Danube
Luxury Danube bike and barge tour: Passau to Vienna and Back — MS SE-Manon
8 days
Bike and barge tours
startdag(en): Friday
200km
Easy
8 days · Bike and barge tours · Departures: Friday · 196–210 km cycling · Easy
Danube Bike and Barge Tour: Passau to Vienna and Back — MS SE-Manon
Combine cycling and cruising on this 8-day self-guided Danube bike and barge tour aboard the MS SE-Manon, sailing round-trip from Passau through Germany and Austria to Vienna and back. By day you cycle at your own pace along the Danube Cycle Path; by night the ship carries you on to your next stop. No repacking, no driving, just your bike and the riverside view.
Along the way you’ll pass through the countryside near Linz, the spectacular Schlögener Loop, and the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley with its vineyards, castles, and abbeys, before arriving in Vienna for a full day to explore the city. The cycling is easy and mostly flat, around 30–50 km per stage, makes this tour ideal for casual cyclists, families, and e-bike riders.
Full board on board means breakfast, a packed lunch or snack, afternoon coffee, and a 3-course dinner every day, plus a welcome drink and farewell dinner. With daily briefings, GPS tracks, and an experienced tour host on board, you cycle independently while always having support close by.
Highlights of this Danube bike and barge tour
Grein — Visit Greinburg Castle, Austria’s oldest inhabited castle, on the quiet Strudengau stretch of the river.
Passau — Start aboard the MS SE-Manon in the “City of Three Rivers,” where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz meet.
Schlögener Loop — Cycle past one of the Danube’s most striking natural features, a dramatic 180° river bend through forested hills.
Linz — Explore Upper Austria’s lively capital, easily reached by the city’s yellow City-Express tram.
Vienna — A full free day to see St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg, and the Ringstraße, or relax in a classic Viennese coffee house.
Wachau Valley — Cycle through this UNESCO World Heritage wine region, past Dürnstein’s abbey ruins and terraced vineyards.
Melk Abbey — See the Benedictine abbey towering above the Danube, one of Austria’s most iconic baroque landmarks.
Day to day itinerary
Your journey begins in picturesque Passau, also known as the “City of Three Rivers,” where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz meet. This charming city on the German-Austrian border enchants visitors with its narrow streets, colorful facades, and the impressive baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to the largest church organ in the world. Before boarding, there’s time to stroll through the old town or enjoy the view from a riverside terrace.
Around 4:00 pm you board the MS SE-Manon, where the crew welcomes you with a drink. After check-in and the safety briefing, you enjoy your first dinner on board. As the ship departs for Engelhartszell in the early evening, you’ll feel the calm of the water and the start of your Danube bike and barge tour set in.
After a full breakfast, you set off by bike in Engelhartszell, home to Austria’s only Trappist monastery. From here begins one of the most beautiful stretches of the Danube: the Schlögener Loop, where the river winds through the hill country in a dramatic double bend. You’ll cycle past dense forests, small villages, and cozy Gasthöfe, never far from a coffee or a local pastry.
At Brandstatt, you load your bike back aboard and enjoy the view over lunch as the MS SE-Manon heads for Linz, the lively capital of Upper Austria. Here you can optionally take the “City Express” tram for a short city tour past modern art, design, and historic squares. Later that evening the ship continues to Tulln, where you dock for the night.
Today you cycle from Tulln, the “flower city” on the Danube, toward Vienna, Austria’s capital. The route takes you along green riverbanks and past baroque Klosterneuburg Monastery, visible from a distance. A little further on lies Kahlenbergerdorf, known for its Heurigen (traditional Viennese wine taverns).
Be sure to make the short climb to Kahlenberg for a spectacular panoramic view over Vienna and the Danube. In the afternoon you arrive in Nussdorf, Vienna’s river harbor, where the MS SE-Manon awaits.
No cycling stage today — just a day full of possibilities. Vienna offers a wealth of culture, music, and architecture. Visit the famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral, walk the grand Ringstraße, or explore the Hofburg, once the residence of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi.
Taste international cuisine at the Naschmarkt, or take a relaxed bike ride through the Prater, Vienna’s famous park with its giant Ferris wheel. Art lovers can visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum or the modern MuseumsQuartier. In the evening the ship continues on toward Krems.
Today may be the most beautiful stage of the trip. You cycle through the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s most beloved river landscapes. The route winds between vineyards, orchards, and medieval villages like Dürnstein, where the ruins of the castle still recall Richard the Lionheart’s imprisonment.
In the afternoon you reach Melk, with the impressive Melk Abbey towering high above the Danube — a masterpiece of baroque architecture with a breathtaking view over the river.
Today you cycle through the peaceful Strudengau region — once feared by river boatmen for its strong currents, now a scenic area of forests and river bends. The route passes through quiet villages and fertile valleys, with plenty of chances to stop along the way.
Your destination is Grein, a picturesque town on the Danube, home to the imposing Greinburg Castle, Austria’s oldest inhabited castle.
The final cycling day takes you through the Machland, a fertile plain along the Danube with wide views and peaceful bike paths. In Mitterkirchen you can visit an open-air museum with a reconstructed Celtic village.
