Discover Untamed Nature, Historic Castles & Imperial Cities Along the Blue Danube
Imagine cycling effortlessly along the banks of Europe’s most iconic river, connecting three breathtaking national capitals in a single journey: Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. Following the winding path of the majestic Danube, this easy cycle tour leads you through lush floodplain forests, charming farming villages, and historic towns steeped in imperial romance. From Roman ruins and baroque palaces to vibrant beer gardens and world-famous thermal cities, it is a classic European cycling adventure through the heart of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Unforgettable Cycling Freedom with Scenic River Cruises & Included Train Transfers
Designed for leisure cyclists and culture enthusiasts alike, this self-guided route offers a flat and peaceful riding experience through three distinct countries. Accompanied by digital travel documents and app-based route navigation, you can explore the changing landscapes beyond the riverbanks at your own rhythm. Daily luggage transfers keep your ride light, while included boat and train rides handle key connections seamlessly, allowing you to focus entirely on the rich history and breathtaking vistas.
ROUTE
Starting in the imperial metropolis of Vienna, this scenic route covers the untouched floodplain forests of the Au wetlands, the Roman archaeological park of Carnuntum, the historic streets of Bratislava, and the charming landscapes of Hungary’s Danube Bend. Passing the magnificent Esztergom Basilica, the royal palace of Visegrád, and the artist village of Szentendre, you can cycle at your own pace using your digital app, leaving ample time for fjord cruises, sightseeing, and local stops along the way.
This itinerary offers a flexible daily pace suited to your style: choose between Category A (4-star) or Category B (3-star) accommodations, with daily cycling stages averaging between 35 km and 60 km.
Itinerary
Day 1: Vienna– Individual arrival
Let yourself be inspired by the charm of this Danube metropolis. Discover Schönbrunn Palace, the Spanish Riding School, the Prater with its famous Ferris wheel, or St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Whether taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the old town, visiting a traditional coffee house like Demel, exploring the historic 1st district, or stopping at a wine tavern on the outskirts, your vacation begins with genuine Viennese hospitality.
Day 2: Vienna – Bad Deutsch-Altenburg / Hainburg
50 km / 31 miles
The Danube Cycle Path takes you along the Old Danube out of the city and through untouched floodplain forests. In Orth, one of the largest Renaissance castles in Austria awaits your visit. The route continues to your destination for the day, home to the strongest iodine-sulfur spring in Central Europe.
Day 3: Bad Deutsch-Altenburg – Bratislava
35 km / 22 miles
The day begins with a trip to the archaeological park of Carnuntum, where significant buildings from an ancient Roman town have been reconstructed. Your tour then leads back to Hainburg before crossing the Slovakian border shortly after. The capital city of Bratislava is crowned by its iconic castle overlooking the river. While wandering through the old town, chocolate lovers should make a stop at the charming Cokoladovna Cafe.
Day 4: Bratislava – Győr
40 km / 25 miles + train ride
Crossing into Hungary at Rajka, you cycle across the small Schüttinsel, a region marked by vast wetlands and numerous side arms of the Danube. In Mosonmagyaróvár, known as the city of 17 bridges, you board a train to comfortably cover the last stretch of the stage. Upon arriving in Győr, you can end the day relaxing in one of its lively beer gardens.
Day 5: Győr – Komárom
40 km / 25 miles
Today you leave the Little Hungarian Plain behind and enter the rolling hills of Transdanubia. Agriculture dominates the landscape here, and you will often spot famous Arabian horses from the nearby national stud farm. Cycling through shady walnut avenues is a highlight of the ride toward Komárom, a town historically split by the Danube into Hungarian and Slovakian halves.
Day 6: Komárom – Esztergom / Visegrád
60 km / 37 miles + boat or train ride
Keeping close to the river, you cycle through the flat Danube valley past quiet villages and green vineyards. More athletic riders can choose a hillier alternative route via Tata, while history enthusiasts can stop at the Roman Fort of Kelemantia. Arriving in Esztergom, its classicist basilica stands out as an absolute highlight. If your accommodation is in Visegrád, you will take a boat or train to complete the final stretch.
