Danube in three-quarter time

By bike and ship along the Danube – a truly special experience, as your “floating hotel” is always with you! You cycle gently downhill through the impressive Danube landscape and discover the legendary Wachau. And then Vienna – a fireworks display of sights! A city that is hard to describe, one that you simply have to experience! During a city tour by bike, St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Town Hall, or the Giant Ferris Wheel are within reach. A stroll through the Naschmarkt becomes a culinary experience. You can find relaxation in the cozy coffee houses and traditional heurigen in the suburbs. The highlights of the tour: the Schlögener Danube Loop, the Wachau, and the world city of Vienna with its numerous attractions.

Day 1 | Arrival in Engelhartszell

Departure in the morning and arrival in Engelhartszell, located about 25 km downstream from Passau. In the afternoon, embark on the MS Prinzessin Katharina. After settling into your cabin, you will be welcomed by the captain before the day concludes with a delightful dinner.

Day 2 | Cycling Tour: Engelhartszell – Aschach

Cruise: Linz - Tulln

Your first cycling stage begins. Notable is the Engelhartszell monastery, known for its beautifully renovated church and its "healing" herbal schnapps. You will cycle downstream on the former towpath. A special highlight is a ride on the small longitudinal ferry (extra charge) through the Schlögener Loop. In Aschach, you will board again and continue your journey to Linz. You will reach the capital of Upper Austria in the evening. While enjoying your dinner, you will be treated to a particularly atmospheric view of the city skyline. Don’t miss the ride on the City Express, which takes you through the narrow streets of Linz's old town (extra charge). Later, the ship will weigh anchor for the onward journey to Tulln.

Cycling tour approx. 43 km

Day 3 | Tulln – Vienna-Nussdorf

From Tulln, you will start the cycling tour on the Danube Cycle Path downstream, always heading east. In Greifenstein, at the height of the local power plant, the Danube is 800 m wide and flows at about 20 km/h at normal water levels. Just before the gates of Vienna lies the Klosterneuburg Monastery. The dome of this 900-year-old baroque masterpiece is visible from afar, and the "Verdun Altar" is one of the highlights of medieval goldsmithing. A short hike through the vineyards to the viewpoint terrace of Kahlenberg is worthwhile. You will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the million-metropolis. Experience an unforgettable evening full of Viennese charm and joie de vivre, a classical concert by the Vienna Hofburg Orchestra or the Vienna Residence Orchestra (approx. 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM). A program consisting of the most famous melodies from the waltz and operetta music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the Strauss family (extra charge). A beautiful conclusion is the subsequent light cruise along the Ringstrasse on the way back to the ship.

Cycling tour approx. 37 km

Day 4 | Vienna-Nussdorf

Today, the sights of Vienna are on the agenda: Perhaps you will visit St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Hofburg or stroll through Vienna's magnificent boulevard, the Ringstrasse, with the Burgtheater, State Opera, and City Hall. There are countless possibilities. Still, take enough time to wander or visit one of the famous Viennese cafés. Two excursion programs are offered: A city walk through the center with bus transfers to/from the dock. Either experience the charming, lovable city of Vienna on a approx. 2-hour city walk (extra charge). Or a city tour by bicycle: in a small group, accompanied by a knowledgeable cycling guide, enjoy the beauties of architecture and culture. You will cycle from Nussdorf along the Danube Canal over Spittelau and Urania to the Hundertwasserhaus and the most important sights. At night, the ship will weigh anchor for the onward journey to the Wachau.

Cycling tour approx. 38 km

Day 5 | Krems – Melk

Look forward to a cycling tour through one of the most beautiful river landscapes in Europe. The gently rolling hills of the Wachau, with its picturesque villages, well-tended wine terraces, venerable castles, monasteries, and romantic ruins, will enchant you. In Dürnstein, the blue baroque tower of the monastery church greets you from afar. In Melk, the magnificent Benedictine Abbey towers over the Danube – a place full of history, culture, and impressive architecture. Enjoy this day to the fullest – it is one of the highlights of your journey! Your ship will stay overnight in Melk, giving you plenty of time. The Melk Abbey is particularly impressive when the golden evening light sets it in scene before dusk.

