rental bike
• 165 EUR e-bike

• booking code "The Danube - by boat and bike":
  RS-PBN-7M
• how you can save some money

The booking process

Arrival:

• Parking in Passau:
  - 68 €, fenced-in outdoor area, includes transfers
  - 79 €, roofed car park, includes transfers
  Information on how to register for parking is included in your travel documents

• Arrival in Passau via train:
  The railway station is about 15 minutes from the quay on foot.

• Arrival at Munich airport:
  Distance to Passau approx. 160 km, excellent train connections, journey takes approx. 2.5 hours.
  Train ticket price per person: approx. EUR 35
  Rental car, one way per vehicle: EUR 100-150

Perfectly looked after:
During your tour, we are available between 8 am and 8 pm, 7 days a week. We are happy to help with any kind of problems you might be having. You will find this emergency number in your travel documents.

Please note:
As is the case with all boat trips, changes in travel itineraries due to the weather, the rivers’ water levels or technical issues can be undertaken at any time.