Cycle Central Europe & the Danube

Intrepid Travel · 15 days

4.3

8 Reviews

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Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Get your wheels moving on a cycling adventure through the Central European countryside, all the way from picturesque Prague to classic Budapest.

Highlights

Take an active adventure through Central Europe, cycling leafy paths from the bohemian centre of Prague to the classical vibe of Budapest.
Ride alongside the mighty Danube River downstream, passing by romantic riverside castles, picturesque villages and lowland forests surrounding the banks.
Take the opportunity to head on an optional brewery tour at the original home of Budweiser: Ceske Budejovice.
The perfect mix of cosmopolitan cities, picture postcard towns and traffic-free cycling paths await, with local knowledge to get the best out of each European destination.

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

Bicycle,Support vehicle,Train/Local Bus (e-bike option available,subject to availability)

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Prague, Austria

Finishes

Budapest, Austria

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Cycling

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Prague

Dobry den! Welcome to Prague. There is an important welcome meeting scheduled for 6 pm this evening, where you will meet your group leader and fellow travellers. With not much time spent in Prague, we recommend you spend at least a day or two to get to know this wonderful Bohemian city. With its Baroque buildings, cobblestoned streets and beer – oh so much beer – there’s something for every explorer. If you want to spend more time in Prague, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). After your important meeting, how about get a group of you together and head to one of the beer halls to get acquainted?

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Prague

This morning the cycling part of your adventure begins! Have a bike fitting then explore the fascinating street and lanes of Prague on a leader-led orientation ride. You’ll learn about the history of the city, plus have time to take in the Old Town square, looking up at the surrounding spires – there are a lot of spires – as well as the historic building besides the Vltava River. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this eclectic city at your leisure. Perhaps visit one of the many museums that dot the city, or wander the cobbled Charles Bridge in the evening when most of the tourist are long gone.

Included Activities:

7 days bike hire
Prague guided cycling

Optional Activities:

Prague - Castle Visit (450 CZK)
Prague - John Lennon Wall - Free
Prague - Town Hall Clock Tower (300 CZK)
Prague - Kafka Museum (300 CZK)
Charles Bridge - Free
Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour (23 EUR)

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Cesky Krumlov

Today is an early morning start, as you head to Ceske Budejovice by local transport (either vehicle or train depending on group size), taking around 2.5 hours. From here begin a short ride (approximately 30 kilometres) around Budejovice and besides the Vltava River through the South Bohemian countryside from Ceske to Cesky – that is, Cesky Krumlov! Once arrived, you’ve got the rest of the afternoon at your leisure in this small medieval town. Take your bike or head on a hike up to see Krizova Hora, visit the State Castle, or just simply explore the weaving laneways of the town, all perched on the side of the Vltava River. If you want to check out the river more, why not book in on a canoe trip? Seeing the Czech countryside from the water gives you stunning views of the surrounding valleys.

Included Activities:

Ceske Budejovice Guided Cycling

Optional Activities:

Cesky Krumlov - Brewery Tour (350 CZK)
Cesky Krumlov - Canoe Trip (700 CZK)
Cesky Krumlov - Guided Castle Tour (300 CZK)

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Kollmitzberg

Rise and shine, as it’s off for another day of cycling, leaving nice and early. Ride along the Vltava River from Cesky Krumlov through the countryside then over the plateau and down to the wooded shores of the beautiful Lipno Lake near the Czech-Austrian border. You’ll arrive at the small town of Lipno and Vltavou on the southern banks of the lake. After some time to look around, drive approximately 140 kilometres to Kollmitzberg. After two days in the saddle you deserve a relax at this secluded town. Why not get your group together and organise somewhere for dinner in nearby Ardagger – your group leader will know of a place to go.

Included Activities:

Cesky Krumlov to Lipno Lake Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Melk

Get back on your bike and cycle alongside the mighty Danube River on a mostly flat course from Kollmitzberg to Melk (approximately 53 kilometres). You know you're getting close when you can see the towers and dome of the famed Melk Abbey high above the town. Once arrived, you could head on an optional tour of Melk Abbey, where you’ll discover the colourful Baroque structure perched on top of a rock overlooking the Danube, plus its parks and bastions.

Included Activities:

Kollmitzberg to Melk Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

Optional Activities:

Melk Abbey (16 EUR)

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Herzogenburg

From Melk, cycle along the northern banks of the Danube – mostly on dedicated cycle paths – past small riverside towns and villages (and the occasional sand beach), and to the UNESCO-listed terraces of the Wachau vineyards, where wine has been produced since the Middle Ages. Riding up the steep hillsides is definitely a challenge, but there’s some stunning scenery to see along the way. Your final destination for today is Herzogenburg – a thriving town on a small tributary of the Danube. If you have time why not check out the imposing Herzogenburg Monastery before a hearty Austrian dinner.

Included Activities:

Melk to Reidling Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Vienna

Hop on your bike to ride back along the Danube cycle path all the way into Vienna, skirting the river’s southern banks. Today is the longest ride of the tour at around 70 kilometres/43 miles and is mostly slightly downhill. When you arrive in Vienna, be sure to relax and perhaps tuck into a well-earned coffee and sacher torte. Vienna is a classical hub of arts, culture and food, and a perfect place to hop off the bike and explore on foot. If you haven’t discussed it already, why not organise dinner in Vienna with your group tonight – it’s definitely cause for celebration.

