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Independent and Guided tours - 7 nights / 8 days
The most famous bike route in Europe along the beautiful Danube, however this time we enjoy our travelling hotel, the MS MY STORY, as we start in Passau, Germany, cruise and cycle through the Austrian countryside into Slovakia and Hungary, before returning to Germany.This journey takes you to the highlights along Europe´s second largest river.
The impressive spectacle of nature of the Schlögener Donauschlinge (Great Loop”), the fascinating landscape of the Wachau with its vineyards, castles and palaces, the untouched alluvial forests of the National Park Donauauen as well as the picturesque Hungarian Danube Bend, alternating with metropolises such as Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.
The wide stream of the Danube flows like a silver belt through Budapest separating the hilly Buda and the flat Pest. The imposant cupola of the basilica in Esztergom salutes from a distance. At the foot of the Carpathian Mountains the Slovak capitol of Bratislava (formerly Pressburg) invites us for a stroll in its charming Old Town. How about a small flirt with Vienna, city of Waltz?
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DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
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Day 1: Passau
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Where the rivers Inn, Ilz and Danube unite, the bishop's town Passau is located at the Bavarian/Austrian border. Embarkation 05:00 p.m. The MV Theodor Körner is waiting for you in the harbour of Passau and the crew bids you welcome onboard. Dinner onboard.
Departure: approx. 09:00 p.m. Cruise to the Austrian resort town Engelhartszell, which is the former summer residence of the bishops of Passau.
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Day 2: Donauschlinge = "Great Loop" (40 km)
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In Engelhartszell the bicycle tour continues through the romantic fluvial topography of the “Great Loop” which is one of the most beautiful and original sectors of the Danube with its small villages and cosy taverns. You reboard at the charming village of Aschach and then you “sail” into the night.
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Day 3: Vienna - Bratislava (55-75 km)
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Walk through the Old Town(optional) Near Vienna you can experience pure nature, wild and untamed at the National Park Donauauen, which is one of the last big unspoilt floodplains in Europe.
Bratislava is an attractive destination and during a walkabout in the evening (optional) you can discover hidden alleys, places and all the sights of this ambitious metropolis.
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| Day 4: Budapest (day of rest). Sight-seeing tour at night (optional) |
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In the morning you may enjoy the panoramic view of the Danube bend´s gorgeous landscape. The gateway to Budapest is overwhelming: many of the famous tourist features are situated directly on the shore. Nearby you find Margarethen Island which is outstanding for short bike tours. The market hall – called “the stomach of Budapest” – is attractive with Hungarian pleasures and handcrafts. During a city tour at night (optional) you can experience an illuminated Budapest.
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Day 5: Danube bend (57-84,5 km)
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Sporty cyclists may leave Budapest by bike, those who are biking just for pleasure can shorten the distance by ship or by train (optional). North of Budapest, at the bow of the Danube, is the picturesque and slightly hilly landscape of the Danube bend, also called Hungarian Wachau. The small artistic town Szentendre is a paradise for bikers with its open-air museum. The landmark of Esztergom is the basilica, situated at the end of the Danube knee, it is the biggest church in Hungary.
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Day 6: Vienna (day of rest). City tours by bike or bus, Waltz Concert (optional)
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You can discover this city of vitality during a sight-seeing tour by bike or bus. The most famous places of interest are the Prater Amusement Park, St. Stephens Cathedral and the Royal Hofburg. The gorgeous boulevard “Ringstraße” with its Burgtheater, State Opera House and Town Hall reminds one of Vienna's imperial past.
There is enough time in the afternoon to stroll or visit one of the famous Viennese coffee bars. The evening ends impressively with a Waltz and Opera Concert at the Wiener Kursalon (optional) or at a local wine tavern.
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| Day 7: Rorschach/Arbon - Constance/Kreuzlingen (27-36 km) |
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Surrounded by small quaint towns, apricot orchads, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins, the hilly landscape is enchanting for everybody. This is pure biking enjoyment! In Spitz, you may find comfy wine taverns directly besides the bike path. Take a break - you owe it to yourself!
You have to walk your bike through Dürnstein's narrow alleys. King Richard Lionheart was not a voluntary guest here during mediaeval times. At the end of this stage, there is Melk with its gorgeous baroque monastery of the Benedictine monkhood. After a ceremonial gala dinner lots of fun and entertainment can be experienced on board during a folklore show.
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Day 8: Passau (departure)
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Every journey draws to an end. Once again you enjoy the sunrise on deck and the peaceful silence of the Danube Valley. Take a last sight of the Schlögener Schlinge before you arrive relaxed at Passau. Disembarkation: 2:30 p.m.
