Itinerary
The classic Danubian cycle path by bike & boat
Passau – Vienna – Passau
8 days / 7 nights | Ship: Prinzessin Katharina | Individual bike tours
The bike tour along the German / Austrian Danube is a very special pleasure, because your “swimming hotel” is always with you! Gently downhill, you will cycle along lush green river banks, through small, dreamy villages in the impressive Danube landscapes. You will discover the breathtaking natural wonder of the “Great Loop” (a swift 180º turn!) and immerse yourself in legendary Wachau with its vineyard terraces and enchanted castles and monasteries. Then Vienna – an abundance of sights! A city, hardly to describe – you have to see and feel it! Sights like St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the city hall are easy to reach during a wonderful sightseeing tour by bike. A stroll through the Naschmarkt (famous food market) is a wonderful cultural and culinary adventure. You can also relax at any of the cosy coffee houses or at a typical traditional Viennese wine tavern in the suburbs. The highlights of the tour:
Passau, the City of 3 rivers, the Schloegen Danube Loop, the World Heritage Site Wachau, Upper Austria’s capital Linz, the cosmopolitan city Vienna with a plethora of sights.
Highlights of this Bike & Barge Tour
✔ Staying on the premium ship MS Prinzessin Katharina
✔ Discovering wines from the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Landscape WACHAU
✔ The elegant charm of Vienna, the city of the Waltz
✔ Easy cycling along the enchanting Danube
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Engelhartszell
Individual arrival in Engelhartszell, approx. 30 km from Passau. Embarkation from approx. 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Overnight stay in Engelhartszell.
Day 2: Engelhartszell – Aschach, bike tour approx. 40 - 43 km / boat trip to Linz and on to Tulln.
The Engelhartszell Abbey is well worth seeing, known for its beautifully renovated church, but also for its ‘healing’ herbal schnapps. You cycle downstream on the former towpath. A trip on the nut-shell-sized ferry (approx. €7 per person) through the Schlögener Schlinge provides a special change of pace. From Aschach, you can take a boat to Linz and on to Tulln. Tip: Discover Linz with the bright yellow Cityexpress.
Day 3: Tulln – Vienna-Nussdorf, bike tour approx. 32 - 39 km
Klosterneuburg Abbey is located just outside Vienna. The dome of the 900-year-old baroque masterpiece is visible from afar, and the ‘Verdun Altar’ is one of the highlights of medieval goldsmithing. From the wine tavern village of Kahlenbergerdorf, it is worth taking a short hike through the vineyards to the viewing terrace of the Kahlenberg. You will be rewarded with a wonderful view of the metropolis.
Day 4: Vienna-Nussdorf (rest day)
Today, the sights of the Danube metropolis are on the agenda: perhaps St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace, the magnificent Ringstrasse boulevard with the Burgtheater, State Opera and City Hall? There are countless possibilities. Nevertheless, take enough time to stroll around or visit one of Vienna's famous cafés. During the night, your ship will sail to Krems in the Wachau region.
Day 5: Krems – Melk, bike tour approx. 37 km
Look forward to a bike tour through one of the most beautiful river landscapes in Europe. The gently rolling hills of the Wachau region, with its picturesque villages, well-tended vineyards, venerable castles, monasteries and romantic ruins, will enchant you. In Dürnstein, the blue Baroque tower of the collegiate church greets you from afar. Finally, in Melk, the magnificent Benedictine abbey towers over the Danube – a place steeped in history, culture and impressive architecture. Enjoy this day with all your senses – it is one of the highlights of the trip.
Day 6: Melk – Grein, cycle tour approx. 51 km
This stage takes you through charming river meadows with sweeping views and small, charming villages. The wild Strudengau region is scenically appealing – once feared by sailors, today it is an impressive river gorge with wooded slopes and rocky banks. In the idyllic town of Grein, the imposing Greinburg Castle towers over the Danube – you can discover Austria's oldest residential castle on a guided tour.
Day 7: Grein - Mauthausen, cycle tour approx. 36 - 40 km, boat trip to Engelhartszell.
The wide plain of the Machland accompanies you with its lush fields and quiet paths. In the Celtic village of Mitterkirchen, you can immerse yourself in a bygone era. Once you arrive in Mauthausen, you can visit the concentration camp memorial – a place of quiet remembrance and historical responsibility. In the evening, a festive farewell dinner awaits you on board. Night boat trip to Engelhartszell.
Day 8: Departure from Engelhartszell
Once again, enjoy the first rays of sunshine and the peaceful morning silence of the Danube Valley on deck. You will reach Engelhartszell at around 9 a.m. Afterwards, disembark and make your own way home. We recommend booking train connections from Passau from around 12 noon.
Map

Ship MS Prinzessin Katharina
MS Prinzessin Katharina
The comfortable MS Prinzessin Katharina provides the right ambience to make you feel at ease. On board the premium ship you can expect classic elegance, a tasteful interior and a friendly crew. Enjoy the special atmosphere and let yourself be spoilt by the good cuisine. On two passenger decks you will find a panoramic restaurant, a comfortable salon, two bars and an inviting foyer, a book corner, a small shop and a hairdresser's salon. On the spacious, partly covered sun deck there are enough deck chairs available.
