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Cycling along the Danube from Vienna to Budapest

0044 1606 720199

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  • Holiday code
    C07VB
  • Holiday type
    Self-guided cycling
  • Duration
    7 nights
  • Accommodation
    hotel-to-hotel
  • Activity level
  • From $1799per person, tour only
  • Departures
    Selected Saturdays from 17 Jun '23 to 5 Oct '24
  • What your holiday price includes
  • 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of hotels
  • All breakfasts
  • Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
  • Navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Esztergom to Visegrad boat including the transfer of the bikes (by train early/late season)
  • Train ticket including bike from Györ to Komàrom
  • Agent Route App
  • Optional Upgrades
  • Electric bikes available
  • Tandems available
  • Half Board, except in Vienna and Budapest
  • Suitable for
  • Couples
  • Excellent choice for
  • Flora & fauna, art & history, lake & river routes
      from 16 reviews

PHILLIPS says...
A great way to try a not too strenuous (for the average fit person) self-guided cycle trip where navigation is mostly straightforward, with use of the ...
Read reviews »

Austria / Slovakia / Hungary: Carinthia

Cycling along the Danube from Vienna to Budapest

  • Meander along the Danube
  • Cycle 3 countries in one week
  • Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest

This is a classic self-guided cycle ride linking three historic cities. Your journey starts in Vienna, which requires little introduction, with its abundance of famous sites, entertainment and culture. The River Danube serves as the spine of the cycling route as you meander back and forth away from the river through woodland, farmland, avenues of walnut trees, wide flat landscapes and shady hills. A night is spent in the pretty city of Bratislava and in the lovely town of Gyor, as we head towards the Danube Bend at Esztergom. The end point for the trip is the city of Budapest with time to soak up the wonderful atmosphere and enjoy the stunning architecture.



We're here to help

If you have any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com

Day-by-day itinerary



We're here to help

If you've any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 , or email sales@headwater.com

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: Vienna - Hainburg 50KM/31MI

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.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Hainburg - Bratislava 35KM/22MI

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.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Bratislava to Mosonmagyarovar 45KM/28MI

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.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Mosonmagyarovar to Gyor 41KM/25MI

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.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Gyor/Komarom to Esztergom 55KM/34MI

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.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Esztergom to Budapest 56KM/34MI

Head to 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 take a leisurely boat ride into the centre of the city and appreciate the stunning architecture.
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

Where you stay

During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.

To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com

Hotels, Vienna to Budapest

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.

Travel

Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.

Reviews

Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.

Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.


PHILLIPS, 03/06/2023

A great way to try a not too strenuous (for the average fit person) self-guided cycle trip where navigation is mostly straightforward, with use of the fantastic local app. The combination of being in nature on the Danube, culture & history, cities and food is great.


Mrs Van Niekerk, 15/05/2023

Good fun holiday. The app is great, takes a little time to work and more time should be given on that. Perhaps send a sample one through before you go would help greatly.

Some bits were tricky but we felt we had had a fun an adventure.


Mr Russell, 02/05/2023

Well organised trip. To make the most of cafe's during the cycle it is necessary to diverge from the tour route.


Ms Templeman, 01/05/2023

We really enjoyed the majority of the destinations, Bratislava was a particular highlight.


Mrs Stapenhurst, 28/04/2023

Plenty of historic buildings to see in the towns, and plenty of easy flat cycling through a green rural landscape.


Mr Small, 27/04/2023

Tiring but good


Mrs Higham, 19/11/2022

Really enjoyed the trip and would explore more of Euro Velo 6 but hotels did not live up to 4 star expectations


Ms King, 31/10/2022

We had an amazing holiday and have recommended to lots of our friends. Everything was managed really well, staff were friendly and the route was pretty easy to follow. Some of the instructions were a little tricky to follow at times but we got better at interpreting them as the holiday went on. The hotels are quite basic we had all 4 star but i would compare most of them to a UK premier inn standard - clean and comfy but standard and basic. However we would 100% go on another


Mrs Allerhand, 19/10/2022

The self- guided holiday model requires excellent equipment and extremely clear route notes. We spent a lot of time stopping and pondering which way to go and sometimes having to retrace our steps. Only a smallish portion of the ride from Vienna to Budapest actually borders the Danube.


Mrs BURKE, 02/10/2022

Very well organised holiday staying in comfortable hotels. We experienced more of the country than we expected and really enjoyed the experience.


