
KTM Touring Bike
The KTM LIFE Touring Bikes allow for a relaxing ride so that you can enjoy nature. Front suspension and ergonomic shaped grips…
£14 per day
Bike & Boat • Self-guided cycling holiday
Vienna, Austria • Danube, Austria
It was in Passau that the young Empress Sisi began her journey along the Danube to Vienna, where Emperor Franz awaited her. On this trip you follow in her footsteps, travelling by bicycle and boat through some of Europe’s most beautiful river scenery. Quiet villages, castles, vineyards, and palaces line the riverbanks, while the hospitality of Austria welcomes you at every turn.
This region is a paradise for food lovers too. Along the way you’ll taste everything from delicate apricot dumplings to rich Sachertorte and, of course, Wiener Schnitzel. The cycling helps balance out the indulgence, while Wachau wines and local specialities provide plenty of reward at the end of the day.
Your journey brings you through UNESCO-protected landscapes, cultural gems such as Linz, and finally Vienna itself – a city of grandeur and charm where imperial history meets modern life.
Highlights
Ideal for a relaxed pace with short distances and gentle terrain—perfect for beginners, families, or laid-back sightseeing.
Arrive in Passau and take time to explore its baroque old town, winding lanes, and cathedral, home to the largest church organ in the world. Boarding begins between 4 and 5 pm. As evening falls, cast off for your first boat journey down the Danube, watching the skyline of towers and domes fade into the sunset.
Cycle through the Upper Danube Valley, past forests, meadows, and quiet riverside villages. Small rustic inns invite you to pause, and the scent of freshly grilled fish lingers in the air. Don’t miss the viewpoint at Schlögener Schlinge, where the Danube twists back on itself in a dramatic loop.
Enjoy another morning on the riverside path before reaching Linz, capital of Upper Austria. On a guided stroll (optional) you’ll discover its cathedral, the steep Pöstlingberg railway, and the innovative ARS Electronica Museum. In the afternoon your boat continues downstream to Tulln.
Your final ride into Vienna takes you past Klosterneuburg Monastery, a magnificent 900-year-old baroque building. Nearby, the wine taverns of Kahlenbergerdorf offer a welcoming pause before you arrive in the city. In 2025, an optional bus and walking tour is available to introduce Vienna’s many sights.
Spend the day exploring Vienna, either by bike or with a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour (optional). Ride along the Ringstrasse, sample cakes in a traditional café, browse the Naschmarkt food market, or end the evening with a classical concert in Sisi’s summer residence (optional).
Discover the Wachau Valley, a landscape of terraced vineyards and apricot orchards. Cycle through the picturesque lanes of Dürnstein, then on to Spitz, a village renowned for its celebrated Wachau wines.
Begin in Grein, home to Austria’s oldest theatre. Today’s ride takes you through the Strudengau region, with highlights including Clam Castle (often with personal tours from the owner) and the Celtic Village at Mitterkirchen. The day ends in Mauthausen, with its important WWII memorial site.
Enjoy a final sunrise from the deck before returning to Passau around 11 am. Disembarkation follows; we recommend booking onward travel after midday.
Flights are not included with this holiday, but we recommend flying to Vienna and returning from Vienna.
The MS Lisabelle is a premium ship offering comfort and style on the Danube. Guests can relax on the spacious sun deck or in the panoramic lounge and restaurant, enjoying regional cuisine and river views. The 76 outside cabins (11–14 m²) are modern and comfortable, each with a private bathroom, air conditioning, and satellite TV. *ECO cabins: front/rear area of the ship (operating noises possible)
4-star ship
The KTM LIFE Touring Bikes allow for a relaxing ride so that you can enjoy nature. Front suspension and ergonomic shaped grips…
£14 per day
One for all. This KTM E-touring bike is a real all-rounder. This bike is perfect for extended bike tours, a leisurely ride on a…
£30 per day
Helmets of all sizes are available to hire for an additional fee.
£3 per day