Danube Cycle
Danube Cycle
Danube Cycle
14 Days Starting in Passau, Germany and ending in Budapest, Hungary
Visiting: Passau, Engelhartszell, Linz, Grein, Melk, Krems, Vienna, Bad Deutsch-Altenburg, Bratislava, Győr, Gyor, Esztergom, Budapest
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DAN
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Danube Cycle" tour, a self-guided cycling adventure through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Pedal along the scenic Danube bike path, exploring the majestic cities of Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. Experience the timeless beauty of the river landscape, visit the Basilica in Esztergom, and the abbey at Melk. Discover the "Little Alfold" Protected Area and the Danube floodplain National Park, cycle through the romantic Wachau region with its vineyards and quaint villages, and visit the Roman excavations of Petronell-Carnuntum. Enjoy 13 nights in comfortable 3-4 star accommodations, with luggage transfer, bike rental, and detailed route information included.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Passau
Location: Passau
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Check into the hotel where you will receive your travel documents. The remainder of the day is free to explore the town. Located at the junction of three rivers, the Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau has a number of interesting sites including the Fortress “Veste Oberhaus” built in 1219 where there is an observation tower for a good view of the town and the river and St. Stephen's Cathedral with the world’s largest church organ.
Collect your bike this afternoon (4-7 pm) or tomorrow morning. Generally we provide bikes with 21 gears – if you would like a 7 speed bike please specify this on booking.
Day 2 : Cycle To Engelhartszell And Schlögen (41Km/25.5Mi)
Location: Engelhartszell
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The cycle begins directly at the bike garage where your bikes were collected, following the Danube through the Austrian border town of Engelhartszell which is home to a former Cistercian abbey (1293-1786) and since 1925 the only Trappist monastery in Austria. From here you continue to Schlögen. The famous Schlögener Blick provides a wonderful view of the surrounding Austrian countryside.
Day 3 : Cycle To Linz (55Km/34Mi)
Location: Linz
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
On the southern bank of the Danube you pass Aschach and the monastery Wilhering until you reach the capital of Upper Austria, Linz. The city has a lively arts and music culture. In 1783 Mozart wrote his Symphony No. 36 here, now known as the Linz Symphony. The modern art gallery “Lentos” is worth a look. It is situated on the Danube and illuminated at night.
Day 4 : Cycle To Grein Via Burg Clam Castle (60Km/37Mi)
Location: Grein
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The cycle continues along the Danube cycle path passing the Mauthausen concentration camp. It is possible to visit the camp which has an interesting museum, although the detour requires a steep uphill climb. Another interesting side trip is the town of Enns, the oldest city in Austria. Meandering away from the river the route takes you through fields of wheat, corn and sunflowers. This is the Strudengau region, a valley in Lower Austria. In the afternoon you arrive at Clam Castle and the town of Grein, dominated by the castle of “Greinburg”. In Grein you will find the oldest Austrian theatre which is open to visitors. Overnight in the surrounding area near Grein.
Day 5 : To Melk And Nibelungengau (50Km/31Mi)
Location: Melk
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Continuing through Strudengau, you arrive in Ybbs, a former trading centre on the Danube. The route continues past the Pilgrimage Church of Maria Taferl to Melk, with its imposing Benedictine Monastery. Well before you reach the town you can see the huge monastery and there will be ample time in the afternoon to explore the museum, abbey and absorb the sweeping view from its balcony. Overnight in a surrounding town, close to Melk.
Day 6 : Cycle Through Wachau And On To Krems (50Km/31Mi)
Location: Krems
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, you pedal through the renowned Wachau, with its truly romantic scenery of vineyards and quaint villages, enroute to Krems. You will pass several fantastic sights (abbeys, castles, ruins). Alongside the cycle path you will find the so called “Heurigen” (typical Austrian wine taverns) where you can taste wine or regional foods.
Day 7 : Train To Tulln Then Cycle To Vienna (40Km/25Mi)
Location: Vienna
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you take the train to Tulln then cycle past the castle of "Greifenstein". You then continue to metropolitan Vienna, capital of Austria. The route into Vienna is mostly on a cycle path with no vehicles allowed, allowing easy access to the main centre and your hotel. Own arrangements for dinner tonight.
