The Danube: Vienna to Budapest

Day-by-day itinerary

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 68km/42mi

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.

Day 3: To Mosonmagyarovar 44km/27mi

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.

Day 4: 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, 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.

Day 5: To Komarom 55km/34mi

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!

Day 6: The Danube Valley to Esztergom (known as 'Hungarian Rome') 57km/35mi

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.

Day 7: Visegrad to Budapest 56km/34mi

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.

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!

Cycling Conditions

Classification: Self-Guided.

Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)

Average daily distance: 54km (34 miles)

No. of days cycling: 6

Terrain and route: surface: The suggested cycling mainly follows quiet tarmac roads and designated cycle paths, however, there are some sections on busier roads. Much of the route is gently undulating, but there are some steeper hills.

Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodation, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes.

On many occasions in the route it is possible to shorten the day's ride by taking the train or a boat - this will be detailed further in the route notes. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The routes notes contain an emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Please note that helmets are obligatory for adults cycling outside cities in Slovakia, and at night or if there is bad visibility you are required to have either reflectors or a safety vest.

Families

Self-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. As a guide we have suggested that 12 years is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you.

The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each days cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. Please be aware that some of the cycling on this route is along busier roads so any children must be confident at cycling alongside traffic.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities.