Itinerary
River Danube: Highlights Along Europe's Second Largest River
8 days / 7 nights | MS SWISS CROWN | Self guided or guided bike tours
Accompanied by a comfortable new cruise ship you cycle along Europe's second largest river Danube from the charming Bavarian “three river city” of Passau straight into the heart of the once glorious Imperial and Royal Monarchy. Enjoy three of the most enchanting European capitals: the lively Vienna, the Slovak coronation city of Bratislava at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains and Budapest, the "Hungarian Danube Queen"! By bicycle you discover the stunning natural spectacle of the Schlögener Donauschlinge ("Great Loop"), the legendary Wachau with romantic towns and mighty castles amidst lovely vineyards, the untouched alluvial forests of the Danube National Park, as well as the picturesque Hungarian Danube bend where the important cupola of the basilica in Esztergom salutes from the distance. On board your "floating hotels" during this trip you will enjoy the comfort of a cruise ship and delicious regional specialties! Short routings for leisure cyclists available!
Highlights of this Bike & Barge Tour✔ Staying on the premium ship
✔ Cycling and sailing along the enchanting Danube
✔ Europe' s most charming capitals on a glorious cycling holiday
✔ Discovering wines from the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Landscape WACHAU
Ability level: Level 1 - the cycle route is completely flat, at times on a gentle downhill slope, and is ideal for bikers with less experience, leisure cyclists and children.
Travel Information available in English or German.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Sun): Arrival and embarkation in Passau
Boarding time at 4:00 p.m. Located at the meeting point of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers, Passau has numerous of interesting sites to visit. Use your free time and stroll through the cobblestoned old town centre, listen to the bells of Passau’s Gothic Town Hall or have a look at the world’s largest Catholic Church organ in the Passau Cathedral. At 6.00 p.m. we cast off!
Day 2: Great Loop – Aschach (Cycling 42 km / 26 miles)
Your first day’s cycling begins with a ride through the classic scenery of the ‘Great 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 market town of Aschach.
Day 3: Devin – Bratislava (Cycling 43 km / 27 miles)
You pedal along the former ‘Iron Curtain’, cross the green line and reach the imposing Imperial Palace of Hof with its beautifully terraced gardens. Follow the bike path through Austria’s ‘vegetable garden’ to the coronation city of Bratislava and the slopes of the little Carpathians and discover the hidden alleyways and sights of Bratislava on an optional city tour..
Day 4: Budapest | roundtrip to Szentendre (Cycling 54 km / 34 miles)
You pedal along the former ‘Iron Curtain’, cross the green line and reach the imposing Imperial Palace of Hof with its beautifully terraced gardens. Follow the bike path through Austria’s ‘vegetable garden’ to the coronation city of Bratislava and the slopes of the little Carpathians and discover the hidden alleyways and sights of Bratislava on an optional city tour.
Day 5: Danube Bend – Esztergom (Cycling 43 km / 27 miles)
You pedal along the former ‘Iron Curtain’, cross the green line and reach the imposing Imperial Palace of Hof with its beautifully terraced gardens. Follow the bike path through Austria’s ‘vegetable garden’ to the coronation city of Bratislava and the slopes of the little Carpathians and discover the hidden alleyways and sights of Bratislava on an optional city tour.
Day 6: Vienna (day of rest), Sightseeing tour by bike or bus – Evening Waltz concert (optional)
Discover Vienna’s most beautiful attractions. During a city tour by bike or bus (optional) you will experience Vienna’s most famous examples of architecture: the imperial Hofburg, St. Stephens Cathedral, the gorgeous ‘Ring’-boulevard and the State Opera House, the Burgtheater and town hall and, of course, the colorful "Hundertwasserhaus". Take time to relax in one or more of Vienna’s famous cafés, while the evening ends impressively at a classical concert (optional) in one of Vienna‘s most famous palaces.
