Passau-Vienna-Passau: bike & boat MS Prinzessin Katharina

Danube Scenery

Packed with great experiences, this bike and ship tour offers an elegant middle-class ship, unique nature, excellent bike paths as well as many culinary specialties. Look forward to the MS Prinzessin Katharina, your floating home on the blue Danube. Enjoy a cup of "Viennese Melange" in the cozy lounge and in the evening indulge in delicious dishes in the panorama restaurant on the upper deck. Marvel from the sun deck or on the way on your bike at enchanting scenery, such as the Schlögener Donau Loop and the Wachau. The excellently signposted and flat Danube Cycle Path guides you from the three-river city of Passau via Linz and Melk to the cosmopolitan city of Vienna. Numerous sights await you here. Immerse yourself in times long past during a city tour by bike. Historic magnificent buildings, such as the Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral, the imperial Hofburg and the famous baroque palace Schönbrunn let you feel the flair of the former empire. How nice that you have plenty of time here, because we have planned a complete free day for Vienna for you. In the world capital of music you will have time for a wide range of cultural activities: from waltzes, operettas and operas to musicals and symphony concerts. You will find relaxation in the cozy coffee houses, the quaint Heurigen of the suburbs or in the Vienna Prater with its famous Ferris wheel.

MS Prinzessin Katharina

The MS Prinzessin Katharina was renovated in 2015 and impresses with classic elegance, a friendly crew and dignified furnishings. After a beautiful day of cycling, let yourself be spoiled by the good cuisine in the panorama restaurant and end the day in the cozy lounge or in two bars. A book corner, a small store and a massage parlour are available as well. The spacious, partially covered sun deck has plenty of sun loungers ready for you. The 71 outside cabins (size approx. 11 m²) have shower/WC, hairdryer, air conditioning, TV, on-board radio, telephone and a small refrigerator. On the upper deck there are 29 twin, and 2 single cabins with French balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows to open. The cabins are equipped with a sofa bed and a Pullman bed (stowed during the day). On the main deck there are 38 twin cabins and 1 single cabin. In the twin cabins, you will sleep in two sofa beds that are placed across the corner. The panoramic windows in the main deck cabins do not open.

1. day Passau Arrival

Individual arrival in Passau. The bishop's town on the Bavarian/Austrian border is idyllically situated between the rivers Inn, Ilz and Danube and can be easily reached from Frankfurt in about 4.5 hours by car or train. Between 04:00 pm and 05:00 pm the embarkation takes place in Passau. Around 07:00 pm your floating home will set sail for Engelhartszell (arrival approx. 09:00 pm). On the way you will be officially welcomed as guests of the cruise on the Danube. The evening will end comfortably with dinner on board.

2. day Engelhartszell - Brandstatt, 46 km + boat trip to Linz

Need a boost? Try some of the special cordials and liqueurs in the Trappist monastery in Engelhartszell. Supposedly, they have "special healing power." Downstream, the way leads you to pretty villages amid natural landscape. For a change take the little ferry boat through the romantic Schlögener loop, where the river makes a very abrupt 180 degree turn (approx. € 6,- per pers.). Shipping from Brandstatt to Linz. Tip: discover Linz, the capital of upper Austria while riding on the bright yellow City-Express.

3. day Boat trip Linz – Mauthausen + Bike Tour to Grein 36-40 km

In the early morning shipping to Mauthausen. You have the possibility to visit the memorial-place KZ-Mauthausen. The Celtic town Mitterkirchen gives you an insight of the past. On your way to Grein you pass the pintoresque landscape Machland. 

4. day Grein – Melk ca. 47-50 km + Boat trip to Tulln

Today's stage is marked by a diverse landscape. At the beginning, there is the Strudengau – a narrow point of the Danube which used to be notorious amongst skippers. The valley expands from Persenbeug and the bike tour leads you further to Melk with its gorgeous baroque monastery of the Benedictine brethren. During the night the MS Prinzessin Katharina brings you to Tulln, famous for its numerous market gardens where the famous Art Nouveau artist Egon Schiele was born.

5. day Tulln – Wien ca. 36 km

Right in front of Vienna's entrance, embedded in a breathtaking landscape, the monastery of Klosterneuburg is situated. You can already see the cupola of this 900 year old baroque building from a distance. "Kahlenbergerdorf" with it's wine taverns is definitely worth a visit. After a stroll through the vineyards, you can enjoy the panoramic view over Vienna.

6. day Wien (day of rest)

You should be sure to see the most famous places of interest like the St. Stephens Cathedral and the Hofburg, the gorgeous boulevard "Ringstraβe" with the Burgtheater, the State Opera House or the town hall that takes you back to the past. Take your time in the afternoon to stroll or visit one of the famous Viennese coffee bars.
In the night shipping to Dürnstein or Rossatz.

7. day Wachau – Pöchlarn ca. 40-49 km

Your last biking day is a special highlight! Amidst small dreamy villages, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins, this gentle hilly landscape enchants everybody. A powerful ruin looms above the small Baroque town of Dürnstein, while the blue tower of the monastery church is a landmark of Wachau. In the evening farewell dinner and cocktail.