Included Activities:

Orientation walk - Vienna
Reidling to Vienna Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

Optional Activities:

Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Upper & Lower Gallery Combined Ticket) (29 EUR)
Vienna - Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum (20 EUR)
Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel (15 EUR)
Vienna - Food, Coffee & Market Tour Urban Adventure (115 EUR)
Vienna - Schoenbrunn Palace (22 EUR)

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Vienna

Today is a free day in Vienna until your second welcome meeting at 6 pm. There is so much to see and do in Vienna and it's best explored on your own two feet. A popular highlight is a spin on the famous old Prater Ferris Wheel. This evening, maybe head out for an optional dinner at a Viennese Heurigen (wine tavern). Heuriger means 'this year's wine', and the Heurigen originated as a way for winemakers to offer samples of their new wine with a few snacks. Fortunately, this now includes a hearty meal, which will be much needed for the days of cycling ahead.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Vienna city ride

After breakfast this morning, you’ll have a bike fitting for the group followed by a short test ride to check everything is in working order. Then, you’ll join with your leader and take a tour of Vienna on two wheels. Follow the path of the Habsburg and explore the rich artistic and cultural icons of the city like the Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace and all that the Ringstrasse has to offer. Tonight, you’re free to explore at your own pace – ask for dinner recommendations from your leader, they will always have the best suggestions!

Included Activities:

Vienna Guided Cycling
6 Days included bike hire

Optional Activities:

Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel (15 EUR)
Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Lower Gallery) (17 EUR)
Vienna - Leopold Museum (17 EUR)
Vienna - Albertina Museum (19 EUR)
Vienna - Schoenbrunn Palace (22 EUR)
Vienna - Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum (20 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Cycle Vienna to Bratislava

Leave Vienna’s city centre and ride along the mighty Danube to the tiny hamlet of Hasslau an der Donau. From here, you’ll journey east along the riverbanks to one of Austria's most important archaeological sites – Carnuntum, with its eclectic mix of Roman ruins and modern reconstructions. Spend some time wandering among the remains of Roman life on the Danube before climbing back onto your bike and slowly winding along the riverside bike paths to the Slovak border. In the afternoon you’ll arrive in the Slovak capital – cosmopolitan Bratislava. See firsthand how bordering two independent countries has left its mark on Bratislava with a leader-led orientation walk. Tonight, you’re free to rest and recharge.

Included Activities:

Carnuntum entrance
Vienna to Bratislava Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

Optional Activities:

The Slavin War Memorial - Free
Bratislava - Kamzik TV Tower - Free
Bratislava - Blue Church Bratislava - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Cycle Bratislava to Gyor

Follow the flowing waters of the Danube as it turns south today. Your ride today will pass by picturesque villages, lowland forests and across farmland to the Hungarian city of Gyor. This vibrant Baroque city – highlighted by Kaptalan Hill, Becsi Kapu Ter Square and the picturesque Kiraly Street – has been inhabited by varying cultures since ancient times and now offers a fascinating contrast to the slow pace of the river and its surroundings.

Included Activities:

Bratislava to Gyor Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Cycle Gyor to Komarom

Leaving Gyor behind, track back to the banks of the Danube and on to the city of Komarom, which straddles the borders of Hungary and Slovakia. While Komarom is known for its forts and strategic position on the Danube River, it’s also a beautiful city housing many museums and historical sites. Take a leader-led orientation walk when you arrive, across the Elizabeth Bridge, which is the pathway between the two counties. If you feel called to add some pampering to your afternoon, why not head to a local spa and soothe those leg muscles.

Included Activities:

Gyor to Komarom Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

Optional Activities:

Fort Monostor (2400 HUF)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Cycle Komarom to Esztergom

Today there’s an early departure to ride into your next stop – Esztergom. The former capital city of Hungary is the seat of the Hungarian Catholic Church and boasts an amazing array of architectural gems such as the Royal Palace and Watertown, which is built on the banks of the Danube itself. When you arrive, take a leader led orientation walk of the city and see the crowning jewel at the Esztergom Basilica – a beautiful example of Classicism and the third largest church in Europe. Reflected in the still waters of the Danube Bend, the Basilica is a sight to behold from both outside and from within. Your evening is free to find some delicious local cuisine and wander the city streets at your own pace.

Included Activities:

Esztergom Basilica entrance
Komarom to Esztergom Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

Optional Activities:

Bálint Balassi Museum (100 HUF)
Esztergom Castle Museum (3000 HUF)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Cycle Esztergom to Budapest

Cycle the famous ‘Danube Bend’ today, beneath the wooded hills of Visegrad. Here, the river turns south towards the Hungarian capital city of Budapest. Today will be your longest day in the saddle, but you’ll break it up with a scenic a picnic lunch on the riverbank. After cycling through the city itself, end the day on a high with an afternoon visit to one of Budapest's famous spas! After indulging with your group, your night is free to explore at your own pace – maybe visit the ruin bars or walk along the river as the sun falls.

Included Activities:

Budapest - Szechenyi Baths
Esztergom to Budapest Guided & Vehicle Supported Cycling

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Budapest

There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Optional Activities:

Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour (9000 HUF)
Budapest - Danube Boat Trip (15 EUR)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $5,775

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Get your wheels moving on a cycling adventure through the Central European countryside, all the way from picturesque Prague to classic Budapest.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 19 Sep 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Laura

Traveled, September 2023

10/21/2023

We enjoyed our two week trip from Prague to Vienna to Budapest so much, and you will too! We met fun, active people from all over the globe who shared our love of traveling by bicycle. Tomi & Andro took good care of us and showed us a beautiful region of the world. We enjoyed every minute and cannot wait to plan another trip!

4.0

Anne

Traveled, August 2023

08/31/2023

This was an amazing trip in all aspects and I would thoroughly recommend it to see this beautiful part of the world.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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