Danube Cycle Path: Vienna to Budapest
- Cycle the Danube's trio of nations; Austria, Slovakia & Hungary
- Ride from the musical city of Vienna to the castles of Budapest
- Visit the impressive Hungarian Danube Bend
- Experience the sweet delights of a Viennese coffee house
- Explore the natural wonderland of Szigetköz
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive ViennaArriva in Vienna, the "City of Music", which has extensive connections and can be easily reached.
Take a stroll through the city which was shaped by emperors, art, and residents such as Mozart, Sigmund Freud, and Beethoven. Known for its imperial palaces, including fascinating Schönbrunn, you shouldn't miss the State Opera House and the Cathedral of St Stephen. Leave enough time for a relaxing drink in a famous Viennese coffee bar or enjoy some of the local specialties such as sausage and "Wiener Schnitzel" in a typical Viennese tavern.
Set in central Vienna across from the United Nations Head Office and the Austria Center Vienna, this contemporary hotel is also near the city's largest recreational area. The peaceful accommodation is on the banks of the Danube River, providing a comfortable retreat for guests travelling for business or pleasure. This hotel in Vienna features 136 well-designed rooms and suites with Free Wireless High-speed Internet throughout. The on-site Lounge Bar, fitness room and two conference rooms further add to its appeal.
Today’s theme is peace and relaxation, although you will still be cycling for a few hours! Not far from Vienna you’ll discover an off-the-beaten-track landscape and a Nature Reserve boasting a stunning and diverse collection of flora and fauna. This is your chance to revel in the wonderful peace and tranquility of the region. At the town of Bad Deutsch Altenburg, the Archaeological Park of Carnuntum awaits, offering a fascinating journey back to ancient Roman times.
A family run three-star hotel offering all the necessary amenities for a pleasant stay.
The hotel has a sauna and hammam, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property and free private parking is available on site.

A 17th-century building transformed into a stylish 4-star hotel that combines modernity and tradition in a special way.
Enjoy an easy-going cycle to the city of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia and Europe’s youngest capital city. Located between the Danube plains, the hills of Hainburg and the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava enchants with its dreamy old quarter. This compact city is guaranteed to surprise you with its charming cobbled streets and laid-back atmosphere. The walled castle is even more beautiful at night when it's entirely illuminated against a dark evening sky.

Be in the centre of it all at the Park Inn in Bratislava. This stylish hotel with on-site restaurant and bar is located on the banks of the Danube River. You can explore historic sites like St. Martin’s Cathedral and Bratislava Castle just a few minutes’ walk away. Or relax in the comfort of your modern accommodation.
The wild and untouched land and waterscape of the Szigetköz is an idyllic paradise for birds and fish. Cycling from Bratislava, you will relish the stunning scenery encompassing 500 tiny islands boasting numerous farming villages and a labyrinth of countless Danube creeks. After your cycle, you can relax on a train journey taking you to Györ, with its Baroque-style old town.
The Hotel Ibis Györ is located in the city centre of Györ. Its proximity to the baroque centre, the shopping mall, the stadium and the industrial park make the hotel an ideal place for a weekend or business travel.

A comfortable hotel in the colourful town of Gyor.
Did you know that the National Stud of Babolna is world-famous for breeding truly magnificent Arabian horses? On a visit to the stud farm and museum, you’ll catch a glimpse of some of the secrets of the Hungarian horse breeding techniques. Today’s cycling takes you through lush, rolling hills on mainly quiet country road into the village of Komarno, which was much favored by the renowned King Matthias.
The Hotel Bow Garden situated only 100 metres away from the historical centre of the city of Komarno. It was reconstructed from the Jewish synagogue and an old winery with 155 years of history. The area of the hotel with size of 5000 m2 is offering you a unique atmosphere for work and leisure. The high standard of lodging, catering, congress services and a varied offer of relaxing and sporting activities are a guarantee of an unforgettable visit.