8. day Passau Departure

Every journey draws to an end. Arrival in Passau is about 11 am, disembarkation half an hour later. We recommend to arrange connecting trips from 1 pm onwards.

Please note:

Basically, we reserve the right to make changes of routing and program. In case of flood or low tide, the shipping company reserves the right to bridge parts of passages by buses. In extreme situations, the shipping company reserves the right to cancel the journey on short notice. No legal right shall be constituted of both situations. The same applies for officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges.

Important information:

Due to clearing and blasting works, the Danube cycle path on the right bank of the Danube between Kolbling and Kaiserau will be completely closed until at least 19.05..
On the first cycling day you will therefore cycle to Untermühl, approx. 35 km, instead of Brandstatt.

Worth knowing about the tour Passau-Vienna-Passau

Below you will find specific information about the tour Passau-Budapest-Passau with MS Prinzessin Katharina. If you have further questions about this trip, you simply call us: Phone: 06421 – 886890.

Parking facilities in Passau

You have the opportunity to park your vehicle in a parking lot on the outskirts of Passau. You can choose between a secured, but not covered parking (75.00 EUR for the duration of the journey) or a parking garage (87.00 EUR for the duration of the journey). From the parking lot to ship and vice versa, you will be transported by shuttle bus. You will receive with your travel documents approximately four weeks before the trip a form where you can reserve the required parking.

Arrival by train

The central station of Passau is about 5 km away from the ship. Please take a Taxi from the station to the ship. You will find detailled information on train connections on the website of the Deutsche Bahn.
Deutsche Bahn

Changes of the itinerary and program

In case of flood or low tide, the shipping company reserves the right to bridge parts of passages by buses. In extreme situations, the shipping company reserves the right to cancel the journey on short notice. No legal right shall be constituted of both situations. The same applies for officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges. Special childrens discounts and cancellation fees apply.

Noises on board of the MS Prinzessin Katharina

Please be aware that a cruise ship on the Danube is not only your hotel but also a machine, working with engine power also during the night. Especially crossing locks and bridges - and the preparation work - may cause noise. If you are sensitive please bring your own ear plugs.

Available rental bikes

7 gears unisex trekking bicycles with normal mount (ladies’ model) and 8 gears E-Bikes with normal mount (ladies’ model). Brand: Velo de Ville (special production for SE-Tours). Each with hand brake, coaster breaking hubs or freewheel hubs (subject to availability - please indicate as non-binding customer request when booking) and pannier bag. E-bikes are available after prior request and at limited number only.
It is possible to bring your own bike only on request - due to the lack of space on the sundeck.

Conditions of the bike paths

The Danube Cycle Path is a perfectly developed cycle path; free from car traffic. It leads through mostly flat terrain
and is also perfect for touring beginners.

Excursions during the tour

We offer an optional (surcharge - not included in the tour price) excursion programme which can be booked directly on board at the cruise director only

Special food

If you need special food (lactose free or gluten free) please let us know 14 days before arrival latest. The special food is available paying an extra fee. Please be aware that it might be possible that you have the products on your own.

Decks MS Prinzessin Katharina

Types of cabins MS Prinzessin Katharina

Upper deck: 29 two-bed cabins, 1 triple cabin und 2 single cabins with french balcony (= floor-to-ceiling windows which can be opened).
Main deck: 38 two-bed cabins, 1 single cabin with a picture window (not to open)

Main deck cabin

Upper deck cabin during the day

Upper deck cabin in the evening

Sundeck

Lobby

Restaurant

Salon

Extra costs which are not included in the tour price

A fuel surcharge, which may apply due to the sharp rise in fuel prices, is not included in the cruise price and must be paid in cash on arrival on board the ship. We will inform you of the amount of the surcharge, if any, in the travel documents approx. 3-4 weeks before arrival.

7 day hotline service

In case of chain breakdown, flooding or other bad surprises that makes a continuation of your tour impossible: no problem, we also work during weekends and you can reach us 7 days a week in case of emergency.

Passport and visa requirements, health regulations

For EU citizens, there are no special passport or visa requirements and no health formalities to be considered for this trip.

Corona travel information:
Before booking your trip, please inform yourself about the measures in place to contain the Corona pandemic.

An up-to-date overview of applicable measures and travel and safety advice regarding Covid-19 for all countries in the EU and Switzerland can be found here:
https://reopen.europa.eu/en/

You can also find more information on our website at:
Corona virus and holiday planning

Travel insurance

The tour price already includes the statutory insolvency insurance. In addition, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance upon receipt of your travel confirmation in order to protect yourself against financial disadvantages in the event of travel cancellation, interruption of travel, illness or accident.

