EuroVelo 6, the ‘Rivers Route’ that heads across Europe from west to east and follows some of the continents greats rivers (the Loire, the Rhine and the Danube) for much of its route is one of the network’s most popular cycles. It’s easy to see why; the route passes through many interesting places across Europe and, following the rivers, avoids the big climbs that have to be tackled on many of the other EuroVelos. As with all of the EuroVelos, most people don’t cycle along them from one end to the other but choose sections that are of interest and manageable in the time available. And as we all know, cycle touring is usually at the cheaper end of the travel spectrum…
But does it have to be that way? An email has arrived from a company called Riverside Luxury Cruises:
Launching in 2027, Riverside Luxury Cruises is bringing a new dimension to the Donauradweg (Danube Cycle Path) with a new 15-day, 14-night itinerary that pairs active exploration with total comfort. Guests cycle at their own pace along one of Europe’s most scenic routes, while their ship – Riverside Mozart – follows close by, so there’s never any question of getting back to a hot shower, a good meal or a comfortable bed.
Each day’s ride is led by an onboard bike guide, with a safety and service vehicle on hand throughout – so anyone who wants to stop partway is picked up, bike and all, and taken straight to the next port. E-bikes are available to hire, or guests can bring their own and store it on board. Back on the ship, it’s a butler-serviced Suite, room service and gourmet cuisine built around fresh, regional ingredients. Wi-Fi, laundry and gratuities are all included, so there’s nothing to think about beyond the ride ahead.
Winding through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, the Danube Cycle Path is renowned for its well-groomed, predominantly flat terrain and spectacular riverside scenery, making it accessible for cyclists of all levels. The route takes in the Wachau Valley, the Schlögen Loop and the Danube Bend, plus a standout evening in Vienna – a VIP, after-hours visit to Belvedere Palace, with a private musical performance and a crowd-free view of Klimt’s The Kiss.
The itinerary is built to flex: guests can ride as much or as little as they’d like, with shoreside excursions on offer for any day they’d rather explore on foot. That makes it a fit for serious cyclists and river-cruise regulars alike.
Whether on two wheels, on foot or simply making the most of the onboard spa and dining, it’s a trip built around choice – adventure on your terms with luxury guaranteed throughout.
So if camping isn’t your thing… You now have an alternative.
I had the opportunity of taking part in a river cruise along the Rhine a few years ago which involved giving some talks about cycling across Europe rather than crusing across Europe. It was a different company – Fred. Olsen – who were trying a similar thing. You can read about how I got on in the following post:
I think I returned about 10 kilos heavier than when I set off. It was a fun week and seeing the river from the perspective of a boat rather than the towpath was, at times, beautiful:
Le Grand Tour on a Bike Called Wanda, was published in May 2024 and recounts Andrew P. Sykes’ journey around France, into the Alps and down the Rhine in the summer of 2022. It is available as a paperback and as and eBook from Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com (and other international Amazon sites). The paperback is also available from Waterstones or Foyles and the eBook from Apple iBooks.
Since 2009, CyclingEurope.org has established itself as a valued, FREE cycle touring resource. There’s now even a podcast, The Cycling Europe Podcast. If you enjoy the website and the podcast, please consider supporting the work of CyclingEurope.org with a donation. More information here.
Since 2009, CyclingEurope.org has established itself as a valued, FREE cycle touring resource. There's now even a podcast, The Cycling Europe Podcast. If you enjoy the website and the podcast, please consider supporting the work of CyclingEurope.org with a donation via Ko-Fi. Thanks if you do!
