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Compare Cycling the Danube from Vienna to Budapest by Exodus Travels vs 11 Day Danube River Cruise with Budapest by Gate 1 Travel

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Duration 8 days 11 days
Price From $ 2,030 $ 3,069
Price Per Day $ 254 $ 279
Highlights
  • Meander along the Danube
  • Cycle 3 countries in one week
  • Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest
  • During your Budapest City Tour, see the Parliament, Heroes Square, Royal Palace and Matthias Church
  • View the picturesque village of Holloko with its local craftsmen and restaurants
  • Tour romantic Vienna with its legendary opulence and elegance
  • Stop in Durnstein, one of the prettiest towns on the Danube
  • In Melk, join a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey
 
Trip Style Small group tour Group tour
Lodging Level Standard Premium
Physical Level
  • 3- Moderate
  • 3- Moderate
Travel Themes
  • Cycling & Biking
  • Cultural
  • 50 plus
Countries Visited
Cities and Attractions
  • Budapest
  • Vienna
  • Budapest
  • Passau
  • Salzburg
  • Vienna
Flights & Transport No Ground transport included
Activities
  • Cycling
N/A
Meals Included All breakfasts are included. Breakfast: Continental style buffet breakfast. Lunch and Dinner: there are numerous restaurants along the route with a selection of menus of two or more courses and the route notes will provide more details to help you decide. Self-guided cycling also lends itself really well to picnics. You can stop wherever you please, in a spot that suits you and eat your lunch taking in your chosen view. N/A
Description

This is a classic ride linking two historic cities. Your journey starts in Vienna, which requires little introduction, with its abundance of famous sites, entertainment and culture. The River Danube serves as the spine of the cycling route as you meander back and forth through woodland, farmland, avenues of walnut trees, wide flat landscapes and shady hills. A night is spent in the pretty city of Bratislava and in the lovely town of Gyor, as we head towards the Danube Bend at Esztergom. The end point for the trip is the city of Budapest with time to soak up the wonderful atmosphere and enjoy the stunning architecture.Enjoy meandering rides along the Danube from Austria to Hungary.

2 Budapest, 7 Cruise

Itinerary: Cycling the Danube from Vienna to Budapest

Day 1 Arrive Vienna

Make your own way to the hotel. The rest of the day is left free to explore Vienna at your leisure. It is a metropolis with unique charm, vibrancy and flair. It boasts outstanding infrastructure, is clean and safe, and has all of the culture, architecture and inspiration that you could wish for in this wonderful part of Europe. Highlights that you may consider include visits to the grand Schonbrunn Palace, Sigmund Freud Museum and a tour in the Vienna State Opera House. Don't miss a visit to one of the many wonderful coffee shops to enjoy the typical cake Sachertorte!

Day 2 Vienna - Hainburg

This morning you receive your bikes before setting off on your first day of riding. On leaving Vienna the route takes you through the Donau-Auen National Park, an area of extensive flood plains, which have turned into small ponds offering a rich habitat to countless species of birds, animals and insects. From here, pass Orth Castle and the pretty village of Eckertsau before arriving in Hainburg.

Day 3 Hainburg to Bratislava

Follow the Roman bike trail to one of Austria's most important archaeological sites, the Roman remains at Petronell-Carnuntum. End your day in the Gothic old town of Bratislava, Slovakia's pretty capital city that exudes old world charm.

Day 4 Bratislava to Mosonmagyarovar

After a short cycle through Slovakia, you cross the Hungarian border into Rajka. Cycle past storybook villages, where you can still find traditional thatched-roofed farm houses. Your route guides you through the Szigetkoz (a small Rye island) towards Mosonmagyarovar; the charming old 'city of 17 bridges'. The city centre is noteworthy for its impressive collection of Baroque buildings.

Day 5 Mosonmagyarovar to Gyor

Today, you follow a flat cycling route as it takes you through the outstanding natural surroundings of the island between the Danube and the Mosoni Duna (Small Danube). Make a stop to see Hedervar Castle, before arriving in the colourful town of Gyor, to take in its sights and breathtaking historic centre.

Day 6 Gyor/Komarom to Esztergom

Take the train to Komarom then pedal along the riverbanks of the flat Danube Valley, passing quaint villages and lush vineyards. Fitter cyclists can choose a route over Tata, but be aware this is more strenuous and there are no shops and restaurants along the way. Those interested in the history of the area should plan some time for the Roman archaelogical site of Kelemantia, where a military camp stood from the 2nd to the 4th Century. The absolute highlight of the day however, is Esztergom (also known as Hungarian Rome), with the largest basilica in the country.

Day 7 Esztergom to Budapest

Head to the Danube Bend, probably one of the most attractive sections of the Danube bike trail. Here, the river winds its way through the Visegrad Mountains and makes a sharp turn towards the south. The Royal Palace and castle of Visegrad, and the open air museum are well worth a visit, as is the old Baroque town of Szentendre. Here you take a leisurely boat ride into the centre of the city and appreciate the stunning architecture.

Day 8 End Budapest

End your trip in Budapest. There is much to see in this iconic city and we are pleased to book additional nights for you if you wish. Hungary's capital is bisected by the River Danube, and the 19th Century Chain Bridge connects its hilly Buda district with the flat Pest. The city is easy to explore on foot; don't miss the chance to visit one of the city's famous thermal baths or walk up to the dome of St Stephan's Basilica for a fantastic panoramic view!

