Compare Budapest, Vienna & Prague by EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break) vs Cycle Central Europe & the Danube by Intrepid Travel

Day 1: Overnight flight

Board your overnight flight, bound for Europe.

Day 2: Arrive in Budapest + Welcome Mixer

Welcome to Eastern Europe! Your Tour Director will be waiting at the airport when you arrive. Today is the day to adjust, make new friends and start the journey right.

Today's Highlights:

Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your accommodation

Take a brief walk of the area with your group’s personal Tour Director

Once everyone is situated, you’ll meet your new friends over drinks and light appetizers at the Welcome Mixer.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Budapest + Free time

Now that you’re rested from travels and acquainted with your group, shake off the culture shock with an in-depth look at the Pearl of the Danube.

Today's Highlights:

Tour Buda and Pest with a local guide to show you all the buda-best there is to see

Enjoy a free evening to relax in a bath, stroll through the city or learn a little something about another time and place

Hit the town like never before in the city’s grungy, eclectic nightlife scene

Day 4: Stop in Bratislava + Arrive in Vienna

Marvel at the European landscape as you drive along a canvas of castles, farmlands, villages and mountains on your way to Austria.

Today's Highlights:

Stop in Slovakia’s capital city, Bratislava, for lunch and photos of the city’s castle

Arrive in Vienna, take a quick walk with your Tour Director, then enjoy an evening in the City of Dreams

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Vienna

After seeing Vienna with a local guide, the evening is yours to explore, check out the museums or visit the world-renowned opera.

Today's Highlights:

See Vienna with a local guide

Visit the lavish palaces, parks and parliament buildings

See the city from above and devour a local Viennese feast

Excursion:

Ferris Wheel and Heurigen Viennese Dinner (extra cost)

See Vienna from the sky on this optional trip to Prater, one of Austria's biggest amusement parks. Ride the "Wiener Riesenrad" ("Giant Wheel") which was the biggest ferris wheel in the world for 65 years. After soaking up the breathtaking views from the top, you'll go a nearby Heurigen (wine tavern) to enjoy a traditional Viennese dinner and drinks.

Day 6: Stop in Krems + Arrive in Ceský Krumlov

Continue along the European countryside as you travel to Ceský Krumlov via Krems.

Today's Highlights:

Take a break from the big city with a visit to Krems, a quaint Austrian town in the Wachau Valley

Tour a local vineyard and taste wine from the region

Arrive in the storybook city of Ceský Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Day 7: Chill in Ceský Krumlov + Visit Kutná Hora + Head to Prague

After a morning in Ceský Krumlov, board your private coach for a transfer to Prague via Kutná Hora.

Today's Highlights:

Keep feeling the magic with a free morning in Ceský Krumlov

See the infamous “Bone Church” in Kutná Hora

Arrive in Prague; take a brief orientation tour of the area and have the evening free

Day 8: Tour Prague

Join an expert local guide for a walking tour of Prague, then enjoy an evening to explore the city.

Today's Highlights:

Czech out Central Europe’s largest castle, where you'll see architecture spanning from Gothic to Baroque

Learn about Prague's fascinating history, from centuries-old tales to World War II and the Velvet Revolution

Have the afternoon and evening to wander the enchanting streets and see all the sites on your list

Try a Pilsner in the #1 beer-drinking country in the world, and experience the nightlife that accompanies it

Day 9: Explore Prague + Farewell Dinner

This is your last day in Europe, so live it to the fullest! Time is all yours until dinner tonight.

Today's Highlights:

Enjoy your last day in Europe with free time in Prague

Take care of last-minute shopping with trinkets from Charles Bridge or Europe's top outlets in Wenceslas Square

Climb Petrín Hill for a panoramic view of Prague

View the influential work of Alphonse Mucha through the stained glass at St. Vitus Cathedral, The Slav Epic and many other iconic city sites

Share one last group memory during your Farewell Dinner

Day 10: Fly Home

It's time to say your goodbyes. Head to the airport for your flight back home.

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.