River Danube: Highlights Along Europe's Second Largest River
River cruise with beautiful cycle tours

This journey combines a river cruise, sightseeing in the metropolis of Bratislava, Budapest and Vienna and cycle tours through the romantic landscape of the river valley . The impressive spectacle of nature of the Schlögener Donauschlinge (= "Great Loop"), the fascinating landscape of the Wachau with its vineyards, castles and palaces, the untouched alluvial forests of the Danube National Park as well as the picturesque Hungarian Danube bend are alternating with thriving metropolises such as Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. The wide stream of the Danube flows like a silver belt through Budapest separating the hilly Buda and the flat Pest. The important cupola of the basilica in Esztergom salutes already from the distance. At the foot of the Carpathian Mountains the Slovak capitol Bratislava (former Pressburg) invites with its charming Old Town to a vast stroll. What about a small flirt with Vienna, City of Waltz? A firework of sightseeing, small dreamy coffee bars and cosy wine taverns are expecting you.

Route

Day 1 (Sunday) Arrival and embarkation in Passau

Arrival in the "3 river city" with boarding starting at 5 PM. Passau attracts many with the world's greatest church organ at the Stephansdom, and with it's charming Old Town. Departure will be around 6:30 PM when we sail to the traditional Engelhartszell. Enjoy your first dinner on board and an evening sail to Engelhartszell.

Day 2: Engelhartszell – Aschach – Vienna, bike leg approx. 40 km

The day starts in Engelhartszell where we head towards the "Great Loop" - one of the most beautiful and original sectors of the Danube. Your cycling will encounter small villages and cozy must-see taverns. You'll board again in the charming village Aschach. Then, you "sail into the night".

Day 3: Vienna – Bratislava, bike leg approx. 55 – 75 km - City Tour with old timer ride and city walk (optional)

Out of Vienna you can experience pure nature, wild and untamed at the National Park Donauauen, which is one of the last big unspoilt floodplains in Europe. Bratislava attracts at the destination and during a bus tour and walkabout in the evening (optional) you can discover hidden alleys, places and all the sights of this ambitious metropolis.

Day 4: Budapest (day of rest), Sightseeing tour by bike or bus (at night) - optional

In the morning you enjoy the panoramic view of the Danube's gorgeous landscape. The gateway to Budapest is overwhelming as many of the famous tourist features are situated directly next to the river bank. Nearby, you find the Margaretheninsel which is outstandingly qualified for small bike tours. The market hall - called "the stomach of Budapest" - is attractive with Hungarian hand made crafts. During a city tour at night (optional) you can experience a beautiful illuminated Budapest.

Day 5: Visegrad – Esztergom, bike leg approx. 24 – 57 km

The Danube bend is definitely one of most delightful and attractive parts and is called the Hungarian Wachau. Today's bike leg starts at Visegrad with its famous fortress and the ruins of the former palace. You can choose from 2 different routes: the longer one includes a side trip to the island of Szentendre and the baroque village of Vác which has been influenced by the architects of the Austrian empress Maria Theresia. The other route leads you directly to the bishop-town of Esztergom with its gorgeous basilica – Hungary's largest Catholic Church – overlooking the village.

Day 6: Vienna (day of rest), Sightseeing tour by bike or bus – Evening Waltz concert (optional)

Discover Vienna's most beautiful attractions. During a city tour by bike or by bus you will experience pretty closely the most famous examples of architecture: the imperial Hofburg, St. Stephens Cathedral, the gorgeous boulevard "Ringstraße" with the State Opera House, the Burgtheater and the town hall. Relaxation can be found at one of the numberless small coffee bars. The evening ends impressively with a Waltz- and Opera Concert at the Wiener Hofburg (optional) or at a wine tavern.

Day 7: Wachau | Krems – Melk, bike leg approx. 36 km

Small dreamy towns, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins along sloping hills await you. This is pure biking bliss! In Spitz, you will find comfy wine taverns along your bike route. There you can take a well-deserved break! You have to walk along with your bike through Dünstein's narrow alleys. King Richard Lionhearted was not a voluntary guest here during the medieval times. At the end of this stage is Melk, with its gorgeous baroque monastery of the Benedictine monks. After a ceremonial gala dinner, lots of fun and entertainment can be experienced on board during a folklore show.

Day 8: Passau

After rest and relaxation, and definitely being in good spirits you will arrive in Passau in the late morning. Disembarkation is approximately 12 noon. Please be flexible with the departure time.

Included:

7 nights in external cabins with private facilities and air-condition
Programme according itinerary from/to Passau
Captains greeting and Welcome Cocktail
Daily cabin cleaning, towels and bedclothes
Full meals: breakfast, lunch on board (non cyclists) or packed lunch for cyclists, afternoon coffee break, dinner
Gala-Dinner with farewell cocktail
Arrivals in April + October: FREE Wine for Dinner
Farewell-Crew-Show
Daily Live-Music
Bike rental (modern 7-speed-hybrid bike with coaster brake and panniers)
Tour leader on board (does not cycle with group)
Daily informational meeting
Information pack with route book (one per cabin)

Land Excursions

The following optional excursions (surcharge - not included in tour price) can be booked directly on board at the cruise director.
- Bratislava: City Tour with Old-timer ride and city walk
- Budapest: Sight-seeing tour by bike | Illuminated Budapest by night (city tour by bus)
- Vienna: City tour by bus | City tour by bike | Waltz & Operetta concert at the Imperial Palace
- Wachau: Wine tasting at a local wine grower

Cycling tracks

Tour profile: Level 1: Completely flat, well equipped bike path in Austria. In Slovakia and Hungary you will often cycle on country and side roads. Entering and leaving cities, there is some traffic to pay attention to! Ideal for bikers with less experience and children.

Rental bicycles

7-speed-UNISEX-roadster with coaster brake (included in tour price)
21-speed-trekking bike (supplement, on request)
Electric bike/pedelec (supplement, limited availability)
Child seat, bikes for children, bike trailer or trailer bikes on request
All rental bikes are equipped with panniers.
Helmets are available for purchase on board (€ 15). Helmets are mandatory in Slovakia and in Austria for children up to 12 yrs!

Parking information:

By train: Passau
Airports: Munic, Salzburg, Linz, Vienna, Bratislava
- Taxi-Transfer from Munic Airport to Passau: € 51 per person for a single ticket / 89,- return ticket (by appointment)
- Trainticket Munic-Passau: Bayernticket approx. € 28 (2-5 persons.), approx. € 20,- (1 P.)
- Transfer train station Passau - ship: single ticket € 6,50 per person (by appointment)
- Taxi from train station Passau to the docking place of the ship costs approx. € 9,00.
Parken: Parkplatz oder Garage in Passau € 53,-/65,- inkl. Transfer zum/vom Schiff nach Voranmeldung.

General Informations

The bike tours are unescorted. All mileages are approximate distances of recommended routes. Please be aware that the cabin storage space is very limited. 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. (Water level is force majeure). The same applies for officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges or in case of undeserved breakdown of engine or power unit. Please be aware that this ship, the MS MY STORY, like all other ships 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.