Day 7: Visegrád – Budapest
65 km / 40 miles
The Royal Palace and castle of Visegrád provide a picturesque backdrop as you begin the final cycling stage. In the artist town of Szentendre, take time to visit the open-air museum or wander the baroque old town. Continuing through the Danube Bend, widely considered the most scenic stretch of the river, you arrive in Budapest to celebrate the end of your journey.
Day 8: Budapest – End of tour or extension
Take advantage of the day to explore this lively Danube metropolis, often called one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The river flows through its heart like a silver thread, dividing Buda and Pest. Remnants of imperial glamour and monarchical elegance can be felt throughout the city. Extra nights can be arranged to extend your stay.
Extend Your Stay
Additional nights can be organized on request.
Getting to Vienna (Departure Point)
By Plane: Vienna International Airport (VIE) offers direct connections worldwide and is located just 20 km from the city center. Regular express trains (CAT or S-Bahn) run directly to central Vienna in 15 to 25 minutes.
By Train: Vienna Main Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof) is a major European rail hub with excellent high-speed connections from all neighboring countries.
Returning from Budapest (End Point)
By Train: Frequent daily international trains run directly between Budapest Keleti / Déli stations and Vienna Main Station.
By Plane from Budapest: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is easily reached via direct airport shuttle buses (100E) from the city center.
How to book this tour
We require a deposit of 25% of the tour price per person upon reservation, final payment 6 weeks before tour departure.
Included
- Accommodation: 7 nights in en-suite rooms at selected 3-star (Category B) or 4-star (Category A) hotels.
- Meals: Daily breakfast included each morning.
- Luggage Transport: Daily hotel-to-hotel luggage transfer to Budapest (no limit on number of pieces, max 20 kg / 44 lbs per piece).
- Included Transfers: Train ride from Mosonmagyaróvár to Győr (including bike transport) and boat or train ride from Esztergom to Visegrád / Szentendre to Budapest (including bike transport).
- Navigation & Digital Guide: Digital travel documents and app-based route navigation.
- Service Hotline: 7-day customer service hotline support (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.).
NOT Included
- Travel & Transfers: Travel to Vienna and return journey from Budapest.
- Rental Bikes: Standard touring bike or E-bike rental (available upon request).
- Meals & Drinks: Lunches, dinners, drinks, and personal expenses.
- Local Taxes: City or visitor taxes (payable directly at hotels if required).
- Sightseeing & Extras: Entrance fees to castles, museums, and historical sites .
- Travel Insurance: Personal travel, health, and cancellation insurance.
- Anything not listed as included is not included
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and start planning your cycling journey.
Check available options
Departures & Prices
Prices are per person in a double room for 2026. 2027 available on request.
Daily arrivals from 28 March to 10 October.
Season A
28 Mar – 04 Apr
03 Oct – 10 Oct
Cat. B
879€
Cat. A
1049€
Options & Supplements
✓Cat. B
+349 Single supplement
✓Cat. A
+499 Single supplement
Season B
10 Apr – 24 May
04 Sep – 27 Sep
Cat. B
999€
Cat. A
1169€
Options & Supplements
✓Cat. B
+349 Single supplement
✓Cat. A
+499 Single supplement
Season c
29 May – 03 Sep
Cat. B
1059€
Cat. A
1229€
Options & Supplements
✓Cat. B
+349 Single supplement
✓Cat. A
+499 Single supplement
Accommodation
Carefully selected to ensure comfort, quality, and a relaxing and unforgettable journey.
Category B (3★ hotels) or Category A (3★/4★ hotels), including breakfast.
All prices are per person.
Additional nights Budapest
Prices per person, including breakfast
Category B
Double Room 79€
Single Room 149€
Category A
Double Room 99€
Single Room 189€
Additional nights Vienna
Prices per person, including breakfast
Category B
Double Room 85€
Single Room 149€
Category A
Double Room 99€
Single Room 179€
BIKES
You can choose to rent a bicycle. Below you’ll find the essential information for rent options.
Bike (7/21-gear)
99 €
Gravel bike
229 €
E-Bike
289 €