Difficulty Rating : 4 Start: Passau Finish: Passau Terrain: Mainly flat, with some rolling hills sections, on dedicated paths Daily Average: 48-55km Weekly Average: 194-219km Tour Type: Self Guided,Bike and Boat,Group Teaser: An opportunity to cruise along Europe’s iconic Danube river while cycling along its riverbanks. 
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An opportunity to cruise along Europe’s iconic Danube river while cycling along its riverbanks.    We take inspiration from the Danube as it carves its way through the once famous Austria Hungarian Empire,  four great European countries, Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia. An opportunity to visit three of Europe's most charming capitals:  Vienna, the metropolis of the waltz, Bratislava, the capital of coronation and Budapest the "Paris of the East".   

We travel in a large comfortable boat with an expansive lounge and sundeck perfect for relaxing after cycling each day. In Austria, we visit tiny villages and cosy cider taverns, in Hungary, we approach the capital of Bratislava on the river to appreciate fully this majestic capital, in Vienna we do a city bike tour to take in the best of this city.

All this linked together by wonderful scenery dotted with vineyards, majestic castles and palaces and the untouched forests of the Danube National park.

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Itineraries

Day `1

Arrive in Passau

Boarding time at 5 p.m. Located at the meeting point of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers, Passau has numerous interesting sites to visit. Use your free time and stroll through the cobblestoned old town centre, listen to the bells of Passau’s Gothic Town Hall or have a look at the world’s largest Catholic Church organ in the Passau Cathedral. At 6.30 p.m. we cast off!

Day 2

Great Loop/Engelhartszell – Aschach (approx. 42 km by bicycle)

Your first day’s cycling begins with a ride through the classic scenery of the ‘Great Loop’ Donauschlinge - one of the most beautiful sections of the Danube. Along the way, you will visit tiny villages and cosy cider taverns. In Austria’s only Trappist monastery at Engelhartszell, you can taste their delicious liquors and cheese. The famous ‘Schlogener View’ provides a wonderful panorama of the surrounding Austrian countryside. The boat welcomes all cyclists back on board in the charming market town of Aschach.

Day 3

Devin – Bratislava (approx. 43 km by bicycle) image 1 Devin – Bratislava (approx. 43 km by bicycle)

You pedal along the former ‘Iron Curtain’, cross the green line and reach the imposing Imperial Palace of Hof with its beautiful terraced gardens. Follow the bike path through Austria’s ‘vegetable garden’ to the coronation city of Bratislava and the slopes of the Little Carpathians and discover the hidden alleyways and sights of Bratislava on an optional city tour.

Day 4

Budapest / Excursion to Szentendre (approx. 54 km by bicycle or Rest day)

The entrance to Budapest, Hungary's capital is stunning. Savour the beauty of Budapest during a coach tour or a guided bike tour (optional) to discover many of the highlights of this handsome city. You can also choose to cycle to the charming town of Szentendre with its Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art scene. You will get a very close experience of Hungarian culture at an evening show with traditional music and dance (optional).

Day 5

Danube Bend – Esztergom (approx. 43 km by bicycle)

The wooded hills of Pilis, Visegrád and Börzsöny together with the meandering Danube create a wonderful landscape that has become a nature lover’s paradise. Situated in the middle of the Danube River the idyllic isle of Szentendre exudes silent Puszta romance. You cycle via the baroque village of Vác (influenced by the architects of Austria’s Empress Maria Theresia) to the bishop town of Esztergom with its gorgeous basilica – Hungary’s largest Catholic Church.

Day 6

Vienna (Rest day)

Discover Vienna's most beautiful attractions. During a city tour by bike or bus (optional) you will experience Vienna’s most famous examples of architecture: the imperial Hofburg, St. Stephens Cathedral, the gorgeous ‘Ring’-boulevard and the State Opera House, the Burgtheater and town hall and, of course, the colourful "Hundertwasserhaus". Take time to relax in one or more of Vienna’s famous cafés, while the evening ends impressively at a classical concert (optional) in one of Vienna‘s most famous palaces.

Day 7

Wachau / Krems – Melk / (approx. 37 km by bicycle)

Your last biking day is a special highlight! A powerful ruin looms above the small Baroque town of Durnstein, while the blue spire of the monastery church is a landmark of the renowned Wachau. Amidst dreamy towns, apricot trees, vineyards and castles, this hilly landscape enchants everybody who visits. Traditional wine taverns along the bikepath invite to savour local wines (wine tasting optional). The Benedictine Abbey of Melk, perched on a hill, overlooking the Danube, is a true architecturual marvel.

