Along the Danube - Passau to Vienna

Day 1: Passau
Day 2: Engelhartszell - Brandstatt, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 3: Brandstatt - Linz, 16 mi. (26 km)
Day 4: Tulln - Vienna, 19 mi (31 km)
Day 5: Vienna (day of rest)
Day 6: Wachau | Krems - Melk, 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 7: Grein - Mauthausen, 22 mi. (36 km)
Day 8: Passau

All distances are approximate.

Day 1: Passau
Individual arrival in Passau, the city of three rivers. Make sure to take some time to stroll through this charming city's narrow lanes, and visit the Passau cathedral and the world's largest church organ. You will begin your journey with a relaxing boat ride, watching Passau's city scape fade gently away.

Day 2: Engelhartszell - Brandstatt, 28 mi. (45 km)
As you cycle throguh the lush countryside, you'll enjoy the scents of dense forests and freshly mowed meadows. You may take a break at teh Schlögener Blick observation point and see a magnificent view of the Schlögener Schlinge, where the Danube flows through a gorge and doubles back on itself.

Day 3: Brandstatt - Linz, 16 mi. (26 km)
You'll have rural ride again today. At lunch, you'll reach the Upper Austrian capital of Linz—"it all begins in Linz"! This is the European Capital of Culture 2009. Explore the largest church in Austria or take the Pöstlingberhbahn, the steepest adhesion railway, to a lookout point over the city. You can also visit the ARS Electronica Museum where you can try out some of the most impressive examples of modern technology.

Day 4: Tulln - Vienna, 19 mi (31 km)
Before entering Vienna, you can visit Klosterneuburg, a monastery situated in unforgettable scenery. You'll be able to see the dome of this 900-year-old baroque building as you approach. "Kahlenbergerdorf" is known for its wine taverns, and you'll have the opportunity to visit after a stroll through the vineyards and a striking view of Vienna. You'll take a city tour by bus in the afternoon where you'll pass most of the famous sights. You'll also have the option to go on a guided walking tour through the historic center of Austria's capital.

Day 5: Vienna (day of rest)
You can see all of Vienna's most famous sights on a city tour by bike or a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. The unforgettable Ringstrabße is remniscent of times long past, and Vienna's welcoming coffee houses will entice you with mouthwatering Viennese cakes and pastries. The Naschmarket market is a feast for every sense. You'll be able to end the evening with a concert of waltz and classical operetta music in Sisi's summer residence.

Day 6: Wachau | Krems - Melk, 23 mi. (37 km)
You'll spend today in the enduring Wachau valley. You'll cycle through wine-growing villages, decorated with terraced vineyards and apricot trees. Dürnstein awaits you with its narrow lanes and the castle in which Richard I of England, or "Lionheart", was once imprisoned. You can find the first rate famous Wachau wines in Spitz, one of the most famous wine-growing villages according to the World Cultural Heritage Landscape.

Day 7: Grein - Mauthausen, 22 mi. (36 km)
You'll cycle along a varied route, offering memorable scenery beginning in the medieval town of Grein, home to Austria's oldest theater. Next, you'll bike through the delightful hinterland of the Strudengau region, where you may even be personally guided through the romantic Clam Castle by the castle's lord! You'll then take a journey back to prehistoric Celtic Villages in Mitterkirchen. Your last stop will be at the Mauthausen Memorial, a World War II concentration memorial site 5 kilometers outside of Mauthausen sitting atop a hill.

Day 8: Passau
The ship will bring you to Passau, where you will disembark at about 11:00 am. It's recommmended that you don't make any arrangements for onward travel until after 12:00 pm. 

Language on board: German & English

Land excursions:
Offered as an option with a surcharge (not included in tour price), these excursions can be booked directly on board. You will receive more information with your final travel documents. Depending on the number of participants some excursions could be conducted in 2 languages (German/ English).

Day 1: Passau, boarding time between 4 and 5 pm.  Departure by ship at 7 pm to Engelhartszell.
Day 2: Engelhartszell - Brandstatt - Great Loop, 27-29 mi. (44 - 47 km)
Day 3: Linz - Mauthausen - Grein, 22 - 25 mi. (36 - 40 km)
Day 4: Grein - Melk - Tulln, 29 - 31 mi. (47 - 50 km)
Day 5: Tulln - Vienna - Nussdorf/ (Korneuburg may also be possible), 20 - 24 mi. (32 - 39 km)
Day 6: Vienna - Nussdorf / Korneuburg (day of rest)
Day 7: Wachau - Pöchlarn, 25 - 31 mi. (40 - 49 km)
Day 8: Passau, departure

All distances are approximate. 