Mr FULCHER, 06/09/2022

As 'first timers' on a cycling holiday, we all enjoyed every moment of the trip. Visited amazing places and a great way for a group of friends to catch up and have fun. Already arguing about the destination of next years cycling holiday !


Mr Moncrief, 12/08/2022

Easy cycling, mostly adjacent to the Danube with some forays inland, with ample opportunites for refreshing dips in the river and cafe stops along the way. Perfect for a heatwave!


Mrs Martin, 01/07/2022

We had a fantastic holiday overall. Megan was very professional and helpful during the booking process and we were delighted with our choice of route. The bikes were brilliant, some hotels were absolutely excellent (in Gyor and Bratislava specifically) and all personnel were amazing. The distances of the routes were just right for us (despite the blazing hot sunshine!) and we loved the cities and towns we visited throughout.


Mr Hamilton, 29/06/2022

This was an excellent trip, made particularly memorable by the excellent (but very warm) weather. The itinerary is first class, but be aware that there are long stretches (full days in some cases) where you won't see the Danube. So, it is definitely not a cycle along the river bank. The route is mainly flat and there are stages where you cycle along man made 'dams' which are pretty boring at times. It is worth using the maps supplied to vary the route and explore other areas/routes.



The hotels were excellent and of 4 star quality. Our luggage always made it to the next hotel before us and we had no issues checking in.



The bikes are robust and 'industrial' and were in very good condition - we had no issues.



Overall, a great way to explore the 3 countries. I would definitely recommend it.


Mr Bacon, 07/10/2019

To be able to cycle on the level from Vienna to Budapest, taking in some interesting towns and countryside en route, is a great experience.


Mrs Allen, 03/10/2019

A really interesting and scenic journey but with some challenging surfaces on loose gravel along dykes[with alternative routes on/alongside main roads]and some quite long distances especially on the 1st day.

Lovely places en route such as Bratislava,Gyor,Visegrad and of course Vienna and Budapest.

We felt that the itinerary didn't allow adequate time for exploring the places we visited and we would suggest in future offering more flexibility i.e. some days off between cycling/taking us by car/train where the route is not so interesting or alongside main roads[something that Headwater have done on other holidays].

The written notes were on the whole good but the verbal briefing on arrival was non existent-I think that the bike company had staffing problems :this needs addressing and communication needs improving.

The bikes were fine and we had no problems with them.

We were very happy with all the hotels but especially liked Hotel Honti in Visegrad and Hotel Lajta Park at Mosonmagyarovar[smaller and a more relaxed friendly atmosphere].

Overall we would recommend the trip but with the provisos already expressed.



Dates and prices

You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.

This 7 night self-guided cycling holiday includes:

Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of hotels

All breakfasts

Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent

Agent supplied navigation app for your smartphone

Bike hire

Luggage transfers between hotels

Esztergom to Visegrad boat including the transfer of the bikes (by train early/late season)

Train ticket including bike from Györ to Komàrom

Agent Route App


How to book:

To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.

To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.

