Our Austria Tours at a Glance

Wine Terraces, Baroque Splendour & Viennese Coffee Culture

Discover Austria by Bike & Boat

Austria along the Danube brings together everything leisure cyclists love: baroque abbeys and castles, sun-drenched wine terraces, pristine floodplains and cities rich in culture. Between Engelhartszell, Linz, the Wachau Valley, Tulln and Vienna, one of Europe’s most popular riverside cycle paths runs almost entirely flat, perfect for a relaxed cycling and cruise holiday in Austria. Along the way, local traditions are there to be savoured: Wachau apricots, Grüner Veltliner and Riesling from steep vineyard terraces, traditional wine taverns in Vienna’s outskirts and classic café specialities from Viennese Melange to Sachertorte.

The Austrian stretches of the Danube provide a stunning backdrop: the Schlögen Danube Loop as a natural monument, the romantic Wachau with Dürnstein and Melk Abbey, contemporary culture in Linz, and the cosmopolitan flair of Vienna from St. Stephen’s Cathedral to the Ringstrasse. Depending on the itinerary, journeys also extend eastwards into the Danube floodplains towards Bratislava and, on longer routes, as far as the Hungarian Danube Bend and Budapest.

Travelling here means experiencing Austria’s diversity through the interplay of nature, culture and lifestyle. In the morning, forests and vineyards reflect on the water; at midday, charming villages invite you to enjoy a light snack among the vines; and in the evening, the day winds down on the sun deck or at a traditional wine tavern. Between the Alpine foothills and the Pannonian Plain, history, hospitality and culinary pleasure come together – a Danube journey in Austria that truly stays with you.

Aerial view of the famous Danube Loop in Austria showing the river making a dramatic horseshoe bend around a forested peninsula.

Slice of Sachertorte with chocolate glaze and Hotel Sacher seal on top, served with whipped cream on an elegant plate with gold and red trim.

Two cyclists riding red bikes along the Danube river on a green meadow path, with a large tree and forested hills in the background.

Four golden Marillenknödel in a brass bowl, garnished with fresh mint. The dumplings reveal apricot halves inside, served on a rustic table.

Wine tasting setup in Krems with rows of empty wine glasses and Grüner Veltliner bottles on a dark surface against a yellow wall.

Austrian Kaiserschmarrn dessert on a white plate, torn into pieces, dusted with powdered sugar, served with red berry compote.

Danube to Vienna

Culture, Cuisine & Active Travel in Perfect Balance

Between Engelhartszell, Linz, the Wachau Valley and Vienna, you experience the Danube at an easy, enjoyable pace: relaxed cycling by day, comfort on board by night. The Danube Cycle Path runs almost entirely flat, leading through idyllic floodplains, sunlit wine terraces and charming villages shaped by traditional wine tavern culture.

Natural highlights such as the legendary Schlögen Danube Loop, the baroque splendour of Melk Abbey and the picturesque villages of the Wachau set the scenic tone before the Danube metropolis of Vienna captivates with its unique atmosphere. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, the Ringstrasse and the Giant Ferris Wheel combine with coffeehouse traditions and cosy wine taverns to create a city full of history and joie de vivre. Daily cycling stages are deliberately moderate, leaving plenty of time for sightseeing, culinary experiences and scenic breaks.

Depending on the itinerary, your tour starts or ends in Passau or Engelhartszell – the highlights remain the same: gentle activity, impressive river scenery and the comfort of your “floating hotel” as a home base.

Group of white swans swimming on the blue Danube River under a bright blue sky with white clouds. Mountains and boats visible in background.

Bike & Boat Passau - Vienna - Passau, MS SE-MANON

8 Days

Baroque Schloss Bellevue palace in Vienna with formal gardens, white statues, manicured hedges and fountain cascade in foreground.

The Danube in the rythm of the waltz by Bike & Boat, MS PRINZESSIN KATHARINA

8 Days

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The Gloriette at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, a neoclassical colonnade with arched openings and ornate sculptures on top against blue sky.

Danube to Budapest

Wine, History & Cross-Border Discoveries

A journey along the Danube to Budapest is a fascinating blend of nature, culture and European history. In Austria, the river reveals some of its most beautiful stretches: the soft curves of the Schlögen Loop, the storybook landscapes of the Wachau with vineyard terraces, apricot orchards and Melk Abbey and the elegant lifestyle of Vienna with its coffeehouses, wine taverns and imperial heritage. Between floodplains, vineyards and historic monasteries, Austria can be discovered actively yet comfortably with short, varied cycling tours and ample time to explore.

Further downstream, the Danube takes on an international character: Bratislava enchants with its old town lanes and castle views, the Hungarian Danube Bend opens up wide landscapes and baroque towns and Budapest crowns the journey with a spectacular panorama of history, culture and vibrant life.

Panoramic view of Budapest's Pest district with the Hungarian Parliament building's distinctive dome along the Danube River and bridge.

Bike & Boat, Passau - Budapest - Passau, MS SE-MANON

8 Days

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MS Prinzessin Katharina river cruise ship sailing on calm water with white church and forested hills in background under blue sky.

Bike & Boat, The Danube 3 Countries Tour, MS PRINZESSIN KATHARINA

8 Days

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Three cyclists riding on paved bike path along the Danube with historic stone bridge arch and rocky cliff face in background.

Antje Schimanke Fotografie

Classic Rivercruises

Relaxed River Travel Through Austria

For travellers who prefer to experience the Danube at a leisurely pace, our classic river cruises in Austria are the perfect choice. Instead of cycling, simply sit back and enjoy the passing scenery between Passau, the Wachau, Vienna and – depending on the route – as far as Bratislava and Budapest. Along the way, a picture-book panorama unfolds: baroque abbeys, gentle wine terraces, imposing castles and lively riverside cities.

Between Krems and Melk, you cruise through the world-famous Wachau Valley, where wine, culture and nature come together in perfect harmony. Vienna delights with imperial grandeur, music and culinary traditions – from Sachertorte to the traditional wine tavern. Continuing onward, Bratislava and Budapest await with rich history, cultural diversity and unmistakable charm, where Central European elegance meets Hungarian flair.

On board, you enjoy stylish comfort, attentive service and a journey filled with memorable moments of indulgence ideal for combining culture, cuisine and pure relaxation on one of Europe’s most beautiful rivers.