Your Danube cycling adventure starts in Passau, also known as the City of Three Rivers. If you have time to spare before collecting your rented bike (between 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM) the historic Bavarian city is a delight to explore. The Old Town was created by Italian baroque masters in the 17th century and reveals soaring towers, picturesque palaces, promenades, and romantic lanes. At the heart of the old town is the Cathedral of St Stephen, which boasts the world’s largest cathedral organ.

Passau has direct train connections to Salzburg, Munich (2.5h) and Vienna (3.5h), which are the most convenient airports. 

If you arrived late on your first day, it is possible to collect your rented bike before setting off on your first bike ride. Then it’s off for today’s delightfully flat and traffic-free route along the scenic River Danube Cycle Path visiting several fascinating attractions, including a Trappist monastery at Engelhartszell, where cordials and liqueurs boast "special healing powers". Next up is the Schlögener Loop, where the river makes a dramatic bend of 180 degrees.

Total ascent/descent: 76m/66m

You’ll leave the impressive Schlögener Loop behind and continue cycling along the easy-going route through the fertile and picturesque Eferdinger basin. The valley is wider here and you’ll pass numerous ferries and boats as they sail the Danube while you go by pedal power. The destination is Linz, the capital of Upper Austria, where you can make the most of a summer’s evening with a stroll through the enchanting old town.

Total ascent/descent: 34m/79m

Today’s cycling heads along the Danube and through breath-taking scenery of lush meadows. Cycle to Enns, the oldest town in Austria and worthwhile a visit! Further along, you will pass the Celtic village of Mitterkirchen, the majestic church of Baumgartenberg and the romantic castle of Clam. The final destination today is Grein, which is home to Austria's oldest city theatre and the magnificent Grein Castle.

Total ascent/descent: 33m/62m

Discover remarkable scenery in a landscape that is known for its diversity. Pass densely wooded areas and rock formations on both sides of the Danube River as you pedal along the cycle path. The narrow Strudengau valley gives way to a wider landscape from the attractive town of Persenbeug, and then to the Wachau valley, which is characterized by terraced vineyards and fruit orchards. At Melk, you will revel in the sight of a gorgeous baroque Benedictine monastery.

Total ascent/descent: 25m/53m

More delights are in-store today in the beautiful Wachau Valley, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will rarely be without the sight of a castle, palace or monastery as you follow the route on its way to Krems. Stop off at the pretty winery villages of Spitz, Weissenkirchen, and the cobbled streets of Durnstein. If there’s a must-do on this tour it’s popping into one of the quaint taverns to sample a glass or two of the local wine. Don't leave without trying some of the apricot-based delicacies on offer, guaranteed to be locally produced; Austrian hospitality at its best!

Total ascent/descent: 75m/80m 

Leave the Wachau Valley behind as you hop on a train to from Krems to Tulln, famous for its beautiful market gardens and Art Nouveau painter Egon Schiele. You'll then cycle through the woods of "Wiener Wald" and pass through the gates of Vienna. It is worth taking the time to visit the impressive monastery in Klösterneuburg before making it to the City of Music. Try Austria's national dish 'Wiener Schnitzel', which is a thin, breaded, pan-fried veal cutlet traditionally served with potato salad.

Total ascent/descent: 41m/62m

Not far from Vienna begins an untouched alluvial landscape and a nature reserve with stunning and diverse flora and fauna. Enjoy the wonderful peace and silence, only interrupted by the twittering chirps of birds. The ancient Romans have left their print and also have relaxed in the nice warm water of Bad Deutsch Altenburg. The archaeological park of Carnuntum will invite you into an exciting journey to the past.

Total ascent/descent: 14m/31m

Nestled between the hills of Hainburg and the Carpathian Mountains, cycle on to Europe’s youngest capital, Bratislava. The Slovak capital has an enchanting, sleepy old town in addition to magnificent modern buildings.

Total ascent/descent: 40m/59m

The marshy landscape of the Szigetköz is an ideal environment and paradise for birds and fish alike. In the midst of these wild and untouched lowlands with more than 500 tiny islands, you will find quaint farming villages and a labyrinth of countless Danube canals and creeks. The days bike tour ends in the beautiful city of Györ, situated at the mouth of 3 rivers. The city enchants with its baroque old town. We highly recommend enjoying the route between Mosonmagyarovar and Györ comfortably by train, which shortens the ride to 45km (28 miles). Train tickets are available at ticket machines at the train station for approx. €2. More information can be found in your Information Pack and route notes. Alternatively, you can cycle the whole stage which would be approx 88km/55 miles.

Total ascent/descent (with train to Györ): 9m/33m

The cycling section if not taking the train between Mosonmagyarovar and Györ is approx. 15m/34m of ascent/descent.

Today you will again bike through the unique and delightful landscape of the protected area “Szigetköz” and on to Györ, one of the most important cities in the Hungarian lowlands with an alluring historical city centre. For a pleasant walk, the narrow lanes, churches and the palaces of the baroque city-center are awaiting your arrival and prove to be more than inviting.

Total ascent/descent: 77m/105m

Today you cycle along the banks of the Slovakian Danube on small low-traffic roads through quaint and quintessential villages. On your way to the “Town of Bishops and Kings”, Esztergom, also known as the „Hungarian Rome“ or “Royal City”, you pass the Roman fort of Kelemantia. The Basilica of Esztergom, the largest Catholic Church in Hungary is another highlight and glamorous part of the overall tour.

Total ascent/descent: 38m/40m

Amid the hilly landscape of Hungary, the River Danube divides into parts and gives form to Szentendre Island where you will cycle through traditional Hungarian villages and settlements. One of the highlights are the handicraft boutiques and the Open Air Museum of Skanzen. After a short ferry* you will reach your final destination Budapest, where you’ll experience the atmosphere and attractions of this cosmopolitan capital. It’s a city where Eastern Europe meets Western. Alternatively, why not cycle the whole stage, which would be 82km.

*Depending on the time of year the ferry may not be operating and you will be provided with train tickets instead of ferry tickets.

Total ascent/descent: 82m/77m

If cycling the whole stage, it would be approx. 92m/97m of ascent/descent.

Depending on your onward travel plans, you may like to further explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Budapest. It may be worth it to spend an extra night or two relaxing in one of the spas, visiting one of the many castles of fortresses and sampling the local cuisine such as Hungarian Goulash.