Here is a very beautiful trip along the Danube River, an excellent compromise between the desire to see an important part of the river and to discover it at the leisurely pace of the pedals! The route will take you through 4 countries and discover the beautiful cities of Passau, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, as well as romantic and unspoiled areas such as the Donauauen National Park, the Wachau and the many typical villages that dot the shores.
Dates, prices, and booking
Below you will find detailed dates and prices: comfort levels, departure dates, options, supplements, and discounts.
Please note that this trip is popular and places are quickly limited, so we advise you to plan your trip in advance.
Send us an availability request by clicking below. We will contact you as soon as we receive your request.
*Main Deck Aft: these are cabins close to the engines, so it is a little noisier.
Availability updated on 04/06/2025
Please Note: Availability on board the boats are very limited, and our bike-boat trips become quickly sold out each season. We therefore advise you to book as early as possible to ensure that you can go on one of these popular tours.
Included in Trip Price
Accommodation in a double occupancy cabin as described above (7 nights)
Full board: breakfast, lunch or picnic, coffee and cakes in the afternoon, dinner and snacks at midnight
Transfer with your luggage from the car park to the boat on Day 1 (or from the train station to the boat – to be specified at the time of registration)
Transfer with your luggage from the boat to the car park on Day 8 (or from the boat to the train station – to be specified at the time of registration)
Free use of the wellness area (whirlpool on the solarium, and inside: sauna, Kneipp pool)
2 hydromassages (15 min each) & one body massage per cabin (registration on board)
Port fees
Travel document packet (one per cabin), GPS data (on request) and daily updates on board (itinerary and maps)
Please note: There are no discounts for not using the included services.
Anything not mentioned in the “Included in Trip Price” section
Options, Extras and Discounts
Rental of a VTC bike equipped with a pannier: 110 €
Rental of an E-bike equipped with a pannier: 230 €
Personal bike on board: free of charge
Parking in Passau: 65 € (fenced, unguarded parking)
Guided bike tour of Vienna: 40 € (limited number of places, please book it at registration)
Sightseeing package: 105 € (bus tour of Vienna and Budapest, walking tour of Bratislava, Concert in Linz - subject to minimum number of participants: min. 20 people)
Solo Cabin Supplement:
Main Deck Aft and Main Deck - twin standard: +50%
Upper Deck: +75%
Promenade Deck: +75%
Child discount: in a double occupancy cabin on the main deck (except Aft cabins), max 4 people. Discount valid only for the third and fourth person in a cabin of two paying adults (bunk beds / folding beds). In a double occupancy cabin on the upper deck, max 3 people (3 single beds).
From 0 to 5 years old: 100% off the price per person
From 6 to 11 years old: 75% off the price per person
From 12 to 15 years old: 50% off the price per person
Discount for 2 children in their parents' adjacent cabin: -25%
Due to the increase in fuel prices, Grand Angle may apply a fuel surcharge which must be paid on board, upon arrival. This supplement is approximately €2.50 to €6.50 per person per day of travel. We will inform you of the amount of this supplement, if applicable, 20 days before the start of the stay.
Please book additional services such as the excursion package at the same time. You can book the excursions of your choice on board individually (even if you have not taken the excursion package option), depending on availability and prices displayed on board (e.g. Budapest city tour, approx. €55).
Itinerary
D1
Passau
Arrive to Passau, the "city of 3 rivers": the Ilz, the Inn and the Danube. Take the time to stroll through this beautiful city, a city in Bavaria on the Austrian border, which offers an impressive wealth of historical past.
At 4:30pm: transfer to the boat from our partner's car park (or from the train station if you arrive by train).
Departure of the boat during the night.
Accommodation
Night in cabin
D2
Schlögen – Linz
You may pick up your rental bikes. In the morning, start your day by bike at the Schlögen Loop (Schlögener Schlinge), a beautiful meander where the valley narrows. The path leads through the wild Engtal valley to Kaiserau, Aschbach and Wilhering, famous for its Cistercian monastery in Rococo style. Typical towns with old houses; on either side, on the banks, fortified castles and monasteries. You reach the city of Linz, the beautiful capital of Upper Austria and the capital of Europe in 2009.
