Compare Cycle the Danube by Intrepid Travel vs Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat - Southbound 2021 by Tauck

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!

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!

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.

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 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 5 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 6 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 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.

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.

Day 1 Arrive Amsterdam

Tour begins: 5:00 PM, Amsterdam. A transfer is included from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport or Central Station directly to your riverboat. Enjoy a welcome briefing and a leisurely dinner as you settle into your floating hotel for a memorable two-week-cruise on the Main, Rhine and Danube Rivers.

MEALS : D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Amsterdam, Netherlands

Day 2 Great art, a canal cruise and more in Amsterdam

Amsterdam... the name itself conjures up images of the Dutch capital’s myriad cultural treasures, from gabled houses, markets and cafés to awe-inspiring museums housing a treasure trove of world-famous art – and it’s all yours to enjoy today. Your guided tour of the famed Rijksmuseum is really inspiring – a firsthand look at Rembrandt’s masterpiece The Night Watch is like meeting the artist himself, and you’ll love seeing acclaimed works by other well-known “Old Dutch Masters.” Once an exclusive royal privilege, a private sightseeing cruise by canal boat on the city’s network of concentric, tree-lined 17th-century canals provides a unique view of Amsterdam’s blend of architectural styles – they date all the way back to medieval times – and a unique taste of daily life in this easygoing city. Enjoy dinner back aboard the ship tonight, as we chart a course to Germany. 

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Amsterdam, Netherlands

Day 3 A blend of modern and ancient history in Köln

After a morning of cruising and lunch aboard the riverboat, your explorations continue in Köln (Cologne), the oldest city in Germany. A guided walking tour of city sights includes a visit to twin-spired Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), boasting one of the world’s largest church façades; it is one of Europe’s most beloved Gothic cathedrals. You’ll have some free time to wander through Cathedral Square and the Hohe Strasse pedestrian area in the afternoon. Join us tonight for a reception and a chef's signature dinner followed by an onboard performance by local musicians.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Köln, Germany

Day 4 Cruising to Rüdesheim & music machines

The perfect Rhine cruise... glide along the river until early afternoon, and relax as your Tauck Director shares a tale or two during the cruise through the scenic – and literally legendary – Lorelei Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in Rüdesheim, where an entertaining lunch in a local German restaurant with an old-world ambiance precedes a visit to Siegfrieds Mechanisches Musikkabinett, an eclectic collection of mechanical musical instruments housed in a 15th-century castle in Rüdesheim, followed by free time; walk back to the ship or ride the mini train. Alternatively, you can choose to join us on a bicycling excursion along the Rhine today. Back aboard the riverboat this evening, enjoy dinner while cruising the Rhine.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Rüdesheim, Germany

Day 5 A full day cruising the Main

Enjoy the views as your Rhine cruise continues into the Main River, for a full day of cruising through scenic valleys studded with castles, cathedrals, and fortified towns. Enjoy a Bavarian-themed dinner aboard the riverboat tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

Day 6 Rothenburg or Würzburg, plus a wine tasting

Spend the morning cruising and have lunch aboard the riverboat before arriving in Würzburg. Upon arrival, visit the town's 18th-century Residenz – a lavish Baroque palace where the town's prince bishops once lived, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and sample some excellent Franconian wines in the wine cellar (Hoffskeller). Then you'll have two choices of sightseeing. On one, explore Würzburg's Old Town with a local guide; tour more of the Residenz (it was built and decorated by an international team of architects, painters, and sculptors); see the ornate Alte Mainbrücke (a bridge over the River Main); and spend some time on your own. Alternatively, depart on an excursion to the nearby town of Rothenburg; nestled on Germany's "Romantic Road," it lives up to its reputation as Europe's "most perfect fairy-tale town." View its Gothic cathedral, towered walls and gabled houses on a walking tour, and enjoy some time at leisure. Both groups will return to the riverboat for dinner aboard ship.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Wurzburg, Germany

Day 7 River cruising along the Main to Bamberg

Your riverboat cruises along the Main to the Bavarian town of Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated atop seven hills. You have a choice between discovering the town’s lovely gardens, medieval architecture and 13th-century Gothic cathedral with its four imposing towers on a guided walking tour of Old Town (with time afterwards to explore this charming town on your own); or embarking on a bicycling excursion (due to the terrain, this activity is recommended for fit and experienced cyclists only). Enjoy dinner back aboard the riverboat this evening. 

