Cycle the Danube Tour by Intrepid Travel

8 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

15 peopleMaximum group size

14 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Vienna, Austria

Ends

Budapest, Hungary

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.

Itinerary

Follow the mighty Danube River on this eight-day cycling adventure from Vienna to Budapest. Ride through Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, passing through quaint villages, lush forests, and fertile farmlands while retracing the historic routes of Roman, Ottoman, and Habsburg empires.

Highlights include Baroque gems like Schönbrunn Palace, the unique spa city of Komarom, and the grand Esztergom Basilica. Celebrate your journey with a luxurious soak in Budapest’s famous baths and perhaps an evening at its iconic ruin bars.

With a moderate activity level, this bicycle tour’s unique selling point is its seamless blend of active exploration and cultural discovery—ideal for travelers looking to experience Central Europe’s scenic landscapes and cosmopolitan cities on two wheels.

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)

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!

included:Vienna Guided Cycling, 6 Days included bike hire

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

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.

included:Carnuntum entrance, Vienna to Bratislava Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

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 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:Bratislava to Gyor Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

accommodation:Guesthouse

meals:1 Breakfast

day 5 - Cycle Gyor to Komarno

Leaving Gyor behind, track back to the banks of the Danube and on to the city of Komarno , which straddles the borders of Hungary and Slovakia. While Komarno is known for its forts and strategic position on the Danube River, it’s also a beautiful city housing many museums and historical sites. If you feel called to add some pampering to your afternoon, why not head to a local spa and soothe those leg muscles.

included:Gyor to Komarom Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 6 - Cycle Komarno 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 largest church in Hungary. 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:Esztergom Basilica entrance, Komarom to Esztergom Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

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.

included:Budapest - Szechenyi Baths, Esztergom to Budapest Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

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:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), guesthouse (1 night)

Meals

7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch

Transport

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

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Vienna Guided Cycling6 Days included bike hireCarnuntum entranceVienna to Bratislava Guided & Vehicle Supported CyclingBratislava to Gyor Guided & Vehicle Supported CyclingGyor to Komarom Guided & Vehicle Supported CyclingEsztergom Basilica entranceKomarom to Esztergom Guided & Vehicle Supported CyclingBudapest - Szechenyi BathsEsztergom to Budapest Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

What's Excluded

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