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Cycle the Danube

8 Days | Pedal beside the iconic Danube River, passing castles, forests and villages

4.8

Excellent

73 reviews

8 days

Start

Vienna, Austria

Finish

Budapest, Hungary

Trip Code

ZMXD

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 15

Physical Rating

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Bicycle, Support vehicle, Ferry, (e-bike option available, subject to availability)

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), guesthouse (1 night)

From £1,793(8 days)

Trip Informations

Retrace the steps of the Roman, Ottoman and Habsburg Empires on this cycling adventure along the mighty Danube River. Over eight days, you’ll ride through small villages, lowland forests and lush farmland as you cycle from Vienna to Budapest, passing through Slovakia. Discover the Baroque style at the Schonbrunn Palace or get lost in the cobbled laneways of Komarom – a spa city with one foot in Hungary and the other in Slovakia. Visit the architectural jewel of the Danube River – the Esztergom Basilica – and pass by the white-hued Bratislava Castle. Celebrate a day in the saddle with a luxurious soak in one of Budapest's steaming baths, then maybe spend the night at the iconic ruin bars. If you’re seeking an active adventure – cycling is the best way to experience the cosmopolitan cities along the Danube.

Why you’ll love this trip

Follow the Danube downstream, passing romantic castles, small villages and lowland forests – the best way to see Eastern Europe is on two wheels!

Cycle leafy paths away from the traffic of main roads and cities, from vibrant Vienna to cosmopolitan Bratislava and bohemian Budapest. Away from the tourists, you’ll have a better chance of connecting with local cultures!

Spend some time at the domed Basilica of Esztergom – the biggest church in Hungary – and see how it’s reflected in the still waters of the Danube Bend. Then, make your way into Budapest and indulge in one of the steaming public baths.

See the Roman remains at Carnuntum – one of Austria's most important archaeological sites. Wander the ruins and reconstructions and then hop back on your bike to the Slovak border.

Straddle the borders of Hungary and Slovakia in the historic spa town of Komarom and soothe your sore muscles during one of the optional spa visits.

By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Tuuur Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

Is this trip right for you?

To complete this trip, it’s important that you’re both confident and competent in riding a bicycle.

On this trip, we have a single leader who rides with the group and another who 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.

While the cycling distances are relatively long – sometimes up to 75 km – the terrain of the Danube as it flows downstream is naturally flat, so you’ll only need a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy the trip. But remember, we will always have the support vehicle on hand if you need to take a break for an hour or a day.

As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same sex. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can. If you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge.

This trip is part of a longer itinerary. You might be joining travellers who have already spent some time together. If you have more time to explore, you might like to check out Cycle Central Europe & the Danube trip.

Itinerary

DAY 1
Vienna
Willkommen! Welcome to Austria. Your cycling adventure begins in Vienna with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, explore the city at your own pace – the best way to see Vienna is on your own two legs! After the meeting, maybe head out for an optional welcome dinner at a Viennese Heurigen (wine tavern). Heuriger means ‘this year's wine’ and it originated as a way for winemakers to offer samples of their new wines along with a few snacks. Fortunately, this now also includes a hearty meal, which will be much needed for the days of cycling ahead!
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details 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.
Please note that many shops, including bicycle shops, close at midday on Saturday and all of Sunday so it’s difficult to purchase a bike helmet before the cycling begins on Day 2. Please bring your own helmet with you.
DAY 2
Vienna city ride
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!
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Vienna Guided Cycling
6 Days included bike hire
Add on activities
Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel - EUR14
Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Lower Gallery) - EUR15
Vienna - Leopold Museum - EUR15
Vienna - Albertina Museum - EUR19
Vienna - Schoenbrunn Palace - EUR22
Vienna - Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum - EUR16
Special information
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.
DAY 3
Cycle Vienna to Bratislava
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Carnuntum entrance
Vienna to Bratislava Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Add on activities
The Slavin War Memorial - Free
Bratislava - Kamzik TV Tower - Free
Bratislava - Blue Church Bratislava - Free
Special information
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.
DAY 4
Cycle Bratislava to Gyor
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.
Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Bratislava to Gyor Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Special information
Your cycling distance today will be approximately 80 km (50 mi) travelling slightly downhill with about 50 m (165 ft) of elevation gain.
DAY 5
Cycle Gyor to Komarom
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Gyor to Komarom Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Add on activities
Fort Monostor - HUF1600
Special information
Your cycling distance today will be approximately 55 km (35 mi) on mostly flat roads with about 40 m (130 ft) of elevation gain.
DAY 6
Cycle Komarom to Esztergom
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Esztergom Basilica entrance
Komarom to Esztergom Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Add on activities
Bálint Balassi Museum - HUF100
Esztergom Castle Museum - HUF1800
Special information
Your cycling distance today will be approximately 54 km (33 mi) on mostly flat roads with about 140 m (460 ft) of elevation gain.
DAY 7
Cycle Esztergom to Budapest
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.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Budapest - Szechenyi Baths
Esztergom to Budapest Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Special information
Your cycling distance today will be approximately 82 km (51 mi) on mostly flat roads with about 100 m (330 ft) of elevation gain.
DAY 8
Budapest
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.
Meals
Breakfast
Add on activities
Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour - HUF7000
Budapest - Danube Boat Trip - EUR15

