Compare Blue Danube Discovery by AMA Waterways vs Cycle Central Europe & the Danube by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
3.5 | Average
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 13 days | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 4,199 | $ 4,504 |
| Price Per Day | $ 323 | $ 300 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
12 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 7 Dinners |
N/A |
| Description |
Discover a wealth of art, history and cultural treasures as you cruise to some of Europe’s most famous destinations. From Budapest, journey to Bratislava, Vienna, Passau and the 2,000-year-old town of Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, visit magnificent cathedrals and Baroque abbeys, sample Vienna’s sinfully rich sachertorte cake, experience the breathtaking scenery of the Wachau Valley wine-making region, and traverse Europe’s Continental Divide. |
Get your wheels moving on a cycling adventure through the Central European countryside, all the way from picturesque Prague to classic Budapest. This fifteen-day active trip meanders its way past medieval villages perched on the hillside and hugs the mighty Danube River. With delicious regional food, great wine, and a knowledgeable leader to guide you along the way, you’ll be seeing the best of the region with the wind blowing through your hair. |
Day 1: Arrive In Budapest, Hungary
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or to begin exploring this beautiful city.
Day 2: Budapest
Meals: Breakfast
Your morning excursion includes sightseeing in the cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. You will see famed Heroes’ Square and Castle Hill, home to Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church and spectacular views of the Danube.
Day 3: Budapest – Embarkation
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
After checking out of your hotel in Budapest, you will have your choice of a free morning to explore Budapest on your own or join an optional excursion to Puszta. This excursion includes a traditional goulash lunch and a horse riding demonstration by Hungarian cowboys. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises to Bratislava. (B,D)
Day 4: Bratislava, Slovakia – Vienna, Austria
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This afternoon, arrive in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. Enjoy a walking tour of the city’s major sites, including the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Spend your evening in Bratislava before the ship cruises to magnificent Vienna later tonight.
Day 5: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
A panoramic tour of Vienna guides you past the majestic Opera House, the former Imperial Palace of the Hapsburg Emperors, Parliament, Town Hall and Vienna University. Afterwards, you will visit Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Graben and the World Famous Spanish Riding School. You are free to explore on your own this afternoon, so be sure to sample some Viennese coffee and pastries.
Day 6: Dürnstein – Melk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After reaching the Wachau Valley early this morning, you will have three tour options: A walking tour along Dürnstein’s cobblestone streets followed by a wine tasting, a hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held for ransom, or an apricots and sweets tasting. Later, relax on board during a scenic cruise through the beautiful Wachau Valley or join a guided bike tour along the Danube to Melk. Your ship arrives late this afternoon in Melk, one of Europe’s most renowned spiritual and cultural heritage sites, where you will tour its spectacular Benedictine Abbey. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the charming town of Melk on your own.
Day 7: Passau, Germany
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Arrive in Passau, a 2,000-year-old city noted for its Gothic and Baroque architecture. You can explore this charming city on a walking tour, guided bike ride or on a hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. The ship cruises overnight.
Day 8: Regensburg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This afternoon, the ship arrives in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You have your choice of one of three tours this afternoon. Your first option is a guided walking tour of the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, the gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. Your second option is an opportunity to sample the city’s most renowned specialties – sausage, beer and pretzels. Your third option is a guided bike tour from Regensburg to Walhalla through the spectacular scenery of the Danube Valley.
Day 9: Nuremberg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise as the ship crosses the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal and leisurely cruises through the beautiful Altmühl Valley. This afternoon, you have a choice of three activities in Nuremberg. Take a tour of the city’s medieval highlights, including Nuremberg Castle, the 900-year-old ramparts surrounding the city, Town Hall, Notre Dame and the house of artist Albrecht Dürer, or join a WWII tour and see the Coliseum, Nazi Parade Ground and Justice Palace. Alternatively, savor traditional flavors on a Franconian Specialties tasting as you sample the famous Nuremburger Bratwurst, Rot bier and Lebkuchen. The ship moors here overnight.
Day 10: Nuremberg – Disembarkation – Pilzen – Prague, Czech Republic
Meals: Breakfast
Depart the ship after breakfast and drive through the pastoral countryside to Pilzen, a city perhaps best known for producing Pilsner beer, a pale gold-hued Bavarian style lager. You will have free time to explore this lovely town and have lunch on your own before continuing to Prague and checking into your hotel.
Day 11: Prague
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, choose between a standard city tour and a hike. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities, with a historic city center that’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see Rudolfinum, the National Museum, Wenceslas Square and the Hundertwasser Dancing House. Next, visit the 1,000 year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus before walking over the romantic Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square, where you will find the capital’s famous Astronomical Clock, Tyn Church and the statue of Jan Husek. The rest of the day is at your leisure, perhaps to enjoy yourself in one of the city’s many charming cafés.
Day 12: Prague
Meals: Breakfast
Spend a day at your leisure, perhaps to stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vltava River, relax at an outdoor café, or shop for local handicrafts.
Day 13: Depart Prague
Meals: Breakfast
Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your homeward flight.
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?
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.
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. Once arrived, have a bike fitting and take a short ride (approximately 20 kilometres) around Budejovice and surrounds. If you have time, there’s the option to head on a brewery tour, as Cesky Budejovice (or Budweis in German) is the home of Budweiser! Learn the beer’s history and have the perfectly drawn brew in the onsite bar. This afternoon ride through the South Bohemian countryside from Ceske to Cesky – that is, Cesky Krumlov! Through picture-perfect rolling hills and weaving in and out of forest, you’ll cover around 35 kilometres cycling, with some undulations at points. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