Day 7: Wachau | Krems – Melk (Cycling 39 km / 24 miles)
Your last biking day is a special highlight! A powerful ruin looms above the small Baroque town of Durnstein, while the blue spire of the monastery church is a landmark of the renowned Wachau. Amidst dreamy towns, apricot trees, vineyards and castles, this hilly landscape enchants everybody who visits ... you will be biking on cloud nine! In Spitz (possibility to do a wine-tasting – optional) you will find comfortable wine taverns along the bike path. After the Captain’s farewell dinner, lots of fun and entertainment can be experienced during the popular crew show.
Day 8: Passau
Your last biking day is a special highlight! A powerful ruin looms above the small Baroque town of Durnstein, while the blue spire of the monastery church is a landmark of the renowned Wachau. Amidst dreamy towns, apricot trees, vineyards and castles, this hilly landscape enchants everybody who visits ... you will be biking on cloud nine! In Spitz (possibility to do a wine-tasting – optional) you will find comfortable wine taverns along the bike path. After the Captain’s farewell dinner, lots of fun and entertainment can be experienced during the popular crew show.
Please note: All cycling distances stated above are approximate only.
Map
Ship MS Swiss Crown
MS Swiss Crown
Stylish, elegant and timelessly beautiful - this is how the 4* SUPERIOR ship MS Swiss Crown presents itself as it glides gently along the Danube river. You will immediately feel at home on board as soon as you enter the spectacular foyer. Designed in warm wood tones, the ship radiates a comfort and leaves nothing to be desired. The simple elegance of the timelessly beautiful staterooms, which are decorated with great attention to detail, will inspire you. Sit back, enjoy the serene, relaxed atmosphere, the fantastic views of breathtakingly beautiful natural landscapes, sometimes from the bicycle seat, sometimes from the inviting, partially covered sun deck. Let yourself be pampered by the friendly, accommodating crew and create on board relationships alongside memories to last a lifetime.
The stylish lounge with its comfortable club chairs and a cozy Panoramabar offers a very special atmosphere. In the first-class restaurant you undertake a culinary foray through the Danube countries and their variety of flavors. Rest and relaxation await you in the wellness area after an eventful day of cycling, and on the spacious, partially covered sun deck you can enjoy a glass of wine together with like-minded people and a very special spectacle of nature.
In a small onboard boutique you can buy souvenirs and souvenirs for those who stayed at home, but also useful equipment for your bike tours (clothing, helmets, bags, etc.). And if you feel like reading a good book, just help yourself to the onboard library. On board you will be greeted by a warm ship’s crew, who will make your stay as pleasant as possible and read your every wish from your eyes. WIFI available on board (connection may vary, payable locally).
In the convivial panoramic restaurant, all guests will eat together at the same time. We provide daily fresh prepared international and national specialties from the cuisine of the countries along the route.
If you are traveling with friends, please mention this when booking. Gladly an internal note is deposited to get a common table in the restaurant. Please note that it is not always possible for several people to accommodate all at one table as there is limited space in the restaurant and not all table sizes are available.
The full board consists of: breakfast, packed lunch for bikers (resp. light meal for guests on board), dinner with menue-choice, coffee-/tea break with sweets in the afternoon.
Your table number will be provided during boarding.
Cabins
The 68 outward-facing cabins are spacious 14 m² (single cabin 12 m2) and convince with elegant, comfortable interior.
The cabins have a double bed (can be separated to 2 single beds), shower/WC, hairdryer, SAT TV, safe, coffee maker and individually adjustable air conditioning.
STANDARD cabin:
the approx. 14 m² cabins are located on the main deck, equipped with a double bed (which can be moved apart) and smaller, raised windows (NOT openable).
COMFORT cabin:
the approx. 14 m² cabins are located on the middle deck, equipped with a double bed (which can be moved apart). The panoramic window can be opened.
SUPERIOR cabin:
the approx. 14 m² cabins are located on the upper deck, equipped with a double bed (which can be moved apart) and private balcony.
MINISUITE:
the approx. 16 m² cabins is located on the middle deck, equipped with a double bed (which can be moved apart), panoramic window, minibar and coffee station
Ship Details
Built (2000 / renovation 2018/2019) | Capacity (135 passangers)
Lenght (110 m) | Wide (11,4 m) | Draft (1,5 m)
Speed (22 km/h) | Crew (ca. 36)
Electricity (220 Volt) | Language on board (German / English)
Travel Dates & Prices 2024
Bike Cruise Passau – Budapest MS Swiss Crown
5% EXTRA DISCOUNT:
5% Discount on cabin price. This discount is valid for bookings until 60 days before departure and can be combined with the early bird, regular customers and group discount.
