Unisex Bike (RR)
£98 for 7 days
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
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.
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
£98 for 7 days
£210 for 7 days
£98 for 7 days
£0 for 7 days
£0 for 7 days
£21 for 7 days
£42 for 7 days
Included with bike hire
Vienna, Austria • Danube, Austria
Getting to Vienna (start and end of tour)
By plane: Vienna International Airport (VIE) is served by direct flights from all major UK airports, with British Airways, Austrian Airlines, easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair and others all flying the route. The airport is around 18km from the city centre. The City Airport Train (CAT) runs every 30 minutes, reaching Vienna Mitte station in 16 minutes. The S-Bahn is a cheaper alternative, taking around 25 minutes.
By train: Vienna is well connected by rail from central Europe. From London, the most practical route is to fly into a nearby hub (Munich or Frankfurt) and take a train, or take the Eurostar to Brussels/Paris and connect via overnight train. Direct rail from the UK to Vienna takes upwards of 14 hours, so flying is strongly recommended for this destination.
By car: Vienna is around 1,200km from Calais, taking approximately 11 to 12 hours via motorway. Driving is practical if you are combining Vienna with other Central European destinations, but flying is more efficient for a direct trip.
Bikes are not included. You are welcome to bring your own bike or hire one. Please see our bike hire section for details.
Flights are not included. Please refer to the what's included section for full details.
We will confirm your booking within 48 hours of receiving your enquiry. Please wait for confirmation before booking flights or making other travel arrangements.
Most itineraries include cycling on most days, with some rest or shorter days built in. Please check the itinerary for day-by-day details.
The latest you can book is 9 days before departure. This gives us enough time to confirm arrangements and accommodation.
You will receive full travel details, including accommodation, meeting points and local contacts, 3 to 5 weeks before departure.
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