Cycling the Danube from Vienna to Budapest

Oversikt

Enjoy meandering rides along the Danube from Austria to Hungary

Reiserute Vis detaljert reiserute

Day 1

Start Vienna

Make your own way to the hotel. The rest of the day is left free to explore Vienna at your leisure. It is a metropolis with unique charm, vibrancy and flair. It boasts outstanding infrastructure, is clean and safe, and has all of the culture, architecture and inspiration that you could wish for in this wonderful part of Europe. Highlights that you may consider include visits to the grand Schonbrunn Palace, Sigmund Freud Museum and a tour in the Vienna State Opera House. Don't miss a visit to one of the many wonderful coffee shops to enjoy the typical cake Sachertorte!

Day 2

This morning you receive your bikes before setting off on your first day of
riding. On leaving Vienna the route takes you through the Donau-Auen National
Park, an area of extensive flood plains, which have turned into small ponds
offering a rich habitat to countless species of birds, animals and insects.
From here, pass Orth Castle and the pretty village of Eckertsau before
arriving in Hainburg.

This morning you receive your bikes before setting off on your first day of riding. On leaving Vienna the route takes you through the Donau-Auen National Park, an area of extensive flood plains, which have turned into small ponds offering a rich habitat to countless species of birds, animals and insects. From here, pass Orth Castle and the pretty village of Eckertsau before arriving in Hainburg.

Distance in Km: 68
Distance in Miles: 42

Day 3

Follow the Roman bike trail to one of Austria's most important archaeological
sites, the Roman remains at Petronell-Carnuntum. End your day in the Gothic
old town of Bratislava, Slovakia's pretty capital city that exudes old world
charm.

Follow the Roman bike trail to one of Austria's most important archaeological sites, the Roman remains at Petronell-Carnuntum. End your day in the Gothic old town of Bratislava, Slovakia's pretty capital city that exudes old world charm.

Distance in Km: 45
Distance in Miles: 28

Day 4

After a short cycle through Slovakia, you cross the Hungarian border into
Rajka. Cycle past storybook villages, where you can still find traditional
thatched-roofed farm houses. Your route guides you through the Szigetkoz (a
small Rye island) towards Mosonmagyarovar; the charming old 'city of 17
bridges'. The city centre is noteworthy for its impressive collection of
Baroque buildings.

After a short cycle through Slovakia, you cross the Hungarian border into Rajka. Cycle past storybook villages, where you can still find traditional thatched-roofed farm houses. Your route guides you through the Szigetkoz (a small Rye island) towards Mosonmagyarovar; the charming old 'city of 17 bridges'. The city centre is noteworthy for its impressive collection of Baroque buildings.

Distance in Km: 45
Distance in Miles: 28

Day 5

Today, you follow a flat cycling route as it takes you through the
outstanding natural surroundings of the island between the Danube and the
Mosoni Duna (Small Danube). Make a stop to see Hedervar Castle, before
arriving in the colourful town of Gyor, to take in its sights and
breathtaking historic centre.

Today, you follow a flat cycling route as it takes you through the outstanding natural surroundings of the island between the Danube and the Mosoni Duna (Small Danube). Make a stop to see Hedervar Castle, before arriving in the colourful town of Gyor, to take in its sights and breathtaking historic centre.

Distance in Km: 41
Distance in Miles: 25

Day 6

Take the train to Komarom then pedal along the riverbanks of the flat Danube
Valley, passing quaint villages and lush vineyards. Fitter cyclists can
choose a route over Tata, but be aware this is more strenuous and there are
no shops and restaurants along the way. Those interested in the history of
the area should plan some time for the Roman archaelogical site of
Kelemantia, where a military camp stood from the 2nd to the 4th Century. The
absolute highlight of the day however, is Esztergom (also known as Hungarian
Rome), with the largest basilica in the country. Take some time for a
comprehensive visit, before boarding a riverboat to Visegrad (please note the
boat does not operate in April, September or October or on Mondays - in these
cases a train ticket will be provided instead).

Take the train to Komarom then pedal along the riverbanks of the flat Danube Valley, passing quaint villages and lush vineyards. Fitter cyclists can choose a route over Tata, but be aware this is more strenuous and there are no shops and restaurants along the way. Those interested in the history of the area should plan some time for the Roman archaelogical site of Kelemantia, where a military camp stood from the 2nd to the 4th Century. The absolute highlight of the day however, is Esztergom (also known as Hungarian Rome), with the largest basilica in the country. Take some time for a comprehensive visit, before boarding a riverboat to Visegrad (please note the boat does not operate in April, September or October or on Mondays - in these cases a train ticket will be provided instead).