Itinerary: 11 Day Danube River Cruise with Budapest

DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Germany
Depart for Germany

DAY 2, Friday - Embark in Regensburg
Arrive in Munich and transfer to the port in Regensburg. The group transfer will operate at approximately 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. The port is an hour and a half drive from the Munich airport. Embarkation begins at 2 PM. After arrival formalities, time to relax on board. Tonight, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday - Regensburg City Tour
This morning, explore Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided walking tour highlights the city's stunning architecture as you view the Old Town Hall, Dom St. Peter and the Porta Praetoria, gateway to an ancient Roman fort. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest stone bridges crossing the Danube. Return to the ship for lunch or spend the afternoon at leisure discovering the delights of Regensburg on your own. In the afternoon the ship will set sail for Passau
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Sunday - Morning in Passau
Dock this morning in 2500-year-old Passau, known for its pastel patrician houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade. Passau is a Bavarian town with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and Gothic architecture. Explore Passau independently in the morning, or, join the optional full day tour to picturesque Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. The walking tour will include some of Salzburg's most historic sites including the Mirabell Palace, the Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, and St. Peter's Cemetery. After lunch at a local restaurant, there will be time to discover Salzburg on your own before returning to the ship. If you choose to remain onboard the ship, continue sailing during lunch and relax this afternoon. In the early evening, all passengers will rejoin the ship and continue sailing for Melk
Optional: Full Day Tour of Salzburg
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Monday - Melk Abbey
Disembark in Melk this morning for a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. View the Abbot's chambers, the Kaiser's walk and the lavish library. Then, return to the ship and continue cruising through the scenic Wachau Valley. This afternoon, arrive in the village of Durnstein, one of the prettiest towns on the Danube. Free time to stroll this quintessential village in the heart of the Wachau wine district. Walk along medieval cobblestone streets revealing 16th-century town houses and wine taverns
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Tuesday - Vienna City Tour
Your morning tour of romantic Vienna introduces you to this Imperial city with its legendary opulence and elegance. Drive along the famed Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard lined with magnificent Baroque palaces, parks and monuments. View the lavish Hofburg Palace, and the impressive Vienna Opera House. Continue to majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Parliament building. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, or, join the optional tour to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, once summer residence of the Habsburgs. Visit the gorgeous Baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens. Tonight, perhaps take the opportunity to attend an evening of Viennese culture in the "City of Music" at an optional concert performance of the classical masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss
Optional: Schonbrunn Palace Tour (PM)
Optional: Classical Viennese Concert (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Wednesday - Bratislava City Tour
This morning, enjoy the tranquil scenery as you sail along the scenic Danube. At noon, arrive in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, a mix of modern and Baroque architecture. This capital city is among the youngest in Europe, yet retains a rich history dating back more than 2000 years. Walk along the cobblestone lanes of the historic town center; view St. Martin's Cathedral, coronation site of the kings of Hungary, the 13th century Old Town Hall and the Franciscan church. Time to explore this colorful city on your own before returning to the ship for dinner as you sail for stunning Budapest
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Thursday - Budapest City Tour
Your morning tour begins on the Pest side of the city; view the Parliament, City Park and Heroes Square. Cross to Buda to see the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and the graceful medieval architecture along the cobbled streets. Explore the city's wonderful shops and cafes this afternoon on your own. Tonight, enjoy a lavish Farewell dinner on board
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Friday - Budapest Castle District Tour
This morning, bid farewell to your Cruise Director and meet your local host. Explore the Budapest Castle District. Stroll around cobbled streets of the Castle Hill quarter and learn about its fascinating history. View the Royal Palace and visit the 13th century Matthias Church, the coronation site of Hungarian kings. From Fisherman's Bastion, enjoy panoramic views of the city. Free time to explore the area on your own before heading to Philosophers' Garden, featuring bronze statues of philosophers and religious figures. Walk around the garden, offering beautiful views of the city. Afterward, check into your hotel. Tonight perhaps, join the optional dinner and show in Budapest. Travel to the outskirts of Budapest for a traditional Hungarian dinner in a scenic forested location. While dining, you'll be entertained by colorfully dressed dancers performing a variety of spirited folk dances accompanied by a group playing live music
Optional: Dinner & Show in Budapest (PM)
Overnight: Budapest
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Saturday - Full Day in Budapest
Today, enjoy the delights of Budapest independently. Immerse yourself in the heritage of the "City of Baths" and visit a traditional Turkish bath house with its thermal pools and spas or, stroll along the Danube Promenade, a walkway along the Danube that goes from the Elisabeth Bridge to Chain Bridge, offering stunning views of the capital. Another option is to head to Margaret Island, a quite getaway within the city, that serves as a recreational park, located in the middle of the Danube River. Perhaps, join the optional half day Taste of Budapest. Explore the local food scene, while getting introduced to the history of the Hungarian cuisine. Sample local delicacies from Hungarian meats to local Budapest pastries
Optional: Half Day Taste of Budapest (AM)
Overnight: Budapest
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Sunday - Depart Hungary
This morning, transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

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