Day 1: Passau, boarding time between 4 and 5 pm.  Departure by ship at 7 pm to Engelhartszell
The Episcopal city close to the Bavarian/Austrian border is also known as the "City of Three Rivers." Boarding time begins at 4 pm. Enjoy your first dinner on board and an evening sail to Engelhartszell.

Day 2: Engelhartszell - Brandstatt - Great Loop, 27 - 29 mi. (44 - 47 km)
Downstream, the route leads to pretty villages amid a natural landscape. Need a boost? Try some of the special cordials and liqueurs in the Trappist monastery in Engelhartszell, which are said to have "special healing power." If you’d like to take a break from cycling, you can take the little ferry boat through the romantic Schlögener loop, where the river makes a very abrupt 180-degree turn (approx. € 6 per person). You then travel on board from Brandstatt to Linz. Tip: discover Linz, the capital of Upper Austria while riding on the bright yellow City Express.

Day 3: Linz - Mauthausen - Grein, 22 - 26 mi. (36 - 40 km)
In the early morning, the boat takes you to Mauthausen. You have the possibility to visit the memorial place, KZ-Mauthausen. The Celtic town, Mitterkirchen, gives you a look into the past. The route continues through the fertile area of the Machland region. The destination of today's stage is the charming town of Grein. Also called “the pearl of the Strudengau” due to its idyllic location. Worth a visit to Grein: the impressive Castle of Greinburg.

Day 4: Grein - Melk,  29 - 31 mi. (47 - 50 km)
Today's stage is marked by a diverse landscape. At the beginning, there is the Strudengau, a narrow point of the Danube, once feared by river captains. The valley expands from Persenbeug and the bike tour leads you further to Melk with its gorgeous baroque monastery of the Benedictine brethren. On deck, enjoy the sunset and the beautiful evening illumination of the Wachau. The ship will sail to Tulln in the night arriving by early morning. Tulln is famous for its numerous market gardens where the famous Art Nouveau artist Egon Schiele was born.

Day 5: Tulln - Vienna - Nussdorf/ (Korneuburg may also be possible), 20 - 24 mi. (32 - 39 km)
Right in front of Vienna's entrance, embedded in a breathtaking landscape, the monastery of Klosterneuburg is situated. From a distance, you can see the cupola of this 900-year-old baroque building. "Kahlenbergerdorf" and its wine taverns are definitely worth a visit. After a stroll through the vineyards, you can enjoy the panoramic view of Vienna.

Day 6: Vienna - Nussdorf / Korneuburg (day of rest)
In Vienna, you should be sure to see the most famous places of interest like the St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Hofburg, the gorgeous boulevard "Ringstraβe" with the Burgtheater, the State Opera House, or the town hall that takes you back to the past. Take your time in the afternoon to stroll or visit one of the famous Viennese coffee bars. Later in the evening the boat cruises to Krems.  

Day 7: Wachau - Pöchlarn, 25 - 31 mi. (40 - 49 km)
Your last biking day is a special highlight! Amidst small dreamy villages, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries, and ruins, this gentle hilly landscape enchants everybody. A powerful ruin looms above the small Baroque town of Dürnstein, while the blue tower of the monastery church is a landmark of Wachau. In the evening, you will celebrate your tour and new-found friends with a farewell dinner and cocktail.

Day 8: Passau, departure
Every journey draws to an end. Once again you enjoy on deck the first sunbeams and the peaceful silence of the Danube Valley. Take a last look at the Schlögener Schlinge ("Great Loop") before you arrive in Passau. Arrival in Passau is at approximately 11 am and disembarkation is at 11:30 am. Please make note of these times when arranging your departure travel.

Language on board: German/English

Land excursions:
Offered as an option with a surcharge (not included in the tour price), these excursions can be booked directly on board. You will receive more information with your final travel documents. Depending on the number of participants some excursions could be conducted in 2 languages (German/ English).

Passau to Vienna

Day 1: Arrival in Passau
Day 2: Overnight dock outside of Passau - Linz | Bike tour: 18 - 22 mi. (30 - 35 km) | 34 - 37 mi. (55 - 60 km)
Day 3: Linz - Mauthausen - Grein | Bike tour: 3 mi. (5 km) optional + 22 - 25 mi. (35 - 40 km) or extend to 28 - 31 mi. (45 - 50 km)
Day 4: Grein - Overnight dock | Hike: 6 - 9 mi. (10 - 15 km)
Day 5: Overnight dock - Durnstein/Rossatz | Bike tour: 28 - 31 mi. (45 - 50 km)
Day 6: Durnstein/Rossatz - Tulln | Bike tour: 31 - 34 mi. (50 - 55 km)
Day 7: Tulln - Korneuburg/Vienna | Bike tour: 15 - 19 mi. (25 - 30 km) or extend to 25 - 28 mi. (40 - 45 km)
Day 8: Vienna/Korneuburg

All distances are approximate. 

