Print this page

Danube Cycle - Vienna to Budapest (self-guided)

Trip Length

Trip Code
8 days PEDA

Minimum Passengers
2 people

Maximum Passengers
15 people

Countries Visited
Austria, Hungary, Slovakia

Start City

End City
vienna Budapest
Danube Cycle - Vienna to Budapest (self-guided)

Begin in Vienna and cycle at your own pace with ample time to explore the palaces, cathedrals and anything else that might grab your attention along the way. Cycling also allows you to burn off the extra goodies you’re tempted to eat and drink as you go!
Danube Cycle - Vienna to Budapest (self-guided)

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Vienna

Your trip starts today with your arrival in Vienna. We recommend arriving/departing by train where possible within Europe due to this method of transports minimal carbon emissions. Vienna is a major train hub in Europe and is serviced by excellent rail connections from all over Europe. It is also the rail hub between the west and east of Europe. There are two main train stations; Westbahnhof (West Station) which handles arrivals from Salzburg, Innsbruck, Munich, Switzerland, Budapest and the overnight trains from Paris and Cologne and Sudbahnhof (South Station) which handles arrivals from Graz, Italy, the Balkans, Berlin and Prague. Vienna is also a major air hub in Europe with a number of major airlines flying here. There are also a number of budget airlines that have services into Vienna from the UK and Europe. If you have not been to Vienna before you should arrive early enough to allow yourself ample time to explore Austria's capital, as there is much to see. The city centre is full of historic edifices such as St Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna State Opera House and the Hofburg (Imperial Palace). Further west of the city lies Schönbrunn Palace and its expansive gardens - one of the grandest in all of Europe. Tonight you will stay in Vienna.

Day 2: Vienna - Petronell/Carnuntum (55 km / 34 miles)

Meals included: 1 breakfast

This morning before setting off you will have a welcome briefing with a local Peregrine representative who will introduce you to the program and provide you with all the necessary equipment for your week ahead. As you farewell Vienna, your first day of riding will take you along the Danube River valley. This section of the Danube River valley, known as March-Donauland is rich in history and natural beauty. Lush Meadows, green woodlands and vineyards provide a romantic landscape in which to cycle through. As you ride along, you go via the ruins of the Roman city of Carnuntum. Carnuntum originated as an important Roman army camp, and the site which was once a powerful base with a population of over 50,000, spreads over 4km between the villages of Petronell and Bad Deutsch-Altenburg. This evening you will spend the night in the town of Petronell.

Day 3: Petronell – Bratislava - Mosonmagyarovar (60 km / 38 miles)

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Today's ride brings you briefly through Slovakia via the charming capital Bratislava. This small but pretty town, less grandiose than its neighbours Prague and Vienna, has a wonderful old Town Centre in which to explore and an impressive castle that sits high above the town. From here sweeping views of the surrounding landscape can be enjoyed. It's then back on the bike and on to the Hungary, where the day's ride finishes in the town of Mosonmagyarovar located in the meanders of a small river coming off and following the Danube. Tonight you will stay in Mosonmagyarovar.

Day 4: Mosonmagyarovar - Gyor (45 km / 28 miles)

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Following the Danube further into Hungary, the ride today takes you between Mosonmagyarovar and Gyor. As the path winds its way through expansive farming pastures, the route is broken up by small rural farming villages that are scattered idyllically through the peaceful countryside. The final destination is the historical city of Gyor, home to many of Hungary's most important buildings and monument. The town, originally a Hungarian stronghold from A.D.900, has also a marvelous 12th century cathedral that is well worth a visit. This evening is spent in Gyor.

Day 5: Gyor - Tata (60 km / 38 miles)

Meals included: 1 breakfast

You farewell Gyor today and pedal along a rural path through rustic farmland to the town of Tata, situated on Lake Tatai; to the west of the Gerecse Hills. Tata is known as the Town of Waters due to the numerous springs and lakes that can be found in the area and this abundance of water also contributes to the prolific birdlife that can be found here. The town's old medieval Castle has been a focal point of the town since the 14th century and despite its size. Tata has had a rich history and possesses an impressive range of historical monuments including a fine collection of baroque buildings. Tonight is spent in Tata.

Day 6: Tata - Esztergom (55 km / 34 miles)

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Today's cycling route takes you through enchanting forest landscape and to the beginning of the famous Danube Bend. You will have an ascent to climb after which you'll have a straight run through to Esztergom. The historical town of Esztergom is home to the largest cathedral in Hungary, dating back to 1822 and the archbishop of the town is also the most important cleric in the country. Tonight will be spent in Esztergom.

Day 7: Esztergom - Budapest (65 km / 41 miles)

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Today as you cycle along the Danube river valley you will get to the small town of Visegrad, located right on the Danube Bend and considered the most beautiful spot on the Bend. From here you will experience unforgettable views of the Danube River and the surrounding valley. You then cycle on to the small Baroque town of Szentendre at the gateway of the Danube Bend. Szentendre's distinctive 18th-century townscape and plethora of heritage buildings, churches and art galleries make it one of Hungary's prettiest and most unique towns. Whilst here, you may wish to visit the river island of the same name. There are two options for your onward trip into Budapest; To avoid the busier cycling route on the approach into Budapest, you may wish to meet our driver in the village of Szentendre (19 km/12 miles from Budapest) to hand over your bike and equipment and then take the ferry from Szentendre to Budapest (ferry ticket is not included and costs approx. 1490 HUF). The ferry departs Szentendre at 5pm every day of the week excluding Mondays with the following exceptions; from 03 April – 25 April and from 02 Oct – 31 Oct the ferry only operates on Saturdays and Sundays. If you prefer to have the satisfaction of cycling all the way into Budapest then a Peregrine representative will be waiting for you at the hotel in Budapest to collect the bikes and equipment from you. Upon arrival into Budapest you are free to explore this magnificent city on foot or by public transport. Once the centre of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Budapest boasts incredible architecture and its thriving centre offers many things to see and do. Budapest is a great place to spend the last night and reflect on your rewarding week of cycling.

