Passau - Vienna - Passau, MS Arlene II

Arrival to Passau as organised by you. This Episcopal city close to the Bavarian/Austrian border is also known as the "City of three Rivers" as the Inn Ilz and Danube all meet here. You may aboard the boat at 4:00 pm. The boat will depart at around 5pm. Your ship remains in the port of Passau for the night.

The way leads you past pretty villages and amid natural lanscape. To mix things up a bit, you can take the little ferry boat through the romantic Schlögener loop, where the river makes a very abrupt 180 degree turn (optional). From Untermühl you take the boat to Linz. After dinner, you can have a ride on the bright yellow City Express (optional, not included) and disover Linz, the capital of Upper Austria (approx. 30 minutes) 

In the early morning you travel to Mauthausen by boat. You have the possibility to visit Mauthausen concentration camp memorial in the morning. The Celtic village in Mitterkirchen gives you a great insight into the past. The easy bike route runs alongside the Danube. For those sportier cyclists, we recommend that you cycle via Clam Castle through Straudengau's beautiful back country. This route is slightly hilly, but has fantastic scenery. Today's destination is Grein, home of Greinburg castle, which is Austria's oldest residential castle (optional, not included).

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 takes you to Melk where there is a gorgeous Benedictine baroque monastery. On deck, you can enjoy the sunset and the beautiful evening illumination of the Wachau. Today's final destination is Tulln, famous for its numerous market gardens where the famous Art Nouveau artist Egon Schiele was born (museum).

The bike tour through the Danube bend takes you on a trip through the history of Hungary too. You cycle from the former King's residence through the picturesque, slight hilly Hungarian Wachau landscape to Esztergom where the gorgeous basilica towers over the medieval quarter. You have two cycle rides to choose between today. The longer option includes a diversion to Szentendre island and to the baroque town Vác. The shorter route goes directly to Esztergom. The boat moves on to Vienna during the night. 

Vienna tour by bike (optional), Waltz and Opera evening (optional)

Today you get to explore Vienna, a very lively city by bicycle (optional). You will go past the famous sights like St. Stephens Cathedral and the Hofburg. The gorgeous boulevard "Ringstraße" with the Burgtheater, the State Opera House and the town hall takes you back in time. In the afternoon there is plenty of time to go for a stroll or to visit one of the famous Viennese cafes. The evening ends  with a Waltz and Operetta concert (optional, not included). In the night, the boat moves on to Dürnstein or Rossatz in the Wachau.

Wine tasting (optional)

Your last day's cycling is a special highlight! Amidst small dreamy villages, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins, this gentle hilly landscape enchants everybody. The blue tower on the monastery church in Dürnstein is a true landmark in Wachau. In Spitz (possibility for wine tasting – optional), you will find comfy wine taverns right along the bike path. You owe it to yourself to take a break! In the evening there is a farewell dinner and cocktail. The boat moves on to Passau in the night. 

Every journey draws to an end. For the last time on this holidays, you can enjoy the first sunbeams on deck again in the morning and the peaceful silence of the Danube Valley. Take a last look at the Schlögener Schlinge ("Great Loop") before you arrive nice and relaxed in Passau. Arrival is about 11am. Please disembark within 30 minutes of arrival. We recommend to arrange onward travel from noon onwards.