3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in 3-4 star hotels
Meals
  • 7 Dinners
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1010GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: DHN

Trip highlights

  • Exploring the majestic cities of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest
  • Experiencing the timelessness of the river landscape
  • Visiting the Basilica in Esztergom and the Danube Bend
  • Discovering the "Little Alföld" Protected Area, the Danube floodplain National park; and the Archaeological Park Carnuntum

Wind your way from the elegant city of Vienna along the Danube Cycle Path. Crossing the Austria - Slovak border the cycle route passes vineyards on the slopes of the Little Carpathian Mountains into the capital, Bratislava. Using quiet country roads this itinerary continues into Hungary where you will pedal through numerous delightful towns. Explore the Baroque city of Györ and visit the unusual artist village of Szentendre and its outlying island before heading to Budapest.

Countries:

Austria, Slovakia, Hungary

Starting Point:

Vienna

Finishing Point:

Budapest

Expand all | Collapse all

Make your own way to Vienna and the hotel, where you will receive your travel documents. The remainder of the day is free to explore. You can enjoy a stroll through the imperial city or visit a typical Heurigen (rustic wine taverns) to try some local snacks and goodies - there are lots of options in the 'City of Waltz'. Dinner and overnight in Vienna.

Meals:  D

In the morning you will meet our representative and collect your bike. From Vienna you take the Danube-Cycle-Path through the national park “Donauauen", which was established to protect the Danube floodplain areas and the large diversity of plants and animals found within the ecosystem. Continue past the castles of “Orth” and “Eckartsau” before reaching the health resort town of Bad Deutsch Altenburg. Nearby you can view the Roman excavations of Petronell-Carnuntum, an important archaeological site. Overnight Bad Deutsch Altenburg or surrounds.

Meals:  B,D

Nestled between the hills of Hainburg and the Carpathian Mountains, cycle to the Slovak capital, Bratislava, where you'll find an enchanting, sleepy old town in addition to magnificent modern buildings.

Meals:  B,D

The marshy landscape of the Szigetköz is an ideal environment and paradise for birds and fish alike. In the midst of these wild and untouched lowlands with more than 500 tiny islands, you will find quaint farming villages and a labyrinth of countless Danube canals and creeks. The day's bike tour ends in the beautiful city of Györ, situated at the mouth of 3 rivers. The city enchants with its baroque old town. Option to shorten the cycling: by taking the train from Mosonmagyarovar to Györ. Tickets are available at ticket machines at the train station and cost approx. € 1,- per ride. This shortens the cycling stage to approx. 44 km/27mi

Meals:  B,D

Departing from Gyor needs some concentration then you cycle through the landscape of western trans Danubia. Continue to Komarno (Komarom), on the border between Hungary and Slovakia, the favourite village of King Matthias.

Meals:  B,D

Today you cycle along the banks of the Slovakian Danube on small low-traffic roads through quaint, typical villages. En route to Esztergom you pass the Roman fort of Kelemantia. Continue to Esztergom, known as “the Rome of Hungary”, which was the capital of medieval Hungary from the 10th to the 13th century. Here you can admire the imposing Basilica, the largest Catholic Church in Hungary.

Meals:  B,D

The hilly landscape of the Danube Bend will enchant you. The river divides to create Szentendre island. Take your bike on the ferry across to the island and cycle through typical Hungarian villages. Szentendre is famous for its handicraft boutiques and the open air ethnographic Museum Skanzen. Enjoy a fantastic view of the most famous sights of Budapest on your way to the capital city of Hungary Note: a boat ride at the beginning or end of the stage is included (or outside the boat season a train ticket is included.)

Meals:  B,D

The trip concludes in Budapest after breakfast. We can arrange extra nights for you in Budapest if you wish to extend your stay in this fabulous city

Meals:  B

Expand all | Collapse all

Make your own way to Vienna and the hotel, where you will receive your travel documents. The remainder of the day is free to explore. You can enjoy a stroll through the imperial city or visit a typical Heurigen (rustic wine taverns) to try some local snacks and goodies - there are lots of options in the 'City of Waltz'. Dinner and overnight in Vienna.

Meals:  Nil

In the morning you will meet our representative and collect your bike. From Vienna you take the Danube-Cycle-Path through the national park “Donauauen", which was established to protect the Danube floodplain areas and the large diversity of plants and animals found within the ecosystem. Continue past the castles of “Orth” and “Eckartsau” before reaching the health resort town of Bad Deutsch Altenburg. Nearby you can view the Roman excavations of Petronell-Carnuntum, an important archaeological site. Overnight Bad Deutsch Altenburg or surrounds.

Meals:  B

Nestled between the hills of Hainburg and the Carpathian Mountains, cycle to the Slovak capital, Bratislava, where you'll find an enchanting, sleepy old town in addition to magnificent modern buildings.

Meals:  B

The marshy landscape of the Szigetköz is an ideal environment and paradise for birds and fish alike. In the midst of these wild and untouched lowlands with more than 500 tiny islands, you will find quaint farming villages and a labyrinth of countless Danube canals and creeks. The day's bike tour ends in the beautiful city of Györ, situated at the mouth of 3 rivers. The city enchants with its baroque old town. Option to shorten the cycling: by taking the train from Mosonmagyarovar to Györ. Tickets are available at ticket machines at the train station and cost approx. € 1,- per ride. This shortens the cycling stage to approx. 44 km/27mi

Meals:  B

Departing from Gyor needs some concentration then you cycle through the landscape of western trans Danubia. Continue to Komarno (Komarom), on the border between Hungary and Slovakia, the favourite village of King Matthias.