Day 1: Arrival in Passau
Check in on board between 3:30 pm and 4 pm. Enjoy a welcome drink during a welcome briefing and introduction to the crew. After departing from Passau at 4:30 pm, the Merlijn will sail the amazing Blue Danube, which forms the border between Germany and Austria. Dinner is served during the cruise and in the evening, there will be time for a late night stroll. The boat docks for an overnight stay. 

Day 2: Overnight dock outside of Passau - Linz | Bike tour: 18 to 22 mi. (30 to 35 km) | 34 to 37 mi. (55 to 60 km)
After breakfast, a bike fitting, and introduction, your first cycling tour will start. A fascinating tour along the ‘Schlögener-schlinge’ awaits you, where the Danube makes several bends that have been sculpted through the mountains over millions of years. Early birds can choose to hike up to the ‘Schlogener-Blick’ viewpoint before breakfast, from where you can view the sharpest bend in the Danube, which locals have named, “The natural wonder of upper Austria”.

The Danube cycle path will lead you further along the Danube to Aschach and Brandstatt, typical Austrian towns where you might want to stop for a short visit, if only to try the infamous Austrian ‘Kaiserschmarrn’ dessert which pairs well with a delicious cup of coffee. The dessert is named after the Austrian emperor (Kaiser) Franz Joseph I, who was very fond of this kind of fluffy shredded pancake. After your visit, the Merlijn welcomes you on board again to take you to Linz. If you still have a few more miles left in you on your first day, you can cycle on to Linz. The boat docks here overnight. 

“It all begins in Linz” the Austrian saying goes. Around the main square are many historical and architecturally interesting houses, such as the old Town Hall. West of the main square, there is the old quarter with many other historic buildings, such as Renaissance houses, or baroque-style houses. At night, take a guided after dinner stroll through the city.

Day 3: Linz - Mauthausen - Grein | Bike tour: 3 mi. (5 km) optional + 22 to 25 mi. (35 to 40 km) or extend to 28 or 31 mi. (45 to 50 km)
During breakfast, the captain will navigate Merlijn towards Mauthausen, where your bike tour begins. In Mauthausen is a WWII Nazi concentration camp situated just a few kilometers from the city, which can be visited if you want to add an additional 5 km to today’s ride. There are two different cycle routes possible today: the shorter tour that goes along the Danube, or a longer route that leads you a bit more through the backcountry. Both routes lead to today’s destination of Grein, a picturesque town situated in a small bay at the entrance of the narrow valley of Strudengau, along the Danube. Dinner is served on board.

Day 4: Grein - Overnight dock | Hike: 6 to 9 mi. (10 to 15 km)
Today offers a break from the saddle. After breakfast is an opportunity to tour the ‘Schloss Greinburg’, one of the only castles that is still privately owned. Its impressive features include a stone theater and shipping museum. The remainder of the day gives you multiple choices. Austria is not only biker-friendly but also a hiker’s paradise offering so many options to explore. Depending on the ability of the group, the guide will suggest a hiking trail and lead you on a walk through beautiful nature. 

You can also opt to take a day off from activities and visit Grein’s shops, city theater, or museums. Or just relax on board and enjoy the beautiful scenery from behind your book.

In the afternoon, the Merlijn sets off for a stunning cruise, along the meandering Danube through the Struden bends. You’ll pass the Persenbeug lock, which brings the boat down many meters like a stair step in the river. Persenbeug is an old shipping town strategically situated next to the river, with a castle overlooking it all. It is also home to a hydro-electric power plant. This plant is the oldest power station in Austria, and almost supplied the entire nation when it was built in 1950. The day ends with an overnight stay in a small Austrian town. Enjoy this peaceful area and the calm Danube with a drink in the spacious lounge or on the comfy terrace.

Day 5: Overnight dock - Durnstein/Rossatz | Bike tour: 28 to 31 mi. (45 to 50 km)
The next two days are packed with highlights! Today’s tour will start after another delicious breakfast on board, and begins along the peacefully flowing Danube. After cycling for approximately an hour, you arrive at ‘Stift Melk’, set high above the Danube. Here, you will enjoy a guided tour to learn more about this blockbuster abbey fortress. After the tour, you’ll walk a few meters to the stunning city of Melk, which, together with the fortress, are undoubtedly the high point of any visit to the region, as well as a popular stop-off.

