Danube

Iron Gates Bike and Barge Tour: Danube from Passau to Belgrade, 15 Days

15 days

Bike and barge tours

Departure days: Saturday

396km

Easy

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15 days · 396 km cycling · Level 1 (flat) · Premium ship MS Lisabelle · Germany · Austria · Slovakia · Hungary · Croatia · Serbia

At a glance

Route: round trip from Passau via Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade to the Iron Gates gorge, and back through the Wachau
Duration: 15 days / 14 nights on board
Ship: MS Lisabelle, 4-star superior, 152 guests, 76 outside cabins
Distance: about 396 km by bike, up to about 52 km on a riding day
Level: 1-2, flat to lightly hilly, you can skip any ride and stay on board
Style: self-guided by default, guided on request
Meals: full board
Countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia
Capitals: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade
Included: 14 nights in an outside cabin, full board, gala dinner, daily briefing, route book and cycling app with voice navigation

This bike and barge tour takes you much further down the Danube than most trips. You sail and ride from Passau through six countries to the Iron Gates, a dramatic gorge where the river cuts between Serbia and Romania. Your hotel travels with you, so you unpack once. On each day you choose: ride, or stay on the sun deck and let the ship carry you.

First time on a bike & barge tour?

New to this type of travel or wondering what to expect on board? Read our complete guide on how a bike and barge tour works to discover everything about daily life, routes, and ship amenities.

Tip from Travel2Move: book early. Danube bike and barge tours sell out fast every year.

Kathedrale Mariä Himmelfahrt/St. Michael

Het imposante Kunsthistorisches Museum in Wenen met zijn barokke koepel en klassieke gevel, een van de hoogtepunten van een Donau-fietscruise — Kathedrale Mariä Himmelfahrt/St. Michael

Who is this tour for?

This tour fits you if you:

want to see more than Vienna and Budapest, with Belgrade and the Iron Gates as the big finish
like to unpack once and have your cabin, meals and route taken care of
want easy to moderate riding of up to about 52 km a day, with rest days built in
enjoy a mix of cities, wine villages and open plains
travel as a couple, with friends or in a small family

This tour may not be right if you want to ride every kilometer yourself, or if you only have one week. For a shorter trip, see the 8-day bike and barge tour to Budapest with the MS Lisabelle.

Highlights and route of this Danube bike and barge tour

Schlögen Loop, where the Danube turns almost back on itself
Bratislava, with its castle and old town
Budapest, “the Queen of the Danube”
Belgrade, where the Sava meets the Danube, with a full rest day
Iron Gates National Park: fjord-like gorges and the Decebalus rock carving, seen from the deck
Ilok in Croatia, known for its wine cellars
Kalocsa, Hungary’s paprika capital, and the Puszta with its horse herders
Esztergom basilica, the largest church in Hungary
Vienna, with two days to explore
The Wachau and Melk Abbey on the way back to Passau

Day-by-day itinerary

You board between 4 and 5 p.m. The ship leaves in the afternoon and passes the Jochenstein lock on the German-Austrian border.

Your first ride goes through the Schlögen Loop, past small villages and cider taverns. In Engelhartszell you can taste products from Austria’s only Trappist monastery. The ship picks you up in Aschach.

A narrow path runs from the Devin castle ruins along the old Iron Curtain to Schloss Hof, which has one of Europe’s grandest baroque gardens. You can also sail into Bratislava on the sun deck.

You arrive in Budapest with views of its most famous buildings. Choose a city tour or a ride to the artists’ town of Szentendre.

ou ride along flood dykes through the Gemenc floodplain and take a ferry to Mohács, the southernmost Hungarian town on the Danube.

Explore the Serbian capital by bike or by bus. Zemun, the oldest district, has a market and riverside taverns.

The ship passes the Iron Gates gorge, where the Danube cuts through the Carpathians. You watch steep cliffs, dark forest and the Decebalus monument from the deck.

A flat path leads from Novi Sad, below Petrovaradin fortress, to a ferry crossing and the Fruška Gora foothills. Ilok in Croatia has a 400-year-old wine cellar, where you can take an optional tasting.

