Map of Cycle the Danube including Austria, Hungary and Slovakia

Pedal beside the majestic Danube River on a cycling odyssey.

Retrace the steps of the Roman, Ottoman and Turk Empires on this adventure along the mighty Danube River. Journey through picturesque villages, forests and lush farmlands as you cycle from Vienna to Budapest, passing through Slovakia and it's cosmopolitan capital. Live it up in Baroque style at the elegant Schönbrunn Palace or get lost in the cobbled laneways of Komarom, a city with one foot in Hungary and the other in Slovakia. Visit the architectural jewel of the Danube River, the Esztergom Basilica, and pass by the imposing white-hued Bratislava Castle. Celebrate a day in the saddle with a luxurious soak in one of Budapest's iconic baths.


Start
Vienna, Austria
Finish
Budapest, Hungary
Destinations
Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
Style
Original
Theme
Cycling
Code
ZMXD
Physical rating
Ages
Min 14
Group size
Min 1, Max 15

Why you'll love this trip

  • Cycle leafy paths from vibrant Vienna to Bratislava and bohemian Budapest

  • Follow the Danube downstream, passing romantic castles, picturesque villages and lowland forests

  • Experience one of Austria's most important archaeological sites, the Roman remains at Carnuntum

  • Marvel at the domed Basilica of Esztergom, reflected in the still waters of the Danube Bend

  • Straddle the borders of Hungary and Slovakia in the historic spa town of Komarom

Is this trip right for you?

  • To complete this trip it is important that you are both confident and competent in riding a bicycle.

  • On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a back marker where needed). Where the vehicle cannot travel directly with the cyclists (e.g. a cyclists-only path) your leader will assign a person from the group to act as a back marker.

  • While the cycling distances are relatively long – sometimes up to 75 kilometres – the terrain of the Danube as it flows downstream is naturally flat so you’ll only need a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy the trip. But remember, we will always have the support vehicle on hand if you need to take a break for an hour or a day.

  • As our riding is done mostly on sealed roads and bike paths with the occasional gravel section there are no technical cycling skills required.

  • As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same sex. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can. If you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge.

Itinerary

Welcome to Vienna! Your cycling adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm. Arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Please confirm with the hotel reception where and when it will take place, or check the reception noticeboards. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. If arriving early make sure you go for a walk around this beautiful city. Perhaps even take a spin on the famous old Prater Ferris Wheel. Following the group meeting, maybe head out for an optional welcome dinner at a Viennese Heurigen (wine tavern). Heuriger means "this year's wine", and the Heurigen originated as a way for winemakers to offer samples of their new wine with a few snacks. Fortunately this now also includes a hearty meal, which will be much needed for the days of cycling ahead.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Please note that many shops, including bicycle shops close at midday on Saturday, and all of Sunday so it is difficult to purchase a bike helmet before the cycling begins on Day 2 - please bring your own helmet with you.
After breakfast there will be a bike fitting for the group followed by a short test ride. Then take a tour of Vienna by bike (approximately 3 hours). Follow the path of the Habsburg and explore the rich artistic and cultural icons like the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace and all that the Ringstrasse has to offer.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Vienna Guided Cycling
  • 6 Days included bike hire
Optional Activities
  • Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel - EUR14
  • Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Lower Gallery) - EUR15
  • Vienna - Leopold Museum - EUR15
  • Vienna - Albertina Museum - EUR19
  • Vienna - Schoenbrunn Palace - EUR22
  • Vienna - Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum - EUR16
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Cycle distance: approx. 10kms/6 miles, mostly flat with approx. 180m/590ft of elevation gain.
Leave Vienna’s city centre and ride along the mighty Danube to the tiny hamlet of Hasslau an der Donau. From here, journey east along the riverbanks to one of Austria's most important archaeological sites, Carnuntum, and its eclectic mixture of Roman ruins and modern reconstructions. Spend some time wandering among the remains of Roman life on the Danube before climbing back onto your bike and slowly winding along the riverside bike paths to the Slovak border. In the afternoon arrive in the Slovak capital, the cosmopolitan Bratislava. See firsthand how bordering two independent countries has left its mark on Bratislava with an introductory walk.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Carnuntum entrance
  • Vienna to Bratislava Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Optional Activities
  • The Slavin War Memorial - Free
  • Kamzik TV Tower - Free
  • Blue Church Bratislava - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that the Bratislava Castle is closed on a Monday so we are unable to enter it.

