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Two cyclists with helmets and red bikes on a ferry crossing the Danube River. Forested hills rise in the background under blue sky.

Boat landing stage in Engelhartszell (Photo credit: R. Hochhauser)

Danube cruise, MS P. Katharina | Engelhartszell - Budapest - Engelhartszell

The Danube 3 Countries Tour

Bike & boat trip
8 Days / 7 Nights
Loop tour
Individual tour
Two cyclists with helmets and red bikes on a ferry crossing the Danube River. Forested hills rise in the background under blue sky.

Boat landing stage in Engelhartszell (Photo credit: R. Hochhauser)

Accompanied by a cruise ship you cycle along Europe's second largest river Danube from the charming riverside town in Upper Austria Engelhartszell straight into the heart of the once glorious Imperial and Royal Monarchy. Enjoy three of the most enchanting European capitals: the lively Vienna, the Slovak coronation city of Bratislava at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains and Budapest, the "Hungarian Danube Queen"! 

By bicycle you discover the stunning natural spectacle of the Schlögener Donauschlinge ("Great Loop"), the legendary Wachau with romantic towns and mighty castles amidst lovely vineyards, the untouched alluvial forests of the Danube National Park, as well as the baroque town of Vác with its colourful 18th century houses. The highlights of the tour: the Schloegen Danube Loop, the Hungarian Danube Bend, the World Heritage Site Wachau, the metropoles of Bratislava, Budapest and Vienna.

Historic church dome with green copper cupola and golden cross overlooking the Danube River and town with red-tiled roofs below.

Esztergom: View from the basilica into the Danube Valley (Photo credit: R. Hochhauser)

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Historic church dome with green copper cupola and golden cross overlooking the Danube River and town with red-tiled roofs below.

Esztergom: View from the basilica into the Danube Valley (Photo credit: R. Hochhauser)

The itinerary
 at a glance

For your 8-day round trip in the Engelhartszell area

Individual journey to Engelhartszell, known for its Trappist monastery and scenic natural surroundings, approx. 30 km/18,64 miles from Passau. Embarkation will be around 4:00 pm. Overnight in Engelhartszell.

The day starts in Engelhartszell, where we head towards the "Great Loop" - one of the most beautiful and original sectors of the Danube. Your cycling will encounter small villages and cosy must-see taverns. You'll board again in Aschach. Then, you "sail into the night" towards Vienna-Nussdorf.

You should be sure to see the most famous places of interest like the St. Stephens Cathedral, the Hofburg, the gorgeous boulevard "Ringstraβe" with the Burgtheater, the State Opera House or the town hall that takes you back to the past. In the night shipping to Budapest.

In the morning, you enjoy the panoramic view of the Danube's gorgeous landscape on the Sundeck. The gateway to Budapest is overwhelming, as many of the famous tourist features are situated directly next to the river bank. In the afternoon you can explore the numerous attractions of the city. Nearby, you find the Margaretheninsel which is outstandingly qualified for a small bike tour or the charming town of Szentendre with Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art life. In the night shipping to Visegrad.

The Danube bend is definitely a delightful part and is called the Hungarian Wachau. Today's bike leg starts at Visegrad with its famous fortress and the ruins of the former palace. You cycle through the picturesque countryside via the Szentendre Peninsula to the baroque village of Vác, which has been influenced by the architects of the Austrian empress Maria Theresia. Via small Hungarian villages you return to Visegrad. In the afternoon shipping to Bratislava.

Arrival at Bratislava in the morning. Today, the bikes remain on board, and you have time to discover the small, lively capital of Slovakia. Tip: Enjoy a magnificent panoramic view from the castle and take a ride on a mini train through the enchanting old town. In the night shipping to Rossatz or Dürnstein (Wachau).

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 small village of Pöchlarn you will board again. After the farewell gala dinner, you start “sailing” back to Engelhartszell.

Every journey draws to an end. Once again you enjoy on deck the first sunbeams and the peaceful silence of the Danube Valley. Take a last sight at the Schlögener Schlinge ("Great Loop") before you arrive relaxed at Engelhartszell. Arrival: approx. at 09 am, disembarkation half an hour later. We recommend to book train connections from Passau from approx. noon onwards.

Level

Beginners and dabblers

You feel right at home on flat terrain. You have nothing against a few little breaks, and sightseeing is a priority for you. These trips are also suitable for cyclists who are not super fit. In short, these tours are for all those who prefer relaxed cycling and easy enjoyment for body, mind and soul.

Topography

The flat landscape and your comfortable ship offer ideal conditions for a relaxing week of cycling.

Route-finding & navigation

There is a daily route briefing on board. Afterwards, you will cycle at your own pace according to the maps provided.