A loop through farming villages and the Dunav-Drava National Park, where white storks nest on the roofs. You pass the memorial for the Battle of Mohács of 1526.

Kalocsa is known for its painted houses and its Paprika Museum. You ride on a dyke path across the Puszta. In the afternoon you can join an optional Csikós horse show.

Hilly, wooded banks and Szentendre Island lead you to Esztergom, where the basilica dome can be seen from far away

You sail through the Donau-Auen National Park into Vienna. Ride on Danube Island, to Klosterneuburg Abbey or through the Kahlenberg vineyards. In the evening you can attend an optional waltz concert at Schönbrunn.

Explore the Ringstrasse and the Naschmarkt, on a bike tour or by hop-on hop-off bus (both optional). End the day in a wine tavern.

The last ride goes through apricot orchards and terraced vineyards, with a view of Melk Abbey.

You arrive in Passau around 11 a.m. and go home on your own. Do not book a train that leaves before 12 p.m.

Route map: Danube bike and barge tour Iron Gate

Your ship: MS Lisabelle

The ship MS Lisabelle

MS Lisabelle is a 4-star superior ship, built in 2000 and renovated in 2019. It has 76 outside cabins of 11 to 14 square meters, all with shower and toilet, air conditioning, satellite TV and a safe. On board you find a panorama restaurant, a lounge with a bar, a sun deck with a giant chessboard, a library and free Wi-Fi (speed can vary).

Standard: main deck, two single beds, a small window that does not open
Comfort: middle deck, two single beds, a large panorama window that does not open
Superior: middle or upper deck, a separable double bed and a French balcony
ECO: at the front or rear of the ship, where you may hear engine noise

You can state a cabin wish when you book. The cabin number itself is not guaranteed. There is an elevator only between the middle and upper deck.

Sights along the route

Schlögener Donauschlinge, beroemde rivierbocht van de Donau in Oostenrijk – highlight tijdens fiets-vaarvakanties op de Donau Radweg.

Schlögen Loop (Schlögener Schlinge)

One of the most spectacular spots on the Danube. The river makes two dramatic bends through the Austrian hills. You can admire it from the viewpoint or cycle along it on the Danube Cycle Path. The quiet, the panorama and the green hills make it a magical place for cyclists and nature lovers.

De MS Primadonna vaart langs het barokke klooster van Dürnstein in de Wachau-vallei, een hoogtepunt van de Donau-fietscruise tussen Passau en Boedapest.

Wachau-valley

Austria’s most beautiful wine region and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Between Melk and Krems you ride past vineyards, baroque abbeys and medieval villages. Melk Abbey, high above the Danube, is the highlight. Along the way you can taste local wine and apricot products. It is the perfect mix of culture, nature and food.

Het imposante Kunsthistorisches Museum in Wenen met zijn barokke koepel en klassieke gevel, een van de hoogtepunten van de Donau-fietscruise met de MS Primadonna.

Vienna

n Vienna you feel the grandeur of the Habsburg Empire. Visit Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the elegant Ringstraße.

Tip: take a break in a classic coffeehouse with a slice of Sachertorte. It is typically Viennese.

Bratislava

The Slovak capital lies right on the Danube, with a lively old town and relaxed terraces. Visit Bratislava Castle for a beautiful view over the river.

Budapest

Budapest is the glittering end point of your tour. The Hungarian capital impresses with the Chain Bridge, the Parliament building and the thermal baths of Gellért and Széchenyi. Cycle along the Danube promenade or visit the artists’ town of Szentendre nearby. In the evening you enjoy the view of the illuminated city from your ship.

Esztergom

One of the oldest cities in Hungary, known for its monumental basilica high above the Danube. From your bike or the ship’s deck you have a great view of this “holy city.” Inside the basilica you can admire world-class art and mosaics.

Belgrad – Dom des Heiligen Sava mit Radlern

Belgrade

Discover Serbia’s vibrant capital, beautifully situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. Explore its historic fortress, charming old town, lively cafés and rich cultural heritage. A fascinating stop on your Danube cycling cruise!

