Self-Guided Danube Experience by Bike + Boat / Iron Gates

Passau

Immediately after embarkation between 16:00 and 17:00, it’s time to "cast off". Enjoy a final view of the beautiful city of Passau as you glide serenely into the sunset, past dark green forests before entering the lock at the Jochenstein power plant on the border between Germany and Austria.

Danube Loop | Engelhartszell – Brandstatt, approx. 45 km

Your first day’s cycling begins with a ride through the classic scenery of the ‘Danube Loop’ Donauschlinge - one of the most beautiful sections of the Danube. Along the way you will encounter tiny villages and cozy cider taverns. In Austria’s only Trappist monastery at Engelhartszell you can taste their delicious liquors and cheese. The famous ‘Schlogener View’ provides a wonderful panorama of the surrounding Austrian countryside. The boat welcomes all cyclists back on board in the charming farmers village of Brandstatt.

Devin – Bratislava, approx. 15-45 km

A narrow cycle path runs along the Iron Curtain from the castle ruins in Devin to the splendid palace of Schloss Hof, which boasts one of the most magnificent baroque gardens in Europe. Then follows a stretch of untouched countryside and a short time later, you arrive in the vibrant city of Bratislava. Our miniature train tour of the Slovakian capital in which Hungarian kings were once crowned (optional) begins with a glorious view from the fortress perched on a hill overlooking the city and ends with a walk through the beautifully restored historic city centre.

Budapest | Excursion to Szentendre, approx. 48 km

Savour the entrance to Budapest and the stunning views of the city‘s most famous buildings. Discover the city that straddles the Danube on a guided tour (optional) or take a detour to the delightful little town of Szentendre with many artists and galleries.

Baja – Mohacs, approx. 36 km

From the quiet Baroque town of Baja that is famous for its fish soup, you’ll cycle along the flood protection dykes in the Gemenc floodplain, through sleepy river landscapes. At the end of today’s stage, you take the ferry to the little town of Mohacs, Hungary’s southernmost town on the Danube and famously the site of two battles with the Turks.

Belgrade (rest day)

By bike or by bus, you can explore the lively Serbian metropolis at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, take a journey through time from the past to the present and learn a lot about the rise and fall of Yugoslavia (optional). Discover the lively market life and historic buildings in Zemun, the oldest district of Belgrade, and taste some of the country’s specialities in one of the taverns located directly on the riverbank.

Cataract Canyons | Iron Gates National Park (rest day)

Experience a breathtaking fjord landscape in the middle of the Danube, where the river cuts through the Romanian Carpathians and the mighty foothills of the Balkan Mountains. From the deck, enjoy steep gorges, dark forests, and historical landmarks. Highlights include the Decebalus Monument and a ship stop at Golubac Fortress with a visit opportunity. This natural wonder will give you goosebumps!

Novi Sad – Ilok, approx. 47 km

The imposing Petrovaradin fortress perches high above the provincial capital of the Vojvodina. After cycling upstream along a flat cycle path, you take a ferry to reach the gentle foothills of the Fruska Gora, with its orchards, vineyards and idyllic farming villages. Ilok, the easternmost town in Croatia is famous for its wines, which are drunk even in the English royal family: You’ll visit the 400-year-old wine cellar of a local winemaker, taste famous wine varieties of the region, and learn a lot about Croatian wine-making traditions (optional).

Batina – Mohacs, approx. 48 km

You are in the border triangle and cycling through the endless expanse of the Batschka (the territory of the Danube Swabians). Small, dreamy farming villages, bright yellow rape fields and endless agricultural areas line your way from Croatia via Serbia to Hungary. Farmers cheerfully wave from their fields, and every now and then a horse-drawn wagon crosses the road. The alternative route leads through the untouched nature of the Dunav-Drava-Nemzeti Nations Park. On the roofs of the farmhouses nest numerous white storks, for which even a separate museum has been established. On your way to Mohacs, Hungary, you will pass the National Memorial commemorating the great battle of 1526.

Kalocsa – Solt, approx. 52 km

Kalocsa is the “Paprika Capital” of Hungary and the character of the town is strongly influenced by colourful houses with hand-painted, bright floral patterns and the cathedral with its towers that can be seen even from a distance as they rise into the sky from the flat Hungarian plain. Visiting the Paprika Museum, you’ll learn a lot about Hungary’s favourite spice. Continue your journey on the well-built cycle path along the flood protection dyke through the vast expanse of the Puszta. White sandbanks along the Danube bank invite you to jump into the cool water. In the afternoon experience a horse show with breathtaking demonstrations by the Csikosoks and a tasting of local specialties (optional)

Danube Bend – Esztergom, approx. 50 km

The Danube is framed by steep wooded hills as it flows through the picturesque, hilly landscape of the "Hungarian Wachau". Set in the middle of the Danube, the delightful island of Szentendre radiates real puszta romance. As you continue your journey on idyllic cycle paths through picturesque villages, you’ll be able to experience the Hungarian zest for life at first hand. The dome of the imposing basilica in Esztergom that sits high over the Danube can be seen from far and wide. Hungary’s largest church, with its Tuscan style high altar and a side chapel with red marble walls is especially worth seeing.

Vienna (Bike excursion to Klosterneuburg, Danube Island,...)

After so many action packed days of cycling, you deserve some relaxation. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the idyllic floodplain forest of the Donauauen National Park and the impressive skyline as you sail into Vienna. Go for a ride on the Danube Island – Vienna’s favourite recreational area, cycle out to the nearby Klosterneuburg Abbey or wander through the idyllic vineyards of the so called Kahlenberg (with magnificent views over the city and the Danube). End the evening on a magical note with a concert of waltz and classical operetta music in Schönbrunn castle (optional).

Vienna (rest day)

Discover Vienna: from the saddle on a guided bike tour or on your own with the HOP ON HOP OFF Bus (optional). Ride through the historic city centre at a leisurely pace and see the sights from close up. The magnificent Ringstraße will remind you of times long past and inviting coffee houses will tempt you with delicious Viennese cakes and pastries. Afterwards, there’s enough time to stroll through the quaint lanes or visit the Naschmarkt, a feast for the senses. End your day in Vienna in traditional fashion at a rustic wine tavern.

Wachau | Krems – Melk, approx. 37 km

This final stage of your cycling tour can best be described as magical! The gentle hilly countryside of the Wachau with their picturesque villages, historic castles and palaces surrounded by apricot trees and terraced vineyards, is one of the loveliest stretches of the river. In Weißenkirchen the cycle path is lined with cosy vintner’s taverns and you should definitely treat yourself to a break here (optional wine tasting)! Along the way you will also spot one of the most beautiful baroque ensembles in Europe: The Abbey of Melk .

Passau

Enjoy the first rays of sunlight and the early-morning tranquillity of the Danube valley one last time. Catch a final view of the Danube Bend at Schlögen – before you reach Passau/surroundings, your heart bursting with memories and impressions. Disembarkation at approx. 11.00 am. Independent homeward journey. We recommend not to make any arrangements for onward connections departing before 12.00 pm.