Fancy a break from cycling?

If you want to take a break from cycling, you can stay on the boat and get to the next destination without any effort.

Overview of PEDALO Levels
Map showing Danube cycle route from Passau to Budapest, passing through Obermühl, Krems, Wien, Bratislava, and Komaron along the river.

Services & Info
 Trip details

  • 7 x overnight stay on board the MS Prinzessin Katharina
  • 7 x hearty breakfast buffet
  • 6 x packed lunch or lunch snack on board
  • 6 x afternoon coffee break
  • 6 x 3-course dinner menu
  • 1 x captain’s reception including welcome cocktail
  • 1 x gala dinner including farewell cocktail

  • Daily route briefing with on board tour leader
  • All port, bridge and sluice charges
  • Daily cleaning of your cabin
  • Carefully designed routes
  • Detailed travel documents
Minimum number of participants
  • This tour requires a minimum of 80 participants. If this number is not reached and the tour is cancelled, you will be notified no later than 21 days before the start of the tour.
  • If the tour is cancelled, you will receive a full refund. No further claims will be accepted.
  • Once the minimum number of participants has been reached, the tour is guaranteed to take place. You will receive confirmation of your booking as soon as a PEDALO representative has checked the available capacity.
Taxes & Fees

Ferry/boat trips: according to tariff

Ferry/boat trips are not included in the cruise fare and must be paid on site. 

Your Ship
 MS Prinzessin Katharina

Facts

  • Ship type: River cruise ship
  • Length: 110 m, width: 11,2 m, draught: 1 m
  • Passenger decks: 2 levels
  • Capacity: 70 outside cabins, 140 passengers
  • Crew: 30 persons
  • Flag: MT, languages spoken on board: DE, EN

 

Description

On the MS Prinzessin Katharina, the classically elegant furnishings and friendly crew create a special atmosphere. The spacious sun deck on the top level of the ship as well as various communal areas spread across both passenger decks offer plenty of opportunities for relaxation and entertainment.

Between us: while this riverboat is indeed a floating hotel, it is also a work horse. It is powered by engines and must be operated continuously, even at night (in some cases with lock and bridge passages and the associated raising and lowering of the superstructure). The reality is that passing through locks causes disruptions. This is the case on all Danube cruises and unfortunately cannot be avoided.

Main deck

The main deck is the lower of the two passenger decks. It has 38 outside cabins, a boutique, a hairdresser and a small bar.

Upper deck

The reception, the spacious lounge with bar and the panorama restaurant are located on the upper deck of the MS Prinzessin Katharina, as are the remaining 29 passenger cabins.

Cabins

The comfortable and tastefully decorated cabins on both decks are approximately 11 m² in size. On the main deck, they are equipped with two corner beds at floor level and a panoramic window that cannot be opened. On the upper deck, they have a sofa bed and a Pullman bed, which can be stowed away during the day for greater comfort. In the 3-bed cabins (on request), an additional bed can be folded down from the wall. The floor-to-ceiling window on the upper deck (French balcony) can be opened.

All cabins are equipped with their own bathroom with shower/WC, hairdryer, air conditioning, TV, on-board radio, telephone and a small refrigerator.

White river cruise ship Prinzessin Katharina with turquoise trim moored at riverbank under clear blue sky with German flag visible.

The MS Prinzessin Katharina, 110 metres long and 11.2 metres wide, at anchor (photo credit: SE-Tours)

Elegant dining room aboard Prinzessin Katharina with white tablecloths, striped upholstered chairs, red patterned carpet, and ornate ceiling.

MS Princess Katharina: The fully-serviced panoramic restaurant on the ship's upper deck (photo credit: SE-Tours)

Formal dining table with white tablecloth, wine glasses, silverware, and folded napkins. A glass bowl with green flowers serves as centerpiece.

MS Princess Katharina: A table set for dinner (photo credit: SE-Tours)

Elegant dining room on Prinzessin Katharina with circular buffet station featuring bread, pastries and food displays. Red carpet, wooden furniture.

MS Princess Katharina: Part of the extensive breakfast buffet (photo credit: SE-Tours)

Elegant ship bar on Prinzessin Katharina with curved wooden counter, leather bar stools, red patterned carpet, and ornate ceiling beams.

MS Princess Katharina: The bar with lounge area on the ship's upper deck (photo credit: SE-Tours)

Elegant dining room on ship Prinzessin Katharina with blue chairs, round tables, red patterned carpet, wood ceiling beams and portrait paintings.

MS Princess Katharina: The cosy lounge area on the upper deck (photo credit: SE-Tours)

Elegant ship lounge with curved leather seating, round tables, bar stools, red carpet, and large windows. Wood paneling and decorative ceiling.