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PRICE & DETAILS
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| Price & Schedule |
DEPARTURE DATES:
Dates 2013 :
MS MY STORY***+ - Sunday
April 21, May 05/12/26, June 02/16/23, July 07/14/28, Aug. 04/18/25, Sept. 08/15/29, Oct. 06 MS THEODOR KÖRNER*** - Saturday April 27, May 18, June 08/29, July 20, Aug. 10/31, Sept. 21
Guided tours are available on the following dates:
April 22, May 20, June 17, July 22, Aug. 26, Sept. 23* & 29*, Oct. 07*
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Theodore Korner - Per person, double occupancy
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$1110 |
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Danube deck - bunk beds
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$1000 |
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Danube deck - 2 single beds
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$1100 |
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Danube deck - 1 double bed
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$1400 |
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Main deck - bunk beds, or 2 beds at front/rear of ship
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$1100 |
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Main deck - 2 single beds
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$1150
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Main deck - 1 double bed
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$1700 |
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Upper deck - 2 single beds
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$1250 |
My Story - Per person, double occupancy
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Main deck - bunk beds, or 2 beds at front or rear
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$1000 |
Main deck - 2 single beds
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$1200 |
Upper deck - 2 single beds at front or rear
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$1150 |
Upper deck - 2 single beds
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$1300 |
Upper deck - 1 double bed
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$1700
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| Included |
- 7 nights in outside cabins on the Main Deck (Haupdeck), front or rear of ship
- Program according itinerary from/to Passau
- Welcome cocktail
- Daily cabin cleaning, towels and bedlinens
- Full-board: breakfast, lunch on board (non cyclists) or packed lunch/lunch box (cyclists); afternoon coffee break or snack; full dinner
- Gala-Dinner with Farewell-Cocktail
- Farewell Crew Show
- Daily Live Music
- Bike rental (Modern 7-gear comfort bike with bck pedalbrakes and saddlebags)
- 1x detailed map and information material kit per cabin
- Daily tour information meeting
- Cruise director/tour guide on board (does not accompany cyclists)
- Harbour fees and port taxes of 59€ per person
Optional Services:
- Additional nights in Passau
- Airport transfers
- Entrance and sightseeing fees, optional tours, and ships gratuities are not included
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Logding
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Your boat: MS MY STORY, 3+***
This is a very spacious ship with a very comfy atmosphere. On board the guest is king! Our crew is keen to satisfy every wish and makes a contribution to the success of this voyage. On joining this popular vessel you are immediately aware of the cosy and informal ambience on board. The Sun Deck with its awnings allows you to enjoy the passing scenery in a very relaxed way and soak up the warmth. On deck there are both deck chairs and ordinary chairs and tables, which encourage conversation and communal activity in the fresh air.
The Panorama Restaurant and the Panorama Lounge with its bar provide not only excellent food and drinks but also a sense of conviviality with old friends and new acquaintances.
The comfortable 87 cabins (approx. 9 m²) are equipped with 1-2 low beds (during the day one bed can be fold to the wall), air conditioner, private facilities, TV, hairdryer. The windows can be opened in the cabins on the upper deck. Triple cabins are equipped with 2 lower beds and one folding bed above. For families the cabins with connecting door are very adequate.
Technical Details: year of manufacture 1971, length 105 m, breadth 11,6 m, draft 1,70 m, speed approx. 18 km/h; 87 cabins, max. 174 passengers;
Languages on board: German and English.
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| Rate |
EASY: Flat paved cycle paths along both sides of the Danube, suitable for beginners, children and experienced cyclists alike.
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| Airport / Transfers |
We suggest flying into Munich. We can supply semi-private transfers from Munich Airport to Passau for $100.00 per person each way (min. 2 persons).
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| Other information |
OPTIONAL LAND EXCURSIONS:
The following optional excursions (surcharge - not included in tour price) can be booked directly on board with the cruise director.
Bratislava: City Tour with Old-timer ride and city walk
Budapest: Sight-seeing tour by bike | Illuminated Budapest by night (city tour by bus)
Vienna: City tour by bus | City tour by bike | Waltz & Operetta concert at the Imperial Palace
Wachau: Wine tasting at a local vineyard
GUIDED TOUR – ADDITIONAL INCLUSIONS:
- Cycling tour guide
- 3 ferry rides, 1 train ticket
- Cider-tasting in the Upper-Danube-valley
- City tour Bratislava by excursion train
- Visit of the basilica of Esztergom
- Wine-tasting in the Wachau-region
- Guided city tour Vienna and Budapest by bike
GENERAL INFORMATION
Your tour guide provides daily route notes, maps, advice etc each morning however the the daily bike tours are unescorted.
All mileages are approximate distances of recommended routes.
Please notice that storage space in cabins is very limited.
Please be aware that your ship MS My Story, like all other ships on the Danube, is not only your hotel but also a machine, working with engine power often during night. Especially crossing locks and bridges, the preparation work may cause noise.
Schedule: In case of flood or low tide the shipping company reserves the right to bridge parts of passages with buses. In extreme cases the shipping company reserves the right to cancel the journey on short notice. No legal right shall be constituted of both situations (Water level is force majeure). The same applies for officially ordered (previously not announced) repair work on locks or bridges or in case of undeserved breakdown of engine and power unit. We reserve the right to change the Schedule when low/high water bars the ship from passing through a certain area. Some parts can be negotiated by bus (free of charge)
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Tours 