Day 8 : Explore A Nearby Nature Reserve & The Archaeological Park Of Carnuntum (42Km/26Mi)
Location: Bad Deutsch-Altenburg
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From Vienna cycle along the Danube-Cycle-Path through the national park “Donauauen", which was established to protect the Danube floodplain areas and the large diversity of plants and animals found within this ecosystem. The route continues past the castles of “Orth” and “Eckartsau” before reaching the health resort town of Bad Deutsch Altenburg. Nearby you can view the Roman excavations of Petronell-Carnuntum, an important archaeological site. Overnight Bad Deutsch Altenburg or surrounds.
Day 9 : Follow The Danube To Bratislava (32Km/20Mi)
Location: Bratislava
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The Danube is bordered by the hills of Hainburg and the small Carpathian mountains at this point. Today you will cycle on to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Don’t miss the lovely pedestrian zone, old quarter, numerous sites and shopping opportunities. Bratislava is Europe’s youngest capital city, ideally located between the Danube plain, hills and vineyards. Overnight Bratislava.
Day 10 : Continue By Bike And Train Through Delightful Villages To Györ (45Km/28Mi)
Location: Győr
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Continuing along the banks of the Danube you soon reach the Hungarian border and continue through small farming villages to the enchanting landscape of the Szigetköz, an idyllic paradise for birds and fish. In the midst of this region with more than 500 tiny islands you will find farming villages and a labyrinth of countless Danube creeks. From Mosonmagyarovar you take a short train ride to Györ, one of the important cities of the Hungarian lowlands. Take the time to explore on foot the laneways, churches and palaces of the beautiful Baroque-style old town.
Day 11 : Visit The Stud Of Babolna And Cycle To Komarno And Surrounds (57Km/35.5Mi)
Location: Gyor
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following your departure from Gyor where you need to concentrate on the directions, you cycle today through the landscape of western trans Danubia, passing the national stud in Babolna. Continue cycling along rolling hills to the divided town of Komarom (border town between Hungary and Slovakia, also Komárno), a favourite of King Matthias.
Day 12 : To Esztergom (52Km/32Mi)
Location: Esztergom
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycle along the banks of the Slovakian Danube on low-traffic roads through quaint and quintessential villages in the Danube bend region. On your way to the “Town of Bishops and Kings”, Esztergom, you pass the Roman fort of Kelemantia. A highlight of the day is the Basilica of Esztergom, the largest Catholic cathedral in Hungary with its beautiful view.
Day 13 : Ferry Round Trip To Szentendre Island And Cycle To Budapest (62Km/38.5Mi)
Location: Budapest
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Amidst the hilly landscape, the Danube river divides itself into parts creating the Szentendre Island. Here you will cycle through typical Hungarian villages. Szentendre is famous for its numerous handicraft boutiques and the Open-air Museum of Skanzen. Continue by bike and boat to the Hungarian capital, Budapest (dependent on the boat service, a train may be substituted). On the boat, the views from the sun deck is overwhelming. The cycling concludes on arrival in Budapest - we recommend exploring Budapest on foot and by tram.
Day 14 : Trip Concludes
Location: Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes in Budapest after breakfast. We can arrange extra nights for you in Budapest if you wish to extend your stay in this fabulous city.
What's Included
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Accommodation
13 nights in 3-4 star hotels -
13 breakfasts, continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices
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13 nights in 3 to 4 star inns and hotels with private facilities on a twinshare basis in low season (it is possible to upgrade to mainly 4 star hotels (CAT A) - supplement applies)
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Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
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21 speed bike rental equipped with pannier and odometer. A limited number of 8-speed electric bikes are available for hire - must be pre-booked and a supplement applies)
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Maps, route information and tourist information per room plus GPS Tracks for the Passau-Vienna stage and navigational app for the Vienna-Budapest stage
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1 bottle of wine per room - to be collected from the winery in Wachau
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Train ride Krems – Tulln, Train ride Mosonmagyarovar - Gyor (including bike)
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1 ferry trip (or train outside ferry operating season) Szentendre to Budapest (Danube Bend area)
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Emergency hotline
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Note: Children’s prices are available on request – excellent discounts apply
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Passau / Budapest
Travel to Passau and from Budapest is not included.
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Meals Not Listed
Meals not listed as included, drinks, and dinner in Vienna are not included.
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Helmet
Helmet (compulsory in Slovakia) can be hired or purchased and provided locally (must be pre-booked and pre-paid).
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Tour Guide
A tour guide is not included as this is a self-guided cycling holiday.
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Solo Traveler Supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees are not included.