Cycle distance: approx. 76kms/47 miles, flat for the first 40kms, then undulating, with approx. 400m/1310ft of elevation gain.
Follow the flowing waters of the Danube as it turns south. Pass by picturesque villages, lowland forests and across lush farmland to the historic Hungarian city of Gyor. This vibrant Baroque city - highlighted by Káptalan Hill, Bécsi kapu tér square, and the picturesque Király Street - has been inhabited by varying cultures since ancient times and offers a fascinating contrast to the slow pace of the river and its surrounds.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bratislava to Gyor Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Cycle distance: approx. 80kms/50 miles, slightly downhill with approx. 50m/165ft of elevation gain.
Leaving Gyor behind, track back to the banks of the Danube and on to the city of Komarom, which straddles the borders of Hungary and Slovakia. While Komarom is known for its forts and strategic position on the Danube River, it is also a beautiful city housing many museums and historical sites. Take part in an introductory walk with a stroll across the Elizabeth Bridge, the pathway between two counties. To add some pampering at the end of a long day why not try an optional spa visit to soothe those leg muscles.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Gyor to Komarom Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Optional Activities
  • Fort Monostor - HUF1600
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Cycle distance: approx. 55 kms/35 miles, flat with approx. 40m/130ft of elevation gain.
Today there is an early departure to ensure a timely arrival into Esztergom (approximately 55 kilometres). The former capital city of Hungary, Esztergom is the seat of the Hungarian Catholic Church and boasts an amazing array of architectural gems such as Royal Palace, and Watertown, which is built on the banks of the Danube itself. The crowning glory of Esztergom is undoubtbly the Esztergom Basilica, a stunning example of Classicism and the third largest church in Europe. Reflected in the still waters of the Danube Bend, the Basilica is a sight to behold from outside and within. Take part on an introductory orientation walk of this beguiling city.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Esztergom Basilica entrance
  • Komarom to Esztergom Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Optional Activities
  • Bálint Balassi Museum - HUF100
  • Esztergom Castle Museum - HUF1800
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Cycle distance: approx. 54kms/33miles, flat with approx. 140m/460ft of elevation gain.
Cycle the famous ‘Danube Bend’ beneath the wooded hills of Visegrád. Here the river turns south towards the Hungarian capital city of Budapest. Today is our longest day in the saddle but be sure to enjoy a stop half way for a picnic lunch on the river bank. After cycling through the city itself end the day on a high with an afternoon visit to one of Budapest's famous spas is included. There is ample free time in the evening to explore at your leisure.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Budapest - Szechenyi Baths
  • Esztergom to Budapest Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Cycle distance: approx. 82kms/51miles, mostly flat with approx. 100m/330ft of elevation gain.
Your cycling adventure comes to an end today. There are no planned activities or rides, so you're free to depart anytime before noon. If you want to spend some extra time in Budapest or require a later checkout, we strongly recommend booking extra accommodation at the time of booking.
Optional Activities
  • Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour - HUF7000
  • Budapest - Danube Boat Trip - EUR15
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Bicycle, Support Vehicle, Ferry, (e-bike option available, subject to availability)

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Guesthouse (1 night)

Included activities

  • Vienna Guided Cycling
  • 6 Days included bike hire
  • Carnuntum entrance
  • Vienna to Bratislava Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
  • Bratislava to Gyor Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
  • Gyor to Komarom Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
  • Esztergom Basilica entrance
  • Komarom to Esztergom Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
  • Budapest - Szechenyi Baths
  • Esztergom to Budapest Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Cycle the Danube trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 5 (Komarom) where you will be in a twin-share room, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Bicycle hire is included in your trip price. Please advise your height at time of booking so awe can ensure a suitable sized bike is arranged.
3. Bike helmets are compulsory on this trip. We are unable to hire bike helmets locally so please ensure you bring your own bike helmet from home.
4. On this trip we have a single leader that rides with the group, and another that drives the support vehicle (acting as a back marker where needed). Where the vehicle cannot travel directly with the cyclists (e.g. a cyclists-only path) your leader will assign a person from the group to act as a back marker.
5. An e-bike option (at additional cost) may be available on this trip. We have limited numbers of these bikes available and they are an 'on request' basis only. A request does not guarantee an e-bike, only a confirmed booking. Please ask your agent for more details at the time of booking.
6. In 2023 - due to negative client feedback we no longer ride on the morning of the final day in Budapest. This ride has been integrated into the ride on Day 7.

Essential trip information

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