Danube
Danube bike and barge: Passau to Vienna aboard MS Primadonna
8 days
Bike and Barge Holidays
startdag(en): Friday
230km
Intermediate
About this bike and barge tour on the Danube
Cycle the legendary Danube Cycle Path from Passau to Vienna while your comfortable floating hotel travels with you. On this 8-day bike and barge holiday aboard the 4-star superior MS Primadonna, you combine active days in the saddle with relaxing evenings on board.
Ride through the spectacular Danube Valley, discover the famous Schlögener Schlinge, explore historic Linz and Grein, cycle through the picturesque Wachau wine region, and finish your journey in magnificent Vienna. The route is predominantly flat and follows well-paved cycle paths, making this an ideal choice for cyclists looking for an active yet comfortable European cycling holiday.
Why choose this Danube bike and barge holiday?
- 8 days / 7 nights aboard the MS Primadonna
- Approximately 317–344 km of cycling
- Mostly flat and well-marked cycle paths
- Daily cycling distances of approximately 27–69 km
- Explore Passau, Linz, Grein, the Wachau and Vienna
- Cycle through the spectacular Schlögener Schlinge
- Discover the vineyards and wine villages of the Wachau Valley
- Enjoy the comfort of a 4-star superior river cruise ship
- Full board included, with breakfast, packed lunches or lunch on board and four-course dinners
- Prefer a rest day? Stay on board and enjoy the scenery from the ship.
Highlights of the journey
Passau – Begin your adventure in beautiful Passau, with its historic old town and distinctive riverside setting.
Schlögener Schlinge – Cycle beside one of the most spectacular sections of the Upper Danube, where the river winds dramatically through the landscape.
Linz – Discover Austria’s third-largest city, combining historic architecture with a lively cultural scene.
Grein – A charming Baroque town surrounded by the natural beauty of the Danube Valley.
Melk Abbey – One of the great architectural highlights of the Danube, overlooking the river at the entrance to the Wachau.
Wachau Valley – Cycle through vineyards, wine villages and historic towns in one of Austria’s most famous cultural landscapes.
Vienna – End your cycling adventure in Austria’s magnificent capital, with its imperial palaces, grand boulevards, museums and vibrant café culture.
Day to day programm
Your Danube cycling adventure begins in Passau, the beautiful Bavarian city where the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers meet. Arrive independently by train or car and make your way to the MS Primadonna.
Embarkation and transfer from Passau railway station or the Donau Touristik car park take place in the afternoon. Once settled into your cabin, there is time to explore Passau or relax on board before your cycling cruise officially begins.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner as the MS Primadonna sets sail along the Danube.
Schlögen – Linz | approx. 56 km
Your first cycling day begins at one of the most spectacular natural highlights of the Upper Danube: the Schlögener Schlinge.
The Danube makes a dramatic double bend around the wooded hills here, creating one of the most recognisable landscapes along the Danube Cycle Path. After collecting your bicycle, follow the river through the scenic Danube Valley towards Linz.
The route is predominantly flat and follows quiet and well-marked cycle paths. Along the way, you can enjoy the peaceful riverside scenery and pass sights such as Wilhering Abbey before reaching Linz, the vibrant capital of Upper Austria.
For those who prefer to explore without cycling, an optional sightseeing tour of Linz may be available directly from the ship.
Linz – Grein | approx. 57 km
After breakfast, continue your Danube cycling holiday from Linz to Grein.
The cycle route quickly leaves the city behind and leads into the peaceful countryside. You ride along the Danube past historic castles and picturesque riverside landscapes.
Highlights include Pragstein Castle, Wallsee and the impressive Clam Castle, which lies a short distance from the cycle route and can be visited optionally.
Your destination is Grein, a charming Baroque town situated directly on the Danube. Its historic centre and riverside setting make it a perfect place to finish another scenic day of cycling.
Grein – Spitz | approx. 69 km
Today brings one of the major highlights of your Passau to Vienna bike tour: the legendary Wachau Valley.
Cycle directly from the ship through the beautiful Danube landscape towards one of Austria’s most famous wine-growing regions. Along the way, you pass the magnificent Melk Abbey, dramatically positioned above the Danube.
Continue through vineyards and picturesque wine villages towards Spitz, one of the best-known wine-growing towns in the Wachau.
Take your time to enjoy the landscape, stop at a traditional Austrian Heuriger wine tavern or sample some of the region’s wines and local specialities.
Spitz – Mautern – Arnsdorf | approx. 40 km
Today is dedicated entirely to the spectacular Wachau wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape and one of the most beautiful sections of the Danube Cycle Path.
