Cycling the Danube from Vienna to Budapest

Oversikt

Enjoy meandering rides along the Danube from Austria to Hungary

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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!

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From this trip

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• The trip destination

  
  * 7 nights 4-star hotels
  * 6 days cycling with luggage transfers
  * 80% cycle path, 20% road
  * Mainly quiet roads and cycle paths, but some busier points when
  entering/leaving the cities
  * Gentle hills on some days
  * Self-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 hotels
  * 6 days cycling with luggage transfers
  * 80% cycle path, 20% road
  * Mainly quiet roads and cycle paths, but some busier points when
  entering/leaving the cities
  * Gentle hills on some days
  * Self-guided holiday. Min age 12 yrs
  
  

• trip for you

  
  *Cycling Conditions*
  *Classification:* Self-Guided
  *Activity 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.
  
  *Families*
  Self-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

  Hotels
  On 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 Budapest*
  
  Your 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 UK*
  
  Flights 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 Bikes*
  
  All 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 lights
  
  Seat 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 layers
  Sunglasses, sun cream and sunhat
  Stiff-soled shoes suitable for cycling 
  Waterproofs and long cycling trousers
  For earlier departures you may need some warmer layers
  Mobile phone with roaming capabilities 
  
   
  
  *Bike Repairs*
  As 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 [1] 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.
  
  
  [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QSjw0iDs98&t=3s
  

• 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 insurance
  * Single accommodation (compulsory supplement)
  * Visas or vaccinations
  * E bike available on request, please enquire for prices. 
  * Dinners (half board option including 5 nights dinner available for
  supplement.)
  
  

Priser / Datoer

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