Danube waves, MS Swiss Crown

Experience Mediterranean flair in Passau, the city of three rivers. You should definitely set aside some time on the day of your arrival for a walk through the picturesque baroque city with its narrow lanes and Passau cathedral home to the largest church organ in the world. After embarkation between 4:00 and 5:00 pm it’s time to cast off and begin your cycling vacation with a romantic boat trip into the sunset, with a view of the Passau backdrop of church towers and domes slowly disappearing on the horizon.

Breathe in the fragrance of the dense forest and freshly mown meadows. Explore the pristine countryside of the Upper Danube valley on the former towpath as it runs past sleepy villages. Small, rustic inns at the edge of the trail invite you to linger, the aroma of fresh fish grilled according to tradition on a stick wafts through the air. The Schlögener Blick observation point offers a truly stunning view of the Schlögener Schlinge where the Danube carves its way through a gorge and doubles back on itself.

Take a quick breath of fresh country air once more - by midday, you’ll reach the capital of Upper Austria, Linz. During a guided stroll through the picturesque old town (optional), you’ll discover its enchanting charm. The cathedral is Austria’s largest church, and the Pöstlingbergbahn is the steepest adhesion railway in the world. Don’t miss it!

Right in front of Vienna’s entrance, embedded in a breathtaking scenery, the monastery of Klosterneuburg is situated. You can already see the dome of this 900 year old baroque building from a distance. "Kahlenbergerdorf" with it’s wine taverns is only a hop from the shipping pier and definitely worth a visit. After a stroll through the vineyards, you can enjoy the panoramic view over Vienna.

On a city tour of Vienna all the sights are within reach from the saddle of your bike or on the HOP ON HOP OFF bus (optional). The magnificent Ringstraße will remind you of times long past and inviting coffee houses will tempt you with delicious Viennese cakes and pastries, while the Naschmarket is a feast for all the senses. End the evening on a magical note with a concert of waltz and classical operetta music in Schönbrunn Castle (optional).

An unforgettable day in the picturesque Wachau. Cycle through delightful wine-growing villages surrounded by terraced vineyards and apricot trees. The charming little town of Dürnstein with its narrow lanes is an absolute highlight. In Weißenkirchen – the most important wine-growing village in the World Cultural Heritage Landscape - you can discover the first rate famous Wachau wines (optional wine tasting). Along the way you will also spot one of the most beautiful baroque ensembles in Europe: The Abbey of Melk.

A beautiful and varied route with impressions in all facets lies ahead of you! From the medieval town of Grein (Austria’s oldest municipal theatre, visit optional)) you cycle through the idyllic hinterland of the Strudengau, with a bit of luck you will be guided through the romantic Clam Castle by the lord of the castle himself and take a journey back in time to prehistory in the Celtic village of Mitterkirchen. The Mauthausen Memorial Concentration Camp is located on a hill near the town.

Enjoy the first rays of sun and the early morning tranquillity one last time from the deck of the ship before you reach Passau/ surroundings, your heart bursting with memories. Disembarkation: approx. 11.00 am. We recommend that you do not make any arrangements for onward connections departing before 12.00 am. To be on the safe side, later departure times would be even better.