Compare Cycling the Danube from Vienna to Budapest by Exodus Travels vs Eastern Europe Escape from Vienna to Belgrade, MS Crucedream by Crucemundo
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 2,030 | $ 1,579 |
| Price Per Day | $ 254 | $ 197 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | River cruise |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| 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. |
full-board, early-riser breakfast every morning |
| 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. |
Going on a river cruise along the Danube, you will leave behind the city bustle, completely plunge into the romance of the surrounding nature. |
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!
DAY 1 / MAY 6, 2021
Vienna
The arrival day, check-in starts at 16:00. The first day is a relaxing one for our guests to unpack and to get ready for the following days full of emotions. The program for the evening and the onboard ABC will be waiting for you in the cabin.
Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in Central Europe. Not only is it a place worth seeing for its architectural charm; it also boasts a collection of famous figures throughout history such as Sisi, Strauss, Mozart and the memorable images of Gustav Klimt. The city is bursting with history, distinguished monuments, museums, palaces, scenic parks, charming cafés, and noteworthy pastry shops.
In the evening the Captain will invite you for a glass of sparkling wine on the Welcome cocktail, where he will introduce the heads of departments and will raise a toast for a memorable cruise. A delicious Welcome dinner will follow, we`re sure you won`t be disappointed! Come to the lounge afterwards for the first fascinating live-music evening.
Meals: welcome buffet and dinner
Coffee-station with small cookies and snacks is available from check-in time
*transfer Vienna airport – port can be added for the extra cost
*The docking place will be announced 1 month prior the cruise
DAY 2/ MAY 7, 2021
Vienna
After enjoying a delicious breakfast on board, get ready for the first tour on the itinerary. Join the Vienna city tour, where you’ll enjoy major attractions such as the Urania, State Opera House, Parliament, the seat of the Habsburgs – Hofburg, City Hall, Burg Theater and Vienna University. We then delve deeper into the city on foot, starting at the famous Albertina Museum. You will be able to uncover the secrets behind Vienna’s rich culture and stunning architecture. After the tour, return on board for lunch. In the afternoon you will have some time to enjoy the city on your own.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Coffee-station with small cookies and snacks is available during the day
*bus & walking tour of Vienna can be booked for the extra charge (incl. in the excursion package)
Departure23:30
DAY 3/ MAY 8, 2021
Bratislava
Bratislava encompasses a fine blend of the past and present; on the one hand, many historical buildings display the city’s rich past routes, however, on the other hand, universities and urban youth cultures ultimately create a bustling juxtaposition within one city. Join the Bratislava city excursion – a guided tour with a chocolate twist! The tour explores the city center, where you will witness historic and modern landmarks of the city such as the St. Martin's Cathedral, the city walls, the Presidential palace. Discover all the major sights, beautiful sculptures, and fountains, whilst embracing the city’s history and famous legends.
In the evening you will be invited to a colorful Pirates dinner followed by an entertaining live-music show in the lounge. Stay tuned!
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Coffee-station with small cookies and snacks is available during the day
*walking tour of Bratislava can be booked for the extra charge (incl. in the excursion package)
Arrival04:00
Departure19:00
DAY 4/ MAY 9, 2021
Budapest
As the capital of Hungary, Budapest is often called the “Paris of the East” and is a highlight for travelers from far and wide. Discover the magical city of Budapest with our guided tour. The tour will not only give you a sense of Budapest’s colorful history but also give insight into how the city’s division by the Danube River has played such an important role in society over the centuries – one side known as “Buda” and the other – known as “Pest”. You will uncover famous monuments located on the street Andrássy Út, such as the Opera; Hero’s Square; the famous under-cover market; St. Stephen’s church; the largest synagogue in Europe, in which the famous Franz Liszt played; and finally Parliament, which interestingly resembles the British Parliament building and contains nearly 20 km of corridors! Enjoy an unforgettable view of the city from the fabulous Fisherman's Bastion, where you can admire the city at your fingertips.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Coffee-station with small cookies and snacks is available during the day
*bus & walking tour of Budapest can be booked for the extra charge (incl. in the excursion package)
Arrival09:00
Departure20:00
DAY 5/ MAY 10, 2021
Mohacs
Today you`ll have the opportunity to explore Pécs with our guided tour from Mohacs.
Pécs is the fifth largest city in Hungary, located near the Croatian border under the Mecsek Mountains. With settlements dating back to the late Stone Age, Pécs is one of the oldest cities in Hungary. It has not only survived the Turkish invasion, but over the decades it has developed into a pleasant, modern town, rich in historical monuments, an administrative, cultural and educational center offering a lot to those interested. In 2013 it was the European Capital of Culture. The town is famous for its museums, galleries, festivals and cultural events it hosts. You will also enjoy the most important UNESCO World Heritage sights of Pécs – the Cathedral of Pécs.
There is a lot to do on board as well! Today our Chef will come to the lounge for a cooking class to teach you his professional tips & tricks. In the evening you will be invited to a colorful Crew Show where our crew members with perform on the stage: beautiful songs, dances and funny sketches.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Coffee-station with small cookies and snacks is available during the day
Arrival08:00
Departure20:00
DAY 6/ MAY 11, 2021
Vukovar & Novi Sad
Upon arrival to Croatia join the Vukovar city tour. The hero city of Vukovar is an old Baroque city located on the Danube river. Although the city has a long cultural history, unfortunately, today it is better known for the war in the early 1990s. Vukovar is home to the National Museum of Vukovar and the Elz castle. The tour will bring you to the Elz castle of the XVIII century, old Baroque buildings in the city center, the Franciscan monastery, the Church of St. Philip and James.
After lunch the arrival to Novi Sad will be announced. Novi Sad was founded by Orthodox Serbs in the XVII century, and already in the XVIII-XIX centuries it became a cultural capital and an important trade center, thanks to which it received its second name "Serbian Athens". The very name "Novi Sad" in Serbian means "new garden". The rich cultural heritage of the city is preserved by numerous museums, among which the most interesting are the Museum of Vojvodina and the brvnara ethnic complex, the city Museum of Novi Sad located in the fortress and its collection of foreign art. The main attraction in Novi Sad is the medieval fortress of Petrovaradin.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Coffee-station with small cookies and snacks is available during the day
Vukovar: arrival 03:00, departure 12:00
Novi Sad: arrival 16:00, departure 21:00
Arrival03:00
Departure21:00
DAY 7/ MAY 12, 2021
Belgrade
In the morning upon arrival you can join our tour to get acquainted with the capital of Serbia – majestic Belgrade. You will see the Fortress and Park Kalemegdan, the Saint Archangel Mihail Church, built in classicist style, the Town Hall – built in classicism style with elements of the Renaissance. You will also see State Assembly; drive along Knez Milos street to residential quarter "Dedinje", witness the White House which was once the residence of Dinasty Karadjordjevic, pass by the famous Playgrounds of Red star and Partizan, and admire one of the greatest orthodox cathedrals in the world – St. Sava Cathedral.
After the tour, return on board for lunch. In the afternoon you will have some time to enjoy the city on your own.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
*bus & walking tour of Belgrade can be booked for the extra charge (incl. in the excursion package)
DAY 8/ MAY 13, 2021
Belgrade
Check-out after breakfast. If needed, the luggage can be stored in the reception zone while you are waiting for your transfer to the airport. We hope that you will keep warm memories from your Main cruise on MS Crucestar!
Meals: breakfast
Transfer Belgrade port – airport is available for the extra charge