Travel Dates and Prices 2024 per Person
Please click at the travel data to open the request form.
Travel Dates
Prices 2024 per Person in €
May/Aug
Jun/Jul/Sep
Twin below deck
1099,- €
1199,- €
Twin middle deck
1419,- €
1519,- €
Minisuite middle
1519,- €
1619,- €
Twin upper superior
1619,- €
1719,- €
Optional services / Notes
Twin for single use below deck
+55%
Bicycle rental 21-gears, freewheel
89,- €
E-bike hire (on request)
189,- €
Own bike
29,- €
Own e-bike
39,- €
Parking garage Passau incl. transfer
92,- €
Parking place Passau
incl. transfer
78,- €
Extra Nacht Passau 4* Double Room p.p.
74,- €
Extranacht Passau 4* Single Room
109,- €
Rental helmet
15,- €
- Transfer airport Munich - Passau: Oneway PRIVATE (total, 1-8 pers.) EUR 270,-
- Transfer own bikes parking area - ship: EUR 5,-
- Minimum number of participants: 90
Included:
- 7 nights in outside cabins with private facilities and air condition
- Programme according itinerary from/to Passau
- Captains greeting and Welcome Cocktail
- Daily cabin cleaning, towels and bed linen
- Full meals: breakfast, lunch on board (non cyclists) or packed lunch for cyclists, afternoon coffee break, dinner (2-3 dishes to choose), late night snack
- Gala-Dinner with farewell cocktail
- Passenger and port charges
- Cruise director on board (does not cycle with the group)
- Daily informational meeting
- Detailed road book (one per cabin)
Land Excursions
The following optional excursions (surcharge - not included in tour price) can be booked directly on board at the cruise director.
- Bratislava: City Tour by old-timer excursion train and walkabout
- Budapest: Sight-seeing tour by bike
- Vienna: City tour by bus or by bike
- Vienna: Waltz & Operetta concert at Schloss Schönbrunn
- Wachau: Wine tasting with a local wine grower
Individual Cyclingtour
You´ll receive a detailed roadbook with maps and infomation to the routing on board. You do not cycle in a group – you cycle individually in your own tempo and are therefor able to time your day to your needs. Only the schedule gives you a time frame.
Our cruise director explains the evening before the next cycling path in the daily breefings and informs you about the specifics and gives tipps about sightseeing, possibilities to take a rest and specialities.
If you do not want to cycle, just stay on board and enjoy the passing landscape on the sun deck or relax in the infrared cabin. The crew is trying to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Bicycles and Equipment
Our bicycles are the most modern quality bikes of the brand KTM, which were specially designed for the requirements and the wishes of our guests. This resulted in easy-running, robust touring bikes with low comfort entry and puncture-proof tires. The elevated handlebars allow for comfortable and back-friendly riding. The bikes in our fleet are usually not older than 3 years. During the duration of the trip you are liable for damage, loss or theft. Bike insurance can be purchased on board.
The following bikes are available for rent:
24-Speed UNISEX* with comfort entry, hand brakes and freewheel
E-Bikes (Pedelecs) UNISEX with freewheel and 28" tires in frame sizes 46 / 51 / 56 cm.
*Men’s frames are provided for men over 188 cm tall.
Our rental bikes are equipped with: Pannier, handlebar bag, air pump. Per cabin you will receive a service kit with tools and a bike lock. In the on-board store you will receive quality bicycle helmets as well as cycling clothing (e.g. jerseys, pants, sweaters, rain jackets, rain ponchos).
On request, 7-speed UNISEX* touring bikes with hand and coaster brakes can be provided, as well as child seats, child trailers and pull-along bikes.
Electric Bikes | E-Bikes | Pedelecs
We provide modern quality e-bikes (pedelecs) with 8-speed hub gears and low UNISEX comfort entry. The bikes have a powerful Bosch mid-motor and strong 500wh battery. IMPORTANT: please reserve ebikes early, as they are only available in very limited numbers.
