Itinerary

Day 1 (Saturday):
Arrival in Passau

Arrive in Passau, the “Bishop-City”, close to the Bavarian/Austrian border to board the MS THEODOR KÖRNER at 5.00pm. The crew welcomes you on board with a cocktail before dinner. Departure ios at approx. 09:00 p.m. Cruise to the Austrian resort town Egelhartszell, which was the summer residence of the bishops of Passau in former times.

Day 2 (Sunday):
Donauschlinge = "Great Loop", 25 miles (40 km)

At Obernzell (castle) the bicycle tour continues through the romantic fluvial topography of the “Great Loop” which is one of the most beautiful and original sectors of the Danube with its small villages and cosy taverns. You will rejoin the boat at the charming village of Aschach and then through the night you cruise to Vienna.

Day 3 (Monday):
Vienna to Bratislava, 34 to 46 miles (55 to 75 km)

On your way to Bratislava you will be accompanied by the sound of birds as you cycle through mystic alluvial forests which is the Donauauen National Park. The distance can be shortened by using the train. In the evening you will have the opportunity to discover hidden alleys, places and all the sights of this ambitious metropolis. Overnight your ship will cruise to Budapest.

Day 4 (Tuesday):
Budapest

In the morning you enjoy the panoramic view of the Danube bend. The gateway to Budapest is overwhelming: many of the famous tourist features are situated directly next to the shore. Nearby you find the Margaretheninsel (Margaret Island), which is a great place for short bike tours. The market hall – called “the stomach of Budapest” – is an attraction with many Hungarian delicacies and handcraft. During a city tour at night (optional) you can experience the illuminated Budapest.

Day 5 (Wednesday):
Danube bend, 15 to 36 miles (24 to 57 km)

The Danube bend is definitely one of most delightful and attractive parts and is called the Hungarian Wachau. Today’s bike leg starts at Visegrad with its famous fortress and the ruins of the former palace. You can choose from 2 different routes: the longer one includes a side trip to the island of Szentendre and the baroque village of Vác which has been influenced by the architects of Austria’s empress Maria Theresia. The other route leads you directly to the bishop-town of Esztergom with its gorgeous basilica – Hungary’s largest Catholic Church – overlooking the village

Day 6 (Thursday):
Vienna

Discover Vienna´s beauty spots. During a city tour by bike you will see some famous examples of architecture: the imperial Hofburg, St. Stephens Cathedral, the gorgeous boulevard “Ringstraße” with the State Opera House, the Burgtheater and Town Hall as well as the colourful “Hunderwasserhaus” and the Ferry wheel, which is situated at the Prater. You can relax at one of the numerous small coffee bars and you can end your evening with a Waltz and Opera concert at the Wiener Kursalon (optional) or at a wine tavern.

Day 7 (Friday):
Wachau, 25 miles (40 km)

Riding through small dreamy towns, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins, this hilly landscape is thoroughly enchanting. This is pure biking enjoyment! In Spitz you will find olde-worlde wine taverns directly beside the bike path. Take a break – you deserve it! You have to walk your bike through Dürnstein´s narrow alleys where King Richard the Lionheart was not very welcome during mediaeval times. At the end of this stage there is Melk with its gorgeous baroque Benedictine monastery. Then its back on board for a ceremonial gala dinner followed by the fun and entertainment of a folklore show.

Day 8 (Saturday):
Passau

Remaining on board you will reach Passau in the late morning relaxed, rested and definitely in good spirits. You will disembark at approximately 12:30 p.m.