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Visit three stunning capital cities on this classic cycling holiday along the Danube River. Ride downstream from imperial Vienna to Bratislava, a small historic city with an intoxicating, cafe-culture vibe. Then it’s on, through Slovakia to Hungary and its capital, Budapest – one of Europe’s most fascinating and exciting cities.
This is a tour that combines the sights and cultures of some of Europe’s most beautiful capitals with a healthy dose of nature and the great outdoors. Following the river you’ll get a great sense of the changing landscape and enjoy the many traditional towns and villages that line its banks.
Parliament - Budapest
Highlights include the Imperial city of Vienna, the compact and fascinating old town in the centre of Bratislava, enjoying the peace and quiet of the riverside cycle path itself and of course arriving in the stunning city of Budapest.
The route is mostly flat but with the odd incline along the way. You’ll be cycling on well-maintained cycle paths and some quiet country lanes. Around cities there may be short sections along busy roads.
Once you’ve checked in to your hotel the rest of day is yours to explore this fascinating city. Visit Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Imperial Palace. You may also want to take in the ‘Riesenrad’, the giant ferris wheel, made famous in the 1949 film, ‘The Third Man’. No trip to Vienna would be complete without enjoying a coffee and cake in one of the city’s elegant coffee houses. In the evening we highly recommend trying the local speciality – Wienerschnitzel. This pan-fried breaded pork cutlet has become popular around the world but this is where it was born. Of course, this is the city of the Waltz and you might wish to attend one of the many Waltzing evenings that take place in the city.
Shortly after leaving the hustle and bustle of Vienna you enter a very different world, cycling through a riverside nature reserve full of diverse flora and fauna. The city suddenly seems a million miles away with the peace and quiet only interrupted by chattering birds. The Romans left their mark around here and we highly recommend stopping at the Carnuntum archaeological park just before the small spa town of Bad Deutsch-Altenburg where you will spend the night
Today's ride is easy and relatively short in order to give you time to enjoy Bratislava. After following the river for a while the route branches inland and follows a network of cycle paths through rural farmland. Before long you turn back towards the Danube and after crossing a bridge you arrive the Slovakia's charming capital, Bratislava. The medieval town at the city’s heart actually feels more like a large village than a city and the attractive, flag-stoned streets are a delight to explore on foot or by bike. Must-sees include the Castle, which offers fantastic views from its high vantage point and St Martin’s Cathedral, the city’s oldest church. You’ll spend the night in delightful old city.
Today you have a lovely ride along an idyllic cycle path beside the river. The Danube broadens considerably just after Bratislava and resembles a lake more than a river. This area is a paradise for birds with hundreds of tiny, uninhabited islands offering sanctuary and peace. The route threads its way through this marvellous landscape, past quaint villages, canals and creeks. Your destination today is the beautiful, baroque city of Györ.
It is possible to shorten today's route to 44 km by taking the train from the town of Mosonmagyarovar to Györ.
From Györ the route leads you eastwards to the town of Babolna, home to a famous stud-farm known for breeding world-class Arabian horses. You can pay for a guided tour of the stud farm an learn more about the world of horse breeding if you like. From Babolna the route turns north and heads through open farmland back towards the Danube. You will spend the night in or near the village of Komarom.
The route continues along the embankment cycle path. After a few kilometres you might want to stop at the the Roman fort Kelemantia. From there you pedal on through quiet farming villages alongside the Danube. At Šturovo you cross the bridge to the city of Esztergom. Here you can visit the imposing basilica, the largest in Hungary. The town also has a beautiful town square. You’ll spend the night here or in a nearby town.
Your final ride leads you around the impressive grand sweep of the Danube bend and down to the captivating artists’ town of Szentendre - it's worth allowing some time to explore and enjoy this charming little place. From here you take a boat trip (with your bike) on into Budapest. Depending on the time of year this may in some cases be replaced with a train ride. If you are feeling up to it you can of course opt to complete the journey by bike and cycle into the city centre (total distance 70km)
The rest of the day and evening are yours to explore this fascinating city which is actually two cities, Buda on the west bank and Pest on the east.
After breakfast it’s time to head for home or your next adventure.
Regular bikes provided are modern alloy framed models with 21 speeds. The bikes come equipped with pannier and lock. There is also one handlebar provided per room.
Electric bikes are also available.
Helmets are not provided and we therefore recommend bringing your own.
Below you will find examples of the types of accommodation typically used on this tour. Please note that the hotels we book for you may differ slightly from those described but they will certainly be of a similar standard.
Comfort: Mainly 3 star hotels and inns
Vienna: Hotel Roomz Prater
Bad Deutsch-Altenburg: Gasthof Stockl
Bratislava: Hotel Park Inn
Gyor: Hotel Ibis Gyor
Komarom: Hotel Bow Garden
Esztergom: Hotel Szent Adalbert
Budapest: Hotel Mercure Castle Hill
Superior: 4 star hotels hotels and guest houses
Vienna: Hotel Kaiserwasser
Bad Deutsch-Altenburg: Hotel Altes Kloster
Gyor: Hotel Famulus
Komarom: Hotel Peklo
Esztergom: Hotel Portobello
Budapest: Novotel Budapest Danube
Local taxes: Some hotels have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. The fee varies and is frequently changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €1-€4 per person per night.
Fly to Vienna and home from Budapest ideally. You can also return to Vienna from Budapest by train and fly home from there. The train journey takes about 2hrs 30 mins.
Research trains here.
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