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Day 1 Arrival in Passau
Arrive in Passau to board the MS THEODOR KÖRNER at 5.00pm. The crew welcomes you on board with a cocktail before dinner.
Day 2 Donauschlinge = "Great Loop" 28 miles.
At Obernzell (castle) the bicycle tour continues through the romantic fluvial topography of the “Great Loop” which is one of the most beautiful and original sectors of the Danube with its small villages and cosy taverns. You will rejoin the boat at the charming village of Aschach and then through the night you cruise to Vienna.
Day 3 Vienna to Bratislava 34 to 46 miles.
On your way to Bratislava you will be accompanied by the sound of birds as you cycle through mystic alluvial forests which is the Donauauen National Park Donauauen. The distance can be shortened by using the train. In the evening you will have the opportunity to discover hidden alleys, places and all the sights of this ambitious metropolis. Overnight your ship will cruise to Budapest.
Day 4 Budapest 0 miles.
In the morning you enjoy the panoramic view of the Danube bend. The gateway to Budapest is overwhelming: many of the famous tourist features are situated directly next to the shore. Nearby you find the Margaretheninsel, which is outstandingly qualified for small bike tours. The market hall – called “the stomach of Budapest” – is an attraction with many hungarian delicacies and handcraft. During a city tour at night (optional) you can experience the illuminated Budapest.
Day 5 Danube bend 35 to 53 miles
Sporty cyclists are leaving Budapest by bike; those who are biking just for pleasure can shorten the distance by ship or by train (optional). North of Budapest, at the bow of the Danube, is the picturesque, slightly hilly landscape of the Danube bend, also called Hungarian Wachau. The small artistic town Szentendre is a paradise for bikers. With its open-air museum it is also a popular destination.
Day 6 Vienna 0 miles.
Discover Vienna´s most beautiful points. During a city tour by bike you will see the most famous examples of architecture: the imperial Hofburg, St. Stephens Cathedral, the gorgeous boulevard “Ringstraße” with the State Opera House, the Burgtheater and town hall as well as the colourful “Hunderwasserhaus” and the Ferry wheel, which is situated at the Prater. Relaxation can be found at one of the nemerous small coffee bars. The evening ends impressively with a Waltz and Opera Concert at the Wiener Kursalon (optional) or at a wine tavern.
Day 7 Wachau 25 miles.
Affected by small dreamy towns, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins this hilly landscape is enchanting everybody. This is pure biking enjoyment! In Spitz you will find comfy wine taverns directly besides the bike path. Take a break – you owe it to yourself! You have to walk your bike through Dürnstein´s narrow alleys. King Richard the Lionheart was not really a guest here during mediaeval times. At the end of this stage there is Melk with its gorgeous baroque monastery of the Benedictine monkhood. After a ceremonial gala dinner lots of fun and entertainment can be experienced on board during a folklore show. 25 miles
Day 8 Passau (disembarkation).
Relaxed, being rested and definitely being in good spirits you will reach Passau in the late morning. Disembarkment: 2:30 p.m.
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Cruise & Cycle
This journey takes you to the highlights along Europe’s second largest river. 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 National Park Donauauen as well as the picturesque Hungarian Danube bend are alternating with pulsating cities 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 imposing 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 you for a stroll around the charming Old Town.