Your endpoint is Mauthausen, where you have the option to visit the memorial site of the former concentration camp — a place of quiet remembrance. In the evening you enjoy a farewell dinner on board as the ship cruises back toward Passau.
Early in the morning, the MS SE-Manon arrives back in Passau. Over your last breakfast on board, you’ll watch the morning mist lift over the river. Disembarkation follows around 10:30 am.
Danube bike and barge route map
Your stay on this Danube bike and barge tour
During this 8-day Danube bike and barge tour from Passau to Vienna and back, you get the best of both worlds: active cycling along the scenic Danube Cycle Path, and relaxed cruising aboard the comfortable 4-star bike ship MS SE-Manon.
The MS SE-Manon combines modern elegance with a warm, relaxed atmosphere. By day you cycle through charming river towns, rolling vineyards, and impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites; by evening you unwind on board.
After a day full of new impressions, a delicious dinner awaits, along with panoramic views over the Danube and relaxed moments with fellow travelers in the lounge or on the sun deck. Thanks to the personal service, full board, and relaxed atmosphere, every day feels like a mini vacation of its own — the perfect balance of active discovery and comfortable relaxation.
Sights along the route
Engelhartszell
Your journey begins and ends in Engelhartszell, a peaceful Austrian village on the Danube. Home to the well-known Trappist abbey, where monks still produce liqueur and beer, it’s the perfect place to start or end your Danube bike and barge tour aboard the MS SE-Manon.
Schlögener Loop
The Schlögener Loop is one of the most spectacular spots along the Danube, where the river makes two dramatic bends through the Austrian hill country. During your Danube bike and barge tour with the MS SE-Manon, you can admire this natural wonder from the viewpoint or cycle alongside it on the Danube Cycle Path.
Wachau-valley
The Wachau Valley is Austria’s most beautiful wine region and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Between Melk and Krems you cycle past vineyards, baroque monasteries, and medieval villages. Melk Abbey is a particular highlight — imposingly perched above the Danube. Along the way, sample local wine or apricot specialties.
Vienna
In Vienna you’ll taste the grandeur of the Habsburg empire. Visit Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the elegant Ringstraße.
Tip: Take a break in a classic Viennese coffee house with a slice of Sachertorte — a true Viennese tradition.
Linz
Linz is one of the cultural highlights of your Danube bike and barge tour aboard the MS SE-Manon. This lively capital of Upper Austria sits directly on the Danube and combines history, art, and modern technology. Ride the bright yellow City Express to explore the historic center and the baroque Mariendom, stroll along the Hauptplatz, or visit the Ars Electronica Center, known as the “museum of the future.”
Prices and departure dates
2027
Prices are per person, incl. VAT.
Departure day: Friday.
| Travel dates | Lower deck, 2-person cabin | Middle deck, 2-person cabin | Upper deck, 2-person cabin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 23 – Jul 30 | €1,349 | €1,449 | €1,599 |
| Jul 30 – Aug 6 | €1,349 | €1,449 | €1,599 |
| Aug 27 – Sep 3 | €1,349 | €1,449 | €1,599 |
| Sep 3 – Sep 10 | €1,349 | €1,449 | €1,599 |
Discounts
- Child discount: up to age 13, 20% off in a 2-person cabin with 1 adult
- Single use of a 2-person cabin: 40% surcharge (limited availability)
Included
This 8-day Danube bike and barge tour aboard the 4-star MS SE-Manon includes comfort, full board, and worry-free service, so all you need to do is enjoy the cycling, cruising, and beautiful river scenery between Passau and Vienna.
- 7 nights aboard the MS SE-Manon in a comfortable outside cabin with private bathroom (shower/WC)
- Itinerary as described, from/to Passau (Germany)
- Full board: 7x breakfast · 6x packed lunch for cyclists or light lunch on board (for non-cyclists) · 6x afternoon coffee/tea · 6x 3-course dinner · 1x farewell dinner with welcome drink
- Daily cabin service: cleaning, towel and linen changes as needed
- Welcome drink and captain’s dinner
- Daily briefing with information on the day’s cycling stage
- Onboard tour host
- Digital travel documents via the GUIBO app, including route descriptions, GPS tracks, and practical information
- All port, tourist, and passenger fees
- Use of all ship facilities: panoramic restaurant, lounge, bar, sun deck, reading corner, wellness area with sauna and whirlpool
- Cycling routes along the Danube Cycle Path in Austria — from Passau via Engelhartszell, Linz, the Wachau Valley, and Tulln to Vienna
Not included
- Travel to and from Passau (Germany)
- Transfers and shuttles, e.g. to/from Engelhartszell
- Bike rental (standard or e-bike — see the extras table below)
- Entrance fees and optional excursions along the way
- City maps, ferry crossings, and tolls during the cycling stages
- Travel, luggage, and cancellation insurance
- Parking and toll fees at the departure port
- Tips for crew and tour host (voluntary, suggested €7–10 per person/day)
- Drinks on board (not included in full board)
Optional extras
Make your Danube bike and barge tour even more comfortable with the extras below.