Prices & departure dates

All prices are in euros, per person, for 8 days / 7 nights with full board. Prices are based on two guests sharing a cabin, except “single occupancy.”

2027

Departure	Return
1 May 2027	15 May 2027
26 June 2027	10 July 2027
21 August 2027	4 September 2027
25 September 2027	9 October 2027

Cabin Prices

Prices per person, in euros (€).

Cabin Type	Occupancy	Price
Standard ECO Cabin	1–2 people	€2,409
Standard Cabin	2 people	€2,539
Comfort ECO Cabin	1–2 people	€2,829
Comfort Cabin	2 people	€2,949
Superior Cabin	2 people	€3,419
Standard Cabin – Single Use	1 person	€3,935
Comfort Cabin – Single Use	1 person	€4,571

Child, 0 to 2.99 years in a baby cot: free. You bring the cot, and only in a Superior cabin.
Child, 3 to 11.99 years in the same cabin as at least one full-paying adult, Standard category: 10% off

Guided tour surcharge

Season	Surcharge per person
All seasons	€580

A tour guide rides with the group, and extra city tours by bus and bike in Budapest, Belgrade and Vienna are included.

Included

14 nights in an outside cabin with private facilities and air conditioning
Port charges
The program as listed, from and to Passau
Captain’s welcome cocktail and gala dinner with farewell cocktail
Full board: breakfast, packed lunch for cyclists or lunch on board, afternoon coffee, dinner with a choice of dishes, late-night snack
Musician on board
A tour guide on board who does not ride with the group
Daily information meeting
Travel documents per cabin and a cycling app with voice navigation

Not included

Travel to Passau and home from Passau
Bike rental, helmet and bike extras
Optional excursions
Drinks and personal expenses
Parking in Passau
Extra nights

Optional extras

Prices are per person and include VAT.

Extra	Price
Guided version (surcharge per person)	€580
Rental bike (24 speeds)	€218
E-bike	€458
Bring your own bike	€58
Bring your own e-bike (max. 23 kg, excluding battery)	€98
Helmet rental (book in advance)	€25
Rental bike deposit/insurance (hybrid / e-bike)	€50 / €120
Extra night in Passau, 4-star hotel (2 guests / 1 guest)	€85 / €129
Private transfer one way from/to Munich Airport (1–8 guests, total)	€300
Private transfer one way from/to Munich city (1–8 guests, total)	€350

Tip: we are happy to reserve your parking spot in Passau in advance, so you can board MS Lisabelle without stress. Tell us when you book if you want this parking service.

Bicycle Rental & Equipment

Enjoy your bike and boat holiday with our high-quality KTM rental bikes, specially selected for comfortable cycling along the Danube. Choose from modern unisex touring bikes and electric bikes (e-bikes) with comfortable low-step frames and reliable equipment.

Available rental bikes:

24-speed unisex touring bikes
Unisex e-bikes with Bosch mid-drive motor and 500 Wh battery
Children’s bikes, child seats and bike trailers on request

All rental bikes include a pannier, handlebar bag and air pump. A bicycle lock and basic repair kit are provided per cabin. Helmets and cycling accessories are available for purchase on board.

Bringing your own bike?

You are welcome to bring your own bicycle. Secure storage is available on the sun deck, subject to limited space. Please note that bicycles are transported and stored at your own risk. E-bike batteries must be removable, and e-bikes without batteries must not exceed 27.5 kg.

E-bike rental is limited, so we recommend booking your electric bike well in advance.

Bike rental protection is available to cover certain damage or theft, subject to the applicable conditions and exclusions.

Practical information

Getting to Passau – Arrival Information

Arrival by train

Train station: Passau Hauptbahnhof (Passau Hbf).

The ship’s mooring location is approximately 3 km from the railway station. Taxis are available directly outside the station.

By bus from Passau Hbf

Bus lines 8, 10 and 11 run from Passau Hbf to the Stelzhamerstraße stop, which is approximately 650 metres from the ship’s mooring location at Passau/Racklau.

For bus connections and timetables, please click here.