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Bamberg, Germany

Day 8 Historic Nürnberg & the Main-Danube Canal

Tauck's Main, Danube and Rhine cruise arrives this morning in historic Nürnberg, where you'll have a choice of a walking tour through Nürnberg’s medieval ramparts to the Imperial Castle and the old city; view the Courthouse, Zeppelinfeld rally grounds, and other sites associated with World War II and its aftermath, and visit the Documentation Center, or, embark on a walking tour of nearby Bayreuth. Your riverboat negotiates the Main-Danube Canal today, which ultimately links the North Sea with the Black Sea – and which you'll learn all about from a local expert during your transit. The idea goes back as far as Charlemagne, but wasn't realized until this canal was completed in the 1990s; pass through 16 locks as the waterway traverses the mountains. Have dinner aboard the riverboat this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Nürnberg, Germany

Day 9 A visit to Regensburg mixes ancient times and today

With its roots as a Roman encampment on the Danube, the quintessential Bavarian town of Regensburg is home to more than 1,400 original historic buildings. Walking here is a delight and is the only way to view the sights up-close. A local guide will lead the way as you see the town’s 12th-century Steinerne Brücke (Germany’s oldest surviving stone bridge), the 15th-century Altes Rathaus (Town Hall), the towering Dom St. Peter, and the remains of the Roman wall. Visit the princely house of Thurn und Taxis on a guided tour, followed by free time. Enjoy an onboard musical performance by a local quartet before your ship sets off for Passau.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Regensburg, Germany

Day 10 Explore Baroque Passau and cruise the Danube

The riverboat docks in the port city of Passau, dating way back to Roman times. Today, you have the choice of a walking tour revealing the Baroque treasures of this lovely riverside town, known for its stained glass and its many churches – including St. Stephan's Cathedral, home to the largest pipe organ outside of the U.S., and the biggest cathedral organ in the world (inside cathedral visit may not be available on all departures); a cycling excursion around Passau, suitable for more experienced riders; or a full-day excursion to the lovely Austrian city of Salzburg, birthplace of W.A. Mozart (and setting of The Sound of Music). Back aboard the riverboat this afternoon and evening, listen to commentary from your Tauck Director as you continue your cruise, bound for Melk, Austria. Tonight, enjoy a musical performance by a classical trio.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Passau, Germany

Day 11 Melk Abbey & a Grand Evening in Vienna

Your next destination is the town of Melk, Austria, where you'll step back in time on a guided tour of its 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey, perched on a rocky outcrop above the river. Inside this Baroque masterpiece are fine frescoes, early manuscripts, and a high altar. Back aboard the riverboat, enjoy views of castles, vineyards, small towns, monasteries and medieval ruins while cruising through the Wachau Valley toward the magnificent Austrian capital city of Vienna. Tonight, a Tauck Exclusive – a private, gala evening in the beautiful Baroque Palais Pallavicini in the heart of the city, featuring a sumptuous dinner and live entertainment – just might sweep you off your feet!

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Vienna, Austria

Day 12 An "Imperial" day in Vienna

Get an overview of Vienna, Austria's capital and one of Europe's greatest cities, with a morning sightseeing tour of this historic former capital of the Habsburg Empire. Take your choice of a tour of Schönbrunn Palace, the Habsburgs' vast "summer residence" built to rival Versailles, or a guided visit to the Sisi Museum and the amazing Imperial Apartments inside the Hofburg, the Habsburg family's former royal palace that today is the official residence of Austria's president. Explore the city as you wish this afternoon, or return to the riverboat; dinner is aboard ship tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Vienna, Austria

Day 13 Across the centuries in Bratislava, Slovakia

Depart Vienna after breakfast, and spend the morning cruising to Slovakia. Arrive early afternoon in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, where 17 centuries of history are chronicled on a walking tour led by a local guide. Highlights include Baroque palaces from the Habsburg era, St. Martin's Cathedral and more, and a visit to Old Town Hall. This evening, enjoy dinner aboard the riverboat followed by onboard Slovakian entertainment by local performers in the lounge; set off for Budapest tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Bratislava, Slovakia

Day 14 Both sides of remarkable Budapest

Tauck's memorable Amsterdam to Budapest river cruise arrives at your final destination – Budapest, Hungary's remarkable capital. Standing on opposite banks of the Danube, Budapest’s two distinct sections – Buda and Pest – were once independent cities. Discover both on a day of sightseeing that includes views of patriotic Heroes’ Square in Pest, dominated by statues of great leaders from Hungarian history; the Gothic-Revival Parliament building, an iconic feature of the Budapest skyline along the Danube; and Fisherman’s Bastion, standing watch like a sentinel over the river. Spend the afternoon exploring on your own. Join us for our farewell reception and dinner tonight onboard ship.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Esprit

PORTOFCALL : Budapest, Hungary

Day 15 Journey home

Tour ends: Budapest. Disembark in Budapest; a transfer is included from the riverboat to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport and Budapest Keleti Railway Station. Allow 3 hours for departure flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Budapest, Hungary