Danube Impressions: Passau – Vienna – Passau

Danube Impressions follows the route of Empress Sisi, who set off from Passau on her bridal voyage down the Danube in 1853. This 8-day cycling cruise starts and ends in Passau, the Bavarian "City of Three Rivers", home to the world's largest church organ. It combines short, easy rides along the Danube Cycle Path with the comfort of the 4-star superior MV Lisabelle, which acts as a floating hotel so there is no daily packing.

Riding begins on the old towpath through the pristine Upper Danube Valley, past rustic inns grilling fish on sticks, to the Schlögen Loop, where the river doubles back on itself through a wooded gorge. Riders reach Linz, capital of Upper Austria, by midday for a stroll through its old town, then approach Vienna past Klosterneuburg Abbey and the wine taverns of Kahlenbergerdorf. After a rest day in the waltz capital, with optional city tours and a Schönbrunn Palace concert, the route winds through the UNESCO-listed Wachau. There, terraced vineyards, apricot orchards, Dürnstein and Weissenkirchen lead to Melk Abbey. The final ride explores Grein, Clam Castle, the Celtic village of Mitterkirchen and the Mauthausen Memorial.

Along the way, the Wachau is a paradise for food lovers, with Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, apricot dumplings and world-renowned wines. Full board is included, and riders can stay aboard on any day they prefer. The tour runs self-guided with app navigation, or guided in small groups on selected dates.

Highlights:

• Passau, the Bavarian "City of Three Rivers"
• The Schlögen Loop and its Schlögener Blick lookout
• Linz, with Austria's largest church and the Pöstlingbergbahn
• A rest day in Vienna, with optional Schönbrunn concert
• The UNESCO-listed Wachau, Dürnstein and Melk Abbey
• Grein, Clam Castle and the Mauthausen Memorial

Surface and terrain:
The route is completely flat Danube Cycle Path, at times gently downhill, rated Level 1 (easy). It is ideal for less experienced riders and children. Any stage can be skipped by staying on the ship.

Suitable for:
Beginners, families and relaxed riders wanting very short daily rides (24–45 km) combined with the comfort of a river cruise, fine food and plenty of sightseeing.

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