Danube to the Iron Gates Bike and Boat
15 Days Starting and ending in Passau, Germany
Visiting: Passau, Danube Bend, Bratislava, Budapest, Mohacs, Belgrade, Ilok, Kalocsa, Esztergom, Vienna, Melk
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBV
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Group size:
90 - 135
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Danube to the Iron Gates Bike and Boat" tour, exploring six captivating countries: Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Serbia, Hungary, and Croatia. Cycle through charming landscapes, past historic ruins, and along the famous Danube bike path, while discovering the enchanting cities of Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade. Experience the timeless beauty of the Danube by boat and bike, and relax on board the comfortable MV Swiss Crown. Enjoy 14 nights of accommodation, full board meals, and daily cycling adventures with provided bikes and route notes. This self-guided tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned cyclists.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Passau (Germany)
Location: Passau
Accommodation Name: MV Swiss Crown
Meals Included: Dinner
Boarding will begin at 4:00pm in Passau and the boat will depart at 5:00pm for the first cruise. Located at the junction of three rivers, the Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau has a number of interesting sites including the Fortress “Veste Oberhaus” built in 1219 where there is an observation tower for a good view of the town and the river and St. Stevens Cathedral with the world’s largest church organ. Cruise via a lock to the Jochenstein power plant on the border between Germany and Austria. As we cruise, information will be provided about the daily biking, sights and sightseeing trips. Dinner will follow.
Day 2 : Cycle Through The 'Great Loop' (42Km/26Mi)
Location: Danube Bend
Accommodation Name: MV Swiss Crown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning you will receive your bicycles from in front of the boat. Generally we provide bikes with 21 gears (or 7 gears if unavailable or requested). Enjoy a delightful day's cycling through the ruggedly romantic Danube Bend at Schlögen, one of the most beautiful sections of the river lined with sleepy farming villages and a natural landscape. Take a break at Austria's only Trappist monastery where you can taste their delicious liquors and cheese. On your way you will encounter tiny villages and cosy cider taverns. The famous “Schlogener View” provides a wonderful vista of the surrounding Austrian countryside. On arrival in the charming market town of Aschach, you reboard the boat.
Day 3 : Cycle To Bratislava (15-43Km/9-27Mi)
Location: Bratislava
Accommodation Name: MV Swiss Crown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a morning arrival in Devin, you cycle along the former "Iron Curtain", cross the green line and reach the imposing Imperial Palace of Hof with beautifully terraced gardens and idyllic manor farm. You continue along the bike path through Austria's "vegetable garden" to the vibrant city of Bratislava at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. You can discover the hidden alleyways and sights of Bratislava on an optional city tour before reboarding the boat this evening for an overnight cruise.
Day 4 : Arrive Budapest By Boat, Round Trip To Szentendre (27-54Km/17-33.5Mi) Or Free Time
Location: Budapest
Accommodation Name: MV Swiss Crown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our boat arrives into Budapest in the morning and the panoramic view of the Danube bend is quite stunning. The day is free to explore the many sights of the city, with the vast majority located on the river banks, on your own or on an optional sightseeing tour by bus. You can also choose to cycle on a round trip to the charming town of Szentendre with its Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art scene. In the evening, you can explore the Hungarian metropolis on your own or relax onboard.
Day 5 : Cycle Past Fields Of Sunflowers To Mohacs (37Km/23Mi)
Location: Mohacs
Accommodation Name: MV Swiss Crown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From the quiet baroque town of Baja that is famous for its fish soup, you cycle along the flood protection dykes in the Gemenc floodplain, through sleepy river landscapes past fields of sunflowers. At the end of today's cycle stage, you take the ferry to the small town of Mohacs, Hungary's most southerly town on the Danube and the site of two historic battles with the Ottoman Empire.
Day At Leisure In Belgrade
Location: Belgrade
Accommodation Name: MV Swiss Crown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional excursion: discover the vibrant Serbian metropolis by bike or bus on the confluence of the Save and Danube rivers, taking a small journey in time from the past to the present and discovering interesting facts about the rise and full of Yugoslavia. In the evening, Belgrade is bathed in a sea of light. Optional excursion: you visit a colourful folklore show with traditional dances from all parts of the country and then enjoy typical specialties of the country in the renowned artists’ district of “Skadarlija” with lively music from a Serbian band.
Day 7 : Cruise Through A Spectacular Landscape Of Deep Gorges And Impregnable Fortresses
Accommodation Name: MV Swiss Crown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience the stunning fjord-like landscape from the boat as we cruise through the Romanian Carpathian mountains and the foothills of the Balkan mountain range, or the "Iron Gates". The steep gorges, dark forests with historic monuments, impregnable fortresses and monasteries on the shores that are reflected in the blue waters of the river are spectacular.