Day 8: Budapest

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Your adventure comes in an end this morning in Budapest, after breakfast. With so much to see and do in this magnificient city, you may wish to spend some extra nights here - extra accommodation can be booked through Peregrine, enquire at time of booking.

Your Trip

What to know

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.

What's Included

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

Summary of accommodation, transport & meals

Transport

Accommodation

Meals

Meals

For meals not included you should allow between €20-€25 for a full menu including house wine; with €5 you can buy a packed lunch, with €10-15 will buy you a simple lunch in a restaurant. In addition you should allow for drinks and any personal shopping.

Equipment Included

Not Included

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.

Optional Extras

We have chosen some great optional activities to enhance your travel experience. You will need to cover any additional costs yourself. For group trips, speak to your leader if you are interested in any of the following:

What to know

Fitness

The cycling on this tour is graded as Easy. The tour follows the course of a river and the terrain is mostly flat with some small hills and ascents. This trip can be easily travelled by beginner cyclists although we do recommend you have had some experience on a bike before undertaking the trip.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations may be required for this trip. Talk to your doctor about the up-to-date information for this region.

Visas and Permits

It is your responsibility to ensure you have all required visas for your trip. Rules and regulations governing the issuance of visas are constantly changing, and vary for different nationalities and you should check visa requirements with your travel agent or relevant consular authority well before travel.

Austria
Australians, New Zealanders, Canadians, USA and British citizens, do not require a visa to visit Austria for a maximum stay of 3 months. Other nationalities should check with the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in their country for up to date visa information.

Hungary
Australians, New Zealanders, Canadians, USA and British citizens, do not require a visa to visit Hungary for a maximum stay of 90 days. Other nationalities should check with the Hungarian Embassy or Consulate in their country for up to date visa information.

Slovakia
Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, the EU and the USA can enter Slovakia without a visa.

Insurance

You are required to have travel insurance before heading off on a Peregrine trip. Insurance can be organised by your Peregrine representative or your travel agent.

Responsible Travel

Our Responsible Travel ethos is at the heart of everything we do, from getting the basics right like respecting local cultures and the environment, to initiating projects that make positive contributions to communities, to our staff’s fundraising efforts and offsetting our carbon emissions.
Please visit our Responsible Travel (http://www.peregrineadventures.com/rt) page for more information.

Customs and Culture

Our Pre Departure Information or Travel Dossier (provided upon booking a trip) provides tips on how you can show respect for the local customs and culture in the country you are travelling in.

The information listed above is a brief description of some things you may need to consider when booking a trip. Once a tour is booked you will be provided with a link to your Travel Dossier which will contain detailed Pre Departure information.

Further Reading

Austria

Insight Guide Austria
This guide is noted for its wonderful photography, superb production and informative short essays. It is a highly recommended introduction to Austrian history and culture.

Andrew Wheatcroft
The Habsburgs: Embodying Empire
Of Europe’s empires, the Habsburgs ruled over more diverse peoples and cultures than any other since the Romans. The history of the family and its eccentric monarchs is fully revealed.

ALSO RECOMMENDED
Eyewitness Guides
Eyewitness Travel Guides: Vienna
A superb guide to Vienna, featuring color photos, dozens of excellent maps and district-by-district synopses of the city's attractions.

Gordon Brook-Shepherd
The Austrians: A Thousand-Year Odyssey
Detailed, impressively well researched and readable, this book is a wide-ranging narrative history of the last 1,000 years of Austria and the Austrian character.

Alain Erlande-Brandenburg
Cathedrals and Castles: Building in the Middle Ages
A pocket-size encyclopedia of the art, architecture and culture of the Middle Ages. Features hundreds of drawings and color illustrations, a brief chronology and more.

Germain Bazin
Baroque and Rococo Art
An excellent illustrated survey of Baroque and Rococo art and architecture, this volume in the acclaimed “World of Art” series is a good companion to the golden age of Middle Europe.

Michel Parouty
Mozart: From Child Prodigy to Tragic Hero
This pocket-size, fully illustrated biography of Mozart will enliven any exploration of 18th-century Europe. It follows Mozart from his days as a child genius entertaining the courts of Italy and France to his glory years at the concert halls of Austria.

Isabel Fonseca
Bury Me Standing
The Roma, as the Gypsies call themselves, have a long tradition in Eastern European culture—influencing the music, foods, religious and folk traditions. This is an excellent book about them.

Hungary

Living in Hungary – Jean-Luc Soule & Alain Fleischer
The Hungarians: A Thousand Years of Victory in Defeat – Paul Lendvai
A Concise History of Hungary – Miklos Molnar
The Siege of Budapest: One Hundred Days in World War II – Krizstian Ungvary
Culture Shock! Hungary: A Guide to Customs & Etiquette – Zsuzsanna Ardo

Slovakia

A History of Slovakia : The Struggle for Survival - Stanislav Kirschbaum
Slovakia: A Photographic Odyssey - Eugen Lazistan
Slovakia: The Heart of Europe - Olga Drobna
A Christmas in Slovakia - Wesley Ellis
My Slovakia: An American's View - Lil Junas

Entrance

Allow approximately 10 EUR per day for entrances into points of interest (see 'Optional Extras' for entrance fee costs for specific sites.

About this Information

The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind when you read it and check with us if you want to be sure about something. The document was correct at time of printing, but you can check online for the most up to date version.  If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!

Last Updated

20 September 2012