Cycle through vineyards and historic villages with impressive views over the river and surrounding hills. Depending on the route, highlights include Mautern, picturesque wine villages and the famous landscapes around the Wachau.
After your cycling tour, return to the MS Primadonna and relax while the ship continues towards Vienna.
In the evening, you can experience Austrian wine culture at a traditional Heuriger in Vienna.
Vienna | approx. 27 km cycling
Today is all about Vienna, Austria’s imperial capital.
There is plenty of time to explore the city independently. Cycle along traffic-free routes and discover famous sights such as the Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn Palace, the Prater and Danube Island. You can also leave the bicycle behind and explore Vienna on foot or join an optional guided city tour.
For more active cyclists, an alternative route leads through the Danube-Auen National Park towards Hainburg. This option combines cycling with nature and provides a completely different perspective on the Danube landscape.
Whether you choose culture, sightseeing or nature, today offers the flexibility to experience Vienna at your own pace.
Tulln – Spitz | approx. 68 km
Your final full cycling day takes you back into the heart of the Wachau Valley.
Starting in Tulln, follow the Danube Cycle Path through some of the most scenic landscapes along the river. The route takes you through famous Wachau destinations such as Krems and Dürnstein, surrounded by vineyards, historic buildings and dramatic hills.
The Wachau is particularly famous for its wine and apricots. Along the route, there are opportunities to buy local wine, schnapps, jams and other regional specialities directly from producers.
After your final cycling kilometres, return to the MS Primadonna and enjoy a relaxing evening on board.
Passau | Disembarkation
Wake up back in Passau after breakfast on board the MS Primadonna.
Disembarkation takes place in the morning, bringing your Danube bike and barge holiday from Passau to Vienna to an end.
Depending on your travel arrangements, you can continue your journey home by train or car, or extend your stay in Passau and explore more of this historic three-river city.
A relaxed way to discover the Danube
One of the biggest advantages of a bike and barge holiday is the freedom it offers. You can spend the day cycling through Austria’s most beautiful landscapes while your luggage stays on board. And if you would rather take a break from cycling, you can simply remain on the MS Primadonna and enjoy the Danube from the water.
Cycle, cruise and discover the Danube in one unforgettable journey from Passau to Vienna aboard the MS Primadonna.
Routemap
Your floating hotel: MS Primadonna
The MS Primadonna combines the freedom of a cycling holiday with the comfort of a river cruise. While you cycle during the day, the ship accompanies you along the Danube and provides a comfortable place to relax afterwards.
On board you can enjoy the panorama restaurant Primo Gusto, the Primavera panorama bar, the Danube arena and other spacious facilities. The ship also offers air-conditioned cabins and a range of cabin categories across the main, upper and promenade decks.
Sights along the route
Passau
Start your journey in the charming city of Passau, where the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers meet. Explore the baroque old town, visit the impressive St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to the world’s largest cathedral organ, and enjoy panoramic views from Veste Oberhaus
Wachau-valley
The Wachau Valley is one of the most beautiful stretches of the Danube and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cycle through vineyards, past magnificent Baroque abbeys and charming villages such as Melk, Dürnstein and Krems.
Tip: Taste the local wine or apricot liqueur – a true taste of Austrian hospitality!
Vienna
In Vienna, experience the grandeur of the former Habsburg Empire. Visit Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the elegant Ringstrasse.
Tip: Take a break in a traditional Viennese coffeehouse and enjoy a slice of Sachertorte – a true taste of Vienna!
Schlögener Schlinge
Cycle along the spectacular Schlögener Schlinge, where the Danube winds through the landscape in an impressive double bend. One of the most beautiful natural highlights along the Danube.
Linz
Discover Linz, where history and modern culture come together. Explore the lively Hauptplatz, stroll along the Danube promenade or visit the Ars Electronica Center for a contemporary perspective on the city.
Prices and departure dates
Prices 2027
Departure on friday.