  • Jun 2023
  • Jul 2023
  • Aug 2023
  • Sep 2023
  • Oct 2023
  • Apr 2024
  • May 2024
  • Jun 2024
  • Jul 2024
  • Aug 2024
  • Sep 2024
  • Oct 2024
DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
10th Jun 2023 US$1979 US$454 Tour only: US$1979
Single supp: US$454
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17th Jun 2023 US$1979 US$454 Tour only: US$1979
Single supp: US$454
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24th Jun 2023 US$1979 US$454 Tour only: US$1979
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
1st Jul 2023 US$1979 US$454 Tour only: US$1979
Single supp: US$454
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8th Jul 2023 US$1979 US$454 Tour only: US$1979
Single supp: US$454
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15th Jul 2023 US$1979 US$454 Tour only: US$1979
Single supp: US$454
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17th Jul 2023 US$2149 US$454 Tour only: US$2149
Single supp: US$454
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22nd Jul 2023 US$1979 US$454 Tour only: US$1979
Single supp: US$454
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29th Jul 2023 US$1979 US$454 Tour only: US$1979
Single supp: US$454
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
5th Aug 2023 US$1979 US$454 Tour only: US$1979
Single supp: US$454
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12th Aug 2023 US$1979 US$454 Tour only: US$1979
Single supp: US$454
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19th Aug 2023 US$1979 US$454 Tour only: US$1979
Single supp: US$454
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26th Aug 2023 US$1979 US$454 Tour only: US$1979
Single supp: US$454
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
2nd Sep 2023 US$1879 US$454 Tour only: US$1879
Single supp: US$454
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9th Sep 2023 US$1879 US$454 Tour only: US$1879
Single supp: US$454
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16th Sep 2023 US$1879 US$454 Tour only: US$1879
Single supp: US$454
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23rd Sep 2023 US$1879 US$454 Tour only: US$1879
Single supp: US$454
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30th Sep 2023 US$1799 US$454 Tour only: US$1799
Single supp: US$454
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
7th Oct 2023 US$1799 US$454 Tour only: US$1799
Single supp: US$454
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
6th Apr 2024 US$1949 US$454 Tour only: US$1949
Single supp: US$454
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13th Apr 2024 US$1949 US$454 Tour only: US$1949
Single supp: US$454
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20th Apr 2024 US$2049 US$454 Tour only: US$2049
Single supp: US$454
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27th Apr 2024 US$2049 US$454 Tour only: US$2049
Single supp: US$454
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
4th May 2024 US$2049 US$454 Tour only: US$2049
Single supp: US$454
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11th May 2024 US$2049 US$454 Tour only: US$2049
Single supp: US$454
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18th May 2024 US$2049 US$454 Tour only: US$2049
Single supp: US$454
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25th May 2024 US$2049 US$454 Tour only: US$2049
Single supp: US$454
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
1st Jun 2024 US$2149 US$454 Tour only: US$2149
Single supp: US$454
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8th Jun 2024 US$2149 US$454 Tour only: US$2149
Single supp: US$454
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13th Jun 2024 US$2279 US$454 Tour only: US$2279
Single supp: US$454
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15th Jun 2024 US$2149 US$454 Tour only: US$2149
Single supp: US$454
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22nd Jun 2024 US$2149 US$454 Tour only: US$2149
Single supp: US$454
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29th Jun 2024 US$2149 US$454 Tour only: US$2149
Single supp: US$454
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
6th Jul 2024 US$2149 US$454 Tour only: US$2149
Single supp: US$454
Check availability
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13th Jul 2024 US$2149 US$454 Tour only: US$2149
Single supp: US$454
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20th Jul 2024 US$2149 US$454 Tour only: US$2149
Single supp: US$454
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27th Jul 2024 US$2149 US$454 Tour only: US$2149
Single supp: US$454
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
3rd Aug 2024 US$2149 US$454 Tour only: US$2149
Single supp: US$454
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10th Aug 2024 US$2149 US$454 Tour only: US$2149
Single supp: US$454
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17th Aug 2024 US$2149 US$454 Tour only: US$2149
Single supp: US$454
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24th Aug 2024 US$2149 US$454 Tour only: US$2149
Single supp: US$454
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31st Aug 2024 US$2149 US$454 Tour only: US$2149
Single supp: US$454
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
7th Sep 2024 US$2149 US$454 Tour only: US$2149
Single supp: US$454
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14th Sep 2024 US$2149 US$454 Tour only: US$2149
Single supp: US$454
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21st Sep 2024 US$2149 US$454 Tour only: US$2149
Single supp: US$454
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28th Sep 2024 US$1949 US$454 Tour only: US$1949
Single supp: US$454
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DepartingTour only Prices   Single supplement
5th Oct 2024 US$1949 US$454 Tour only: US$1949
Single supp: US$454
Check availability
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The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.

Holiday details

Minimum group sizes
No minimum group size, however transfers are subject to at least 2 people (in total) booked on each departure.

Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices

Children
Please contact us for child prices.

Holiday type
Self-guided cycling Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.

Departures
Selected Saturdays from 10th Jun 2023 to 5th Oct 2024, for 7 nights. All dates are subject to availability, please contact us to check.

Meals
All breakfasts

Electric bikes
It is possible to hire electric bikes for this holiday at a supplement of £154 per person. As these are available on a first come first served basis, we recommend early booking to avoid disappointment.

Tandems
It is possible to hire tandem bikes for this holiday at a supplement of £198 per bike. As these are available on a first come first served basis, we recommend early booking to avoid disappointment.

Other details
Half board (x5 nights) is available at a supplement of £176 per person. Meals may be at the hotel or in a local restaurant.

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.

Tailor-made travel

This holiday does not include any flights or rail.

How to book

To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.

If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.

To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.

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