Passau

Passau in the southeast of Germany is located at the Austrian border. Situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau is worldwide known as "The Three Rivers City". The earliest evidence of human settlement dates back to the Neolithic. Passau was part of the Roman Empire for more than 400 years. It became an Episcopal seat in the year 739 AD. Passau was an independent prince bishopric for over 600 years. Finally in 1803 Passau was annexed into Bavaria. The setting of the Old Town, created by Italian baroque masters in the 17th century, shows soaring towers, picturesque places, enchanting promenades and romantic lanes.

Passau

St. Stephen's Cathedral Passau

St. Stephen's Cathedral is a baroque church built in 1688. Since 730, there have been many churches built on the site of the current cathedral. The current church, a baroque building around 100 metres long, was built from 1668 to 1693 after a fire in 1662 destroyed its predecessor, of which only the late gothic eastern side remains. The cathedral's overall plan was made by Carlo Lurago, its interior decoration by Giovanni Battista Carlone, and its frescos by Carpoforo Tencalla.

St. Stephen´s Cathedral, Passau

Engelszell Trappist Convent

Engelszell Abbey, Austria's only Trappist monastery, was founded in 1293 and has a very eventful history behind it. The collegiate church with its 76 m high tower is one of the stylistically purest Rococo churches in Austria. It was built from 1754 to 1764 and is furnished with valuable works of art by Johann Georg Üblher, Joseph Deutschmann and Bartolomeo Altomonte. The monastery is known for its monastery liqueurs and Trappist cheese.

Engelszell Trappist Convent

Schloegen Oxbow

The Danube Valley has a very aesthetic appearance that hits its peak with the Schlögener Schlinge.
Here the power and beauty of nature is being reflected. Waters have always been of great significance to mankind. Through shipping, the Danube played and plays an important role up to this day. A less well-known utilisation of the Danube valley is winegrowing. Between 1000 and 1300 AD, in the medival warm period, wine was being grown in the cross valleys and the lower layers of Upper Austria. There used to be a small-sized vineyard with walls and staircase connections on the same level as Inzell, but on the left slope of the Danube Valley. Today it is completely overgrown by shrubbery. But in Hilkering, near Aschach, wine is currently being cultivated. The „Schlögener Schlinge“ has been appointed a „Natural Wonder of Austria“ in 2008. This rarity, called epigenetic cross valley, was being generated when the Danube carved its way through the soft layers of the Tertiary and created its meander-formed river bed, which it had to retain on the hard granitic rock. Because of the elevation of the landmass later on, the Danube carved itself nearly 300m into the ground and thereby created the dell, which almost forms a full circle in the Schlögener Schlinge.

Schloegen Oxbow

Castle Museum Linz

The renaissance building of Linz Castle houses the most important objects from the art and cultural history of Upper Austria. Particular focus is on the collections of Gothic art and painting from the 19th century as well as the folklore exhibition.

Castle Museum Linz

Pöstlingerberg Tram Linz

For over a hundred years the Pöstlingberg railway has been impressing guests from all over the world with its extraordinary and idyllic course. With the start of the operation of the new Pöstlingberg railway a direct connection has been established between the Main Square of Linz and Pöstlingberg. Climb aboard and enjoy a trip to the landmark mountain of Linz. An impressive view of Linz awaits you at the end of the trip. With a track length of 4.14. km, the Pöstlingberg railway covers a difference in elevation of 255 meters in 20 minutes.

Pöstlingberg tram

Melk Abbey

Melk Abbey is one of the biggest and most beautiful European Baroque ensembles (built between 1702-1739 to designs by Jakob Prandtauer). Its splendid architecture is famous worldwide and part of UNESCO´s World Cultural Heritage. The baroque building, situated on a rock overlooking the Danube, in the Wachau region, ranks as one Austria´s most visited art-historical sites. The abbey museum in the former Imperial Rooms contains the exhibition „The Path from Yesterday to Today“ which makes use of art treasures and multi-media means to tell the monastery´s more than 900-year-long history in a modern way.

Melk Abbey

Burgtheater Vienna

The Vienna Burgtheater was a prestigious institution long before it moved into the prestigious building on the Ring. Around 250 years ago, a ballroom adjoining the Hofburg was converted into a theater. This soon developed into one of the top addresses for German-speaking acting.

Burgtheater

Hofburg Vienna

For many centuries, the Vienna Hofburg was the centre of the Habsburg empire. Three museum attractions provide historically accurate insights into the tradition and daily life at court: the authentically-furnished Imperial Apartments, the tasteful Sisi Museum and the Silver Collection as a comprehensive collection of Imperial utilitarian objects. The Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum and the Silver Collection are amongst Vienna's top sights, attracting around 600,000 visitors each year.

Vienna, Hofburg

Dürnstein

The Wachau is one of the most famous regions in Austria. More and more visitors will appreciate the landscape, the culture and the world of excellent wines. An indispensable destination in this charming river landscape on the banks of the Danube is the old Kuenringer town of Dürnstein, where tradition and beauty meet in a unique way. The landscape is characterized by natural beauty such as the terraces of the old vineyards, a favorable climate and numerous cultural monuments, which invite you to linger. Tip: Take a glass of excellent apricot jam as a "tasteful" souvenir!

Dürnstein