Cycle the Danube

Intrepid Travel · 8 days

4.1

20 Reviews

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Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Retrace the steps of the Roman, Ottoman and Habsburg Empires on this cycling adventure along the mighty Danube River. Over eight days, you’ll ride through small villages, lowland forests and lush farmland as you cycle from Vienna to Budapest, passing through Slovakia.

Highlights

Follow the Danube downstream, passing romantic castles, small villages and lowland forests – the best way to see Eastern Europe is on two wheels!
Cycle leafy paths away from the traffic of main roads and cities, from vibrant Vienna to cosmopolitan Bratislava and bohemian Budapest. Away from the tourists, you’ll have a better chance of connecting with local cultures!
Spend some time at the domed Basilica of Esztergom – the biggest church in Hungary – and see how it’s reflected in the still waters of the Danube Bend. Then, make your way into Budapest and indulge in one of the steaming public baths.
See the Roman remains at Carnuntum – one of Austria's most important archaeological sites. Wander the ruins and reconstructions and then hop back on your bike to the Slovak border.
Straddle the borders of Hungary and Slovakia in the historic spa town of Komarom and soothe your sore muscles during one of the optional spa visits.
By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Bicycle,Support vehicle,Ferry,(e-bike option available,subject to availability)

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Vienna, Austria

Finishes

Budapest, Austria

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Cycling

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Vienna

Willkommen! Welcome to Austria. Your cycling adventure begins in Vienna with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, explore the city at your own pace – the best way to see Vienna is on your own two legs! After the meeting, maybe head out for an optional welcome dinner at a Viennese Heurigen (wine tavern). Heuriger means ‘this year's wine’ and it originated as a way for winemakers to offer samples of their new wines along with a few snacks. Fortunately, this now also includes a hearty meal, which will be much needed for the days of cycling ahead!

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 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 5: Cycle Gyor to Komarno

Leaving Gyor behind, track back to the banks of the Danube and on to the city of Komarno , which straddles the borders of Hungary and Slovakia. While Komarno is known for its forts and strategic position on the Danube River, it’s also a beautiful city housing many museums and historical sites. 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 6: Cycle Komarno 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 largest church in Hungary. 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 7: 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 8: 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 $3,135

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 18 Apr 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

3.5

Allan

Traveled, May 2023

09/26/2023

4.0

Mary

Traveled, September 2023

10/06/2023

Intrepid offers affordable travel that is eco friendly and most importantly travel that improves the lives of the local people. The cycle trips are an excellent way to take in the local terrain, enjoy the countryside and spend time with wonderful people.

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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