Cycle Central Europe & the Danube




Get active on an fifteen-day European cycling adventure from Prague to Budapest
Get your wheels moving on a cycling adventure through the Central European countryside, all the way from picturesque Prague to classic Budapest. This fifteen-day active trip meanders its way past medieval villages perched on the hillside and hugs the mighty Danube River. With delicious regional food, great wine, and a knowledgeable leader to guide you along the way, you’ll be seeing the best of the region with the wind blowing through your hair.
4.9
13 reviewsStart: Prague, Czech Republic
End: Budapest, Hungary
- Duration
- 15 days
- Group size
- 1 to 15
- Minimum age
- 14 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Cycling
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Take an active adventure through Central Europe, cycling leafy paths from the bohemian centre of Prague to the classical vibe of Budapest.
- Ride alongside the mighty Danube River downstream, passing by romantic riverside castles, picturesque villages and lowland forests surrounding the banks.
- Take the opportunity to head on an optional brewery tour at the original home of Budweiser: Ceske Budejovice.
- The perfect mix of cosmopolitan cities, picture postcard towns and traffic-free cycling paths await, with local knowledge to get the best out of each European destination.
Itinerary
Dobry den! Welcome to Prague. There is an important welcome meeting scheduled for 6 pm this evening, where you will meet your group leader and fellow travellers. With not much time spent in Prague, we recommend you spend at least a day or two to get to know this wonderful Bohemian city. With its Baroque buildings, cobblestoned streets and beer – oh so much beer – there’s something for every explorer. If you want to spend more time in Prague, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). After your important meeting, how about get a group of you together and head to one of the beer halls to get acquainted?
- (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Ride distance: No included riding today
This morning the cycling part of your adventure begins! Have a bike fitting then explore the fascinating street and lanes of Prague on a leader-led orientation ride. You’ll learn about the history of the city, plus have time to take in the Old Town square, looking up at the surrounding spires – there are a lot of spires – as well as the historic building besides the Vltava River. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this eclectic city at your leisure. Perhaps visit one of the many museums that dot the city, or wander the cobbled Charles Bridge in the evening when most of the tourist are long gone.
- (1 night)
- Breakfast
- 7 days bike hire
- Prague guided cycling
- Prague - Castle Visit - CZK450
- Prague - John Lennon Wall - Free
- Prague - Town Hall Clock Tower - CZK300
- Prague - Kafka Museum - CZK300
- Charles Bridge - Free
- Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour - EUR23
Ride distance: approx. 15kms/9 miles, mostly flat, approx. 100m/320ft of elevation gain.
Today is an early morning start, as you head to Ceske Budejovice by local transport (either vehicle or train depending on group size), taking around 2.5 hours. From here begin a short ride (approximately 30 kilometres) around Budejovice and besides the Vltava River through the South Bohemian countryside from Ceske to Cesky – that is, Cesky Krumlov! Once arrived, you’ve got the rest of the afternoon at your leisure in this small medieval town. Take your bike or head on a hike up to see Krizova Hora, visit the State Castle, or just simply explore the weaving laneways of the town, all perched on the side of the Vltava River. If you want to check out the river more, why not book in on a canoe trip? Seeing the Czech countryside from the water gives you stunning views of the surrounding valleys.
- (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Ceske Budejovice Guided Cycling
- Cesky Krumlov - Brewery Tour - CZK350
- Cesky Krumlov - Canoe Trip - CZK700
- Cesky Krumlov - Guided Castle Tour - CZK300
Ride distance: approx. 30kms/19 miles, mostly flat with a few short but steep climbs towards the end of the ride, with approx. 200m/650ft of elevation gain.
Rise and shine, as it’s off for another day of cycling, leaving nice and early. Ride along the Vltava River from Cesky Krumlov through the countryside then over the plateau and down to the wooded shores of the beautiful Lipno Lake near the Czech-Austrian border. You’ll arrive at the small town of Lipno and Vltavou on the southern banks of the lake.