Day 8 : Cycle From Novid Sad To Croatian Wine Town Ilok (48Km/30Mi)
Location: Ilok
Accommodation Name: MV Swiss Crown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Novid Sad, the provincial capital of Vojvodina, will capture your heart with its southern flair. The Petrovaradin fortress built in the 18th century by French architect Vauban as his masterpiece, one of the largest defensive structures in Europe, is the symbol of the city. You will cycle upstream along a flat cycle path then take a ferry to reach the gentle foothills of the Fruska Gora, with its orchards, vineyards and idyllic farming villages. Ilok, the eastern settlement of Croatia near the border of Serbia, is a wine kingdom of the Danube, known worldwide for its Traminer which the British royal family are fond of. Optional excursion: guided walk with Serbian wine tasting.
Day 9 : Cycle Along The Border And Explore The Nemzeti National Park (42Km/26Mi)
Location: Mohacs
Accommodation Name: MV Swiss Crown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the border triangle you will cycle through the never-ending "Backa" region. Small, idyllic villages and endless canola fields accompany you from Croatia to Serbia and Hungary. Farmers stop their work to greet you and now and then you will meet a carriage. You will experience untouched nature in Nemzeti National Park and after the ferry ride to Mohacs there is enough time for a visit at the White Stork Museum or the memorial of the Battle of Mohacs.
Day 10 : Cycle From Kalocsa, The Paprika Capital Of Hungary, To Solt (50Km/31Mi)
Location: Kalocsa
Accommodation Name: MV Swiss Crown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kalocsa is the paprika capital of Hungary. Wreaths made of paprika peppers,
hand-painted, bright floral patterns on houses and wonderfully embroidered traditional dress shape the image of the town. The cathedral rises like a cliff from the Puszta, the Archbishop’s Palace houses a collection of 150,000 books and you can learn all about Hungary’s favourite spice in the paprika museum. You will cycle on the well defined cycle path along the flood protection dyke through the expansive puszta, corn fields and orchards until you reach the historic town of Solt. It is the birthplace of the renowned conductor Sir George Solti, and worth seeing are its Vecsey Castle and the library with some 34,000 books in its collection.
Day 11 : Cycle Through The Hungarian Countryside (43Km/27Mi)
Location: Esztergom
Accommodation Name: MV Swiss Crown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Danube is framed by steep wooded hills as it flows from the picturesque, hilly landscape of the "Hungarian Wachau". Setting off from Vac, you cycle past the island of Szentendre set in the middle of the Danube and continue on idyllic paths though the Hungarian countryside to Esztergom, the old royal residence and Hungary’s original capital city. The dome of the imposing basilica, Hungary’s largest Catholic church, that sits enthroned high over the Danube can be seen from far and wide and is well worth seeing with its Tuscan-style high altar and red marble walls.
Day 12 : Cruise To Vienna
Location: Vienna
Accommodation Name: MV Swiss Crown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is an opportunity to relax as we cruise to Vienna and enjoy the breath-taking view of the idyllic floodplain forest of the Donauauen National Park. The choice is yours: cycle on Vienna's favourite recreational area the Danube Island, cycle out to the nearby Klosterneuburg Abbey or wander through the idyllic vineyards on Kahlenberg with magnificent views over the city and the Danube. Optional evening excursion: Waltz and Operetta concert.
Day 13 : At Leisure In Vienna, Optional 3 Hour Cycle Tour Of City
Location: Vienna
Accommodation Name: MV Swiss Crown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is at leisure in Vienna. Optional day excursions: 3-hour guided bike tour, hop-on/hop-off bus tour. We will provide you with information to plan your sightseeing. You may choose to take a circuit through Hofburg with a visit to the Sisi museum or a short break in the antique bakery Demel. Or there is the middle ages area between Hafnersteig, Heiligenkreuzerhof and the Blut – and Domgasse. In the evening you may like to enjoy a glass of wine at a Viennese tavern. During the night we cruise to Krems.
Day 14 : Cycle Through The Wachau Valley To Melk (39Km/24Mi)
Location: Melk
Accommodation Name: MV Swiss Crown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, one of the prettiest section of the trip, you pedal through the renowned Wachau, with its truly romantic scenery of vineyards and quaint villages, en route to Melk. Today’s cycle from Krems will take you past small dreamy villages, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins. A powerful ruin looms above the small Baroque town of Durnstein. In Weißenkirchen you will find comfy wine taverns right along the bike path where there is the possibility for wine tasting. Our last evening on board will include a gala dinner and crew show, while we cruise overnight back to Passau.
Day 15 : Morning Cruise Through The Danube Valley, Disembark Passau, Trip Concludes
Location: Passau
Meals Included: Breakfast
Check-out from the cabins is by 9:00am. During breakfast the boat continues to Passau with estimated arrival time 9:30am and disembarkation at approximately 10:00. We recommend that you do not make any travel plans until after midday.