| Season | Travel dates |
|---|---|
| Low season | 28 May – 2 June / 24 – 29 September |
| High season | 2 – 7 June |
| Low season | 29 September – 4 October |
Cabin type
| Cabin type | Low season | High season |
|---|---|---|
| 2-person Lower Deck | €729 | €828 |
| 2-person Main Deck | €897 | €1055 |
| 2-person Upper Deck | €1,348 | €1,428 |
| 2-person Promenade Deck | €1,438 | €1,518 |
Included
- 7 nights on a cycling cruise along the Danube aboard the MS Primadonna, a luxurious 4**** Superior catamaran (the only cycling ship of its kind on the Danube)
- Accommodation in the booked twin cabin with private bathroom (shower/toilet), TV, telephone, safe, minibar and individually adjustable air conditioning
- 7× full board: extensive breakfast buffet, lunch or packed lunch for the day’s cycling tour, and a delicious dinner on board
- Port fees
- Complimentary use of the wellness facilities on board, including sauna, Kneipp pool and whirlpools (indoors and on the outdoor deck) Per cabin: 2× hydrojet waterbed massage (approx. 15 min.) or 1× health massage (approx. 20 min.), subject to availability
- Passenger transfer in Passau to and from the ship at scheduled times, from the Donau Touristik car park or Passau Central Station
- On-board tour guide with daily tour briefings
- Route descriptions and maps, including GPS data on request
- Wine tasting on board featuring 4 wines from the Danube region
- Admission and guided tour of Clam Castle
Not included
- Travel to and from the starting and finishing point (Passau)
- Drinks on board, except for coffee, tea and water during meals
- Entrance fees, museums and personal expenses during the trip
- Tips for the crew and guide (recommended: 5–7% of the travel price, optional)
- Any additional nights before or after the trip
- Various ferry crossings along the route (approx. €3–€6 per person per crossing, payable locally)
Optional extras
| Extra | Price |
|---|---|
| Rental bike | €95 |
| E-bike | €210 |
| Own bike / e-bike | Free of charge |
| Parking in Passau | €55 |
| Guided cycling tour in Vienna | €38 |
| Excursion package | €65 |
Tip: We are happy to arrange your parking space in Passau in advance, so you can board the MS Primadonna worry-free and start your cycling cruise along the Danube in complete comfort.
Please let us know when booking if you would like to use this parking service.
Practical information
- Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
- Start & finish: Passau, Germany
- Destination: Vienna, Austria
- Cycling distance: approx. 317–344 km
- Daily distance: approx. 27–69 km
- Terrain: Predominantly flat
- Route: Mainly paved cycle paths and routes away from main traffic
- Ship: MS Primadonna, 4★ superior
- Meals: Full board
- Cycling style: Individual / self-guided
- Ideal for: Cyclists looking for a comfortable and scenic Danube cycling holiday
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Frequently Asked Questions — Danube Bike & Barge on MS Primadonna
Planning a self-guided cycling holiday combined with a river cruise? Here are the answers to the questions we hear most from travelers booking a bike-and-barge trip on the Danube.
No. On a Travel2Move bike-and-barge holiday, cycling is always optional. Each morning you decide for yourself whether you want to ride that day’s route or simply stay on board and enjoy the river views instead.
Every cycling day is rated on a 1–5 fitness scale, from flat and easy (level 1) to more demanding routes with several climbs (level 5). The cycle path quality is rated separately, so you always know in advance whether a route runs on quiet, dedicated paths or shares the road with traffic.
Yes. Once you’re checked in, your suitcase is carried between the ship’s reception area and your cabin for you — you won’t need to lift a finger during the cruise itself. You’ll receive luggage tags with your name, booking number, and cabin number to attach before departure.
GPS route data is provided in GPX format for cycling cruises, sent by email roughly two weeks before departure. You can load it into a navigation app such as Komoot and follow your route directly on your phone or bike computer.
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own bike at your own risk (Travel2Move and the ship operator aren’t liable for damage, loss, or theft). If you bring an e-bike, remember to remove the battery whenever the bike is loaded or unloaded from the ship.
Not at all. You cycle independently at your own pace with GPS routes and clear route notes, but there’s always a route briefing on board the evening before a cycling day, plus a full crew and reception desk to help with anything you need.
Rental bikes are available and collected on board — exact pick-up times are shared in the daily programme once you’re on the ship. Details on the bike models available are listed on the specific tour page you book.
Breakfast is a full hot-and-cold buffet, and dinner is a multi-course menu. On cycling days, you build your own packed lunch from the breakfast buffet to take on the road — though a warm lunch on board is also possible if you let the crew know the evening before. Drinks are not included and are settled directly with the ship at the end of the cruise.
Keep it casual — no formal wear is expected, even in the restaurant. If you want to join the optional morning stretching session offered on some days, just bring light sportswear.
A valid passport or ID card is required for the entire trip (a driving licence isn’t accepted as travel ID). Since the Danube crosses several countries, including non-EU Serbia, travelling without a valid passport can mean being refused boarding — so double-check your documents well before departure.
The crew communicates in German and English. Land excursions are typically guided in German and/or English as well, depending on availability.
The MS Primadonna offers accessible cabins with twin beds and supportive bathroom features, and the main decks are reachable by lift or stair lift. Manual wheelchairs can be used freely on board and are even available to hire; electric wheelchairs are allowed up to 35kg but are for shore use only, not for getting around the ship itself.
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