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Transfers Not Listed
Transfers not listed as included are excluded.
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Ferries and Trains Not Noted
Ferries and trains not noted as included are excluded.
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Excess Luggage
Excess luggage is not included.
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E-bike Rental Insurance
E-bike rental insurance covers you in case of loss or damage when the bike is properly used and secured.
Excluded from this are lost keys, batteries, and chargers of e-bikes, as well as purposeful damage or gross negligence.
(Not available for standard bikes). -
Hotel Taxes
Hotel taxes payable locally (approx.
€1 - 2.
5 per person
ight) are not included. -
Handlebar Phone Holder
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the app.
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Items of a Personal Nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
Accommodation
13 nights in 3-4 star hotels
During the trip you will be accommodated in a combination of comfort rooms in typical inns in a range of 2, 3 and 4 star category (Vienna, Bratislava & Budapest). It is possible to upgrade to mainly 4 star hotels for an additional supplement.
In Austria note that a twin room is not always associated with having two beds. Quite often a twin bed has one or two mattresses on the same bedframe but with two separate duvets. Sometimes there might be two beds positioned together, but they cannot be separated because of constraints of the room. Please accept our apologies for this, but having inspected many hotel rooms, there are not many twin rooms which have two separated beds, except in more modern or international style hotels.
*Additional nights can be booked for an additional cost: pre tour in Passau, post tour in Budapest, or suggested rest days in Linz, Vienna and Bratislava. Please ensure you advise us your rest days at time of booking as any changes after booking will incur additional fees. Pre and post tour accommodation can be added on or after booking. Please see our terms and conditions or contact us for more details.
Grading
GRADE 3 - This trip involves 12 days cycling between 32 and 62km / 20 to 38.5mi per day usually along paved cycle paths across generally flat terrain. The Austrian section is almost exclusively on the Danube cycle path. In Hungary there will be some diversions from the River and you will also bike on country roads and side roads. There is one day of hills in the Hungary section, otherwise the route is generally flat to gently undulating. Route finding in Hungary is less straightforward and will require more map reading. Entering and exiting the cities (particularly Gyor, Eztergom and Budapest), there is some traffic to be aware of! You need only carry your camera
ain gear and water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels/inns. The trip is graded moderate and is considered suitable for beginners and children who have a good level of fitness. A limited number of children’s bikes are available (minimum height 120cm), as are bike seats (max 18kg) and trailers (2 children, maximum 40kg). *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes cycling along the Danube bike path, with luggage transfer services provided. Train rides from Krems to Tulln and Mosonmagyarovar to Gyor, as well as a ferry trip from Szentendre to Budapest, are included.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 13 nights in 3-4 star hotels. You will be accommodated in a combination of comfort rooms in typical inns in a range of 2, 3, and 4-star categories in Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. It is possible to upgrade to mainly 4-star hotels for an additional supplement.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 13 breakfasts and 12 dinners. Continental breakfasts usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea, and juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is included for 1 piece with a maximum weight of 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.
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What type of bikes are available for rental?
21-speed bike rental equipped with pannier and odometer is included. 7-speed bikes are available on request or if 21-speed is fully booked. Children trailers (max 2 children, 40kgs) are available on request. A limited number of 8-speed electric bikes are available for hire and must be pre-booked.
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Are maps and route information provided?
Yes, maps, route information, and tourist information per room plus GPS tracks for the Passau-Vienna stage and a navigational app for the Vienna-Budapest stage are provided.
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Are there any wine tasting opportunities during the tour?
Yes, 1 bottle of wine per room can be collected from the winery in Wachau and a tasting of regional products is included.
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What train rides are included in the tour?
The tour includes a train ride from Krems to Tulln and from Mosonmagyarovar to Gyor, including bike transport.
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Is there a ferry trip included in the tour?
Yes, 1 ferry trip (or train outside ferry operating season) from Szentendre to Budapest (Danube Bend area) is included.
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Is there an emergency hotline available during the tour?
Yes, an emergency hotline is available.
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Are there any discounts available for children?
Yes, children’s prices are available on request with excellent discounts.
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What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?
The trip is graded moderate and is considered suitable for beginners and children who have a good level of fitness. The Austrian section is almost exclusively on the Danube cycle path, while in Hungary there will be some diversions from the river and biking on country roads and side roads. There is one day of hills in the Hungary section, otherwise the route is generally flat to gently undulating.
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What should I carry during the cycling day?
During the cycle day, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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