The Danube by bike and boat, from Vienna to Passau - Primadonna 2025

The Danube by bike and boat: in the footsteps of the Habsburg Monarchy

A unique journey that combines sport, nature and culture along the majestic Danube. Pedal through breathtaking landscapes and explore historic cities such as Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, where baroque treasures await you around every corner. Enjoy the tranquillity of the river and the spectacular views of the Carpathian Mountains and the famous meanders of the Danube. Whether you are a passionate cyclist or simply looking for adventure, this tour is the perfect opportunity to live an unforgettable experience in complete freedom. Join us for an adventure where every pedal stroke brings you closer to the wonders of Austria and Hungary.

Highlights of the trip:

• Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest
• The Wachau Valley
• The Danube by bike and its cycle paths

Day 1: from Vienna to Bratislava (possibility to do 67 km)

Boarding from 2:30 p.m. in Vienna. Two choices are available to you for this first day:

• Cruise : enjoy a cruise through the Danube Floodplains National Park. You will also pass through Hainburg Gate, on your way to Bratislava, the Slovak capital dominated by its castle perched on a hill overlooking the Danube.
• Active version: drop off your luggage at 12 p.m. on the boat and pick up your rental bikes (if booked). You can now set off on a pleasant 67 km through green countryside, passing through the charming town of Hainburg. This small Austrian town, rich in story, is dominated by its impressive medieval castle. Continue on to Bratislava (please specify at the booking)

Day 2: Budapest (22 to 56 km)

There are a number of options available to you today :

• Optional: guided bus tour in the morning with a stop in the castle district to discover the city’s historical treasures (3 hours) 
• Bike tour to Margaret Island or the city centre (approx. 22 km)
• Active version: Bike tour to the picturesque artists' town of Szentendre (56 km round trip)

In the evening, cruise through the magnificent illuminated Hungarian metropolis.

Day 3: From Mohacs to Baja (36 km) or from Baja to Kalocsa (55 km)

This morning, you can choose to take part in a bus excursion (optional) to the city of Pécs, around 50 minutes away. After the guided tour, followed by a free time for individual exploration, you will then join the boat for embarkation at Baja at around 1pm.

For those who want to pedal, you can cycle along the Danube to Baja (36 km).

For a sportier experience, opt for a traffic-free bike ride to the “capital of Puszta” in the afternoon, covering 55 km.

Day 4: Esztergom/Sturoco to Komarno (56 km)

This day is spent entirely on traffic-free cycle paths. You will follow a picturesque route to the Roman fort of Kelemantia. You then continue to the birthplace of Franz Lehar, an Austrian composer of Hungarian origin, renowned for his famous operettas. In the afternoon, you arrive in Komárno. For an additional fee, you can take a guided tour of Komárno, where you will discover the history and architectural treasures of this charming town. It is home to impressive fortifications, including one of the largest fortresses in Central Europe.

Day 5: Tulln to Spitz (59 km)

You can start your journey in Tulln with:

• A cultural visit to the Egon Schiele Museum, with 16 original works by the Austrian artist (optional).
• The Tulln Gardens, a magnificent floral exhibition (optional extra), comprising a 7-hectare horticultural exhibition and a large forest.

Continue with a magnificent walk along the Danube, passing through Krems (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to the wine-growing town of Spitz, in the heart of the Wachau region. This magnificent valley is often considered to be the most beautiful stretch of the Danube, with its sumptuous landscapes and villages offering the authentic, unique charm that characterises this region.

Day 6: Passau

Disembarkation in Passau before 12:30 p.m.

General information:

• 6 days and 5 nights
• Boat comfort level : Deluxe
• Languages ​​spoken on board: English and German
• Child rates: contact us

Dates 2025:
Departure from Vienna on Sundays 22/06 and 14/09

Included:

• Full-board stay (picnic at lunchtime)
• Self-guided tour
• 1 hydrojet massage per cabin
• Free access to the wellness area
• 1 wine tasting of 4 types of Austrian and Hungarian top wines on board
• Guide on board
• Personalized daily information about the tour
• Return transfer by bus / train Passau - Vienna
• Maps and detailed descriptions of the routes and GPS data

Not included:

• Transport to the departure point
• Personal expenses
• Visits
• Anything not specified in included

Options:

• Rental of standard bike or ebike
• Bike theft insurance (for rented bicycles)
• Cancellation Insurance
• Excursion pack: Guided walk Komarno, guided bus tour Budapest, bus excursion to Pécs with guided walk, land programme Tulln (optional Schiele Museum or National Garden Show)

Level:
1 2 3 4 5 6

Terrain:
Flat, very smooth roads and paths. Cycle paths all along the Danube.

Weather :
Continental, mild sun, pleasant temperatures.

Technicality:

• 0 to 59 km of hiking per day, or about 3 to 6 hours of cycling.
• Easy route to follow. No difficulty, accessible to all.

Bibliography:
Cycles maps and guide on Eurovelo 6 on Cartovelo

Participants:

You meet on board an international community of all ages, men, women, singles and couples with children.

Support:
Self-guided tour, daily discussions with a guide on board about the next day's route. Language English or German
On board, the captain and his crew. They are responsible for the smooth running of the holidays (on the boat) and take the boat from one stop to the next. The cook prepares the meals.

Meals:

• Breakfasts: On the boat, you will find a buffet breakfast offering hot and cold dishes.
• Lunches: On the boat = 3 courses offered // By bike = picnic provided.
• Snacks: After the daily route, you will find, upon arriving on the boat, various drinks, such as tea and coffee.
• Dinners: 3 courses
• Drinks are not included.

The Bike:

• The rental bike is a 7-speed coaster or 21-speed freewheel standard bike.
• If you take your own bike, it cannot be insured against theft by our company. You will have to do the necessary with your usual insurer. Don't forget your bike lock!

Transport:

• By train: regular from Vienna to Passau
• By car : International motorway E56 to Passau
• By plane: International airport in Vienna

Cancellation insurance:
In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance.

To learn more about insurance, click here.

Boat description : click here.