MS Princess Katharina: The small bar on the ship's main deck (photo credit: SE-Tours)

Interior view of Prinzessin Katharina ship cabin showing seating area with built-in sofa, window, and compact bathroom with sink and mirror.

MS Princess Katharina: 2-berth cabin on the main deck, approx. 11 m² (photo credit: SE-Tours)

Ship cabin with single bed, wooden furniture, red carpet, balcony doors with curtains, mirror, TV, and framed artwork on cream walls.

MS Princess Katharina: 2-berth cabin on the upper deck during the day (with the Pullman bed folded away on the left), approx. 11 m² (photo credit: SE-Tours)

Ship cabin with red carpet, wooden furniture, seating area by window, and compact bathroom with white fixtures visible through open door.

MS Princess Katharina: 2-berth cabin on the upper deck (daytime use), approx. 11 m² (photo credit: SE-Tours)

Ship cabin with two single beds, wooden furnishings, red carpet, TV, curtained window, and decorative artwork on cream-colored walls.

MS Princess Katharina: 2-berth cabin on the upper deck - made up for the night, approx. 11 m² (photo credit: SE-Tours)

Compact white bathroom on Prinzessin Katharina ship with shower, toilet, sink with brass faucets, towel rack, and mirror.

MS Princess Katharina: A view into the bathroom of a cabin on the upper deck (photo credit: SE-Tours)

Interior of ship Prinzessin Katharina showing ornate staircase with classical mural depicting dancing figures, red carpeted floors, and decorative ceiling.

MS Princess Katharina: A view of the lobby and the staircase leading to the main deck (photo credit: SE-Tours)

Large outdoor chess set with black and white pieces on checkered board on wooden deck of Prinzessin Katharina cruise ship with seating area.

MS Princess Katharina: A game of chess on the ship’s sun deck (Note: there is another ship in the background) (photo credit: SE-Tours)

Prices & Dates
 at a glance

Arrival: Saturday, 11.04. / 25.04. / 09.05. / 23.05. / 13.06. / 27.06. / 25.07. / 26.07. / 01.08. / 29.08. / 05.09. / 19.09. / 03.10.2026

Prices per person in EUR
Fuel Surcharge Spring/Summer 2026

Due to the current situation in the Middle East and the resulting sharp rise in fuel prices, many shipping companies are currently compelled to exercise their right to adjust prices (by a maximum of 8% of the basic cruise fare in accordance with the applicable EU directive).

Should the fuel surcharge apply to your trip, we will inform you of the exact amount in good time, no later than 20 days before the start of your journey. Payment ist to be made on board the ship and goes entirely to the shipping company or the respective ship operator. If fuel prices fall, the surcharge will be waived accordingly.

We ask for your understanding that this measure is temporarily necessary to ensure we can continue to provide the quality of service you have come to expect on our Bike & boat trips. Thank you very much!

Frequently asked
 questions

Smiling man in gray Pedalo shirt holding two cycling helmets and wearing white cycling gloves against a blurred coastal background.
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The combination of bike and boat is becoming more and more popular. The PEDALO catalogue is extensive and varied, but spaces and dates are limited.

If you’ve been thinking about booking one of our fantastic bike and boat trips, we recommend not delaying for too long, as certain dates are often booked up quickly on many of our trips. Welcome on board! But please make sure to book in good time.

    •  
  • Changes to the sailing times and/or the route, which may occur in the event of high or low water or other unforeseeable weather conditions such as storms, etc. are not grounds for cancellation without cost.
    •  
  • The same applies to lock and/or bridge repairs that are ordered by the authorities but not announced in advance.
    •  
  • In these cases, we reserve the right (for your own safety) to change the route and/or to bridge some sections with other means of transport. In some cases, overnight stays may be necessary.

Your travel documents usually include general travel information, a hotel list, a road book and/or detailed maps as well as a textual description of the route; you will also get luggage tags and possibly also vouchers and/or information material on the various sightseeing attractions. The exact contents of the information package depend on the booked trip and its included services.

The documents will be sent to you approx. two to three weeks before the start of your tour. Depending on the trip, you may receive them partly in digital form and partly by post – or you will receive the hotel list and general travel information in advance by e-mail, and the remaining documents along with the maps on site at your starting hotel.

Please note that the travel documents are issued exclusively for PEDALO guests and are therefore not available without a booking.

Travel insurance is not included in our prices. You can decide whether to get a quote elsewhere or simply book your travel insurance online at pedalo.com/en/service/travel-insurance. In any case, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance!

Please note that for last-minute bookings (less than 30 days before the start of the trip), insurance cover can only be taken out within 3 days of booking.

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