Danube Cruise from Passau to Vienna, MS SE-Manon

Your Danube cruise from Passau to Vienna begins in the charming three-river city of Passau. The MS SE-Manon will be waiting for you at the pier between 4 and 5 p.m. Perhaps there will be time for a stroll through the baroque old town or a visit to St. Stephen's Cathedral with the largest cathedral organ in Europe. In the evening, you will set sail downstream to Engelhartszell. Welcome aboard – your journey by bike and boat begins!

The day begins with a special tip: directly on the banks of the Danube lies Engelszell Abbey – Austria's only Trappist monastery. This is a great place for a short detour – to visit the baroque church or sample the monks' famous liqueurs. Afterwards, you cycle leisurely along the river through the spectacular Schlögener Schlinge, where the Danube winds its way through the landscape in wide loops. In Brandstatt, you board the ship again. In the afternoon, your ship arrives in Linz – ideal for a stroll through the old town. Later in the evening, the MS SE-Manon takes you to Tulln.

You follow the banks of the Danube eastwards and discover romantic floodplain forests, small villages and castles along the way. It is worth stopping at Klosterneuburg Abbey. The dome of the Baroque building is visible from afar. Then you continue cycling at a leisurely pace – the closer you get to Vienna, the more you feel the flair of the metropolis. This section of the Danube cruise from Passau to Vienna also impressively demonstrates how diverse the Danube region is.

The day is all about Vienna – discover the city at your own pace, just the way you like it: whether on a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace, strolling along the Ringstrasse or enjoying a slice of Sachertorte in a coffee house. Architecture, music, museums – this city impresses with its diversity. In the late evening, the MS SE-Manon leaves the city and sets course for the Wachau region. Sit back and watch Vienna slowly disappear into the night sky.

A scenic highlight awaits you: the Wachau region – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is known for its steep vineyards, ancient castles and baroque monasteries. Between Krems and Melk, places such as Dürnstein with its blue church and the Aggstein ruins invite you to take a break and soak up some history. Cycle through sunny vineyards, try apricot jam or a glass of Grüner Veltliner. This stage combines enjoyment and exercise in an ideal way.

Today's stage of the Danube cruise from Passau to Vienna takes you through the picturesque Strudengau in Lower Austria, one of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. Over approximately 50 kilometres, you will discover idyllic vineyards, historic towns such as Ybbs and Pöchlarn, and charming villages. Cosy inns and vantage points along the Danube offer ideal opportunities for relaxing breaks.

Grein welcomes you with Greinburg Castle and a picturesque old town centre. Your last stage of the cycle tour takes you through the hinterland of the Strudengau, past the medieval Clam Castle and the reconstructed Celtic village in Mitterkirchen. In Mauthausen, you have the opportunity to visit the concentration camp memorial. Back on board, the MS SE-Manon takes you back to Passau on a peaceful night-time cruise.

You will arrive in Passau around midday. After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye – to the Danube, to the ship and perhaps to new travel acquaintances. Disembarkation takes place at around 10:30 a.m. And who knows: maybe this Danube cruise from Passau to Vienna was just the beginning of more trips by bike and ship?