Day 8

Passau (Disembarkation)

Enjoy the first sunbeams and the peaceful silence of the Danube Valley on deck. Take a last look at the Schlögener Schlinge (‘Great Loop’) before you arrive relaxed in Passau. Disembarkation is at approx. 10.00 a.m. We recommend arranging connecting trips from 11.00 a.m. onwards.

? 7 nights in outside cabins with private facilities and air conditioning
? Captain?s greeting and welcome cocktail

? Daily cabin cleaning, towels and bed linen
? Full board: rich breakfast, lunch onboard (non-cyclists) or packed lunch (cyclists), afternoon coffee break,
   dinner (2/3 dishes to choose), late night snack

? Gala dinner with farewell cocktail
? Farewell crew show & Daily live music
? Detailed road book per cabin ( one per cabin )
? A tour guide on board for Daily information meeting (does not cycle with self-guided participants)

Included in the comfort relax group tour price only:
? Cycling Tour guide
? Tasting of homemade cider at a cider producer in the Upper Danube Valley
? Ferry rides
? Guided city tour by bike in Vienna
? Hop on Hop off bus in Budapest
? Wine tasting with a local grower
? Bike helmet rental

Not included in the tour:
? + €65 supplement due to current increase in fuel prices. Payable on board at check in
? Option of bike rental (€80 hybrid bike, €180 e-bike)
? Bringing own bike charge of €25, e-bike €35 
? Drinks onboard/
Meals ashore/Tips for the crew

? Entrance fee to excursions/attractions/individual visits; Cross-river ferry on day 2 & 5 on self-guided
? Helmets self guided tour (available for purchase on board, adult helmets only)

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SELF GUIDED TOUR

PREMIUM SHIP MV VIVIENNE 
Season 1 (per person sharing):
€1000 (Standard) / €1320 (Comfort) / €1520 (Superior) / €1820 (Junior Suite) / €2020 (Master Suite)

Season 2 (per person sharing):
€1100 (Standard) / €1420 (Comfort) / €1620 (Superior) / €1920 (Junior Suite) / €2120 (Master Suite)

Season 3 (per person sharing):
€1200 (Standard) / €1520 (Comfort) / €1720 (Superior) / €2020 (Junior Suite) / €2220 (Master Suite)

PREMIUM SHIP MV SWISS CROWN
Season 1 (per person sharing):
No dates available on this tour in April & October

Season 2 (per person sharing):
€1100 (Standard) / €1420 (Comfort) / €1520 (Superior) / €1620 (Deluxe)

Season 3 (per person sharing):
€1200 (Standard) / €1520 (Comfort) / €1620 (Superior) / €1720 (Deluxe)

Single cabins are available at a 55% supplement on standard cabin only

Season 1: April, October
Season 2: May, August
Season 3: June, July, September

Bike hire not included in the tour price:
€90 hybrid bike / €190 e-bike

Group Tour Information

+ €300 for guided group tour on premium ship MV VIVIENNE:
May 5, May 26, June 16, July 14, August 4, September 1, September 22
(other dates on request for groups of 10 minimum)

Self Guided Tour Information

MV VIVIENNE: Every Sunday from April 28 - October 6 
MV SWISS CROWN:  Saturday start May 18, June 1, August 31, September 14 

Riverboat MV Vivienne

 
(All cabins with shower/toilet)
The exquisite premium ship MV Vivienne (renovated 2020) sets new standards in comfort and spaciousness and offers a tasteful, high-quality ambience in a luxurious style. Experience a fantastic view of breathtakingly beautiful natural landscapes, sometimes from the saddle of a bicycle, sometimes from the inviting, partially covered sun deck.

The panorama lounge, equipped with comfortable club chairs and sofas in light colours, and a cozy bar offer a very special atmosphere. In the first-class, light-flooded panorama restaurant, you can take a culinary journey through the Danube countries and their variety of flavours. Rest and relaxation await you after an eventful day of cycling in the wellness area. On the spacious, partly covered sun deck you can enjoy a very special kind of nature cinema with a glass of wine together with like-minded people.

Ship information
Length: 110 m (360.9 ft.) Width: 11.4 m (37.4 ft.)
Decks: 3 Cabins: 76
Crew: ca. 35 Pass.: 152 (max.)

Cabin information
The 76 outside cabins are spacious 15 – 30 m², present themselves in light colors and modern design with optimal use of space and are in no way inferior to a first-class hotel room. All cabins have double beds, which can also be separated into 2 single beds, private facilities, hairdryer, telephone, satellite TV, safe and individually adjustable air conditioning; Suites offer a front row seat with a view and are add. equipped with minibar (against surcharge) and coffee machine.