Hotel Peklo is situated in a historical part of Komárno and has undergone a complete reconstruction. The hotel has a tastefully and luxuriously furnished restaurant where you can enjoy various specialties of homemade Slovakian cuisine.
The magical scenery and quaint villages accompany you on your cycle today, first along the banks of the Slovakian Danube and then on small, quiet roads. Pass the impressive Roman fort of Kelemantia on your way to Esztergom, known as Hungarian Rome. Another highlight is the magnificent Hungarian Danube Bend located just past Esztergom. Enjoy one of the most beautiful sections of the Danube, the river winds through the Visegrad mountains here and then makes an abrupt turn south between Esztergom and Szentendre. In the Basilica of Esztergom, you’ll find Hungary’s largest Catholic church and all kinds of attractions to explore.
The hotel is situated on the slope of the Castle Hill of Esztergom in a wonderful, silent garden. Ideal environment for recovering people, for business people, for conference guests, and pilgrims. All the religious and cultural facilities and museums of Esztergom are nearby. Esztergom has been an important city at Danube for about 1000 years. Crossing Maria Valeria bridge is easy to reach historical and cultural cities of Slovakia.

Portobello Wellness & Yacht Hotel is located in the center of Esztergom, in a quiet and peaceful environment on Prímás Island on the shore of the Little Danube.
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.
*Depending on the time of year the ferry may not be operating and you will be provided with train tickets instead of ferry tickets.