After some time to look around, drive approximately 140 kilometres to Kollmitzberg. After two days in the saddle you deserve a relax at this secluded town. Why not get your group together and organise somewhere for dinner in nearby Ardagger – your group leader will know of a place to go.
- (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Cesky Krumlov to Lipno Lake Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Ride distance: approx. 50kms/32 miles, mostly undulating/hilly, with approx. 680m/2200ft of elevation gain
Get back on your bike and cycle alongside the mighty Danube River on a mostly flat course from Kollmitzberg to Melk (approximately 53 kilometres). You know you're getting close when you can see the towers and dome of the famed Melk Abbey high above the town. Once arrived, you could head on an optional tour of Melk Abbey, where you’ll discover the colourful Baroque structure perched on top of a rock overlooking the Danube, plus its parks and bastions.
- (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Kollmitzberg to Melk Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
- Melk Abbey - EUR16
Ride distance: approx. 53kms/33 miles, mostly flat, approx. 150m/500ft of elevation gain.
From Melk, cycle along the northern banks of the Danube – mostly on dedicated cycle paths – past small riverside towns and villages (and the occasional sand beach), and to the UNESCO-listed terraces of the Wachau vineyards, where wine has been produced since the Middle Ages. Riding up the steep hillsides is definitely a challenge, but there’s some stunning scenery to see along the way. Your final destination for today is Herzogenburg – a thriving town on a small tributary of the Danube. If you have time why not check out the imposing Herzogenburg Monastery before a hearty Austrian dinner.
- (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Melk to Reidling Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Ride distance: approx. 63kms/39 miles, mostly flat, approx. 320m/1050ft of elevation gain.
Hop on your bike to ride back along the Danube cycle path all the way into Vienna, skirting the river’s southern banks. Today is the longest ride of the tour at around 70 kilometres/43 miles and is mostly slightly downhill. When you arrive in Vienna, be sure to relax and perhaps tuck into a well-earned coffee and sacher torte. Vienna is a classical hub of arts, culture and food, and a perfect place to hop off the bike and explore on foot. If you haven’t discussed it already, why not organise dinner in Vienna with your group tonight – it’s definitely cause for celebration.
- (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Orientation walk - Vienna
- Reidling to Vienna Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
- Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Upper & Lower Gallery Combined Ticket) - EUR29
- Vienna - Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum - EUR20
- Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel - EUR15
- Vienna - Food, Coffee & Market Tour Urban Adventure - EUR115
- Vienna - Schoenbrunn Palace - EUR22
Ride distance: approx. 70kms/44 miles, mostly flat/slightly downhill, approx. 110m/360ft of elevation gain. For those wanting a shorter ride you are welcome to travel in the support van until Tulln, around 40kms/25 miles from Vienna.
Today is a free day in Vienna until your second welcome meeting at 6 pm. There is so much to see and do in Vienna and it's best explored on your own two feet. A popular highlight is a spin on the famous old Prater Ferris Wheel. This evening, maybe head out for an optional 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 includes a hearty meal, which will be much needed for the days of cycling ahead.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
Please note that many shops, including bicycle shops close at midday on Saturday, and all of Sunday.
As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today
After breakfast this morning, you’ll have a bike fitting for the group followed by a short test ride to check everything is in working order. Then, you’ll join with your leader and take a tour of Vienna on two wheels. Follow the path of the Habsburg and explore the rich artistic and cultural icons of the city like the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace and all that the Ringstrasse has to offer. Tonight, you’re free to explore at your own pace – ask for dinner recommendations from your leader, they will always have the best suggestions!