Individual tour of the Tulln State Garden Show, a rich heritage dating back to 1953, resulting from a flower parade in Tulln. Individual tour of Vienna, on foot or bike tour (not included, on request), on cycle paths, mostly free of cars (about 18km/11.2mi, GPS data available). After dinner, night tour of Vienna by coach (2 hours) from Nußdorfer Platz (in English or German, optional). Afterwards, individual visit to a "Heurigen" near the pier.
31 or 49km/19.3 or 30.5mi with a bike tour of Vienna
D4
Visegrad – Budapest
You follow the Danube on the cycle paths and the Danube via Visegrad. Take the opportunity to admire its castle and tower, then continue to Vác. You can take a ferry to the island of Tahitötfolu and the artists' city Szentendre (optional). Then rejoin the boat before sailing through the beautifully illuminated Danube metropolis.
Accommodation
Night in cabin
Length
59km/36.7mi
D5
Budapest Tour and Bike Tour on the Island of "Margareteninsel"
In the morning, guided tour of Budapest (in English or German, optional) from the pier to the city center. Visit for about 3 hours then return to the boat. In the afternoon, you can cycle back and forth to the island of Margareten in Budapest (the island is car-free for 8km/5mi). Return to the boat in the evening and sail through the city.
Bratislava Tour and Bike from Bratislava to Devin round-trip
In the morning, guided walking tour of Bratislava's Old Town (approx. 1 hour, optionally in German or English).
You cycle along the Danube cycle path via Wolfsthal to Hainburg, back along the same path or further on to Schloss (castle), Hof and Devín (on approx. 6km/3.7mi busy secondary road).
From the pretty UNESCO World Heritage town of Krems, you cycle to Dürnstein, the most famous place in the Wachau region. The small, winding village attracts tourists from all over the world. The route continues through famous wine villages such as Weißenkirchen and Melk. From a distance, you can see the imposing monastery that dominates the small town. The last few kilometres of your journey will take you to Marbach, where the MS Primadonna is already waiting for you.
Since 2000, the Wachau Valley has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Wachau vineyard is internationally renowned.
Presentation of the Wachau by UNESCO: The Wachau is a part of the Danube valley, between Melk and Krems, whose landscape, particularly beautiful, preserves intact many traces of its evolution since prehistoric times: architectural traces (monasteries, castles, ruins), urban (towns and villages) and finally agricultural, particularly related to the cultivation of vines.
Rationale for inscription: - The Wachau is an outstanding example of a mountain-bordered river landscape in which the material evidence of its long historical evolution has remarkably survived. - The architecture, human habitation and agricultural land use of the Wachau vividly illustrate a predominantly medieval landscape that has evolved naturally and harmoniously through the ages.
Itinerary Modification Please note that the given schedules and itineraries may be modified according to the navigability conditions of the Danube or other cases of force majeure. In the event of extreme flooding or water that is too low, we reserve the right to modify certain stages or to organize them by bus or to cancel a stay at the last minute, without our liability being incurred (force majeure); the same applies in the event of repair of a bridge or lock, or damage to the boat.
Easy: 22 to 59km/13.7 to 36.7mi of cycling with almost no difference in elevation during the day. Mostly on cycling paths, on greenways or small roads. Low elevation gains: maximum 100m/328ft per day. 98% of the route is along cycling paths: a real pleasure!
Luggage transportation
Nothing to carry but a small bag with your day's belongings and your picnic. Your extra luggage stays safely in your cabin on the boat as you cycle.
Group
Possibility to register as one person (solo use cabin mandatory, in this case). Departures are confirmed once the minimum number of participants required is reached: 100 people. Departure dates often sell out.