All 71 cabins are outside cabins and comfortably and tastefully furnished featuring en-suite facilities with shower/WC, hair dryer, air-conditioning, TV, on-board-radio, telephone and a small refrigerator.
Cabins
Upper deck: 29 two-bed cabins, 1 triple cabin und 2 single cabins; all cabins have approx. 11 m2 with French balcony (= floor-to-ceiling windows which can be opened). 2-bed cabins with a sofa bed and a pullman bed (stowed during the day for more comfort). In the triple cabin a 3rd bed is folded down from the wall (max. 80 kg).
Main deck: 38 two-bed cabins, 1 single cabin (all cabins have approx.
11 m2) with two sofa beds standing in a right angle and a picture window (not to open).
Technical Details:
Year of construction: 1990. Refurbishment: 2015. Registry: Malta. Length: 110 m. Width: 11,20 m. Draft: 1 m. Passengers: max. 140. Number of crew: 30.
Travel Dates & Prices 2025
Boat and Bike Cruise Passau – Vienna / MS Prinzessin Katharina
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 €
S. 1
S. 2
S. 3
2-bed MD astern*
749,-
849,-
949,-
2-bed MD
899,-
999,-
1049,-
single MD
1199,-
1299,-
1349,-
Triple UD
899,-
999,-
1099,-
2-bed UD
1099,-
1199,-
1299,-
single UD
1399,-
1499,-
1599,-
Season 1
Apr 19
Season 2
May 03 + Sep 20
Season 3
May 17 - Sep 13
*Cabins in front and at rear of the ship; perceptive engine and generator noise (when ship is in motion and in locks)
MD = Main Deck
UP = Upper Deck
Optional services / Notes
Cycle hire (7 gears)
89,- €
E-bike hire (on request)
199,- €
Bring your own bike / e-bike (on request)
39,- €
Supplement twin for single use (main deck)
40%,- €
Parking (garage) in Passau, transfer included
94,- €
Parking space in Passau, transfer included
80,- €
- Child reduction: till 13 years 20% in a triple cabin with 2 adults
2-bed-cabin for single use (limited quantity): + 50%. - Minimum number of participants: 80
Services included
- 7 nights in outside cabins with private facilities in the booked cabin category
- Programme according itinerary from/to Passau
- All passenger fees and port fees
- Captains greeting and Welcome-Drink
- Daily cabin cleaning. Changing of towels and bed cloths as necessary.
- Full meals: 7x breakfast, 6x packed lunch for cyclists or lunch snack on board (non cyclists), 6x afternoon
coffee break, 6x 3-course-dinner and 1x farewell-dinner with farewell-drink
- Daily informational meeting
- Digital travel documents via GUIBO-App incl. GPS tracks for bike tour
- Tour guide on board
Services not included: Journey to and from Passau, shuttles, bike rental, entrance fees and excursions, city maps, ferry fees, travel insurances, parking fees, tips, drinks on board
Profile
The bicycle tours are self-guided. The terrain is flat and a normal condition is sufficient. Subject to changes in the routes. Depending on the weather conditions, water levels and nautical-technical conditions, the captain has the right to change the route, even in the short term.
Digital Travel documents and roadmaps: In the interest of sustainability and climate protection, please choose our digital route book instead of printed travel documents. The GUIBO app is your constant companion during your SE-Tours original trip. A glance at your smartphone is enough to keep you safe and worry-free, with all the important information at hand. Travel information, ship and contact details and your bike tours are available digitally in the route book, available offline and thus accessible at any time. The app is available for free and works on all standard smartphones. You will automatically receive the access data to download your booked trip via email before your journey begins.
Bicycles
7 gears unisex trekking bicycles with normal mount (ladies’ model) and 8 gears E-Bikes with normal mount (ladies’ model). Brand: Velo de Ville. Each with hand brake, coaster breaking hubs freewheel hubs (subject to availability - please indicate as non-binding customer request when booking) and pannier bag. E-bikes are available after prior request and at limited number only.
To bring your own bike: on request only – due to lack of space on sundeck
Travel safe and secure: we recommend to wear a bike helmet (compulsory use for helmets: In Austria for children till 12 years; in Slovakia for children till 15 years and for all cyclists outside built-up areas.). As of 2024, bicycle helmets are no longer available on board. Please bring your own bicycle helmet.
Own e-bikes
Bring your own e-bikes: Only e-bikes with removable batteries are allowed!
Cycle tours
All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours. When a guest does not want to cycle one day, she/he can skip the bike tour and relax on board while cruising to the next harbour. The bike tours are individual, at your own pace, without a tour guide, but with daily briefings on board and detailed bicycle maps and directions. All cycle tours can be classified as being easy. This trip is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.
