Tour Details:
- Start: Vienna, Austria, 15:00 day one.
- Finish: Budapest, Hungary, approximately 9:00 day eight.
- 2010 guided dates: May 16-23, June 13-20, July 11-18, August 8-15, September 12-19, October 3-10.
- Self-guided dates: You choose! Best months are May to September.
- Route notes: a downstream, essentially downhill ride, primarily on level riverside terrain.
- Total distance: 355 km (210 miles).
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. These two cities hold the legacies of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the form of exquisite and impressive architecture.
The route goes through Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, the historically significant towns of Gyor and Esztergom, and the fascinating town of Szentendre, full of churches, galleries, and art, on its way to Hungary. This is another truly spectacular ride, suited to relaxed cyclists with a rich appreciation for human and European heritage, and rests in beautiful hotels. Note: This trip is easily preceded with the Austrian ride from Passau to Vienna, for a seamless two week downstream experience. Please ask if you are interested.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Meet in Vienna, the cultural, economic and political centre of Austria. Introductions, bike and route familiarization will precede dinner. Lodging: Pension Pertschy, Vienna.
Day 2: Vienna to Bad Deutsch - Altenburg 55 km/34 miles. 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”. Lodging: Kurzentrum Ludwigstorff, Bad Deutsch Altenburg.
Day 3: Bad Deutsch - Altenburg to Mosonmagyarovar 60 km/38 miles. 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. Lodging: hotel Panorama, Mosonmagyarovar.
Day 4: Mosonmagyarovar to Gyor 45 km/28 miles. The ride between Mosonmagyarovar and Gyor winds its way through beautiful pastures and small farming towns on its way to th e city of Gyor. Originally a Hungarian stronghold from AD 900, it boasts a superb 12th century cathedral. Lodging: hotel Kalvaria, Gyor.
Day 5: Gyor to Tata 60 km/38 miles. 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. Lodging: Hotel Kristály, Tata.
Day 6: Tata to Esztergom 55 km/34 miles. 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. Lodging: Alabardos Panzio, Esztergom.
Day 7: Esztergom to Budapest 65 km/41 miles. Ride through Visegrad on the way to Szentendre, with its many churches and galleries, and 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. Lodging: Hotel Pest, Budapest.
Day 8: Budapest. After breakfast, transfer to the airport or your next adventure. Farewell!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Notes:
- Guided cost: C$2995, US$2875 (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: C$2395, US$2295 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, luggage transfers, maps, route notes, GPS units*, emergency support and value added tax).
- Single occupancy: C$485, US$465.
- Bicycle rental: hybrid - $195.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Austria
Hungary
Slovakia
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Archeology/History
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