Duration
8 days / 7 nights / 6 days of cycling
Travel folder
We will send you a complete digital travel packet by e-mail with vouchers and tourist documentation. When you arrive there, you will find the rest of the travel packet (maps, documentation in English, and topo guide). You can check details on board every day (in English or German only) on the itinerary.
A cruise guide will be on board throughout the stay (the guide does not go on bike tours with the group).
Accommodation / Catering
► Accommodation In a double occupancy cabin on the boat for 7 nights. See below for descriptions of cabin types. Towels are provided.
► Meals Full board on the boat, buffet for breakfast, at noon you have the choice between a picnic to take away or a meal (starter – main course – dessert) on the boat, tea / coffee and cake at 5pm on the boat, dinner: 4-course menu, evening snacks.
Start / End
► Start Friday in Passau, Germany. Arrival before 4:30pm at the Info Point of our local correspondent where the car park is also located. Transfer by shuttle at 4:30pm (people and luggage) from the car park to the boat. Departure of the boat at 7:30pm. If you arrive by train, the shuttle bus will stop at Passau station at 4:45pm.
► End The following Friday in Passau, Germany. Disembarkation scheduled between 9 and 10am. Return bus transfer to Passau train station and car park around 10am (to book in advance at time of registration).
Bike rental
These are quality German bikes, from Kalkhoff manufacturers or equivalent, which will ensure you a bike tour without any breakdowns. The number of personal bicycles on board is limited and subject to confirmation at the time of registration.
All-terrain bike without backbraking: with freewheel, 21 speeds. This is the default rental, unless you request an all-terrain bike with backbrake as mentioned below at time of registration.
All-terrain bike with backbrake: 7 speeds with hub shift, brake by backbrake + 2 classic handlebar brakes. Notify us if you want this model.
Women's bikes Women's frame, 28 or 26 inch wheel with 7-speed back-brakes / without 21-speed back-brakes:
Men's Bikes Men's frame, 28-inch wheel, standard size (1.61m to 1.94m or large size (over 1.94m), with 7-speed backbrake / without backbrake:
E-Bike: electric (assisted) bike: ideal if you don't have complete confidence in yourself, or if your small group has different physical levels.
Unisex model, 21kg, 70km range, 7 speeds, without backbraking, 28'', 250W motor and 621 Wh battery.
OR Men's model, weight 21kg, range 70km, 7 speeds, without backbraking, 28'', 250W motor, 621 Wh battery.
Photos of the bikes not contractual. Models may vary depending on availability but will be similar.
Included with All Bike Rentals: Bike lock and double-sided pannier (saddle bag).
Please Note: Handlebar bags, helmets, tachometers, handlebar phone or map holder are NOT included with rentals.
Access
► Trip Starting Destination This tour starts in Passau, Germany @ 4:30pm.
► Trip Ending Destination This tour ends in Passau, Germany @ 10am (transfer after breakfast included)
Access ► By Train https://int.bahn.de/en (German railways) or https://www.oebb.at/en/ (Austrian railways). Arrival should be planned to Passau train station. Then take the included shuttle (book upon registration), bus or taxi to the boat.
► By Plane Munich Airport is the nearest international airport with the best connections (178km/110mi from Passau). The S1 and S8 S-Bahn trains connect the airport with the main train station, Marienplatz or Ostbahnhof. Ticket sales in the central area (level 03) and in Terminal 2 (level 03). For more information, visit: www.s-bahn-muenchen.de ; www.mvv-muenchen.de ; www.bahn.de And the airport website: Welcome to MUC - Munich Airport From the airport, terminal 2, it takes a little less than 2.5 hours to get to Passau, with a change in Freising (no need to go to Munich center).
► By Car Parking and access to the boat: Parking is available in Passau. When you arrive at the car park, you can take our shuttle bus to the boat. Be careful if you have your own bikes, it is best to leave your bikes and luggage first at the boat before going to park in the car park.
The return transfer from the boat to the car park is on the last day after breakfast.