What's Included
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Meals
14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 14 dinners are included. The trip is based on full board which includes a buffet breakfast daily, packed lunches when cycling or lunch on board, and a 3-course dinner each night with 2-3 choices for the main course. Vegetarian or other dietary requirements can be accommodated.
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Accommodation
14 nights accommodation in a standard twin/double cabin on the Main deck on board MV Swiss Crown. All cabins are air-conditioned with en-suite facilities. A supplement applies for other cabin categories: Comfort or Mini suite on the middle deck, Superior on the upper deck.
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Bike Rental
24-speed unisex bike rental with pannier and handlebar bag. Children trailers (max 2 children, 40kgs) are available on request. A limited number of 8-speed electric bikes are available for hire, approximately 12-15 per departure, which must be pre-booked and a supplement applies.
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Information Pack
Information pack including route notes and maps per cabin, and a navigational app.
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Cruise Director
Cruise director on board and daily briefing (does not cycle with the group).
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Welcome Drink and Entertainment
Welcome drink, crew show, daily live music, and a gala dinner on the last evening with a farewell cocktail.
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Docking and Harbour Fees
Docking and harbour fees are included.
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Daily Cabin Cleaning
Daily cabin cleaning, towels, and bed linen are provided.
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Emergency Hotline
An emergency hotline is available.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Passau
Travel to and from Passau is not included.
Parking in Passau including transfer to and from the boat is available but payable locally.
Closed parking lot costs EUR119, and undercover parking costs EUR135.
Private or shuttle transfers from Munich Airport to Passau are available at an additional cost. -
Drinks
Drinks other than afternoon tea and coffee on board are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as side trips, booked and paid locally, are not included.
Detailed information will be provided on board. -
Meals Not Listed
Meals not listed as included are excluded.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
Cruise cover may be required, check with your insurer. -
Bike Insurance
Bike insurance is available for purchase locally.
Allow EUR18 for a hybrid bike and EUR50 for an e-bike (subject to change). -
Fee for Own Bike
A fee for bringing your own bike is EUR60 or EUR80 for an e-bike, payable locally.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees not listed as included are excluded.
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Tips
Tips are not included.
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Items of a Personal Nature
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
, are not included. -
Helmet
Helmet rental or purchase is optional and must be pre-booked.
Rental costs EUR15 and purchase costs EUR32, payable locally. -
Tour Guide
This is a self-guided tour.
A guided cycling package is available at an additional cost.
Grading
GRADE 2 - This trip involves 10 days cycling usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain with some lightly hill stages and up to 54km/33.5mi in a day. It is mostly on the Danube cycle path and also country roads with little traffic, generally following the Eurovelo 6 route. In and out of the cities there will be some traffic. You need only carry your camera
ain gear and water bottle. Your luggage remains on the boat. A limited number of children’s bikes are available (minimum height 120cm), as are bike seats (max 18kg) and trailers (2 children, maximum 40kg), and tag-a-long bikes (minimum height is 120cm/3ft 11.3in). *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
Accommodation
14 nights boat. Sample photos of the cabins and boat. See additional photos above.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes transportation by boat along the Danube River, with bicycles provided for daily cycling excursions. The boat serves as the main accommodation and transport hub.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of bicycles are provided for the tour?
The tour provides 24-speed unisex bikes with panniers and handlebar bags. There are also a limited number of 8-speed electric bikes available for hire, which must be pre-booked and come with a supplement.
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Is there an option for guided cycling during the tour?
Yes, while the tour is primarily self-guided, a guided cycling package is available for an additional supplement and includes extra inclusions.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 14 dinners. The trip is based on full board, which includes a buffet breakfast daily, packed lunches when cycling or lunch on board, and a 3-course dinner each night with 2-3 choices for the main course. Vegetarian or other dietary requirements can be accommodated.
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What kind of accommodation is provided on the tour?
Accommodation is provided for 14 nights in a standard twin/double cabin on the Main deck on board the MV Swiss Crown. All cabins are air-conditioned with en-suite facilities. There are also options to upgrade to Comfort or Mini suite on the middle deck, or Superior on the upper deck, for an additional supplement.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional activities such as city tours in Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade, as well as a folklore show in Belgrade. Detailed information about these activities will be provided on board, and they can be booked and paid for locally.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour. Cruise cover may also be required, so it is recommended to check with your insurer.
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Are helmets provided, or do I need to bring my own?
Helmets are not automatically provided but can be rented or purchased. Rental helmets must be pre-booked and pre-paid, or you can purchase one for EUR32, payable locally but also must be pre-booked.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes on this tour?
The tour involves 10 days of cycling usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain with some lightly hilly stages, making it suitable for beginners and children. The daily distances can be up to 54km/33.5mi.
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What happens if I have an emergency during the tour?
An emergency hotline is available for any emergencies that may arise during the tour.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.