Own e-bikes
Take your own e-bike (max. 23 kg without the battery)
Bring your own e-bikes: Only e-bikes with removable batteries are allowed! Max. weight: 23 kg without battery.
Arrival – Parking – Departure
Arrival by car
If you arrive in Passau with your own car, we offer you a place in the Globus parking hall. We will bring you with your luggage from the parking hall to the ship and back.
Arrival by train
train station: Passau Hbf. The berth is about 3 km from the station. Cabs are available at the station.
Bus from Passau HBF
From Passau HBF: with bus line 8,10 and 11 to the station Stelzhamerstraße - approx. 650m from the shipping station Passau/Racklau.
Details and scedules can be found >>here
Please allow sufficient time for your train journey, as delays are also possible here. You should choose your connection so that you reach the port in time, at the latest 2 hours before departure. Please note that you are responsible for your own timely arrival at the port. Timetables and information you find at Deutsche Bahn or ÖBB.
Arrival by plane
Airport: Munich (MUC)
From Munich airport it is best to take the bus to Freising train station (travel time approx. 30 min.) and then continue by train to Passau (approx. 2 h)Timetables and information you find at Deutsche Bahn or ÖBB.
We are also happy to organize a private transfer directly from the airport to Passau. For details please refer to the price section of the trip.
General Information
All bike tours are unescorted. All mileages are approximate distances of recommended routes. Please be aware that the cabin storage space is very limited. In case of flood or low tide, the shipping company reserves the right to bridge parts of passages by buses. In extreme situations, the shipping company reserves the right to cancel the journey on short notice. No legal right shall be constituted of both situations. (Water level is force majeure). The same applies for officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges or in case of undeserved breakdown of engine or power unit. Please be aware that a cruise ship on the Danube is not only your hotel but also a machine, working with engine power also during the night. Especially crossing locks and bridges - and the preparation work - may cause noise. If you are sensitive please bring your own ear plugs.
Travel Dates & Prices 2025
Bike Cruise Passau – Budapest MS Swiss Crown
5% EXTRA DISCOUNT:
5% Discount on cabin price. This discount is valid for bookings until 60 days before departure and can be combined with the early bird, regular customers and group discount.
Travel Dates and Prices 2025 per Person
Please click at the travel data to open the request form.
Travel Dates
Prices 2025 per Person in €
May 17
07.06., 21.06., 30.08., 13.09.
Twin below deck
1149,-
1299,-
Twin middle deck
1469,-
1619,-
Minisuite middle
1569,-
1719,-
Twin upper superior
1669,-
1819,-
Twin for single use (below deck)
1781,-
2013,-
Optional services / Notes
Bicycle rental 24-gears, freewheel
99,- €
E-bike hire (on request)
219,- €
Own bike
29,- €
Own e-bike (max. 23 kg without the battery)
49,- €
Parking garage Passau incl. transfer
94,- €
Parking place Passau
incl. transfer
80,- €
Extra Nacht Passau 4* Double Room p.p.
91,- €
Extranacht Passau 4* Single Room
119,- €
Rental helmet
15,- €
- Transfer airport Munich - Passau: Oneway PRIVATE (total, 1-8 pers.) EUR 290,-
- Transfer own bikes parking area - ship: EUR 5,-
- Minimum number of participants: 90
Included:
- 7 nights in outside cabins with private facilities and air condition
- Programme according itinerary from/to Passau
- Captains greeting and Welcome Cocktail
- Daily cabin cleaning, towels and bed linen
- Full meals: breakfast, lunch on board (non cyclists) or packed lunch for cyclists, afternoon coffee break, dinner (2-3 dishes to choose), late night snack
- Gala-Dinner with farewell cocktail
- Passenger and port charges
- Cruise director on board (does not cycle with the group)
- Daily informational meeting
- Detailed road book (one per cabin)
- GPS data + bike tour app incl. voice navigation
Land Excursions
The following optional excursions (surcharge - not included in tour price) can be booked directly on board at the cruise director.
