Danube Waltz: Passau – Budapest

Danube Waltz combines cycling and river cruising on a round trip from Passau, the "Bavarian Venice", into the heart of the glamorous former Austro-Hungarian (K+K) monarchy. Over eight days, riders visit three of Europe's most charming capitals: Vienna, the metropolis of the waltz; Bratislava, the historic coronation city; and Budapest, the "Paris of the East". The route crosses four countries, linking cobblestoned old towns, baroque palaces and some of the most celebrated riverside landscapes in Europe.

Daily rides are short and easy, following the Danube Cycle Path through the romantic Schlögen Loop, where cosy cider taverns and Austria's only Trappist monastery at Engelhartszell invite a stop. The route then follows the former Iron Curtain past the terraced gardens of Schloss Hof to Bratislava, and continues through the gently rolling "Hungarian Wachau" of the Danube Bend to Esztergom and Hungary's largest basilica. After a rest day in Vienna, with optional city tours and a waltz and operetta concert at Schönbrunn Palace, the final stage winds through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, past Dürnstein's ruined castle, apricot orchards, vineyards and the magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Melk.

Accommodation is aboard one of two premium river ships, MV Vivienne or MV Lisabelle. The ship moves each night, so there is no daily packing. Full board, a gala dinner and onboard entertainment are included, and riders wanting a day off can simply stay aboard. The tour runs self-guided with app navigation, or guided in small groups on selected MV Vivienne dates.

Highlights:

• Passau, at the meeting point of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers
• The Schlögen Loop ("Great Loop"), with cider tavern stops and Austria's only Trappist monastery at Engelhartszell
• Cycling the former Iron Curtain past Schloss Hof to Bratislava
• The Hungarian Danube Bend, Vác and Esztergom Basilica
• A rest day in Vienna, with optional city tours and a Schönbrunn Palace concert
• The UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, Dürnstein and Melk Abbey

Surface and terrain:
The route is mostly paved Danube cycle path with only slight gradients (Level 1, easy). The Wachau stage is gently hilly.

Suitable for:
Beginners, families and less experienced riders wanting short, easy daily rides with plenty of sightseeing, onboard comfort and the option to skip days.

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