Several of our trips lend themselves to swimming, during the stage or at the end of the day. It would be a shame not to take advantage of it. However, we would like to point out that you are the only judges of the advisability of a swim; These swims are therefore under your responsibility and at your own risk.
Photos
You take beautiful photos! Feel free to send us a CD, a USB key, a Dropbox or WeTransfer link of your most beautiful photos taken during your trip. The fact that you send us photos implies that you agree that your photos will be used free of charge on our various media (catalogue, website, technical sheet, etc.).
Travel story
Do you want to share your best moments of the trip and share your experience with the hiking community? Send us your story and some photos illustrating your words that we will publish for you on our Grand Angle Blog.
It is the client’s responsibility to arrive prepared with the items listed below to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
CLOTHING CHECKLIST:
The following items are required for this trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.
Cycling Shoes – sport shoes that are comfortable for cycling in.
Socks – one pair for every day or two days of the trip. Sport specific padded socks, no cotton please!
Sun Hat – wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
Cycling Gloves – padded gloves used specifically for cycling.
Cycling Shirts – non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
Cycling Pants & Shorts – nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings
Windbreaker Layer – a lightweight wind resistant jacket or pullover
Warm Top – mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene
Insulating Jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, lightweight fleece jacket (Note: this item may not be needed in summer months)
Rain Gear – waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will easily allow pulling them over footwear.
Casual Clothing & Footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities.
Important Note: Please, no cotton hiking/cycling clothes. Synthetic clothing is very efficient in drying quickly. Merino wool material clothing is also efficient in drying quickly, is comfortable to wear and has the advantage of not developing a bad odor after use.
Gear
GEAR CHECKLIST:
Saddlebag – If choosing to use a rental bike on this trip, a saddlebag is included with rental
Personal Luggage – small duffel bag, suitcase or backpack – for extra items and casual clothes
Cycling Helmet – (Note: not mandatory for this trip) comfortable fitting, with rain cover. If choosing to use a rental bike on this trip, a helmet is NOT included with the rental.
Hydration System – 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system (if planning to wear a backpack during cycling) and an additional water bottle
Headlamp – preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Note: always test headlamp before trips and travel/pack without batteries in device)
Picnic/Lunch Kit – knife, plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
Phone & Charger – local sim card or international plan may be needed. Consider bringing a small power bank to use to recharge devices during trip activities.
Map or Phone Holder – for handlebars, NOT included with bike rentals
Waterproof Travel Case or Pouch – used to keep important documents (i.e. passport, health/travel insurance, etc.) & phone safe from weather/water
Sunglasses, Sunscreen, & Lip Balm
First Aid Kit – see first aid kit suggestions below*
Personal Toilet Paper Kit – most public restrooms outside of lodging will have toilet paper available, but it is good to be prepared with a personal toilet paper kit to potentially use during portions of this tour. Along the trail, there may be the need to use natural settings for toilets (i.e. digging catholes, etc.) when there are no public toilets available. Kits should include toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitizer & sealable plastic bag(s) for carrying out used paper/wipes.
Toiletries
Contact Lenses & Glasses – if wearing contact lenses, please also bring back-up pair of glasses and contacts.
Prescription Medication – with emergency back-up supply
Money – It is good to have some local currency, often smaller local businesses do not accept credit cards and/or prefer cash. Some public restrooms require small amounts of cash to use.
OPTIONAL ITEMS:
Backpack – a small sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover. Taking a backpack is useful as it makes it easy to carry your belongings when you go on a short walking trip along the way. If your bike has a rack system this bag can be easily attached or even packed within a saddlebag.
2-3 Face Masks; 1-2 Over-the-counter Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Tests (Note: recommended but optional)
Travel Power Adapter – Electric power voltage on the boat is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are C type
Support Braces – consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc.)
