Experience Overview
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.
Highlights
- 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 Intrepid 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3268
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Bicycle,Support vehicle,Ferry,(e-bike option available,subject to availability)
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: ZMXD
Starts: Vienna, Austria
Finishes: Budapest, Austria
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (1),Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights),guesthouse (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2715 (CAD 339 /day)
Itinerary
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 (Number of Nights: 1)
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!
Included Activities:
- Vienna Guided Cycling
- 6 Days included bike hire
Optional Activities:
- Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel (14 EUR)
- Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Lower Gallery) (15 EUR)
- Vienna - Leopold Museum (15 EUR)
- Vienna - Albertina Museum (19 EUR)
- Vienna - Schoenbrunn Palace (22 EUR)
- Vienna - Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum (16 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Carnuntum entrance
- Vienna to Bratislava Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Optional Activities:
- The Slavin War Memorial - Free
- Bratislava - Kamzik TV Tower - Free
- Bratislava - Blue Church Bratislava - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Bratislava to Gyor Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Gyor to Komarom Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Optional Activities:
- Fort Monostor (1600 HUF)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Esztergom Basilica entrance
- Komarom to Esztergom Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Optional Activities:
- Bálint Balassi Museum (100 HUF)
- Esztergom Castle Museum (1800 HUF)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Budapest - Szechenyi Baths
- Esztergom to Budapest Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour (7000 HUF)
- Budapest - Danube Boat Trip (15 EUR)
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Allan - Traveled, May 2023
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2023
Mary - Traveled, September 2023
Intrepid offers affordable travel that is eco friendly and most importantly travel that improves the lives of the local people. The cycle trips are an excellent way to take in the local terrain, enjoy the countryside and spend time with wonderful people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/06/2023
Vibeke - Traveled, September 2023
I enjoyed our ride along the Danube from Vienna to Budapest immensely. Our guide Tomi was excellent, knowledgeable with both local facts and dining suggestions, and very personable. The riders were well supported by Andro, who provided water, backup and bike services. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants an active and supported holiday.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2023
Margaret - Traveled, September 2023
I am not a biker, but took on the Danube River cycling trip after not being on a bike in 12 years. I'm in shape and struggled at a few parts, but wouldn't and couldn't do it without a support vehicle. Staff is amazing, helpful and knowledgeable. Truly an amazing experience and challenge for the mind and body that I hope to do again in the future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2023
Vibeke - Traveled, September 2023
I enjoyed our ride along the Danube from Vienna to Budapest immensely. Our guide Tomi was excellent, knowledgeable with both local facts and dining suggestions, and very personable. The riders were well supported by Andro, who provided water, backup and bike services. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants an active and supported holiday.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2023
Margaret and Colm - Traveled, September 2023
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/27/2023
Tim - Traveled, July 2023
We had an amazing ride down the Danube river and witnessed special insight to daily life of beautiful places with a well organised tour that made us feel like royalty! Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2023
Shelley - Traveled, July 2023
Fantastic experience with wonderful guide who knew all the areas we travelled through very well. What a history lesson!! Well planned and our daily meetings meant we were all clear on what was happening next. Got to try wonderful local foods and see places that I don't think would be possible without doing it with a guided tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/17/2023
Lachlan - Traveled, July 2023
This trip was incredible. Our leader Tony and driver Fred were great. The scenery was superb and the food at the towns we visited were great. Highly recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/06/2023
Conrad - Traveled, July 2023
A memorable experience with great rides, fantastic new friends and excellent tour leaders. Will cherish our memories of the Danube forever!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/06/2023
Becker - Traveled, July 2023
The staff made this trip incredible. The historical and cultural experience was excellent and the riding was fun
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2023
Jana - Traveled, July 2023
I highly recommend the Cycle the Danube trip to anyone who loves cycling, enjoys discovering lesser-known towns along one of the Europe's most iconic rivers, and is ready for some adventure! Intrepid does a wonderful job with the itinerary and the logistics. You are sure to make friends along the way!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2023
Anne Sophie - Traveled, July 2023
Thank you for this fantastic first cycle ride thanks to a very nice group and a very good coaching !
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/29/2023
Blythe - Traveled, July 2023
Cycle the Danube was an excellent experience - well organised, amazing scenery and fun experiences along the way (particularly the food!). Such an enjoyable way to see the countryside, would highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/31/2023
Christine - Traveled, June 2023
I'm not a regular cyclist, and still this trip was FANTASTIC. Challenging enough but I was never in pain at the end of the day. Great stops along the way from Vienna to Budapest — I didn't know what to expect from the smaller places, but all had unique things to explore. This was my first solo trip and it was the perfect choice. I was able to have great conversations while cycling, but was also able to have moments on the bike alone when needed. My only regret is not staying a few extra days in Budapest.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/04/2023
Jenny - Traveled, June 2023
This really is the perfect trip for slightly lazy cyclists. It's interesting and varied as well as challenging and great fun, especially when the guides are this good. Might take my own saddle next time though!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/04/2023
Ramzi - Traveled, June 2023
I loved the route and scenery. We had a variety of paths, but it was mostly paved and well-marked cycling paths. Itinerary, accomodations and activities were all great. Highly recommended to cycling enthusiasts.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/30/2023
Jennfer - Traveled, June 2023
Phenomenal! Dani (guide) and Joe (driver) were experienced, helpful, laid-back. Our group ranged from age 20s to 80s, with various “intensity” levels…Dani was awesome at keeping us together when necessary, and letting us ride at our own pace when possible. Some terrain was fairly challenging, but snack and rest stops were well-timed. After cycling 50-90+ km each day we had free time to relax or explore each new destination. A great trip for the active and adventurous.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/11/2023
Alison - Traveled, June 2023
Super trip. Great leaders, lovely flat route with great scenery. Amazing weather and lovely group. Will definitely be using intrepid again. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2023
Leo - Traveled, June 2023
Overall, if you’re as lucky as I am you’ll have two amazing guides who will take you on an adventure through 3 countries. The journey itself is personalised to the guide. The ride is very easy for anyone with normal amount of fitness. Overall worth the journey
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2023
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