- Bratislava: City Tour by old-timer excursion train and walkabout
- Budapest: Sight-seeing tour by bike | Evening show with traditional music and dances
- Vienna: City tour by bus | City tour by bike
- Vienna: Waltz & Operetta concert at the Wiener Palais
- Wachau: Wine tasting with a local wine grower
Individual Cyclingtour
You´ll receive a detailed roadbook with maps and infomation to the routing on board. You do not cycle in a group – you cycle individually in your own tempo and are therefor able to time your day to your needs. Only the schedule gives you a time frame.
Our cruise director explains the evening before the next cycling path in the daily breefings and informs you about the specifics and gives tipps about sightseeing, possibilities to take a rest and specialities.
If you do not want to cycle, just stay on board and enjoy the passing landscape on the sun deck or relax in the infrared cabin. The crew is trying to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Bicycles and Equipment
Our bicycles are the most modern quality bikes of the brand KTM, which were specially designed for the requirements and the wishes of our guests. This resulted in easy-running, robust touring bikes with low comfort entry and puncture-proof tires. The elevated handlebars allow for comfortable and back-friendly riding. The bikes in our fleet are usually not older than 3 years. During the duration of the trip you are liable for damage, loss or theft. Bike insurance can be purchased on board.
The following bikes are available for rent:
24-Speed UNISEX* with comfort entry, hand brakes and freewheel
E-Bikes (Pedelecs) UNISEX with freewheel and 28" tires in frame sizes 46 / 51 / 56 cm.
*Men’s frames are provided for men over 188 cm tall.
Our rental bikes are equipped with: Pannier, handlebar bag, air pump. Per cabin you will receive a service kit with tools and a bike lock. In the on-board store you will receive quality bicycle helmets as well as cycling clothing (e.g. jerseys, pants, sweaters, rain jackets, rain ponchos).
On request, 7-speed UNISEX* touring bikes with hand and coaster brakes can be provided, as well as child seats, child trailers and pull-along bikes.
Electric Bikes | E-Bikes | Pedelecs
We provide modern quality e-bikes (pedelecs) with 8-speed hub gears and low UNISEX comfort entry. The bikes have a powerful Bosch mid-motor and strong 500wh battery. IMPORTANT: please reserve ebikes early, as they are only available in very limited numbers.
Own e-bikes
Take your own e-bike (max. 23 kg without the battery)
Bring your own e-bikes: Only e-bikes with removable batteries are allowed! Max. weight: 23 kg without battery.
Arrival – Parking – Departure
Arrival by car
If you arrive in Passau with your own car, we offer you a place in the Globus parking hall. We will bring you with your luggage from the parking hall to the ship and back.
Arrival by train
train station: Passau Hbf. The berth is about 3 km from the station. Cabs are available at the station.
Bus from Passau HBF
From Passau HBF: with bus line 8,10 and 11 to the station Stelzhamerstraße - approx. 650m from the shipping station Passau/Racklau.
Details and scedules can be found >>here
Please allow sufficient time for your train journey, as delays are also possible here. You should choose your connection so that you reach the port in time, at the latest 2 hours before departure. Please note that you are responsible for your own timely arrival at the port. Timetables and information you find at Deutsche Bahn or ÖBB.
Arrival by plane
Airport: Munich (MUC)
From Munich airport it is best to take the bus to Freising train station (travel time approx. 30 min.) and then continue by train to Passau (approx. 2 h)Timetables and information you find at Deutsche Bahn or ÖBB.
We are also happy to organize a private transfer directly from the airport to Passau. For details please refer to the price section of the trip.
General Information
All bike tours are unescorted. All mileages are approximate distances of recommended routes. Please be aware that the cabin storage space is very limited. In case of flood or low tide, the shipping company reserves the right to bridge parts of passages by buses. In extreme situations, the shipping company reserves the right to cancel the journey on short notice. No legal right shall be constituted of both situations. (Water level is force majeure). The same applies for officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges or in case of undeserved breakdown of engine or power unit. Please be aware that a cruise ship on the Danube is not only your hotel but also a machine, working with engine power also during the night. Especially crossing locks and bridges - and the preparation work - may cause noise. If you are sensitive please bring your own ear plugs.
