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Cycling & Cruising
Along the Danube River Cycle Path
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Bike and Cruise Along the Danube River
The Danube Waltz From Passau to Budapest
Cycling and Cruising the Danube River Through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary
Cruise the Danube Via Passau - Vienna - Bratislava -Budapest - Vienna - Passau
Cycle the world's most popular bicycle path by day and return home each night to your floating hotel, a nostalgic river cruise ship the MS THEODOR KORNER.
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As spirited as the Danube waltz, you bicycle for one week along the beautiful blue Danube between Passau and Budapest and enjoy one of the most beautiful and varied river landscapes of Europe. It is not only the fascinating cities, that make this bike and river cruise on the Danube so unforgettable. It is above all the unspoiled landscape, which is unique in Europe. The adorable scenery of the Wachau, the imposing knee of the Danube between Esztergom and Budapest, the wide plains of the Pannonian lowlands -a soft and ever changing panorama passes you by. Without much notice one country passes, into another - a total of four. In the three capitals Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest along the road of the emperors and kings you immerse yourself into the imperial past of the Austrian-Hungarian Monarchy.
The wide stream of the Danube flows like a silver belt through Budapest separating the hilly Buda and the flat Pest. The imposing cupola of the basilica in Esztergom salutes already from the distance. At the foot of the Carpathian Mountains the Slovak capitol Bratislava (former Pressburg) invites with its charming Old Town to a vast stroll. What about a small flirt with Vienna, City of Waltz? A firework of sightseeing, small dreamy coffee bars and cozy wine taverns are expecting you.
Your floating hotel on this week long journey is the cozy and quaint river cruise ship MS MY STORY You follow the mighty Danube river from the three river city of Passau to the Danube metropolis of Budapest. During your journey of 1200 river kilometers (744 miles) you enjoy biking on perfect bike paths during the day and meet your ship again in the afternoon, which brings you to the next harbour. The evening you spend on board, listening to live music, or you explore the harbours and villages. If you don't feel like biking one day, just stay on board, relax and let the country side pass by.
YOUR SHIP:
MS MY STORY - Your floating Hotel
The MS MY STORY is a very spacious ship of traditional shipbuilding skill with a very comfy and nostalgic atmosphere. It is imperative on board that the guest is king! Our crew members will anticipate every wish and therefore, make a contribution to the unbelievable success of this voyage. On joining this popular vessel you are immediately aware of the cozy 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 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 are equipped with 1 - 2 low beds (during the day one bed can be folded 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 1,7 m, speed 18 km/h, 87 cabins, 174 passengers maximum
Languages on Board: English and German
Accommodations:
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The ship offers a Panorama Restaurant and Panorama-Lounge,
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A broad sun deck with awnings and comfortable
deck-chairs as well as ordinary chairs and tables. -
Books and magazines of our library provide relaxation and reading
pleasure, parlour games offer all kinds of disport.
Our dignified furnished cabins are cozy, rustic, approx. 9 sq.m/approx 100 sq.ft.
Tour Profile:
Easy cycling along the Danube on flat bicycle paths that follow the Danube in its generally downhill trend. A little more difficult as you get into Hungary with an occasional hill. The trip is mostly on bicycle paths and the balance on quiet country roads. Expect more traffic as you enter the towns. Return to Top
Highlights:
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Sailing the Danube on your floating hotel each night.
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Passau, home to the world's largest organ.
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Linz, the capital of Upper Austria
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Grein with Austria's oldest theatre and a castle.
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National Park "Donau Auen"
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Vienna
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Budapest
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The scenic Wachau valley with it vineyards and wine tastings in the local wineries all along the way.
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Bratislava, Slovakia where the sidewalk cafes are everywhere and seem to be the social fabric of the city.
Click to See:
Tour Price - Departure Days - What's Included - Reserve this tour
The Itinerary:
Your Journey - 1200 River Kilometers (744 miles) Return to Top
Day 1 - Passau (Embarkation)
Arrival at "the city of three rivers" close to the Bavarian/Austrian border. Passau attracts with the world's greatest church organ at the Stephansdom and with its charming Old Town. Embarkment: 5 p.m. Departure around 6:30 p.m. when we sail to the traditional Engelhartszell. Enjoy your first dinner on board and an evening sail to Engelhartszell.
Day 2 - Engelhartszell - Aschach - Vienna (40 km/25mi)
At 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 cozy taverns. You are boarding at the charming village Aschach and then you "sail" into the night.
Day 3 - Vienna - Bratislava (55-75 km/34-47mi) City Tour with old timer ride and City Walk through the Old Town optional
In front of 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 attracts at the destination and during a bus tour and walkabout in the evening (optional) you can discover hidden alleys, places and all the sights of this ambitious metropolis. During the night shipping to Budapest.