Land excursions
We offer an optional (surcharge - not included in the tour price) excursion programme which can be booked directly on board at the cruise director only. Together with your travel documents you will get a brief description. Depending on the number of participants some excursions could be carried out in 2 languages (German/ English)
Routing/Program
Basically, we reserve the right to make changes of routing and program. 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. The same applies for officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges. 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.
Languages on board
German and English
Arrival and parking
You can park in a parking garage or on an enclosed outdoor area including transfer to the ship and back. A form for reservation you will receive with your travel documents.
This trip is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.
Travel Dates & Prices 2026
Boat and Bike Cruise Passau – Vienna / MS Prinzessin Katharina
Travel Dates and Prices 2026 per Person
Please click at the travel data to open the request form.
Travel Dates
Prices 2026 per Person in €
S. 1
S. 2
S. 3
2-bed MD astern*
799,-
899,-
999,-
2-bed MD
979,-
1079,-
1149,-
single MD
1249,-
1349,-
1419,-
Triple UD
899,-
999,-
1099,-
2-bed UD
1179,-
1279,-
1399,-
single UD
1449,-
1549,-
1669,-
Season 1
Apr 18
Season 2
Sep 26
Season 3
May 02 - Sep 12
*Cabins in front and at rear of the ship; perceptive engine and generator noise (when ship is in motion and in locks)
MD = Main Deck
UP = Upper Deck
Optional services / Notes
Cycle hire (7 gears)
99,- €
E-bike hire (on request)
219,- €
Bring your own bike / e-bike (on request)
49,- €
Supplement twin for single use (main deck)
40%,- €
Parking (garage) in Passau, transfer included
75,- €
Parking space in Passau, transfer included
95,- €
Bus transfer Passau main station–Engelhartszell return
50,- €
- Child reduction: till 13 years 20% in a triple cabin with 2 adults
2-bed-cabin for single use (limited quantity): + 50%. - Minimum number of participants: 80
Services included
- 7 nights in outside cabins in the booked cabin category
- Programme as per itinerary from/to Engelhartszell
- Passenger and port fees
- Captain's reception with welcome drink
- Daily cabin cleaning, bed linen and towel change as required
- 7 x breakfast, 6 x packed lunch for bike tours or light lunch, 6 x coffee and cake in the afternoon, 6 x 3-course dinner and 1 x farewell dinner with farewell drink
- Daily bike tour briefing
- Digital travel documents in the GUIBO app, including GPS data for the bike tours
- On-board tour guide
Services not included: Arrival and departure, parking fees, transfers, bike rental, entrance fees and excursions, city maps, ferry fees, travel insurance, tips, drinks and personal expenses.
Optional: Bus transfer Passau railway station - Engelhartszell
Bus transfer Passau main railway station – Engelhartszell and back: €50 per person.
Departure from Passau main railway station at approx. 4 p.m., departure from Engelhartszell after disembarkation.
Profile
The bicycle tours are self-guided. The terrain is flat and a normal condition is sufficient. Subject to changes in the routes. Depending on the weather conditions, water levels and nautical-technical conditions, the captain has the right to change the route, even in the short term.
Digital Travel documents and roadmaps: In the interest of sustainability and climate protection, please choose our digital route book instead of printed travel documents. The GUIBO app is your constant companion during your SE-Tours original trip. A glance at your smartphone is enough to keep you safe and worry-free, with all the important information at hand. Travel information, ship and contact details and your bike tours are available digitally in the route book, available offline and thus accessible at any time. The app is available for free and works on all standard smartphones. You will automatically receive the access data to download your booked trip via email before your journey begins.
Bicycles
7 gears unisex trekking bicycles with normal mount (ladies’ model) and 8 gears E-Bikes with normal mount (ladies’ model). Brand: Velo de Ville. Each with hand brake, coaster breaking hubs freewheel hubs (subject to availability - please indicate as non-binding customer request when booking) and pannier bag. E-bikes are available after prior request and at limited number only.
To bring your own bike: on request only – due to lack of space on sundeck
Travel safe and secure: we recommend to wear a bike helmet (compulsory use for helmets: In Austria for children till 12 years; in Slovakia for children till 15 years and for all cyclists outside built-up areas.). As of 2024, bicycle helmets are no longer available on board. Please bring your own bicycle helmet.
Own e-bikes
Bring your own e-bikes: Only e-bikes with removable batteries are allowed!
Cycle tours
All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours. When a guest does not want to cycle one day, she/he can skip the bike tour and relax on board while cruising to the next harbour. The bike tours are individual, at your own pace, without a tour guide, but with daily briefings on board and detailed bicycle maps and directions. All cycle tours can be classified as being easy. This trip is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.
Land excursions
We offer an optional (surcharge - not included in the tour price) excursion programme which can be booked directly on board at the cruise director only. Together with your travel documents you will get a brief description. Depending on the number of participants some excursions could be carried out in 2 languages (German/ English)
Routing/Program
Basically, we reserve the right to make changes of routing and program. 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. The same applies for officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges. 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.
Languages on board
German and English
Arrival and parking
You can park in a parking garage or on an enclosed outdoor area including transfer to the ship and back. A form for reservation you will receive with your travel documents.
This trip is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.