Cycling tour approx. 38 km

Day 6 | Melk – Grein

The stage takes you through charming river meadows with wide views and small charming towns. The wild Strudengau is particularly scenic – once feared by sailors, today an impressive river gorge with wooded slopes and rocky banks. In the idyllic town of Grein, you will be greeted by the imposing Greinburg, which towers over the Danube – the oldest residential castle in Austria. You have the opportunity for a grand castle tour (extra charge). In the afternoon, the MS Prinzessin Katharina will anchor and welcome you.

Cycling tour approx. 50 km

Day 7 | Cycling Tour: Grein – Mauthausen –

Cruise: Engelhartszell

The wide plain of the Machland accompanies you with its lush fields and quiet paths. In the Celtic village of Mitterkirchen, you can immerse yourself in a long-gone time. Upon arrival in Mauthausen, a visit to the memorial site is recommended – a place of quiet remembrance and historical responsibility. In the evening, a festive farewell dinner awaits you on board. Enjoy the special atmosphere one last time, the gently flowing Danube, and the starry sky. The ship will sail at night to Engelhartszell.

Cycling tour approx. 40 km

Day 8 | Engelhartszell – Return Journey

After breakfast, disembarkation, and the travel bus awaits you for your return journey.

(All time indications are provisional and always subject to changes due to high or low water, changed lock times, and other unforeseen events.)

• Transfer rides in a modern coach
• Cruise as described
• 7x overnight stays in the booked
  cabin category
• Full board: 7x breakfast, 6x packed lunches for bike tours or lunch,
  6x coffee and cake in the afternoon,
  6x 3-course dinners, 1x farewell
  dinner with farewell drink
• Captain's reception with welcome drink
• Daily cabin cleaning, bed linen and towel change as needed
• Rental bike: 8-speed E-bike (with freewheel or coaster brake) from Velo de Ville
  including luggage carrier bag and
  rental bike insurance
• Daily bike tour briefing
• Detailed digital travel documents,
  navigation app and GPS data for the bike tours
• German-speaking onboard tour guide
• All passenger and port fees
• Continuous BOHR travel accompaniment

Route profile: flat, suitable for leisure cyclists, beginners, and children.

A basic level of fitness is an advantage.

You decide how much you want to cycle! You can ride alone or in small groups for each option. And if you ever feel like you don't want to go on a bike tour, just stay on board.

Ferry ride                             approx. 7,– € per person

City Express Linz                          approx. 11,– € per person

Classical concert in Vienna      approx. 75,– € per person

City walk in Vienna incl.

Bus transfer                                    approx. 48,– € per person

City tour in Vienna by bike     approx. 45,– € per person

Guided tour of Greinburg Castle       approx. 13,– € per person

Important:

• only bookable and payable directly on board
• Minimum number of participants required per excursion
• Offers and prices subject to change

Cabin for single use on request

Pack appropriate clothing, sports shoes, and helmet (rental available on board for an additional fee).

On the MS Princess Katharina, you can expect classic elegance, a friendly crew, and a tasteful interior. Enjoy the special ambiance and let yourself be pampered by the excellent cuisine. Spread over two passenger decks, there is a panoramic restaurant, a cozy lounge, a bar, and an inviting foyer. A reading corner, a small shop, and a massage salon complete the offerings. On the spacious, partially covered sun deck, there are plenty of seating options available. All 71 cabins are outside and equipped with a shower, toilet, hairdryer, air conditioning, onboard radio, TV, and a small refrigerator. On the main deck, all cabins have panoramic windows (non-opening), and on the upper deck, all cabins have French balconies (= floor-to-ceiling windows that open).