By Bike and Boat on the Danube, MS Prinzessin Katharina

Welcome to Austria! Your journey by bike and boat on the Danube begins in picturesque Engelhartszell, not far from Passau. The crew will be waiting for you on board your ship between 16:00 and 17:00. If you arrive a little earlier, it is worth taking a stroll through the charming little town with its famous Trappist monastery. In the evening, you will get to know your crew and fellow travelers, receive initial information about the trip - and enjoy your first night on board in Engelhartszell. The river cruise starts the next morning.

Your first stage on the bike is coming up! Before setting off, a visit to the Stift Engelszell, the only Trappist monastery in Austria, is worthwhile. Through the romantic river landscape of the Schlögener Schlinge, which you can view quite wonderfully from one of the lookout points-you continue cycling along the Danube to Aschach. There you will continue by boat to Vienna in the afternoon.

Servus from Austria's capital! The ship remains in place until the evening. This gives you ample time to explore the city. Take a stroll through the Old Town, visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace, the Prater and the Hofburg Palace. Or how about a leisurely visit to one of the many traditional coffee houses? With many impressions in your luggage, your journey by bike and boat on the Danube will take you overnight to Budapest.

Attention early risers! The morning hours offer a particularly beautiful view of the Danube and the approaching Budapest, which you will reach in the morning. Explore the Hungarian capital at your own pace. Or do you fancy a bike ride to the enchanting artists' town of Szentendre? Enjoy time in a charming sidewalk café and soak up the flair. From Budapest, take a night boat to Visegrád.

Today you will get to know the Danube Bend. From Visegrád you will cycle along the section of the Danube that almost forms a right-angled bend. On the slightly hilly Danube Cycle Path you will reach Vác. Visit the sublime cathedral and the triumphal arch. It is the only one in Hungary and was built over 250 years ago. Back in Visegrád, visit the castle and the royal palace. In the afternoon, take the boat to Bratislava.

In the morning you will reach Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Take a walk to the 4-towered castle, the city's landmark. It is perched on a rock above the Danube and offers its visitors beautiful views. Get to know the city more comfortably on a sightseeing tour in a vintage train (not included). Sample hearty and rich Slovak cuisine before returning to the ship. At night, the ship departs for the Wachau Valley to Dürnstein or Rossatz.

On the last stage of your journey by bike and boat on the Danube, you will pass through the special landscape of the Wachau. The region, characterized by wine terraces, castles and monasteries, is one of the most beautiful in Austria and will inspire you. Take a longer break in the small town of Melk. The Benedictine abbey there is one of the most beautiful baroque ensembles in Europe – absolutely worth seeing! In Pöchlarn you will board the ship for the last time, which will take you back to Engelhartszell overnight.

After a final breakfast on board, it's time to say goodbye. Your varied journey by bike and boat on the Danube ends in Engelhartszell. From here you start your individual journey home - with many wonderful memories of the landscape, culture and cycling enjoyment between Engelhartszell and Budapest.