Riverside Luxury Cruises is adding a new option for travelers who want their river cruise to come with a little more mileage.

In 2027, Riverside will offer three cycling-focused sailings aboard Riverside Mozart on the Danube, giving guests the chance to ride portions of the Danube Cycle Path while still returning to the ship each day for dinner, a shower and a comfortable bed.

The first sailing travels from Passau to Vienna July 22–29, followed by Vienna to Budapest July 29–August 5. Travelers can book either seven-night cruise individually or combine the two for a 14-night journey from Passau to Budapest.

Those who ride the full itinerary can cover up to 405 miles.

How Much Riding Are We Talking About?

Daily routes range from 18 to 62 miles(!!), so these are more substantial rides than the typical bike excursion you might find on a river cruise.

Riverside provides e-bikes from Riverside Mozart’s onboard fleet, though guests can also bring their own bikes. The ship has bike storage, and rides are accompanied by a cycling guide with a support vehicle available along the route.

The itinerary follows stretches of the Danube Cycle Path through places like the Wachau Valley and the Danube Bend. Guests might cycle from Melk to Dürnstein, ride around the Schlögen Loop or continue toward Visegrád through vineyards, villages and historic sites.

But you don’t have to commit to every ride.

One thing we like about the concept is the flexibility. Guests can decide how much they want to cycle each day, skip a ride completely or stop midway and use the support vehicle if they’ve had enough. On days when you don’t want to bike, you can stay with the ship and choose one of Riverside’s regular excursions instead.

That also makes these sailings more practical for couples or friends who don’t have the same idea of an active vacation. One person can spend the day cycling while the other explores a town, takes an excursion or stays onboard. You meet back up at the ship later.

A Pretty Comfortable Place To Recover

If you are going to spend several hours a day on a bike, Riverside Mozart is not a bad place to come back to.

The ship has a 1,292-square-foot spa with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, saunas, steam rooms and treatment rooms. There’s also a 743-square-foot fitness center with treadmills, rowing machines, stationary bikes, Technogym equipment and free weights.

Personally, after 62 miles on the Danube Cycle Path, I’m not sure the stationary bike would be my first stop.

The ship also offers several dining venues, and guests can provide dietary preferences, allergies and food aversions before the cruise. Vegetarian and vegan options are marked onboard.

The full 14-night itinerary includes another perk that has nothing to do with cycling: an after-hours visit to Vienna’s Belvedere Palace, including a private musical performance and the chance to see Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss without the usual crowds.

What Does It Cost?

Seven-night sailings start at $5,081 per person, double occupancy.

The full 14-night Passau-to-Budapest itinerary starts at $10,161 per person, double occupancy.

For travelers who already enjoy cycling, this feels like a much more serious take on the typical river cruise bike excursion. You can ride enough to make cycling a major part of the trip, while still having the flexibility to skip a day or choose a different excursion when you want to.