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Vienna Guided Cycling
- 6 Days included bike hire
- Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel - EUR15
- Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Lower Gallery) - EUR17
- Vienna - Leopold Museum - EUR17
- Vienna - Albertina Museum - EUR19
- Vienna - Schoenbrunn Palace - EUR22
- Vienna - Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum - EUR20
Your cycling time today will be approximately 3 hours or 10 km (6 mi) on mostly flat roads with about 180 m (590 ft) 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, you’ll journey east along the riverbanks to one of Austria's most important archaeological sites – Carnuntum, with its eclectic mix 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 you’ll arrive in the Slovak capital – cosmopolitan Bratislava. See firsthand how bordering two independent countries has left its mark on Bratislava with a leader-led orientation walk. Tonight, you’re free to rest and recharge.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Carnuntum entrance
- Vienna to Bratislava Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
- The Slavin War Memorial - Free
- Bratislava - Kamzik TV Tower - Free
- Bratislava - Blue Church Bratislava - Free
Please note that Bratislava Castle is closed on a Monday, so you cannot enter.
Your cycling distance today will be approximately 76 km (47 mi) on mostly flat and lightly undulating roads with about 400 m (1310 ft) of elevation gain.
Follow the flowing waters of the Danube as it turns south today. Your ride today will pass by picturesque villages, lowland forests and across farmland to the Hungarian city of Gyor. This vibrant Baroque city – highlighted by Kaptalan Hill, Becsi Kapu Ter Square and the picturesque Kiraly Street – has been inhabited by varying cultures since ancient times and now offers a fascinating contrast to the slow pace of the river and its surroundings.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Bratislava to Gyor Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Your cycling distance today will be approximately 80 km (50 mi) travelling slightly downhill with about 50 m (165 ft) 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’s also a beautiful city housing many museums and historical sites. Take a leader-led orientation walk when you arrive, across the Elizabeth Bridge, which is the pathway between the two counties. If you feel called to add some pampering to your afternoon, why not head to a local spa and soothe those leg muscles.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Gyor to Komarom Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
- Fort Monostor - HUF2400
Your cycling distance today will be approximately 55 km (35 mi) on mostly flat roads with about 40 m (130 ft) of elevation gain.
Today there’s an early departure to ride into your next stop – Esztergom. The former capital city of Hungary is the seat of the Hungarian Catholic Church and boasts an amazing array of architectural gems such as the Royal Palace and Watertown, which is built on the banks of the Danube itself. When you arrive, take a leader led orientation walk of the city and see the crowning jewel at the Esztergom Basilica – a beautiful 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 both outside and from within. Your evening is free to find some delicious local cuisine and wander the city streets at your own pace.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Esztergom Basilica entrance
- Komarom to Esztergom Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
- Bálint Balassi Museum - HUF100
- Esztergom Castle Museum - HUF3000
Your cycling distance today will be approximately 54 km (33 mi) on mostly flat roads with about 140 m (460 ft) of elevation gain.
Cycle the famous ‘Danube Bend’ today, beneath the wooded hills of Visegrad. Here, the river turns south towards the Hungarian capital city of Budapest. Today will be your longest day in the saddle, but you’ll break it up with a scenic a picnic lunch on the riverbank. After cycling through the city itself, end the day on a high with an afternoon visit to one of Budapest's famous spas! After indulging with your group, your night is free to explore at your own pace – maybe visit the ruin bars or walk along the river as the sun falls.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Budapest - Szechenyi Baths
- Esztergom to Budapest Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Your cycling distance today will be approximately 82 km (51 mi) on mostly flat roads with about 100 m (330 ft) of elevation gain.
