Early Bird SaleFinal DaysSave On 2026
3
moderate
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in 3-4 star hotels
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

ON SALE

£1030 GBP

8 Days£978GBP

Overview

Trip Code: DHN

Trip highlights


  • Exploring the majestic cities of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest
  • Experiencing the timelessness of the river landscape
  • Visiting the Basilica in Esztergom and the Danube Bend
  • Discovering the "Little Alföld" Protected Area, the Danube floodplain National park; and the Archaeological Park Carnuntum

Wind your way from the elegant city of Vienna along the Danube Cycle Path. Crossing the Austria - Slovak border the cycle route passes vineyards on the slopes of the Little Carpathian Mountains into the capital, Bratislava. Using quiet country roads this itinerary continues into Hungary where you will pedal through numerous delightful towns. Explore the Baroque city of Györ and visit the unusual artist village of Szentendre and its outlying island before heading to Budapest.

Countries:

Austria, Slovakia, Hungary

Starting Point:

Vienna

Finishing Point:

Budapest


Make your way to the hotel in Vienna where you will receive your travel pack. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy. Take a stroll through the grand imperial streets, uncovering hidden courtyards and cosy cafés, or head to a local Heurigen – a rustic wine tavern – to sample regional wines and traditional bites. Whether it’s art, music or food, the City of Waltz has something unforgettable around every corner.

Meals:  Nil

This morning you’ll meet our local representative to collect your bike. Leaving Vienna, you follow the Danube Cycle Path into the heart of the Donau-Auen National Park – a protected haven of wetlands teeming with plant and birdlife. Along the way, cycle past the elegant castles of Orth and Eckartsau, before arriving in the historic spa town of Bad Deutsch Altenburg. Just nearby, you can explore the Roman ruins of Petronell-Carnuntum, once a thriving hub of the Roman Empire. Overnight in Bad Deutsch Altenburg or nearby.

Meals:  B

Tucked between the hills of Hainburg and the edge of the Carpathian Mountains, today’s ride leads you to Bratislava, Slovakia’s captivating capital. Explore its charming old town, full of winding laneways and pastel facades, alongside striking modern architecture that adds a bold contrast to this riverside gem.

Meals:  B

Today’s ride takes you into the lush, marshy landscapes of the Szigetköz region – a haven for birdlife and freshwater fish. This untouched wilderness, dotted with over 500 small islands, is criss-crossed by a maze of Danube creeks and hidden canals, with quiet farming villages tucked throughout the lowlands. Your journey ends in the riverside city of Gyor, where the Danube, Rába and Rábca Rivers meet. With its cobbled streets and beautifully restored baroque old town, it’s a city that invites you to slow down and explore. Option to shorten the cycling: take the train from Mosonmagyarovar to Györ. Tickets are available at ticket machines at the train station and cost approx. € 1,- per ride. This shortens the cycling stage to approx. 44 km/27mi

Meals:  B

Leaving Gyor, you’ll need to stay focused as you navigate your way out of the city. Soon, the route opens up into the peaceful countryside of western Transdanubia, where quiet roads guide you through rural landscapes. Your destination is Komárom (Komárno), a historic town that straddles the Hungarian–Slovak border and was once a favourite of King Matthias.

Meals:  B

Today’s ride follows the Slovakian side of the Danube, along quiet, low-traffic roads that weave through charming local villages. Along the way, pass the ruins of Kelemantia, a former Roman fort, before continuing to Esztergom – often called the ‘Rome of Hungary’. Once the capital of medieval Hungary, Esztergom is home to the country’s largest Catholic church – the majestic Basilica – which towers over the Danube and offers sweeping views of the region.

Meals:  B

You’ll cycle through the picturesque hills of the Danube Bend, where the river splits to form Szentendre Island. A short ferry ride takes you and your bike across to explore this peaceful slice of countryside, passing through traditional Hungarian villages along quiet rural roads. Arriving in the artistic town of Szentendre, take time to browse its handicraft boutiques or visit the renowned Skanzen Open-Air Museum, a showcase of Hungary’s rural heritage. From here, continue towards Budapest, with sweeping views of the capital’s iconic skyline as you approach. Note: A scenic boat ride is included at the start or end of today’s stage (a train ticket is provided when boats aren't operating).

Meals:  B

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.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts - Continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices
  • 7 nights in 3-4 star inns and hotels (4 star in Vienna, Bratislava & Budapest) with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis (option to upgrade to Category A, 4 star hotels - surcharge applies)
  • 21 speed bike rental equipped with pannier. Children trailers (max 2 children, 60kgs) on request. Electric bike available on request - supplement applies)
  • Digital information pack including route notes, maps & GPX tracks
  • Luggage Transfer, 2 pieces max, 30kg total, supplement applies for excess
  • 1 ferry trip (or train outside ferry operating season) Szentendre to Budapest (Danube Bend area)
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Vienna and from Budapest
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • An optional 7 dinner package is available on request - supplement applies. These consist of 3 courses which include regional dishes
  • Helmets - can rent or purchase. Must be pre-booked. Ask for details
  • Child helmets are not available, please bring your own. Helmets mandatory for children under 12
  • Travel insurance
  • Guide - this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees
  • Transfers (ferries, trains) not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Rental bike insurance - covers liability in case of loss or damage to the rental bike (when properly used and secured). Excluded are lost keys, batteries and chargers of e-bikes, as well as damage due to intent or gross negligence.
  • We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder – to follow the route more easily using the app
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation


Bike information


Trail Surface


Suitability

moderate

3

GRADE 3 - Daily rides between 26 and 62km (16–38.5mi), with optional shorter distances available on select days. The cycling is mostly on flat or gently rolling terrain, with occasional hills. In Austria, you'll follow well-marked, dedicated bike paths that make for easy navigation. Once you enter Hungary, you’ll encounter quiet country lanes and some unsealed surfaces — these may be muddy or sandy after rain, so a little extra care is needed. Navigation in Hungary requires more attention, especially in rural areas. While signage is less frequent, detailed route notes and maps are provided. Riding in and out of larger towns such as Gyor and Esztergom may involve light traffic, but it’s manageable with basic road awareness. This grade is ideal if you enjoy a relaxed pace with time to take in the surroundings, stop for photos, or explore local highlights along the way. A reasonable level of fitness is required, and older children confident on a bike may enjoy the journey too. If you’re new to self-guided cycling or prefer a gentler experience, you might consider our Blue Danube Cycle, which follows an easier path and is better suited to families and first-time riders.


Departure dates

Saturday & Sunday 3 May to 3 Oct. Saturday only 26 Apr to 2 May and 4 to 11 Oct

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
DN1
2025: High season is from 28 Jun to 12 Sep, Mid season is from 3 May to 27 Jun and 13 Sep to 3 Oct. 2026: High season is from 27 Jun to 11 Sep. Mid season is from 2 May to 26 Jun and 12 Sep to 2 Oct. Supplement applies to high and mid season departures.
Note:
Not available to start on 16-18 July due to the Budapest Grand Prix 24-26 July 2026

Priceper person from

£978GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Bike rental insurance - standard bikeGBP£23
  • Helmet hireGBP£35
  • Helmet purchaseGBP£45
  • Bike rental insurance - e-bikeGBP£50
  • Upgrade supplement - Category A hotelsGBP£110
  • E-bike supplementGBP£110
  • Dinner package (7 dinners) Category BGBP£220
  • Dinner package (7 dinners) Category AGBP£240
  • Single supplement - Category BGBP£320
  • Solo traveller supplement - Category BGBP£340
  • Single supplement - Category AGBP£370
  • Solo traveller supplement - Category AGBP£400
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

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