Premium Danube Adventure: Passau to Budapest

Welcome aboard in Passau, often called the “City of Three Rivers”, where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz meet. Boarding takes place between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m., giving you time to explore before departure. Stroll through the cobblestoned Old Town and enjoy the relaxed Bavarian atmosphere. You might stop by St. Stephen’s Cathedral to hear its world-famous pipe organ, the largest in any Catholic church, or wander along the riverfront to watch the boats come and go.

Passau’s charming streets are filled with cafés and small shops, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. If time allows, visit the Gothic Town Hall or climb up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress for a panoramic view of the city below. Later in the evening, the ship sets sail and the picturesque skyline of Passau slowly fades from view as your Danube adventure begins.

Your first day of cycling begins in the tranquil Austrian countryside. You’ll set off through the stunning Donauschlinge or “Great Loop”, a dramatic bend in the Danube surrounded by lush, forested hills. This is one of the most scenic stretches of the river and a favourite among cyclists. Along the way, you’ll pass through peaceful villages and perhaps stop at a rustic cider tavern for a refreshing local drink.

A highlight of the day is the Trappist monastery at Engelhartszell, where monks produce excellent liquors and cheeses that you can sample. The route also leads to the famous “Schlögener Viewpoint”, offering a magnificent panorama of the river snaking through the valley. After a relaxed ride through charming Austrian hamlets, you’ll rejoin the boat in the market town of Brandstatt. Enjoy dinner onboard while taking in the riverside views as the ship continues downstream.

Today’s route takes you through a region steeped in both natural beauty and history. Starting from Devin, you’ll cycle along what was once the “Iron Curtain”, now a peaceful green corridor marking the border between Austria and Slovakia. The route winds through farmland and riverside paths before reaching Schlosshof Palace, an impressive Baroque estate with formal gardens that invite a leisurely stroll.

Continuing along the Danube, you’ll pass through fertile plains known as Austria’s “vegetable garden”, dotted with small farming villages. As you approach Bratislava, the Slovak capital, the skyline of the Little Carpathian Mountains comes into view. Once in the city, explore at your own pace or join an optional guided tour to uncover its rich past. Highlights include the majestic Bratislava Castle, St. Martin’s Cathedral, and the old town’s narrow lanes filled with lively cafés and local boutiques. It’s an ideal spot to relax with a Slovak meal before returning to the ship.

Today offers flexibility, depending on your mood. You’ll arrive in Budapest, Hungary’s dazzling capital, often called the “Pearl of the Danube.” You can spend the day exploring at leisure, join a guided city tour, or hop on your bike for an optional ride to the riverside town of Szentendre.

If you stay in Budapest, visit iconic sights such as the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and Heroes’ Square. The thermal baths and traditional coffee houses are also well worth a stop. Alternatively, cycle to Szentendre, a charming artists’ town known for its Mediterranean atmosphere, cobbled streets, and colourful galleries. Stop for coffee or try langos, a Hungarian fried bread delicacy. Back in Budapest, take an evening walk along the illuminated Danube embankment or explore the Jewish Quarter, famous for its lively ruin bars and cultural heritage.

Today’s ride unfolds through one of Hungary’s most scenic regions, the Danube Bend. The landscape alternates between gentle hills and dramatic riverbanks, framed by steep mountains that rise on either side. As you cycle through small towns like Vác, take time to visit its vibrant farmer’s market, where you can sample local cheeses, fruits, and pastries.

The path continues through peaceful countryside until you reach Esztergom, Hungary’s former royal capital and home to the country’s largest cathedral. The Basilica of Esztergom dominates the skyline, standing majestically above the river. You may want to visit the cathedral’s dome for a spectacular view of the Danube below. The rest of the afternoon is perfect for exploring the old castle district or relaxing with a glass of local wine before rejoining the ship.

Wake up in the elegant city of Vienna, the Austrian capital known for its imperial palaces, coffee culture, and classical music. You can explore the city by bike or join an optional guided city tour that covers many of its highlights. Cycle or stroll along the grand Ringstrasse, lined with architectural gems like the State Opera House, Parliament, and City Hall.

Take time to indulge in a slice of Sachertorte at a traditional Viennese café or visit Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Kunsthistorisches Museum or Belvedere Palace, home to Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss.” In the evening, consider attending a waltz and operetta concert for a quintessential Viennese experience before the ship continues its night cruise towards the Wachau Valley.

Your final cycling day takes you through the enchanting Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its terraced vineyards, apricot orchards, and medieval villages. Starting in Krems, you’ll pedal along gentle paths lined with vineyards, passing through charming towns such as Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned. The blue spire of the local church is one of the most photographed sights along the Danube.

The scenery here is picture-perfect, with fairytale castles, rolling hills, and inviting wine taverns along the way. Stop to sample regional wines or enjoy a local snack in one of the rustic Heurigen (wine taverns). The day ends in Melk, where the magnificent Benedictine Abbey overlooks the river. Its golden Baroque façade and grand library make it a fitting finale to your journey. Relax and celebrate your final night onboard as the ship begins its return to Passau.