Highlights of the Danube River

It's just a small taste of the sheer variety and wonder that can be found as you cycle your way down the river. You can see all these amazing places and more on our Danube River - 6 Countries Boat & Bike Tour and they feature on many other tours too. The route passes places of historical interest and natural landmarks alike including the picturesque Danube Loop, Budapest - the 'Paris of the East' - and the imposing dome of the Esztergom Basilica.

We have a variety of tours and itineraries on the Danube, giving you the opportunity to discover different sections of the river over a week or longer. All the routes mostly follow the river on gentle cycle paths by green riverbanks, making the cycling easy and a perfect option for less-experienced cyclists.

Before you discover the highlights, it's worth emphasising that our 6 countries tour has only three departure dates in 2023 as opposed to the usual six, so availability is limited. We'd advise booking early so you don't miss a single bend of this extraordinary river route! Call us on +44 (0) 1273 224066 or book online.

The first stop on the river is the secluded village of Engelhartszell, which sits right on the banks of the river and lies in the middle of the astounding countryside in northern Austria. While you're there you'll have the chance to visit the only Trappist monastery in Austria, Engelszell Abbey, with its 76m high clocktower and walls furnished with important works of art.

The monastery is famed for its Trappist beer and other liquors, and you'll enjoy the chance to sample these local delicacies as you disembark from your boat on any of our Danube Boat & Bike Tours.

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With meandering bends, tree-lined banks and picturesque little villages, the Schlögener Schlinge (also known as the Danube Loop) in northern Austria is one of the most scenic locations on the whole river. Cutting through the landscape, the river performs a spectacular 180 degree about-face, underneath steep banks covered in thick forest.

You can explore the bend on your bike, see the loop from up high if you take a small walking trail up to the main viewpoint opposite the meander, or there's an option to take a little ferry if you are on the Danube River Boat & Bike Tour.

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A little further along to the east is another area of astounding natural beauty. The Wachau Valley was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 in recognition of its architectural and agricultural history. Dotted with small, pretty buildings, the fields and farms of the valley form an exquisite patchwork, before the land rises up into luscious forested slopes.

The Wachau Valley is not only famous for its beauty but also for its high-quality wine grown on the farms by the river, and you can sample these delicacies if you stop off at one of the several wine taverns which sit right by the cycle paths.

Features on all Danube Boat & Bike tours

After carrying you through vast stretches of countryside, the Danube finally waltzes its way into Vienna. The city centre sits a little inland from the river, but its a short tram ride into the town from where the riverboats stop. Landmarks like St Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace, and the gorgeous Ringstraße make Vienna a place of extraordinary cultural richness, and it's easy to explore these places on a guided cycle tour or on a hop-on-hop-off bus.

Take the time to wander through the city's imperial streets, stopping to enjoy a decadent coffee and cake in one of its famous cafes. And why not end the day by attending a Waltz or Opera concert?

Features on all Danube Boat & Bike tours

The Danube is steeped in history and as it crosses from Austria to Slovakia, you'll find cycle paths which travel right along the old Iron Curtain. There are impressive monuments to be found in this area, including the imposing Imperial Palace of Hof with its Baroque style and beautiful terraced gardens, which you can easily reach by bike.

As you keep pedalling, you'll reach the fascinating and charming capital of Slovakia, Bratislava. The city is best explored on foot on an evening tour, as you wander the small alleyways under medieval church towers.

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The Esztergom Basilica is one of the leading architectural lights of the Danube. The 100-metre high cathedral is the tallest building in Hungary and towers over the river and the town of Esztergom. Ruined and rebuilt on a number of occasions, the Basilica was restored in 1820 and is the seat of the Catholic Church in Hungary.

Visits to the church are free and you only need to pay if you want to see the crypt. Take a break and enjoy a refreshment in the Basilica's cafe in the middle of the Panorama Hall which overlooks the Danube.

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Budapest, known as the 'Paris of the East' and the second largest city on the Danube, is a cultural highlight with architectural gems from distinct time periods, from the Roman city of Aquincum to the modern Palace of Arts.

There are a number of ways to discover the treats of the city, either by joining a choice of optional tours or exploring by yourself. You can stroll past riverside palaces, visit the market hall and wonder at the stunning churches. Alternatively, take a gentle cycle out of the city to Szentendre's galleries and pretty houses. You can also take a dip in one of the many thermal baths dotted around the city, situated by exquisite old buildings.

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Travelling directly south from Budapest, you'll arrive at the town of Mohacs, Hungary's most southerly Danube town. Another site of great historical significance, battles were fought here with the Ottoman Turks.

Make sure you visit the museum to learn more about the Battle of Mohács and its impact on the area.

Features on our Danube 6 Countries Boat & Bike Tour

The Serbian city of Novi Sad is home to yet another architectural and historical wonder, the Petrovaradin Fortress, perched right next to the river and overlooking the whole city. Its battlements and more modern buildings form an interesting blend of old and new styles.

From the city of Novi Sad, you can take the ferry to Fruska Gora National Park where you can wander along footpaths through dense forest before reaching viewpoints for spectacular views of the park before cycling through vineyards and farming villages across the border into Croatia.

Features on our Danube 6 Countries Boat & Bike Tour

After gently meandering along quiet, tree-lined riverbanks, the Danube reaches the white city of Belgrade, with its own fascinating mix of old and modern buildings, from Belgrade Fortress to the Avala Tower.

You can explore the Serbian capital by bike or by bus, admiring the city's beautiful and historic architecture with frequent coffee shop stops - Belgrade has a fantastic caffeine culture. You can even opt for an evening folklore show with regional food in the bohemian Skadarlija district.

Features on our Danube 6 Countries Boat & Bike Tour

Visual treats await in the stunning, little-known Iron Gates National Park in Romania. Here, the Danube carves its way along the border between Serbia and Romania through fjord-like landscapes with steep gorges rising from the banks.

This destination is the furthest point on the Danube 6 Countries Boat & Bike Tour. On this day you'll simply relax and enjoy the magical scenery from the comfort of the boat deck before you turn around and head up the river back towards Passau.

Features on our Danube 6 Countries Boat & Bike Tour