You follow the Danube further downstream until the calm and peaceful flow of the Danube evolves into a narrow and untamed rapidly moving river, until you reach the 'Wachau. This area (German pronunciation: va-xau) is an Austrian valley with a picturesque landscape formed by the River Danube. Overloaded with castles and ruins, as well as urban architecture and vineyards, it is one of the most prominent tourist destinations of Lower Austria, appealing to ‘connoisseurs and epicureans’ due to its high-quality wines. The Wachau was inscribed as ‘Wachau Cultural Landscape’ in the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites in December 2000, in recognition of its architectural and agricultural history. The day ends in Durnstein/Rossatz, where you stay overnight. After dinner, a wine-tasting session at a local winery is organized.

Day 6: Durnstein/Rossatz - Tulln | Bike tour: 31 to 34 mi. (50 to 55 km)
A longer route is planned today. During breakfast, the Merlijn will take you on a short cruise to Dürnstein, another pearl of the Wachau Valley. The small roofed stairs at the water's edge leads to the heart of the town. Dürnstein is not only known for its beautiful buildings, but also for the castle above the town where Richard I of England, yes, the Lionheart, was once imprisoned. After visiting this beautiful historic town, the rest of the tour will lead you mostly along the peacefully flowing Danube, which you can admire from the saddle of your bike. Just before arriving at the Merlijn in Tulln, you can visit the ‘Garten Tulln’, an attraction for gardening enthusiasts. The city is often referred to as ‘city of flowers” because of this botanical garden and the abundance of parks. It’s also the hometown of the influential painter, Egon Schiele.

Day 7: Tulln - Korneuburg/Vienna | Bike tour: 15 to 19 mi. (25 to 30 km) or extend to 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km)
This morning, you’ll leave Tulln behind and cycle the last stretch along the popular classic ‘Donau Radweg’. It will lead you through mostly rural areas: a dream for every cyclist. After a picnic lunch, there are two options: board the Merlijn, or cycle on to Vienna. In the evening, the Captain's dinner is served.

Day 8: Vienna/Korneuburg
Check-out and departure after breakfast. If time allows, an afternoon exploring Vienna is highly recommended. 

Vienna to Passau

Day 1: Arrival in Vienna/Korneuburg
Day 2: Korneburg - Tulln, 19 - 22 mi. (30 - 35 km), or shorten to 16 mi. (25 km)
Day 3: Tulln - Durnstein/Rossatz, 31 - 34 mi. (50 - 55 km)
Day 4: Durnstein/Rossatz - Overnight dock, 28 - 31 mi. (45 - 50 km)
Day 5: Overnight dock - Grein, 22 - 25 mi. (35 - 40 km) or extend to 31 - 34 mi.  (50 - 55 km)
Day 6: Grein - Linz, 22 to 25 mi. (35 - 40 km) + optional 3 mi. (5 km)
Day 7: Linz - Passau, 22 to 25 mi. (35 - 40 km) or extend to 34 - 37 mi. (55 - 60 km)
Day 8: Departure from Passau

Day 1: Arrival in Vienna/Korneuburg 
Check-in on board is from 3:30 pm to 4 pm. At 4:30 PM, the Merlijn will set sail. Enjoy a welcome drink during the tour briefing and introduction of the crew. After familiarizing yourself with the ship, dinner is served, and following your meal, take a stroll or enjoy a relaxing evening in the cozy lounge. It's highly recommended that you spend a few days in Vienna prior to joining the ship. Baroque streetscapes and imperial palaces set the stage for Vienna's artistic and musical masterpieces. Don’t forget to eat a traditional ‘Sacher Torte’ during your stay. A day trip to the Slovakian city of Bratislava is also within close range.

Day 2: Korneuburg - Tulln, 19 - 22 mi. (30 - 35 km), or shorten to 16 mi. (25 km)
Breakfast will be served in the restaurant followed by a bike introduction. The first few miles will be on Austrian ground along the popular classic ‘Donau Radweg’. Today's route leads through mostly rural areas, which are a dream for every cyclist. Just before arriving at the Merlijn in Tulln, you can visit the ‘Garten Tulln’, an attraction for gardening enthusiasts. The city is often referred to as the ‘city of flowers’ because of its botanical garden and abundance of parks. It’s also the hometown of the influential painter Egon Schiele. Dinner is served on board and afterward you can take a stroll through the town.