Standard: Main deck (ca. 15 m²) , double bed to be separated, windows not to be opened
Comfort: Middle deck (ca. 15 m²), double bed to be separated, panoramic windows not to be opened
Superior: Middle + Upper deck (ca. 15 m²), double bed to be separated, French balcony
Junior (22m²) + Mastersuite (30m²): Upper deck, double bed to be separated, French balcony

Riverboat MV Swiss Crown

(All cabins with shower/toilet)

Stylish, elegant and timelessly beautiful - this is how the premium ship MS Swiss Crown presents itself as it glides gently along the Danube river. You will immediately feel at home on board as soon as you enter the spectacular foyer. Designed in warm wood tones, the ship radiates a comfort and leaves nothing to be desired. The simple elegance of the timelessly beautiful staterooms, which are decorated with great attention to detail, will inspire you. Sit back, enjoy the serene, relaxed atmosphere, the fantastic views of breathtakingly beautiful natural landscapes, sometimes from the bicycle seat, sometimes from the inviting, partially covered sun deck. Let yourself be pampered by the friendly, accommodating crew and create on board relationships alongside memories to last a lifetime.

The 68 outward-facing cabins are spacious 14qm and convince with elegant, comfortable interior. The cabins have a double bed (can be separated to 2 single beds), shower/WC, hairdryer, SAT TV, safe, coffee maker and individually adjustable air conditioning.

4 passenger decks:
Standard: Main deck, double bed to be separated, windows not to be opened
Comfort: Middle deck, double bed to be separated, windows be opened
Superior: Upper deck, double bed to be separated, private balcony
Minisuite: Middle deck, double-bedded to be separated, windows to be opened, minibar)

The 68 outward-facing cabins are spacious 14 m² and convince with elegant, comfortable interior.
The cabins have a double bed (can be separated to 2 single beds), shower/WC, hairdryer, SAT TV, safe, coffee maker and individually adjustable air conditioning.

How to get to the start point in Passau:
- Munich Airport (MUC)

The closest airport to Passau is Munich Airport (Mõnchen Flughafen / MUC) with its huge number of cheap flights to mostly German and European destinations.
Passau is around 160 km (100 miles) from Munich Airport. Driving time is around 90 minutes.
Public transportation is slightly complicated, from the airport, take bus 635 to Freising (18 minutes). Direct trains run from Freising to Passau every two hours. Alternatives require transfers in either Plattling or Regensburg. Total journey time varies from 2h20 to three hours.
- Frankfurt International Airport (FRA)
Many international/intercontinental passengers will enter Germany at Frankfurt International Airport (FRA). It is, both faster and cheaper to take the ICE train from Frankfurt to Passau rather than taking a connection flight to Munich. Many direct trains are available with more options requiring an easy transfer at Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof. Total journey time is just over four hours.
The following websites will help you with train connections between Vienna and Passau.
Bahn.de or Oebb.at

It is possible to book a transfer from Munich to Passau: €300 one way (1-8 people)

Tour Date Options

Red = booked out / not available, Blue = Limited Availability, Green = available




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Booking Form

Primary Contact Details.

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Insurance

We require you to have Travel Insurance when you book the tour. It is important that you are covered in case of cancellation due to injury as the deposit is non refundable

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Please indicate below how many people are in your group including yourself.

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Acommodation

For single travellers, we organise accommodation on a twin sharing basis. Please note it may not be possible on all our tours and a single supplement will be applied.

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Other Information

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Payment Information

If you have been on a previous tour, there is a €50.00 discount on our week long tours in Ireland (unfortunately this discount does not apply to other European trips)

A €250.00 deposit is required for each person booking on a holiday. The Balance payment is required two month prior to the starting date. The deposit is forfeited in the event of a cancellation of your booking. The balancing payment is also non-refundable in the event of the cancellation occuring within 14 days of the tour starting date. All transactions are taken in Euro.

We will contact you to confirm your booking and payment details.

Please ensure that you have read the terms and conditions before proceeding.