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Bicycle, Support vehicle, Ferry, (e-bike option available, subject to availability)

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), guesthouse (1 night)

Activities

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

Add on activities

Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel - EUR14

Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Lower Gallery) - EUR15

Vienna - Leopold Museum - EUR15

Vienna - Albertina Museum - EUR19

Vienna - Schoenbrunn Palace - EUR22

Vienna - Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum - EUR16

The Slavin War Memorial - Free

Bratislava - Kamzik TV Tower - Free

Bratislava - Blue Church Bratislava - Free

Fort Monostor - HUF1600

Bálint Balassi Museum - HUF100

Esztergom Castle Museum - HUF1800

Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour - HUF7000

Budapest - Danube Boat Trip - EUR15

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Saturday Apr 12, 2025

Saturday Apr 19, 2025

Trip size max: 15 - 15 spaces left

£1,793

Saturday Apr 26, 2025

Saturday May 03, 2025

Trip size max: 15 - 15 spaces left

£1,793

Saturday May 03, 2025

Saturday May 10, 2025

Trip size max: 15 - 15 spaces left

£1,865

Saturday May 17, 2025

Saturday May 24, 2025

Trip size max: 15 - 15 spaces left

£1,936

Saturday May 31, 2025

Saturday Jun 07, 2025

Trip size max: 15 - 15 spaces left

£1,936

Saturday Jun 14, 2025

Saturday Jun 21, 2025

Trip size max: 15 - 15 spaces left

£1,936

Saturday Jun 21, 2025

Saturday Jun 28, 2025

Trip size max: 15 - 15 spaces left

£1,865

Saturday Jul 05, 2025

Saturday Jul 12, 2025

Trip size max: 15 - 15 spaces left

£1,865

Saturday Jul 12, 2025

Saturday Jul 19, 2025

Trip size max: 15 - 15 spaces left

£1,793

Saturday Jul 19, 2025

Saturday Jul 26, 2025

Trip size max: 15 - 15 spaces left

£1,793

Saturday Aug 02, 2025

Saturday Aug 09, 2025

Trip size max: 15 - 15 spaces left

£1,865

Saturday Aug 16, 2025

Saturday Aug 23, 2025

Trip size max: 15 - 13 spaces left

£1,936

Saturday Aug 30, 2025

Saturday Sep 06, 2025

Trip size max: 15 - 15 spaces left

£1,936

Saturday Sep 13, 2025

Saturday Sep 20, 2025

Trip size max: 15 - 15 spaces left

£1,936

Saturday Sep 20, 2025

Saturday Sep 27, 2025

Trip size max: 15 - 15 spaces left

£1,865

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 5 (Komarom) where you will be in a twin-share room, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. Bicycle hire is included in your trip price. Please advise your height at time of booking so awe can ensure a suitable sized bike is arranged.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

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