Sleep Mask & Ear Plugs
Bug Repellent
Quick Drying Towel or Bandana(s)
*FIRST AID KIT SUGGESTIONS:
After years of experience planning adventure travel around the world, we've learned that anything can happen, and every traveler should carry a basic personal first aid kit. We want to ensure our guests are well-prepared and make smart informed travel decisions. In many of the places we operate trips, it may be challenging to find certain medications and/or first aid supplies, and sometimes common items you desire may not be available in the destination you are travelling. That's why it's good to be prepared and carry a small supply of first aid supplies, any prescription medication, and/or over-the-counter medications you may require during your travels.
We recommend discussing your travel plans, vaccination requirements, and any medication usage with your primary healthcare provider before embarking on our trips. This helps ensure you have a safe and enjoyable travel experience.
Here is a basic list of what we think makes a good personal travel first aid kit:
Medications – Brands of your choice, all medications should be either prescribed directly by your doctor or discussed with a doctor prior to use.
Electrolyte Replacement/Drink Mix – brand of choice
Wound Care – a various pack of bandages, antiseptic swabs
Blister Care – blister kit made up of items of your choice
Sun Protection – sunscreen, SPF lip balm
Various Items – Athletic tape/”KT Tape”, Nail clippers, Tweezers, Small bottle of hand sanitizer, Sewing kit (clothing/button repairs), Disposable surgical gloves (1-2 pairs)
Luggage
PACKING FOR TRAVEL:
It is recommended that you prepare your items in the following manner for your travels to this trip.
"Carry-on Bag(s)": - This is the bag you will bring with you on the plane. We recommend all your pertinent information be in this bag (passport, travel documents, etc.) as well as your most important gear items (footwear, jacket, prescription medication, etc.) in case any checked luggage items becomes lost or delayed.
"Checked Bag(s)": - This bag will be checked and contain the rest of your personal items (clothing and gear, etc.).
Important Note: Again, it is recommended to either wear or pack in your “Carry-on Bag” the main gear items you need for this trip vs. putting them in your checked “Travel Bag” (in case luggage is delayed). Lost or delayed luggage has become more and more common in major airports for international travel since the global pandemic.
LUGGAGE MANAGEMENT DURING TRIP:
During this trip, the packing system needs to be in 2 bags.
Extra Luggage - “Checked Bag(s)” & ”Carry-on Bag(s)”: This bag will contain all the items you want to bring along on the trip. It will be transferred by vehicle to your lodging, and you will have access to it at the end of each day of activity at hotels, but not throughout the day. Extra luggage is allowed on this trip.
Saddlebags/bike bag (Provided): All guests will need a bike saddle bag, which they will be responsible for carrying during trip activities. Items in this bag should include anything you may need throughout the day during the trip. (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.)
To Transport Your Belongings (while cycling): If you don’t have a saddlebag & rack on your personal bike, bring a 30-40L backpack with a waist strap to carry what you need for the day (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.) as you cycle. If you have a rack on your bike, you can attach your bag with the help of bungee ropes or paracord. Rented bikes are equipped with a saddlebag where you can store your belongings. You should still bring a small backpack with you, so that you can easily take your belongings with you when you are visiting attractions along the route.
Germany, a member of the European Union, Capital city: Berlin Austria, a member of the European Union, Capital city: Vienna Slovakia, a member of the European Union, Capital city: Bratislava Hungary, a member of the European Union, Capital city: Budapest
Formalities
► Documents Travellers from the European Union, including children, need a valid identity card or passport. Check with the authorities in your home country for the conditions of entering this destination.
► Health/Insurance Do not forget your card and/or policy details for your health insurance and/or travel insurance.
Central European Time (CET/UTC+1) and Central European Summer Time (CEST/UTC+2) during daylight saving time.
Language
German and English on the boat, some English is usually spoken in tourist areas away from the boat. Main local languages used are German (Germany), Austrian & German (Austria), Slovak (Slovakia) & Hungarian (Hungary).
