Upon arrival in Passau make your way to your riverboat where boarding commences at 4pm and then we cast-off for a leisurely cruise through the serene and beautiful Danube Valley.

If you arrive early, Passau is a charming town with plenty to see and do. It is the point at which the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers all meet so there are plenty of river banks to stroll along but we also recommend making the climb to Veste Oberhaus, a medieval fortress and museum that offers a fantastic, panoramic view of the town and river.

Your first ride starts in Engelhartszell, a pretty riverside village. The route leads you through the pristine countryside of the Upper Danube Valley. Steep, tree clad hillsides sweep down to the river sometimes giving way to lush meadows at the water’s edge. The level quiet cycle path is a joy to pedal along and eventually you reach today’s highlight, the Schlögener Schlinge or Danube Loop. The best way to appreciate this majestic and picturesque bend in the river is from the vantage point high on the opposite hillside. This does mean investing in a 20 minute hike up a winding forest trail but most agree it is very much worth it. Afterwards you continue your ride through a magical section where nature still holds sway and it’s just you, the bike path and the lush forested hillsides, no roads or cars in sight. Eventually you rejoin the Swiss Crown in the pleasant little hamlet of Brandstatt where she remains moored for the night.

An easy ride today as you continue following the riverside cycle path downstream to Linz. Austria’s third largest city and capital of Upper Austria, Linz is a bustling place with lots to offer. You could take the Pöstlingbergbahn, one of the steepest adhesion railways in the world, up to to a nearby hilltop for some fantastic views across the city. The ARS Electronica Museum is a great place to learn about the latest developments in modern technology and offers some really cool interactive learning opportunities. Or you could just stroll through the streets of the old town, perhaps taking a seat at one of the outdoor cafes in the Hauptplatz (main square) where the locals gather for a drink and to socialize. The Swiss Crown remains moored in Linz for the evening.

We disembark in the pleasant riverside town of Tulln and then enjoy an easy ride alongside the river towards Vienna. From some distance away, the impressive twin towers of the monastery at Klosterneuburg are in sight. Here, on the outskirts of the city, we can take a stroll through the vineyards and enjoy some panoramic views over the historic city of Vienna. The Swiss Crown remains moored on the outskirts of Vienna for the night

The Swiss Crown remains moored on the outskirts of Vienna today giving you a whole day to explore the vibrant and historic Austrian capital. If you like you can join one of the optional Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tours of the city or you can grab a map and make your own way around, taking in the sights and attractions that appeal to you. We highly recommend finding time during your day to experience a typical Viennese Cafe to sample the fabulous cakes and pastries on offer. In the evening you may opt to enjoy a concert of classical music and waltz in Sisi’s summer residence (payable locally). The Swiss Crown remains moored just outside Vienna for a second night.

Today you have a real treat in store as you pedal through the stunning Wachau Valley. Many regard this as the most beautiful stretch of the Danube. Picture-perfect, riverside villages, apricot orchards, vineyards and hilltop castles characterise this stunning landscape that captivates all who visit. The charming village of Dürnstein with its haunting ruin and iconic church is definitely a highlight as is quaint Weißenkirchen which offers many opportunities for wine tasting.

After a short breakfast cruise you disembark in Grein, a beautiful baroque town with an impressive riverside castle. You then follow a wonderful riverside cycle path upstream through a pretty, rural landscape of meadows and woodland. After a while reach the village of Mitterkirchen where it’s possible to visit the site of an ancient Celtic settlement. Those with energy to spare can detour inland to admire the impressive Klam Castle otherwise the route continues alongside the great river to the charming riverside town of Mauthausen. Nearby you may wish to visit the WWII concentration camp memorial site which is both moving and thought provoking. The Swiss Crown remains moored in Mauthausen overnight.

Enjoy a gentle morning cruise back to Passau with one last look at the Danube Loop on the way. You arrive in Passau at approximately 11am.