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Booking Conditions

Irish Cycling Safaris Ltd (“the Company”) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:

  • The contract is between the Company and the client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Irish law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the company sends a confirmation. It is at this point that a contract between the company and the client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and comes into existence the company reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices. The company or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion.
  • To secure a booking the Company or their agent requires a completed booking form and the necessary deposit. (Full payment if travel within 60 days). The first named client must be over 18 years of age. Clients booking by telephone, by website/E-mail or fax will be deemed to have signed the booking form and read and accepted our terms of booking. The person signing, or being deemed to sign, the booking form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear thereon, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.
  • The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at the time, must be paid to the company or their agents not later than 60 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date the Company reserves the right to cancel your booking and cancellation charges will apply. If any cheque is dishonoured we reserve the right to charge €25 to cover administration costs.
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organised by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover.
  • An administration fee of €25 per booking plus any additional costs incurred will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred to a different departure date or tour, up to 60 days prior to departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the relevant charges. Changes are subject to availability. For an administration fee of €25 you may request a credit voucher. This must be redeemed within 12 months of issue and must be used against a new booking. The voucher is non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. In certain circumstances, which the Company considers reasonable, the booking may be transferred to another suitable person; however the tour arrangements must remain the same and will only be allowed if all suppliers agree to accept the name change. If a transfer is allowed an administration charge of €25 per person will be charged plus any extra charges levied by suppliers.
  • Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including surcharges as follows:

    > 60 days before departure – retention of deposit

    60-14 days before departure – 50%

    < 14 days before departure – 100%

  • Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid passport and any visas and vaccination certificates required for the whole of their journey. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal items etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.
  • Should the client have a reason to complain, you must immediately notify our representative and the relevant supplier. If the client’s complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily at the time, they must write to us with full details of the complaint within 28 days of the end of the tour. Failure to notify complaints entirely within accordance of this clause will diminish or extinguish the client’s ability to claim compensation.
  • The company provides all services on a “ground only” basis. The client is responsible for arranging their own travel to the designated start points of each tour. The company cannot accept any liability for any delay/cancellation in your transportation and cannot offer any refunds for lost holiday time.
  • Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company’s employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on the tour with the company. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. In the case of ill health the company may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and the Company shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If you are affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect you or affect other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will be given for any unused services.
  • The Company will use its best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised. However, it reserves the right to change any of the facilities, services, prices or itineraries described in our brochure/website. If a major change is necessary or deemed advisable, the company will advise the client as soon as reasonably possible, if there is no time before departure. A major change does not apply to a change of transport or named accommodation, but is usually considered a major change in itinerary or change in duration of a client’s holiday. If advised of a major change before departure, the client will have the choice of accepting changes (at additional cost if applicable), purchasing another available tour from the company, or cancelling the tour with a full refund.

    Provided that the major change is not as a result of situations outside the company’s control or consolidation, compensation will be paid as follows:

    Notification Period Given / Compensation Per Person

    More than 30 days: Nil

    14-30 days: €40

    Less than 14 days: €50

     
  • Force Majeure. We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reasons of circumstance amounting to “force majeure”. In these conditions “force majeure” means any event which we the supplier of services in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, epidemics or health risks and all similar events outside our control.
  • The company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 4 weeks before departure except for “force majeure”, consolidation, or the client’s failure to pay the final balance. Unless the client fails to pay the final balance, the company, upon cancellation will return all monies paid to it, or offer the client an alternative holiday of comparable standard if available (if less expensive than original we will refund the difference, if more expensive, the client will have to pay the difference). Compensation will not be payable (1) where the company is forced to cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) where an insufficient number of people book the clients chosen holiday and we notify we are cancelling for this reason not less than 28 days before departure. In all cases our liability is limited to offering the above choices and the compensation payments (where applicable) set out in clause 11. No compensation is payable if we notify you of cancellation more than 8 weeks before departure. We cannot be held responsible for any costs or expenses you may have as a result of cancellation.
  • Client’s bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours featured in our programme at their own volition. Our obligations, and those of any suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any travel arrangements you book with us, are to provide services and facilities with reasonable care and skill. Facilities will be provided to the realistic minimum standard recommended by the regulatory authorities responsible.
  • Bike Hire: The equipment including all accessories supplied is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of the company and the Client will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with the possessions thereof.

    The Client undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear accepted). The company shall be entitled to charge the client for any damages caused to equipment during the period of hire. In event of a breakdown, other than a result of the Clients misuse, the company will use its best endeavours to repair or procure repair of the equipment.

    The company will not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or other defect in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the company’s control. The Client shall indemnify the company with respect to all costs, claims, expenses and demands suffered or incurred which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of the equipment during the period of hire. The company reserves the right to charge the client for partial or full settlement of any claim. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the company reserves the right to call upon the client to indemnify the company the replacement of the equipment. However, should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the company undertakes to refund the clients indemnity within 14 days.

    The Client will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and will immediately notify the company in the event of breakdown or loss of equipment.

  • Clients bringing their own bikes do so on the proviso that their equipment is in a suitable condition for participation in a tour. Responsibility for maintenance of bicycles brought by clients rests with the client. The company will endeavour to accommodate such clients, but cannot guarantee that correct tools and spares will be available, given the wide range of possibilities that exist.