Prices per person, VAT included.
| Extra | Price |
|---|---|
| 7-speed rental bike (unisex) | €120 |
| 8-speed e-bike rental | €241 |
| Bring your own bike | €65 |
| Bicycle helmet (UVEX I-VO) | €55 |
| Bus transfer Passau ↔ Engelhartszell (no bike) | €61 |
| Parking (open lot, 7 nights) | €96 |
| Private garage (7 nights) | €120 |
| Phone holder | €11 |
Tip: We’re happy to arrange your parking in Passau in advance, so you can board the MS SE-Manon worry-free and start your Danube bike and barge tour relaxed.
Practical information
Discover the charm of the Danube on this 8-day bike and barge tour aboard the MS SE-Manon — the perfect combination of active cycling and relaxed cruising through the heart of Austria. This tour follows the most beautiful stretch of the Danube Cycle Path, from Engelhartszell to Vienna and back, via Linz, the Wachau Valley, and Melk.
- Tour type: self-guided bike and barge tour with an onboard tour host
- Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
- Distance: average 35–50 km per day (total approx. 196–210 km)
- Level: easy — mostly flat, ideal for casual cyclists and e-bike riders
- Start/end point: Engelhartszell, Austria — approx. 30 km from Passau, Germany
- Departures: weekly on Fridays, July through October 2026
- Passengers: up to approx. 148 guests on board
- Minimum group size: 90 guests (confirmed at least 21 days before departure)
- Languages on board: German and English
- Ship: MS SE-Manon — a comfortable premium bike ship with panoramic restaurant, lounge, bar, library, wellness area (sauna & whirlpool), and sun deck with pool
- Cycling route: along the Danube Cycle Path between Passau and Vienna, with stops in Engelhartszell, Linz, Tulln, Klosterneuburg, Vienna, the Wachau Valley, Melk, Grein, and Mauthausen
- Meals: full board — breakfast, packed lunch or light lunch, afternoon coffee/tea, 3-course dinner, and a farewell dinner with welcome drink
- Helmets: recommended for all cyclists; compulsory for children up to age 12 in Austria
- Bringing your own bike: allowed on request (e-bikes must have a removable battery)
- Digital travel guide: via the free GUIBO app, with route descriptions and GPS tracks (works offline)
- Travel documents: valid passport or ID (valid for at least 6 months after return)
- Accessibility: not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
What to Bring
Comfortable cycling clothing, rain gear, sun protection, gloves, and sturdy shoes are essential. A bicycle helmet is strongly recommended and compulsory for children under 12. Don’t forget a safety vest — required in Austria at dusk or in poor visibility.
Cycling and route
You’ll cycle mostly along the well-known Danube Cycle Path — a flat, well-maintained route right along the river. The route passes through historic towns, vineyards, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. You cycle independently, at your own pace, while your luggage stays comfortably on board. Rental bikes (7-speed) and e-bikes (8-speed, Velo de Ville, SE-Tours edition) are available, including pannier bag and insurance.
On board the MS SE-Manon
Enjoy the comfort of this stylish 4-star bike ship. You’ll stay in a modern outside cabin with private bathroom (shower/WC), air conditioning, TV, safe, and telephone. On board you’ll find a panoramic restaurant, lounge, bar, library, wellness area with sauna and whirlpool, and a spacious sun deck with pool. The kitchen serves tasty Austrian and international dishes, freshly prepared daily.
Digital travel guide
All travel information, port overviews, and cycling routes are available in the GUIBO app, including GPS tracks, route maps, and practical tips. The app also works offline — handy during your rides.
Parking and transfer
Parking is available in Engelhartszell, Austria:
- Open lot with video surveillance: €83 per week
- Private garage (also suitable for cars with bike racks): €105 per week
A transfer bus to/from Passau (without bike) is also available for €61 per person. Let us know at booking if you’d like to use the parking service or transfer — we’re happy to arrange it in advance so you can board the MS SE-Manon relaxed.
Best time to make a bike and barge tour on the Danube
The cycling season runs from July through October. Spring brings blooming riverbanks, summer offers long sunny days, and autumn brings the atmospheric wine harvest in the Wachau Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions — Danube bike and barge tour with MS SE-Manon
On a bike and barge tour like this one, you spend your days cycling along the route while the ship carries your luggage and meets you each evening — combining active days with the comfort of a floating hotel. A traditional river cruise, by contrast, keeps you on board most of the day with shore excursions.
The cycling is self-guided — you ride independently, at your own pace, using GPS tracks and route maps. An experienced tour host is on board daily for briefings and support, but doesn’t cycle with you.
This is an easy, mostly flat tour suitable for casual cyclists, families, and e-bike riders. Daily stages run about 30–50 km, and you can skip any day’s ride and stay on board instead.
Yes. Both standard trekking bikes and e-bikes are available to rent for the full tour.
7 nights in an outside cabin, full board (breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee, 3-course dinner), a welcome drink, farewell dinner, daily luggage transfer, GPS tracks, and an onboard tour host.
Vienna is the turnaround point. You cycle from Passau to Vienna over several days, spend a full day in Vienna, then cruise overnight back toward Passau.
Yes, a UVEX I-VO helmet is available as an optional extra.
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