Day 3: Tulln - Durnstein/Rossatz, 31 - 34 mi. (50 - 55 km)
A longer ride is planned for today. Leaving Tulln behind, you cycle through the picturesque towns of Krems and Stein in the Wachau Valley. The tour leads mostly along the peacefully flowing Danube allowing you to take in the scenic views from the saddle. After visiting these beautiful towns, you will cross the bridge to find Merlijn in Durnstein/Rossatz, where it will stay overnight. After dinner, a wine tasting session is organized at a local winery. 

Day 4: Durnstein/Rossatz - Overnight dock, 28 - 31 mi. (45 - 50 km)
Experience two exhilarating days filled with unforgettable highlights! Today’s adventure begins post-breakfast, starting with a visit to another gem of the Wachau Valley: Dürnstein. Navigate the quaint roofed stairs along the water's edge to discover the heart of the town. Dürnstein boasts stunning architecture and is renowned for its castle, once a prison for Richard the Lionheart. Follow the Danube upstream through the picturesque Wachau Valley, celebrated for its historic castles, vineyards, and charming towns. This Austrian treasure, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and agricultural significance, captivates visitors with its rich history and exceptional wines.

After cycling 2/3 of today’s tour, you’ll arrive at the stunning city of Melk. After a short visit, you’ll walk to ‘Stift Melk’, set high above the Danube. A guided tour to learn more about this blockbuster abbey fortress is included. Together with the city of Melk, this undoubtedly forms the high point of any visit to the region. The day ends with an overnight stay in a small Austrian town. Enjoy this peaceful area and the calm Danube with a drink in the spacious lounge, or on the comfy terrace. 

Day 5: Overnight dock - Grein, 22 - 25 mi. (35 - 40 km) or extend to 31 - 34 mi. (50 - 55 km)
Today’s cycle tour will start in the morning. You can choose the longer or shorter ride of the day. Meet the group again in the old shipping town of Persenbeug, strategically situated next to the river, with a castle atop of it, and certainly worth a short visit. It is also home to a shipping lock and hydroelectric power plant. This plant is the oldest power station in Austria and almost supplied the entire nation when it was built in 1950. After the visit, follow the meandering Danube along the area called ‘Strudengau’, a narrow 25km valley along the Danube. Your tour ends in Grein, a picturesque town situated in a small bay at the exit of the ‘Strudengau’. Today, you will be offered a tour of ‘Schloss Greinburg’, a beautiful palace with a stone theatre. Dinner will be served on board. 

Day 6: Grein - Linz, 22 to 25 mi. (35 to 40 km) + optional 3 mi. (5 km)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board as the captain navigates upstream along the Danube. Once the boat docks, your cycling tour begins, leading you towards Mauthausen. This town is known for its WWII Nazi concentration camp, located just a few kilometers away. If you choose to visit, it's an additional 5 km round trip. Afterward, continue your ride through scenic landscapes toward Linz, where the Merlijn will be waiting for you.

“It all begins in Linz” the Austrian saying goes, which is spot on, as Linz is a city on the move, with its finger firmly on the pulse of the nation’s tech industry. Around the main square are many historically relevant and architecturally interesting houses, such as the old Town Hall. 

West of the main square, there is the old quarter with many other historic buildings, such as Renaissance houses, or older houses with a baroque facade. In the evening, you can explore more of Austria’s culture in this vibrant city. 

Day 7: Linz - Passau, 22 - 25 mi. (35 - 40 km) or extend to 34 - 37 mi. (55 - 60 km)
Prepare for an exciting day on the Danube with our journey to Passau! Breakfast will be served as we sail past charming Austrian towns like Brandstatt and Aschach, where you can savor the famous Austrian dessert, Kaiserschmarrn. Cycling enthusiasts will love the route through the stunning Schlögener Schlinge, known for its breathtaking bends carved by the Danube over millennia. Don’t miss the Schlögener Blick viewpoint for a panoramic view of this natural wonder! Choose between cruising aboard the Merlijn in the afternoon or continuing your cycling adventure to Passau.

Day 8: Passau 
Disembarkation is after breakfast. If you choose to continue your holiday, Passau is a good place to spend a few more days. Explore the three rivers by boat and enjoy the evening with a walk through the old town or a visit to Veste Oberhaus opposite. From 1867, the castle served as a penal institution, but today, it is home to the town museum, which has numerous permanent and special exhibitions. From the terrace, you’ll have a wonderful view of the old town of Passau and the confluence of the three rivers.