Currencies
Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary are all Member-States of the European Union and use its uniform currency – the Euro €. As is the case with other Member-States of the E.U. uses eight coins as follows: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2 Euros. The banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros. Currency exchange rates are clearly displayed in every bank that accepts currency exchange, while credit card holders may acquire money from the ATMs of the collaborating banks. Banks are generally open for the public Monday through Fridays, during local office hours. They are closed on Public Holidays. Euros can also be exchanged for notes of other foreign currencies at exchange offices that are situated at the airport and certain main ports, in the larger cities, as well as at many tourist destinations. A passport is required when exchanging currencies.
► Acting for Responsible Tourism - ATR label Grand Angle is an active member of the ATR association "Agir pour un Tourisme Responsable", whose compliance with the label has been certified by Ecocert Environnement. The common values of the label, shared by all its members, are represented by: transparency (between the customer and the travel agency), partnership (between local service providers and the travel agency) and consistency (synonymous with good communication within the travel agency team).
Being a member of ATR commits us to: • Promoting quality tourism • Respect for the environment, heritage and local people • Educating travelers about local customs • Inform travelers in full transparency about their travel conditions
► The European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas In 2014, Grand Angle was one of the first tour operators to be certified under the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, created and developed by Europarc, the Federation of European Protected Areas, which includes Regional Natural Parks, National Parks and Nature Reserves.
The purpose of the European Charter is to develop quality, sustainable and responsible tourism in protected areas, with respect for people and their environment. Being certified under the CETD is a recognition of our commitment to sustainable tourism and development rooted in the territories, economically, socially and environmentally.
The certification is proof of the confidence that the Parks have in our company and its approach.
Grand Angle's partner in this certification is the Vercors Regional Natural Park, our homeland: http://parc-du-vercors.fr
An exceptional river cruise ship, with large decks, an outdoor swimming pool, a wellness area, restaurant, bar, atrium...
The MS Primadonna, built in 1998, was completely renovated in 2009. It is the only cruise ship on the Danube flying the Austrian flag. Its layout has large spaces and is divided between the "Primo Gusto" panoramic restaurant, the "Primo Aperitivo" panoramic bar, the "Prima Vista" Danube space and the "Primo Theatro" lounge. The entire boat is air-conditioned (in the cabins you can adjust it yourself). The MS Primadonna also has a low diesel consumption (only approx. 60% of comparable vessels).
The boat is 113.50 meters long and 17.4 meters wide. It features original catamaran architecture, with a glass floor at the reception, which allows you to see directly underwater!
On the open deck, you can enjoy a small outdoor swimming pool and sunbathe in the deckchairs!
The wellness area inside offers a jacuzzi and a sauna (free to book at the reception); massages are available (for a fee).
Wifi: free but the quality of the reception is poor in Hungary.
► Boat Map - MS Primadonna
► Decks and cabins The boat can accommodate up to 198 passengers. It offers 82 cabins on board; All cabins are outward-facing and are equipped with shower and toilet, air conditioning, hairdryer, satellite TV, telephone and minibar, as well as a spacious wardrobe to store your belongings. The beds are real floor beds.
Upper Deck & Promenade Deck On the upper deck and the promenade deck, the cabins are vast, with about 16.50m²; They open onto a balcony with a bench and a shelf. Two beds on the floor.
Main Deck On the main deck, the cabins are about 11.50m² and have a large porthole that cannot be opened. A bed on the floor and a sofa bed, also on the floor. The main deck (except aft deck) has a few cabins that can accommodate 3 or 4 people: the extra beds are fold-down berths; The upper deck cabins can accommodate 3 guests with 3 single beds (90cmx2m).
► Catering on board
Excellent level of catering, with specialties from the Danube region, including Viennese cuisine. A special effort is made to offer you as much organic food as possible.
In the morning, the generous breakfast buffet offers you an organic corner; In the evening, a 4-course dinner (choice possible) and, at lunch, either a picnic or a light menu on board with 3 courses (choice possible). At 5pm, tea, coffee and cakes on board. Late in the evening, a snack is available.
► Wellness
Jacuzzis, sauna and hydromassage
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