Important travel advice: Please allow sufficient time for your journey, as train delays can occur. Make sure to choose a connection that gets you to the harbour at least 2 hours before the ship’s departure.

Please note that you are responsible for arriving at the harbour on time.

For train schedules and tickets, visit:

Arrival by plane

Nearest airport: Munich Airport (MUC).

From Munich Airport, you can take a bus to Freising railway station (approximately 30 minutes), followed by a train to Passau (approximately 2 hours).

For train connections and timetables, visit:

Private airport transfer

Would you prefer a more comfortable and convenient journey? A private transfer directly from Munich Airport to Passau can also be arranged.

For further details and prices, please refer to the Price Information section of the trip.

Embarkation in Passau

Boarding is between 4 and 5 p.m. at the Passau/Racklau landing stage. Please do not arrive earlier, because the ship cannot be boarded before then. The landing stage has no waiting area.

Disembarkation

You leave the ship around 11 a.m. and need about an hour. Do not book trains before 12 p.m.

Low or high water

The river is not always navigable. When the water is very high or low, the shipping company can bridge parts of the route by bus.

Bikes

Bikes are KTM bikes with panniers, a handlebar bag, a pump and a lock. E-bikes have a Bosch motor and a 500 Wh battery. There are only a few, so reserve early. You can bring your own bike. Own e-bikes must be removable from the battery and weigh no more than 27.5 kg without it.

Minimum Number of Participants

Bike cruise: A minimum of 90 participants is required. This number must be reached at least 4 weeks before departure.
Guided tour: A minimum of 10 participants is required, with a maximum group size of 18 participants.

How does this tour compare with other Danube tours?

Shorter: for 8 days and Budapest as the end point, see our Danube bike and barge tour from Passau to Budapest.
Hotels instead of a ship: see our bike tour from Passau to Vienna, where you sleep in a different hotel every night.
On a different ship: see the MS SE-Manon bike and barge tour from Passau to Vienna.

Frequently asked questions about this Danube bike and barge tour

The tour takes 15 days and 14 nights on board. You ride about 396 km in total, and the longest riding day is about 52 km.

Yes, by default. You ride on your own with a route book and a cycling app with voice navigation. A guided option is available on request, with a surcharge.

You visit Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia and Serbia. You also pass through the Iron Gates gorge on the Serbian-Romanian border, and you see four capitals: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade.

It is level 1-2: flat to lightly hilly, mostly asphalt, on bike paths and quiet roads. You can skip any ride and stay on board. The longest day is about 52 km.

Standard cabins have a small window that does not open. Comfort cabins have a large panorama window. Superior cabins have a French balcony and a double bed. ECO cabins are at the front or rear, where you may hear engine noise.

Yes. Rental bikes are KTM bikes. E-bikes are limited, so reserve early. You can also bring your own bike.

Boarding is between 4 and 5 p.m. at the Passau/Racklau landing stage. You leave the ship on day 15 around 11 a.m.

Yes, if you enjoy being active outdoors. The route is flat, with no significant climbs, and every cycling day is optional. You can rent an e-bike (limited availability, so reserve early), and you sleep in the same comfortable cabin every night, so you never pack and unpack.

A river cruise is mainly about sailing and excursions on land. On a bike and barge tour, cycling is part of the trip: on most days you ride a flat stage along the river and rejoin the ship later in the day. On this tour you stay on a premium river ship with full board, and you choose each day whether to cycle or stay on board. Cabins are comfortable but more compact than a hotel room, and the ship also sails at night.

Fly to Munich Airport (MUC). From there, take a bus to Freising (about 30 minutes) and then a train to Passau (about 2 hours), or book a private transfer with Travel2Move (€300 one way for 1 to 8 guests). Boarding in Passau is between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. Flights are not included.

Book this tour or ask for personal advice

Request this trip with the form on the right

We will get in touch with you personally within 24 hours.

Travel2Move is a small, personal travel agency. You have one fixed contact person, from before your trip until after you are home. You pay a deposit first and the rest later. We are VZR Garant certified. See our guarantee coverage.