Danube Bike Cruise between Passau, Vienna and Budapest on the Lisabelle cruise ship
This 8-day Danube bike cruise offers a magnificent summary of this itinerary. Visit three remarkable capitals: Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. Cycle through the enchanting landscapes of Wachau, the Hungarian Danube, and the "Great Loop" of Donauschlinge. Aboard the Lisabelle, a comfortable boat offering numerous services, this tour is a wonderful opportunity to explore the Danube by bike and its must-see attractions!
Highlights of the trip:
- Wachau Valley
- Melk Abbey
- Esztergom and its enchanting landscapes
- Budapest, the Hungarian pearl of the Danube
- Bratislava, Slovakia's capital
- Vienna, the imperial city
Day 1: Passau
Boarding is scheduled between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. If you want to enjoy the city of Passau, we recommend a stroll through the old town. You'll most likely come across the cathedral, which houses the largest church organ in the world. It's also a chance to see the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz, and admire three different colors. The boat will set sail in the evening.
Day 2: From Engelhartszell to Aschach or Brandstatt, 45 km
The first route of your cycling holiday takes you to one of the most famous landscapes along the Danube: the "Great Loop" of Donauschlinge. Along the way, you'll encounter small villages and charming cider houses. At Austria's only Trappist monastery in Engelhartszell, you'll have the opportunity to taste the liqueurs and cheeses made there. After a few kilometers, get back on the road and arrive at the "Schlogener," a magnificent viewpoint of the surrounding countryside.
Day 3: From Devin to Bratislava, 45 km
Today you cycle partly along what was once the Iron Curtain. Stop at the Schlosshof Imperial Palace and admire the magnificent terraced gardens. On your way back, the cycle path leads you through the "kitchen garden" of Austria to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.
Day 4: Budapest, excursion to Szentendre, 48 km or free day
Entering Budapest, a resplendent city, leaves its mark on every visitor who ventures there. Several options are available for this free day:
Guided bus or bike tour (optional) to discover the city's most beautiful sites
Bike ride to the charming village of Szentendre, a town of artists with a very Mediterranean atmosphere
Day 5: From the Danube Bend to Esztergom, 50 km
Today's setting could be nicknamed the "Hungarian Wachau," given the many similarities: steep mountains frame the Danube, and picturesque villages complete the splendid panorama. At the Vác Farmers' Market, you can discover regional specialties, while Hungarian history, folklore, and lifestyle are celebrated in Esztergom. Its basilica (the largest Catholic church in Hungary) is easily seen from afar with its towers soaring high into the sky.
Day 6: Vienna, Free Day
By bike or bus, you can opt for a guided tour of Vienna's must-see attractions (optional). There's no shortage of activities in Vienna. Visit one of the many museums, taste a delicious Viennese pastry, stroll along the iconic Ringstrasse boulevard, or visit magnificent buildings. In the evening, you can attend a waltz and classical operetta concert (optional). At night, the boat sails to Wachau.
Day 7: From Krems to Melk or Pöchlarn, 37 to 45 km
This final cycling leg has many surprises in store for you. We begin with Dürnstein, a Baroque town recognizable by its monastery church and Blue Tower. We continue through apricot orchards, vineyards, castles, and bucolic hills. Along the way, don't hesitate to stop at one of the many welcoming taverns that will be delighted to offer you a taste of local wines. To conclude this beautiful journey, Melk Abbey, a true architectural gem, awaits you perched on a hill overlooking the Danube.
Day 8: Passau
The boat will take you back to Passau for a final boat trip. Disembarkation is scheduled between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Additional nights are possible to enjoy the city.
