Austria: Bike the Danube Trail from Vienna to Budapest
A relaxed eight-day trip following the Danube River on level terrain, displaying the rich art history and architecture of the Austro-Hungarian Empire
This easy route, a continuation of the cycling trail from Passau to Vienna, winds its way along the Danube between the two important European cities of Vienna and Budapest. They hold the legacies of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the form of exquisite and impressive architecture. The route goes through the capital city of Slovakia – Bratislava, and the historically significant towns of Gyor, and Esztergom where you can marvel at the largest cathedral in Hungary. The fascinating town of Szentendre is a highlight. Full of churches, galleries, and museums, such as the renowned Hungarian Open Air Museum, you can enjoy this town’s charm and situation on the banks of the Danube below the Pilis Mountains. The route gives you relaxed and easy cycling all the way to Budapest on quiet roads and bicycle pathways, through a nice balance of vibrant centers and rustic, traditional landscapes of fields, vineyards and forests.
Note: This adventure is easily preceded with the Austrian ride from Passau to Vienna, for a two week downstream experience. Please ask if you are interested.
The Plan:
Day 1: Vienna
Meet in Vienna, the cultural, economic and political centre of Austria. Introductions, bike and route familiarization will precede dinner. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only)
Hotel Schweizerhof, Vienna, www.schweizerhof.at; or
Hotel Austria, Vienna, www.hotelaustria-wien.at
Day 2: Vienna to Bad Deutsch-Altenburg 55km/34 mi.
Begin cycling along the beautiful Danube River Valley. Pass the ruins of the Roman city of Carnuntum, as you approach the town of Bad Deutsch-Altenburg, also known as “German Old Castle”. BLD
Hotel Marc Aurel, Vienna, www.donaureisen.com
Day 3: Bad Deutsch-Altenburg to Mosonmagyarovar 60km/38 mi.
Today’s ride takes you briefly through Slovakia via the capital Bratislava, with a visit to its historical old town centre; then on to Hungary, where the day’s ride finishes in Mosonmagyarovar, located on the meanders of a small tributary of the Danube. BL
Hotel Panorama, Mosonmagyarovar, www.panoramahotel.hu
Day 4: Mosonmagyarovar to Gyor 45km/28 mi.
The ride between Mosonmagyarovar and Gyor winds its way through beautiful pastures and small farming towns on its way to the city of Gyor. Originally a Hungarian stronghold from A.D.900, it boasts a superb 12th century cathedral. BD
Hotel Klastrom, Gyor, www.hotelhungary.com
Day 5: Gyor to Tata 60km/38 mi.
Today’s cycling is not far from the Danube's flow, through natural landscapes and farmland. You will finish in the town of Tata, on Lake Tata. It is known as the Town of Waters, in an area home to more than 100 springs. BLD
Hotel Kiss, Tata, www.ohb.hu/kiss/index.en.html; or
Hotel Penta Lux, Tata, www.ohb.hu
Day 6: Tata to Esztergom 55km/34 mi.
Ride through forested landscapes and enjoy a few small climbs and descents before a flat ride into Esztergom. This town has an immense cathedral, the largest in Hungary. Dating from 1822, it incorporates an earlier, renaissance church from the 16th century. BD
Pension Basilika, Esztergom, www.bazilika.eu; or
Ria Panzio, Esztergom, www.riapanzio.com
Day 7: Esztergom to Budapest 65km/41 mi.
Ride through Visegrad on the way to Szentendre, with its many churches and galleries with the opportunity to visit the river island of the same name. This is a highlight of the adventure and the last stop before Budapest. The magnificent city of Budapest, once at the centre of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, boasts some of the most incredible architecture in Europe. After helping arrange your transportation for tomorrow morning, your guides will leave this evening. BL
Hotel Parlament, Budapest, www.hotels-in-budapest-hungary.com
Day 8: Budapest
After breakfast, transfer to the airport or your next adventure. Farewell! B
The Details:
| Start: | Vienna, Austria, 15:00 day one. |
| Finish: | Budapest, Hungary, approximately 09:00 day eight. |
| Guided Cost: | $2995 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches, 5 dinners, luggage handling, van and guide support, maps, route notes, GPS units* and value added tax). |
| Self-Guided Cost: | $2395 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, luggage transfers, maps, route notes, GPS units*, emergency support and value added tax). |
| Single Occupancy: | $485 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $195 |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Sep 12-19; Oct 3-10. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure. |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | May 15-22; Jun 12-19; Jul 10-17; Aug 7-14; Sep 11-18; Oct 2-9. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure. |
| Self-Guided Dates: | You choose! Best months are May to September. |
*GPS units may be shared.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