Day 4 - Budapest (day of rest). Sight-seeing tour by bike or bus at night (optional)
In the morning you 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 next to the shore. Nearby you find the Margaretheninsel which is outstandingly qualified for small bike tours. The market hall - called "the stomach of Budapest" - is attractive with Hungarian pleasures and handcraft. During a city tour at night (optional) you can experience a beautiful illuminated Budapest. Return to Top
Day 5 - Visegrad - Estergom & the Danube Bend - Bike leg = (23-57km/14-32mi)
The Danube bend, also called the Hungarian Wachau, is definitely one of the most delightful and attractive parts of your journey. Today's bike leg starts at Visegrad with its famous fortress and the ruins of the former palace. You can choose between two different routes: The longer one includes a side trip to the island of Szentendre and the baroque village of Vac which has been influenced by the architects of Austria's empress Maria Theresia. The other route leads you directly to the bishop-town of Esztergom with its gorgeous basilica - Hungary's largest Catholic Church - overlooking the village.
Day 6 - Vienna (day of rest) Sight-seeing tour by bike or bus - approx. 3.5 hrs (optional)
Discover Vienna's most beautiful attractions. During a city tour by bike you will experience pretty closely the most famous examples of architecture: the imperial Hofburg, St. Stephens Cathedral, the gorgeous boulevard "Ringstrasse" with the State Opera House, Burgtheater and town hall.
Relaxation can be found at one of the numberless small coffee bars. The evening ends impressively with a Waltz- and Opera Concert at the Hofburg (optional) or at a wine tavern. Shipping to Krems during the night.
Day 7 - Wachau: Krems - Melk (bike leg = (36 km/22mi)
Affected by small dreamy towns, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins this scene is enchanting everybody. This is pure biking enjoyment! In Spitz you will find comfy wine taverns directly besides the bike path. Take a break - you should owe it to yourself! You have to walk your bike through Durnstein's narrow alleys. King Richard Lionheart was not really 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
Day 8 - Passau - (Disembarkation)
Relaxed, being rested and definitely being in good spirits you will attain Passau in the late morning. Disembarkment: 12:00 p.m. We recommend not making reservations for onward passages before 2:00 p.m.
SELF GUIDED BICYCLE TOUR - 8 DAYS
| TOUR PRICES: Per Person |
Deck Plan: MS MY STORY |
| Click on deck plan to enlarge | |
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Main Deck: TOUR#MCB-14032 - 2 Bed Cabin Front/Back -$925* TOUR#MCB-14042 - 2 Bed Cabin -$1175 TOUR#MCB-14032 - 2 Bed Cabin Single Use - $1690
Upper Deck: (Windows can be opened) TOUR#MCB-14052 - 3 Bed Cabin Front/Back -$890* TOUR#MCB-14072 - 2 Bed Cabin Front/Back -$990* TOUR#MCB-14082 - 2 Bed Cabin - $1190
*In front or back of the ship; during sailing or locks engine noises are discernable. |
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GUIDED BICYCLE TOUR - 8 DAYS - Comfort -Relax-Package with tour guide - $445
You cycle in a small group guided by a local tour guide who's familiar with the region. Taste some Austrian delicacies: At an upper-Austrian cider-tavern you'll try sweet and bitter cider; at a wine-tavern in the world famous Wachau region you savor a small variety of regional wine specialties. You experience the Slovakian capital of Bratislava on an excursion train. During a guide tour by bike you'll pass by numerous of the sights of Vienna - the city of Waltz. A visit of the basilica of Esztergom, Hungary's largest church, also an unforgettable experience.
Reduction for children: 0-2 years free, 3-13 years -35% at occupancy of triple cabin with 2 fully paying adults. or -20% with 1 full paying adult in cabin (example - 2x2 bed cabin for 2 adults = 2 children = child reduction of -20%)
High Season Supplement:
May 6 to 13, + September 2 to 30 - $70
May 20 to August 26 - $155
Landing/Harbour fees from 14 years old (obligatory and payable at the dock) - €59 = $90(approx.) Return to Top
THE BICYCLES:
Modern, 7-speed touring bikes with
coaster brakes, with bike
rack and panniers
Optional Bicycle rental for 21 speed bike
equipped with panniers- $70
ELECTRIC POWERED BICYCLE:
You can add the use of an electric motor to do some of the work for you. Our
"Fivers" (a Swiss Product) increases the pedaling power 3 fold. This way bikers with different sportif conditions can book a bike tour together.• Electric powered bicycle rental - $150
HOTELS - EXTRA NIGHTS:
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Passau 4*: 2 bed - $85 1 bed - $115
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Vienna 4*: 2 bed - $95 1 bed - $140
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 - city bus tour at night.