Meals:  B

Today you cycle along the banks of the Slovakian Danube on small low-traffic roads through quaint, typical villages. En route to Esztergom you pass the Roman fort of Kelemantia. Continue to Esztergom, known as “the Rome of Hungary”, which was the capital of medieval Hungary from the 10th to the 13th century. Here you can admire the imposing Basilica, the largest Catholic Church in Hungary.

Meals:  B

The hilly landscape of the Danube Bend will enchant you. The river divides to create Szentendre island. Take your bike on the ferry across to the island and cycle through typical Hungarian villages. Szentendre is famous for its handicraft boutiques and the open air ethnographic Museum Skanzen. Enjoy a fantastic view of the most famous sights of Budapest on your way to the capital city of Hungary Note: a boat ride at the beginning or end of the stage is included (or outside the boat season a train ticket is included.)

Meals:  B

The trip concludes in Budapest after breakfast. We can arrange extra nights for you in Budapest if you wish to extend your stay in this fabulous city

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts, 2024: 7 dinners. 2025: dinners not included on 2025: an optional dinner package is available. Continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses which include regional specialities
  • 7 nights in 3-4 star inns and hotels (4 star in Vienna, Bratislava & Budapest) with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis (option to upgrade to Category A, 4 star hotels - surcharge applies)
  • 21 speed bike rental equipped with pannier. Children trailers (max 2 children, 60kgs) on request. Electric bike available on request - supplement applies)
  • Digital information pack including route notes, maps & GPX tracks
  • Luggage Transfer, 2 pieces max, 30kg total, supplement applies for excess
  • 1 ferry trip (or train outside ferry operating season) Szentendre to Budapest (Danube Bend area)
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Vienna and from Budapest
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Helmet - can be purchased and provided locally (must be pre-booked & pre-paid)
  • Travel insurance
  • Guide - this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees
  • Transfers (ferries, trains) not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Rental bike insurance - covers liability in case of loss or damage to the rental bike (when properly used and secured). Excluded are lost keys, batteries and chargers of e-bikes, as well as damage due to intent or gross negligence.
  • We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder – to follow the route more easily using the app
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

3 & 4 star hotels

The accommodations on this trip consist of a mix of 3-star and 4-star hotels. In Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest, travellers will stay in premium 4-star properties, while the remaining nights will feature comfortable 3-star hotels and inns. These accommodations are thoughtfully chosen for their convenience to the cycling route and their welcoming atmosphere. Each property offers en-suite facilities, ensuring a restful and enjoyable stay after a day of exploring the Danube Cycle Path.

Bike information

Rental Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 21 speed bike with handbrakes. You will also receive a pannier, along with a handlebar bag, bike computer, lock and repair kit (per room). In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a proper puncture repair kit, which will enable you to solve the problem.

Electric Bike

A limited number of electric bikes are available for an additional supplement. These must be requested at the time of booking or in advance. Our specially made 8-speed KTM or Flyer models increase your pedalling power 3 fold and allows cyclists of different athletic conditions to book a bike tour together. E-bikes are not fitted with odometers.

Trail Surface

Trail Surfaces

The route is mostly flat, sometimes with rolling hills. The Austrian section is on well marked dedicated bike paths whilst in Hungary you will cycle on country roads and side roads, sometimes unpaved (after wet weather these can be muddy or with loose sand therefore caution is required).

Suitability

moderate

3

Daily cycling distances range from 26-62km / 16-38.5mi, with shorter options available on some days. The route is mostly flat, sometimes with rolling hills. The Austrian section is on well marked dedicated bike paths whilst in Hungary you will cycle on country roads and side roads, sometimes unpaved (after wet weather these can be muddy or with loose sand therefore caution is required). Route finding in Hungary is less straightforward and will require more map reading. Entering and exiting the cities (particularly Gyor and Eztergom), there is some traffic to be aware of! The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness including older children. For parents pulling trailers or trail-a-bikes please be aware that the cycling effort required is increased depending on the weight of the children. If you are not experienced cyclists we recommend the Blue Danube Cycle which is more suitable for families. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

Departure dates

Saturday & Sunday 3 May to 3 Oct. Saturday only 26 Apr to 2 May and 4 to 11 Oct

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 28 Jun to 12 Sep, Mid season is from 3 May to 27 Jun and 13 Sep to 3 Oct. Supplement applies to high and mid season departures.
Note:
Not available to start on 26-27 July due to the Budapest Grand Prix 31 Jul - 3 Aug.

Priceper person from

£1010GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Upgrade supplement - Category A hotelsGBP£100
  • E-bike supplementGBP£110
  • Dinner package (7 dinners) Category BGBP£210
  • Dinner package (7 dinners) Category AGBP£230
  • Single supplement - Category BGBP£300
  • Solo traveller supplement - Category BGBP£320
  • Single supplement - Category AGBP£350
  • Solo traveller supplement - Category AGBP£370
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

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