Bike cruise between Passau and the Iron Gates on the Danube
Embark on a 15-day immersion on the banks of the Danube by bike and boat. Following a section of EuroVelo 6 route, the route takes you through the most beautiful landscapes of the Danube Valley by bike. Cycle along the hillside vineyards of Wachau and taste local wines in the picturesque wine villages of Melk or Krems. Admire the magnificent bends of the Danube at Donauschlinge. Near Belgrade, admire the impressive "Iron Gates," the Danube Fjord. Visit churches, monasteries, castles, palaces, abbeys... the heritage built on the banks of the river is impressive! This tour also offers an opportunity to discover four remarkable capitals:
- Vienna, the imperial city and capital of music
- Bratislava, the city of 100 spires
- Budapest, the pearl of the Danube
- Belgrade, the Berlin of the Balkans
Highlights of the trip:
- Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The four capitals: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade
- The Iron Gates of the Danube
- The Great Donauschlinge Loop
- Picturesque villages of Melk, Baja, Esztergom, Szentendre...
- Kalocsa, the "capital of paprika"
- Six countries crossed: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, and Croatia
Day 1: Arrival in Passau
Embark between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Shortly after, the crew casts off and you set sail peacefully towards the Jochenstein Lock on the German-Austrian border. Along the way, you glimpse dense green forests while enjoying the sunset.
Day 2: "Danube Loop by Bike," from Engelhartszell to Aschach (45 km)
The first day of cycling begins on one of the most scenic sections of the Danube: the famous Donauschlinge, or Danube Loop in English. Here, the river curves in a striking 180° angle, offering spectacular scenery. Along the way, you pass through typical villages where cider taverns invite you to a gourmet break. As you enter Austria, a stop at the magnificent Trappist monastery of Engelhartszell, the only one in the country, is a must. In addition to exploring the area, you'll have the opportunity to taste its liqueurs and artisanal cheeses. Further along, the famous Schlogen viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama of the meandering river. The day ends in the charming village of Aschach, where your boat awaits for the next part of your adventure.
Day 3: From Devin to Bratislava (15 - 43 km)
A narrow cycle path winds along the former Iron Curtain, connecting the ruins of Devin Castle to the sumptuous Schloss Hof palace, renowned for its Baroque gardens, among the most remarkable in Europe. After this immersion in nature, you'll head to bustling Bratislava. To explore the Slovak capital from a different perspective, a tour by miniature train (bookable on board) is available. This tour begins at the majestic fortress overlooking the city before taking you through the historic center, where the carefully restored facades reflect the prestigious past of this city, where many Hungarian kings were crowned.
Day 4: Budapest (free day) or excursion to Szentendre (48 km)
You enter Budapest by boat, allowing you to admire the city's most beautiful buildings lining the riverbanks. Opt for a guided city tour (optional) or hop on your bike and head to the authentic village of Szentendre, a haven for artists (the journey can be shortened by train). In the evening, enjoy free time to explore the city at your leisure, or relax aboard while enjoying the beautifully illuminated view of the city.
Day 5: Baja - Mohacs, 37 km
Starting from the charming Baroque town of Baja, renowned for its delicious fish soup, you follow the dikes protecting the Gemenc floodplain. This route immerses you in a tranquil natural landscape, between peaceful river branches and vast sunflower fields. At the end of the day, a ferry takes you to Mohacs, Hungary's southernmost town on the Danube. This historic site is known for having been the scene of two major battles against the Turks, profoundly impacting the country's history.
Day 6: Belgrade (free day)
Explore the Serbian capital by bike or bus. Located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Belgrade is a dynamic city with many entertainment options. Visit Zemun, the city's oldest district, or head to Skadarlija, a lively artists' quarter where taverns serve traditional dishes often accompanied by folk music. If you're a history enthousiast, this is an opportunity to learn more about the creation and fall of Yugoslavia. In the evening, the city is often bathed in a very special light, giving it a unique atmosphere.
Day 7: Cataract Canyons / Iron Gates National Park (free day)
Today's route takes you through breathtaking landscapes: enjoy the Danube Fjord. The river (once a glacier) has carved its way through the Romanian Carpathians and the Balkan Mountains, providing stunning panoramas. From the boat, you can admire the steep gorges, black forests, and historical monuments. Highlights include the Decebalus sculpture (the tallest rock sculpture in Europe at 40 m) and a stop at the Golubac Fortress (visit possible).
