Cycling along the Danube from Vienna to Budapest

Day 1: Arrive 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: Petronell-Carnuntum and on to Bratislava

This morning you receive your bikes before setting off on your first day of riding.

On leaving Vienna the route takes you through extensive flood plains, which have turned into small ponds offering a rich habitat to countless species of birds, animals and insects. You will follow the Donauinsel, a long, thin island and continue to one of Austria's most important archaeological sites, the Roman remains at Petronell-Carnuntum. Much of the track is gravel/grit but is comfortable to ride on.

You end your day in Slovakia's pretty capital city of Bratislava, where there are plenty of options for a hearty meal and a drink after your ride.
Distance covered: 68 km / 42 miles
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: To Mosonmagyarovar

You cycle a short distance in Slovak territory today, before crossing the Hungarian border in Rajka. The cycling takes in charming villages, where you can still find thatched-roofed farm houses, in an area almost completely influenced by agriculture. 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 covered: 44 km / 27 miles
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: To Gyor

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, located in the middle of protected parkland. Arrive in the charming colourful town of Gyor with time to take in the many sights and breathtaking historic centre.
Distance covered: 41 km / 25 miles
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: To Komarom

Today's ride follows a gently rolling landscape towards Bony, ending in Komarom. It is possible to take a detour to Babolna, a well cultivated town with a beautiful inner city, famous for the National Stud horses which are bred in the inner courtyards. The final part of the route takes you back to the Danube and onwards to the divided town of Komarom/Komarno, where you can enjoy a relaxing spa visit if you wish!
Distance covered: 55 km / 34 miles
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: The Danube Valley to Esztergom (known as 'Hungarian Rome')

Today you pedal along riverbanks in 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 covered: 57 km / 35 miles
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Visegrad to Budapest

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 covered: 56 km / 34 miles
Meals: Breakfast

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!
Meals: Breakfast