There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
- Breakfast
- Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour - HUF9000
- Budapest - Danube Boat Trip - EUR15
Inclusions and activities
13 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Bicycle, Support vehicle, Train/Local Bus (e-bike option available, subject to availability)
Hotel (13 nights), guesthouse (1 night)
- 7 days bike hire
- Prague guided cycling
- Ceske Budejovice Guided Cycling
- Cesky Krumlov to Lipno Lake Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
- Kollmitzberg to Melk Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
- Melk to Reidling Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
- Orientation walk - Vienna
- Reidling to Vienna Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
- 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
- Prague - Castle Visit - CZK450
- Prague - John Lennon Wall - Free
- Prague - Town Hall Clock Tower - CZK300
- Prague - Kafka Museum - CZK300
- Charles Bridge - Free
- Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour - EUR23
- Cesky Krumlov - Brewery Tour - CZK350
- Cesky Krumlov - Canoe Trip - CZK700
- Cesky Krumlov - Guided Castle Tour - CZK300
- Melk Abbey - EUR16
- Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Upper & Lower Gallery Combined Ticket) - EUR29
- Vienna - Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum - EUR20
- Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel - EUR15
- Vienna - Food, Coffee & Market Tour Urban Adventure - EUR115
- Vienna - Schoenbrunn Palace - EUR22
- Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Lower Gallery) - EUR17
- Vienna - Leopold Museum - EUR17
- Vienna - Albertina Museum - EUR19
- The Slavin War Memorial - Free
- Bratislava - Kamzik TV Tower - Free
- Bratislava - Blue Church Bratislava - Free
- Fort Monostor - HUF2400
- Bálint Balassi Museum - HUF100
- Esztergom Castle Museum - HUF3000
- Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour - HUF9000
- Budapest - Danube Boat Trip - EUR15
This trip generates 19 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- Just as a heads up before you book: this trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.
- 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.
- As our riding is done mostly on sealed roads and – along the Danube River – dedicated bike paths with the occasional gravel section, there are no technical cycling skills required.
- There’s the possibility of a few hiccups along the way – a puncture here and there maybe – but there’s no doubt this is an incredibly rewarding adventure.
- As there are potholes and cobblestones in many European cities, it's recommended that you leave any wheelie bags/cases at home and bring a backpack instead. As this is an eight-day trip, a large backpack should be enough to carry all of your belongings.
- As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, solo travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same gender. Please note that a single supplement is available on this trip. Space is at a premium in Europe and your hotel is no exception. Rooms are often small, but usually the central location makes up for that. For those travelling as a duo, hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. In some cases, bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
FACILITIES
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Miss Sophie's Downtown
Opletalova 39
Prague
110 00
CZECH REPUBLIC
Phone: 420 210 011 700
Description
Miss Sophie's offers boutique hotel accommodation in Prague Downtown, 700 m from the National Museum and around 20 mins walk from the Old Town Square and Charles Bridge. Each room is equipped with free wi-fi, a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities and a private bathroom.
Instructions
Prague Airport is located approximately 30 minutes drive from Miss Sophie's and is well connected to the city centre via taxi and public transport.
For public transport take bus 119 from the airport to Nádraží Veleslavín (9 stops, 20 mins) then change to tram A (towards Depo Hostivař) to Muzeum. From here it is a 650 metre/10 mins walk to the hotel. If arriving by train into Prague’s main train station (Praha hl.n/Praha hlavni nadrazi) the hotel is a simple 5 min walk almost directly across from the main station entrance/exit
Alternatively we are happy to arrange an arrival transfer for you at an additional charge. Please ask your booking agent if you would like to add this service and provide your flight details at least 14 days prior to the start of your tour. If you have pre-booked an arrival transfer an Intrepid representative will be waiting in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name or the Intrepid logo. In case of flight cancellations, changes or if you are not able find the driver, please contact to the emergency phone numbers: +420778031448
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. It is very important that you provide your height at time of booking so we can ensure that you have the appropriate sized bicycle when your trip starts. If you do not provide your height ahead of arrival we cannot guarantee a suitably sized bike for you.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 12 (Komarom) where you will be in a twin-share room, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Bicycle hire is included in your trip price. Please advise your height at time of booking so as we can organize a suitable sized bike.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. This trip is a combination of 2 trips. Please review the Itinerary for details of when your fellow travellers and leader will change.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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