Day 8: From Novi Sad to Ilok (48 km)
Overlooking the provincial capital of Vojvodina, the impressive Petrovaradin Fortress overlooks the Danube. After following a cycle path upstream, a ferry takes you to the peaceful hills of Fruska Gora, a natural setting dotted with orchards, vineyards, and charming farming villages. Your journey then takes you to the medieval town of Ilok, a true wine lover's paradise where the winemaking tradition is ever-present. In the evening, a tasting of renowned Croatian wines is offered at a local winery (bookable on board), for a gourmet immersion in the heart of the region.
Day 9: From Batina to Mohacs (42 km)
This stage begins at the crossroads of three countries: Croatia, Serbia, and Hungary. You cycle through the historic Bačka region, which was settled by farmers from the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the 12th, 17th, and 18th centuries. You pass through charming farming villages.
The alternative route takes you through the Dunav-Drava-Nemzeti National Park and its unspoiled nature. Before arriving in Mohacs, you pass the National Memorial of the Great Battle of 1526, where the Ottoman Empire faced the Kingdom of Hungary.
Day 10: Kalocsa - Solt, 50 km
The town of Kalocsa, nicknamed the "paprika capital" of Hungary, captivates with its picturesque architecture. Its houses with colorful facades, adorned with hand-painted floral motifs, contrast with the imposing cathedral, whose towers dominate the landscape. A visit to the Paprika Museum will immerse you in the history and culture of this emblematic spice of the country.
Continue your route on a cycle path along the flood control dike, through the vast Puszta, a vast plain where fields and orchards stretch endlessly. Your route takes you to Solt, the birthplace of the famous conductor Sir George Solti. To round off this day full of discoveries, a stop at a horse farm will allow you to witness a demonstration by the legendary Csikós shepherds, true masters of Hungarian horsemanship. (bookable on board).
Day 11: From the "Danube Bend" to Esztergom, 50 km
The Danube winds through a hilly, wooded landscape, offering spectacular views of what is nicknamed the "Hungarian Wachau." Nestled in the heart of the river, the charming island of Szentendre evokes all the authenticity and gentle way of life of the Puszta. Along pretty cycle paths through picturesque villages, you will discover the warm atmosphere and Hungarian art of living.
Along the way, the imposing Esztergom Basilica looms on the horizon, its majestic dome dominating the landscape. The largest church in Hungary, this architectural masterpiece houses a Tuscan-inspired high altar and a side chapel adorned with red marble, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into Hungary's religious heritage.
Day 12: Vienna (excursion to Klosterneuburg / Danube Island)
After several days of cycling, a well-deserved moment of relaxation awaits you. Admire the spectacular landscape of the floodplain forest of the Donauauen National Park, where unspoiled nature blends with the magnificent horizon as you approach Vienna by boat. Once there, hop on your bike for a ride to Danube Island, a true haven of recreation for the Viennese, or head to Klosterneuburg Abbey, a landmark of Austrian heritage. For a more pastoral experience, explore the picturesque Kahlenberg vineyards, offering breathtaking views of the city and the river.
In the evening, immerse yourself in the imperial atmosphere of Schloss Schönbrunn with a waltz and operetta concert, an unforgettable musical experience in this majestic setting (bookable on board).
Day 13: Vienna (Free Day)
Explore Vienna at your own pace with a guided bike tour or a hop-on hop-off bus (bookable on board). Stroll through the historic center and marvel at its elegant architecture and imperial atmosphere. Along the famous Ringstraße boulevard, you'll be transported back to the lavish Habsburg era, while charming Viennese cafés invite you to enjoy a slice of cake with a fine coffee.
Also take the opportunity to stroll through the characterful alleyways or discover local flavors at the Naschmarkt, the city's iconic market. End your day in style in a traditional tavern, where you can enjoy a glass of wine in a warm and authentic atmosphere.
Day 14: Wachau Valley, from Krems to Melk (37 km)
This final leg of your cycling tour is truly enchanting! The Wachau Valley, with its rolling hills, charming villages, castles, and majestic buildings nestled among apricot orchards and terraced vineyards, is one of the most splendid landscapes on your route. In Spitz, the cycle path crosses a region where wine taverns invite you to take a gourmet break. Enjoy the authentic atmosphere and indulge in a wine tasting (optional) to fully savor the essence of this renowned wine region. To conclude, Melk Abbey awaits you, perched on its rock, one of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in Europe!
Day 15: Passau
As the boat reaches Passau in the morning, enjoy the scenery and the curves of the Danube one last time from the sun deck. Disembarkation is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. An additional night is possible to enjoy Passau.