Vienna: City tour by bus - city bike tour - Waltz and Operetta concert at the Imperial Palace.
Wachau: Wine tasting at a local wine grower. Return to Top
Due to possible increase of fuel prices we reserve the right of price alignments. (Please see disclaimer below for details)
2012 DEPARTURES - EVERY SUNDAY
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April 15 (First departure) - Oct. 7 (Last departure)
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Arrivals in April and October: FREE WINE FOR DINNER
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Guided Tour - Comfort Package Departures: April 22, May 20, June 17, July 22, August 26, September 23, October 7
Minimum number of participants:
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50 Persons (must be reached at least 4 weeks prior to trip).
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Guided tour: 20 persons (Maximum guided tour= 22 persons.)
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We recommend the purchase of an insurance plan.
Schedule:
• We reserve the right to change the schedule. When low or high water bars the ship from passing through a certain area, some parts can be negotiated via bus (free of charge).
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Services included:
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7 nights in external cabins with air conditioning
Daily cabin cleaning , towels and bedclothes
Program according to itinerary from/to Passau
Full board (breakfast, lunch./packed lunch, afternoon coffee break or snack, dinner)
Welcome cocktail
1 Gala Dinner with farewell cocktail
Farewell-crew-show
Ship borne cruise director - does not cycle with group
1 set of detailed map and information material per cabin
COMFORT-RELAX-PACKAGE / GUIDED TOUR ADDITIONALLY INCLUDED:
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Cycling tour guided.
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3 ferry rides, 1 train ticket.
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Cider-tasting in the Upper-Danube-Valley.
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City tour Bratislava by excursion train.
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Visit of basilica of Esztergom.
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Wine-tasting in the Wachau-region.
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Guided city tour Vienna and Budapest selectively by bike or bus.
Services not included: Return to Top
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Landing and harbor fees according to price list have to be paid on the spot at the ship per person (obligatory); Travel to and from Passau,
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Insurance, gratuities personal expenses.
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Parking in Passau incl. transfer to and from the ship (payable locally).
Closed
parking lot approx.. € 69.
Parking
garage approx €58 -
Transfers Munich Airport - Passau Prices on request (depending no. of Participants).
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Taxi costs between Passau train station - ship landing stage approx € 10,-
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We recommend the purchase of an insurance plan
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Arrival and departure, entrance fees, sightseeing fees, insurances, tips and expenses for personal needs.
General Tips:
The bicycle tours are not guided. All distances are approximate of the suggested route. Please also note that storage capacity in the cabins is limited (folding bags are recommended). Within your luggage, good rain clothes (coat and pants) are a must, as well as sunscreen, sun hat and athletic shoes.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Our bike tours are unescorted. All mileages are approximate distance of recommended routes. Please be aware that the cabin storage space is very limited.
In case of flood or low tide, the shipping company reserves the right to bridge parts of passages y buses. In extreme situations, 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 announce - repair work on locks or bridges or in case e of undeserved breakdown of engine or power unit. Please be aware the this ship, the MS MY STORY, like all other ships on the Danube, is no only your hotel but also a machine, working with engine power also during the night. Especially crossing locks and bridges - and he preparation work - may cause noise, If you are sensitive please bring your own ear plugs.
Appendix: Return to Top
Additional Travel Constraints (Disclaimer), Bike and Ship tour MS MY STORY
We reserve the right to augment the advertised and booking-confirmed prices in the case of increased operation expenses and taxes, including harbor and docking fees, increased fuel prices, as well as currency exchange rates in the following ways:
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a. If the price increase is specific to one guest in a cabin, the price of that cabin may correspondingly increase.
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b. In cases where the entire trip's operating costs are increased, the cost is shared by each cabin and the price of each cabin increases accordingly.
Should, after your trip has been booked, our harbor and docking fees have increased, we will increase the price of the trip accordingly, by the proportional amount.
Upon the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates after the booking is made, the trip's price may increase by the amount of the foreign exchange rate losses.
A price increase will only occur if there is more than 4 months between the booking and the trip departure, and the increased expenses have not yet been taken into account, and were at the time unforeseeable.
In the case of retroactive price increase, we must immediately contact you. Prices will never be increased within 20 days of departure. By price increases of 5% or more, you have the option to cancel your booking free of charge, or to change your booking to a trip of at least equal value, if we are in any position to do so.
Please claim these previously-stated rights concerning price increases immediately upon their explanation to you.
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