Danube Cycle - Vienna to Budapest (self guided)

8 days - from $1950

A classic cycle through the stunning scenery of the Danube

The perfect way to explore the heart of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire: on two wheels beside the mighty Danube River. From magnificent Vienna, Europe's cultural hub, cycle along the Hungarian side of the Danube through historic riverside towns to Slovakia's charming capital, Bratislava. Wind your way through pastoral fields and small farming towns into Hungary and stay in the magical towns of Gyor and Esztergom along the way. Cycling at your own pace, there is ample time to explore the impressive palaces and grand cathedrals, and eat and drink your way through an utterly distinct Europe. The Danube River Valley will eventually lead you to the small town of Visegrad and the artist town of Szentendre, with its many museums, cafes and art galleries. This self-guided cycling adventure comes to an end in grand old Budapest, with its exquisite architecture and endless charm, it makes an ideal end to a rewarding week.

Highlights

• The Baroque palaces and history of Bratislava
• Visegrád Castle on the Danube
• Medieval city of Szentendre
• Esztergom - Hungary's biggest cathedral
• Austria by bike
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Vienna

Itinerary:

Day 1: Vienna2: Vienna - Petronell/Carnuntum (55 km / 34 miles)3: Petronell – Bratislava - Mosonmagyarovar (60 km / 38 miles)4: Mosonmagyarovar - Gyor (45 km / 28 miles)5: Gyor - Tata (60 km / 38 miles)6: Tata - Esztergom (55 km / 34 miles)7: Esztergom - Budapest (65 km / 41 miles)8: Budapest
Included:

Luggage transfers, detailed itinerary, route notes and maps, bike hire, helmet and GPS console.

Arrival & departure transfers, departure taxes, visas, travel insurance (compulsory on all trips), meals (unless stated in itinerary), drinks, additional tours or activities, entrance fees, taxis/transport (if opting out of riding stages), tips and items of a personal nature.

This is a self-guided walking tour and does not include the services of a tour guide and you will not be part of a group.

Departure dates
This trip operates daily from 01 April until 31 October.
We recommend booking this self-guided adventure to start mid-week as to avoid the more crowded paths in Vienna and Budapest on the weekend. Try to be on the bike path by 9am or earlier to avoid groups and families.

Route notes & Bike Hire
At the joining hotel on the morning of Day 2 you will be met by a Peregrine represenative and will be given all your equipment, detailed route notes, maps and GPS. The bike and equipment will be collected from you on Day 7.

We provide you with TREK 7300 FX hybrid bikes which are equipped with mudguards, rear luggage carrier, bar ends, bell, rear light, clips, and water bottle holder. We also provide additional equipment free of charge – helmet, pannier bags, handlebar bag, cyclo-computer, repair tools, puncture repair kit, inner tube, pump, water bottle and lock.

You may prefer to bring your own helmet, saddles and cycling shoes and pedals. The pedals that we provide are the regular platform pedals (we can attach toe-clips – “cages” on the front of the pedal). If you choose to bring your own cycling shoes then they should bring their own clipless pedals too.
We will provide pedal wrenches to change the pedals.

Sites
Please note that many state-owned points of interest in this part of Europe (i.e.castles, chateaux, museums etc) are also closed on Mondays.