Distance in Km: 55
Distance in Miles: 34

Day 7

Leaving Visegrad, you reach the Danube Bend, probably one of the most
attractive sections of the Danube bike trail. Here, the river winds its way
through the Visegrad Mountains and makes a sharp turn towards the south. The
Royal Palace and castle of Visegrad, and the open air museum are well worth a
visit, as is the old Baroque town of Szentendre. Here you can choose to cycle
onwards to Budapest (approx 25km) or take a leisurely boat ride into the
centre of the city and appreciate the stunning architecture.

Leaving Visegrad, you reach the Danube Bend, probably one of the most attractive sections of the Danube bike trail. Here, the river winds its way through the Visegrad Mountains and makes a sharp turn towards the south. The Royal Palace and castle of Visegrad, and the open air museum are well worth a visit, as is the old Baroque town of Szentendre. Here you can choose to cycle onwards to Budapest (approx 25km) or take a leisurely boat ride into the centre of the city and appreciate the stunning architecture.

Distance in Km: 56
Distance in Miles: 34

Day 8

End Budapest

End your trip in Budapest. There is much to see in this iconic city and we are pleased to book additional nights for you if you wish. Hungary's capital is bisected by the River Danube, and the 19th Century Chain Bridge connects its hilly Buda district with the flat Pest. The city is easy to explore on foot; don't miss the chance to visit one of the city's famous thermal baths or walk up to the dome of St Stephan's Basilica for a fantastic panoramic view!

Bilder

+13 More

From this trip

Viktig Informasjon Vis detaljert viktig informasjon

• The trip destination

  7 nights 4-star hotels6 days cycling with luggage transfers80% cycle path,
  20% roadMainly quiet roads and cycle paths, but some busier points when
  entering/leaving the citiesGentle hills on some daysSelf-guided holiday. Min
  age 12 yrs
  

• Food

  All breakfasts are included.Breakfast: Continental style buffet
  breakfast.Lunch and Dinner: there are numerous restaurants along the route
  with a selection of menus of two or more courses and the route notes will
  provide more details to help you decide. Self-guided cycling also lends
  itself really well to picnics. You can stop wherever you please, in a spot
  that suits you and eat your lunch taking in your chosen view.
  

• at a glance

  7 nights 4-star hotels6 days cycling with luggage transfers80% cycle path,
  20% roadMainly quiet roads and cycle paths, but some busier points when
  entering/leaving the citiesGentle hills on some daysSelf-guided holiday. Min
  age 12 yrs
  

• trip for you

  Cycling ConditionsClassification: Self-GuidedActivity Level: 2
  (Leisurely/Moderate)Average daily distance: 54km (34 miles)No. of days
  cycling: 6 Terrain and route: surface: The suggested cycling mainly follows
  quiet tarmac roads and designated cycle paths, however, there are some
  sections on busier roads. Much of the route is gently undulating, but there
  are some steeper hills.Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those
  who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the
  stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodation, provide
  you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while
  your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.It is important that you
  are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate
  as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle
  tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however,
  on occasion we have to use busier routes.On many occasions in the route it is
  possible to shortern the day's ride by taking the train or a boat - this will
  be detailed further in the route notes.As this is a self-guided holiday there
  is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as
  you, but you will not be organised together. The routes notes contain an
  emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies,
  the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves.
  They may wish to charge for this service.Please note that helmets are
  obligatory for adults cycling outside cities in Slovakia, and at night or if
  there is bad visibility you are required to have either reflectors or a
  safety vest.FamiliesSelf-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for
  families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own
  pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and
  restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. As a guide
  we have suggested that 12 years is the minimum age for this trip, but as it
  is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately
  leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the
  trip notes along with a description of each days cycling so you have a good
  idea of what to expect. Please be aware that some of the cycling on this
  route is along busier roads so any children must be confident at cycling
  alongside traffic. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate
  to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can
  be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to
  dictate the daily activities.
  

• accommodation

  HotelsOn this trip we use well selected charming 4-star hotels, generally family
  owned. All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd
  number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there
  will be a compulsory supplement for a single room for the tour duration.Extra
  nights: Please contact us for details.
  

• group description

  As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. Your
  luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The routes
  notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number, available daily from
  08.00- 20.00. In emergency, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi
  or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
  

• eating drinking

  All breakfasts are included.Breakfast: Continental style buffet
  breakfast.Lunch and Dinner: there are numerous restaurants along the route
  with a selection of menus of two or more courses and the route notes will
  provide more details to help you decide. Self-guided cycling also lends
  itself really well to picnics. You can stop wherever you please, in a spot
  that suits you and eat your lunch taking in your chosen view.
  