Mercure Budapest Buda situated in the neighbourhood of Buda Castle, a 5-minute walk from the Castle District and 4 metro stations from the city center. All rooms are air-conditioned and feature a satellite TV.
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.
Other Information
Is it for me?The tour is graded easy to moderate and is perfect for leisure cyclists looking for a wealth of cultural experiences on two wheels. Cycle along the River Danube and enjoy easy going rides through the countryside, villages and cities of Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. With plenty of opportunities to sample local dishes and explore centuries old towns, every pedal stroke is completed in your own time.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling
Solo Travellers
This cycling holiday is graded easy to moderate and the daily rides follow mostly flat and largely traffic-free routes. The Wachau Valley in Austria can be described as slightly more undulating in comparison to the other sections of the path. The Danube Cycle Path is a dedicated, paved and well-marked route. There will be a mixture of cycle paths and roads, so please be mindful of other road users at all times, especially on routes shared with traffic.
Our Danube Cycle Path trip includes accommodation in standard en-suite double or twin rooms in quaint inns, hotels, and pensions that are of 3* standard. In Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest the hotels are of 4* standard. Occasionally if a hotel is not available in the location specified in the standard itinerary of this trip, you will be accommodated in a hotel of the same or better standard in the surrounding area. Each day's distance is approximate as the distance will depend on the location of your hotel.
Single Rooms & Solo Cyclists
If you're traveling with friends or family but prefer your own room, single rooms are subject to availability and a supplementary payment. This trip is also available to solo cyclists and is perfect as being a popular route means there are plenty of people to chat with every day.
Twin room requests: in Austria, 95% of all hotel rooms are double rooms (with one large bed). Twin with separate beds are more than unusual and therefore a room with a double bed alongside a sofa bed is sometimes provided.
Please note that for the Danube, exact accommodation cannot be confirmed until 2-3 weeks prior departure.
Meals
Breakfast is included each morning. Packed lunches are not included but are in most cases available at your accommodation (please order the night before!) or you can stop on the way for a traditional "wurst" or bowl of "goulash". Traveling through 3 countries means your tastebuds are also on an incredible journey! You will find suggestions of where to dine in your route notes. Your accommodation hosts are also happy to advise of the local places to eat.
The Danube Cycle Path is one of Europe's most popular cycling routes and it is very well maintained and waymarked throughout. Following the waymarking along the banks of the river would be sufficient, but we will also be supplying you with a trip information pack, and access to the GPX tracks via the Macs Adventure smartphone App. You will also receive a printed, personalised tour book on arrival at your first hotel. This tour book contains everything you need including personalised route notes and maps, as well as your hotel list with directions and vouchers. This book will also include recommended side visits and more information about points of interest that you will pass along the route. Rest assured that you will have no trouble finding your way!
Please note that due to popular demand we aim to get your personalised itinerary with hotel confirmations to you 3 to 4 weeks prior to departure. There may be a slight delay in receiving your personalised information when booking last-minute or during the high season.
- 7 nights in rooms with private facilities
- Breakfast
- Daily luggage transfers
- 1 x train Mosonmagyarovar – Györ (incl. bike)
- 1 x ship or train transfer (depending on the season) Szentendre – Budapest
- Handlebar bag with route book, maps and an information pack
- Emergency support from our local partners and our office
- Lunch, Dinner, Snacks and Drinks
- Travel to Vienna and from Budapest
- Bike Hire and helmet
- Personal equipment
- Local tax (€ 1 - € 2,5 p.p.n.) valid for Passau-Vienna section
- Travel Insurance (required)
- Bike Hire and helmet
- Return travel from Budapest to Vienna
This trip is available on selected Saturdays and Sundays from April through to October.
May to September are the busiest months, and in July and August, the days are wonderfully long for exploring and making the most of the historic towns that you will visit. The summer months generally do not become unbearably hot and temperatures are often pleasantly warm, especially for cycling. Do keep in mind that some days will be hotter than others and it is important to make sure to always carry plenty of water, avoid cycling at noon and wear sunscreen while cycling even on cloudy days.
Please note that the following events are held in Budapest in 2023: Formula 1 Grand Prix (July 23/24). This will not have a huge impact on your trip but the city will be busier as usual and a supplement will be applicable for any extra nights.
By Air: Vienna Airport has extensive airline connections across Europe and beyond. Vienna Airport train station has a direct service to central Vienna. Please see Trainline Europe for timetables, tickets & prices.
If you prefer to travel to and from Budapest, it is very easy to travel from Budapest Airport to Vienna. Budapest Airport shuttle bus is a short journey to Budapest Ferihegy Train Station. Change here for direct services to Vienna (approx 4 hours journey time). Please check Trainline Europe for tickets and prices.
You can take a bus from Budapest to Vienna. Times and services are limited, please let us know at the time of booking if you require a ticket and we can arrange this for you (cost is approximately €25-30). This service can only be provided at the end of your journey.
You may prefer to fly out of Budapest Airport which has extensive airline connections across Europe and beyond, and is easily accessible via an airport shuttle bus service.
If you are making your own return travel arrangements to Vienna, the train service between Vienna and Budapest has regular services throughout the day and takes around 2hrs 30mins. Please visit Trainline Europe for times, prices and tickets.
Daily door to door baggage transfer is included in the price of your trip. We ask you to keep your baggage to a maximum of 1 bag per person (maximum weight 20kg).
Rental Bikes: 7-speed bikes with coaster brake (backpedal) or 21-speed bikes (unisex) are available to rent, these are not included in the tour package but can be booked as an extra. Electric bikes (unisex), children’s bikes, and other specialized equipment may be available upon request.
All rental bikes are equipped with a pannier (saddle bag) and an odometer (except for the electric bikes) and a helmet.
If you’d like to hire a bike, please let us know the height and frame size you currently ride. If you would prefer to bring your own bicycle please ensure it is thoroughly serviced and is an appropriate bike for this trip.
It is a requirement of booking with this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
This trip is graded easy to moderate. The route is predominatley flat but there are some gentle hills in the last couple of rides. Daily distances are between 30 and 60km so you will need to have a basic level of fitness. Its a good idea to get out on your bike for a couple of consecutive days in the lead up to your holiday so you get used to riding back to back days. As each route heads through the villages and towns along the Danube River there are plenty opportunities to sample local foods, explore historic towns or kick back and relax in a pavement cafe with a local sweet treat.
There are direct flights to Vienna from London with EasyJet, British Airways, and Austrian Airlines. Ryanair fly to Bratislava from London, Birmingham & Edinburgh and from there it is only an hour by train or bus to Vienna. Linz (2hr) and Salzburg (3hr) are also possible as Austria has great train connections. The return bus to Vienna is included, however, you may prefer to fly out of Budapest, which has flights to London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol & Leeds
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this trip is extremely popular especially during peak season from June to September.
You will need comfortable shoes and clothes for cycling and weather appropriate gear such as waterproof jacket and trousers, a cycling helmet and a sunhat. We supply a detailed packing list with your information pack.
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop. You accommodation hosts will be happy to talk to you about local transport options.
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