• transportation

  Your luggage will be transported between the hotels by taxi or minibus. The
  hotels are often able to dispatch a taxi should you need it, but may wish to
  charge you for this service. You will be pedalling under your own steam but
  the emergency number for our local operator is in the trip notes if you need
  assistance.
  

• joining instructions

  Travelling land only: 8 days starting in Vienna and ending in BudapestYour
  trip normally starts at your hotel in Vienna on the afternoon of Day 1 of the
  itinerary. A hotel list will be sent to you prior to departure.Full joining
  instructions including route notes, hotel list, map and local emergency
  numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you
  do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them
  earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.Flights from the
  UKFlights from London are available with British Airways. Low cost airline
  Easyjet flies from London Luton and Gatwick to Vienna and Budapest to London
  Luton and Gatwick. Ryanair flies from Edinburgh, Liverpool, Dublin,
  Birmingham, Bristol and London Stansted to Bratislava and from Budapest to
  Bristol, East Midlands, Glasgow (Prestwick) and Dublin. This may be a
  convenient and good value option for some clients.
  

• transfer details

  Airport transfers are not included in this trip.The start hotel is an easy
  journey from Vienna airport by taxi (approx. €35) or train/underground.
  Detailed instructions will be sent to you with your final joining
  instructions.
  

• when to go

  The weather here is comparatively stable, particularly during mid-summer.
  Temperatures are similar to those experienced in the UK and rainfall,
  although relatively low, is possible throughout the year.
  

• weather info

  The weather here is comparatively stable, particularly during mid-summer.
  Temperatures are similar to those experienced in the UK and rainfall,
  although relatively low, is possible throughout the year.
  

• essential equipment

  Local Self-Guided BikesAll bikes are supplied with:- 1 front bar bag with a
  plastic folder for your route notes and maps - 1 per 2 people (if you are
  travelling together)- 1 set of rear panniers- 1 bike lock per 2 people- 1
  repair kit per 2 people, which includes 1 spare inner tube and a pump, plus a
  lock- Front and rear lightsSeat and handlebar heights will have been set up
  in advance from the heights you have given us on booking. However, when you
  receive your bike there will be the opportunity to test and
  adjust. Electronic bikes are available for this trip, please request one as
  early as possible as they are subject to availability. Helmets can be
  requested if you wish, but please be aware we can never guarantee the quality
  of these so we do recommend bringing your own. We recommend you bring the
  following items: Normal daily clothes Padded cycling shorts Cycling
  gloves Water bottles Breathable cycling top Cycling helmet (compulsory on
  this trip) A couple of warm layersSunglasses, sun cream and
  sunhatStiff-soled shoes suitable for cycling Waterproofs and long cycling
  trousersFor earlier departures you may need some warmer layersMobile phone
  with roaming capabilities  Bike RepairsAs you are riding unaccompanied, it
  is wise to know at least how to repair or change an inner tube before setting
  off on your bike!  Please visit
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QSjw0iDs98&t=3s for a comprehensive guide on
  fixing a puncture.The bikes are serviced before being rented out so there
  should be no problems - however, there are emergency numbers provided in the
  Route Notes for more complex problems.N.B. Helmets are obligatory for adults
  cycling out of cities in Slovakia. Aditionally, in Slovakia and Hungary, at
  night and in poor visibility it is mandatory to wear a safety/high visibilty
  vest. Please ensure that you bring one with you.
  

• optional equipment

  - warm top and leggings for the early spring and autumn departures- swimming
  costume- windproof and waterproof layer- comfortable shoes and clothes for
  the days off the bike to explore the towns
  

• spending money

  Visits to all the places mentioned in the itinerary are optional. Entrance
  fees are not included and are usually around €4 to €8 each. Lunches and
  dinners are not included - allow about €20-25 per day; costs will depend on
  the standard of restaurant chosen. You may need extra to buy wine each
  evening.All transportation to and from the airport is not included. A taxi
  from the airport to the hotel in Vienna will cost approx. €35 or a regular
  bus operates between the airport and the city centre, costing approx. €5.
  You can also use the train/underground to reach the start hotel.In Budapest a
  taxi from the hotel to the airport is approx. €21. Public transport is not
  really recommended.
  

• not included

  Travel insuranceSingle accommodation (compulsory supplement)Visas or
  vaccinationsE bike available on request, please enquire for prices. Dinners
  (half board option including 5 nights dinner available for supplement.)
  

Priser / Datoer

Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.