Compare Danube River Cruise Biking by Butterfield & Robinson vs Cycle the Danube by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 7,995 | $ 2,104 |
| Price Per Day | $ 999 | $ 263 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Four countries. Three world capitals. Medieval strongholds, modern art museums, towering castle ruins and gorgeous wine country. You'll only have to unpack once as you travel aboard the River Beatrice – among the finest ships in its class – along the Danube from Passau, Germany, to Budapest. Throw in gentle riverside riding on Europe’s longest dedicated bike path, spiced up here and there with a foray into the hills beyond and our trademark culturally immersive events. It’s an incomparable way to discover Mitteleuropa, one of the world’s oldest “exciting new” travel destinations. |
Retrace the steps of the Roman, Ottoman and Habsburg Empires on this cycling adventure along the mighty Danube River. Over eight days, you’ll ride through small villages, lowland forests and lush farmland as you cycle from Vienna to Budapest, passing through Slovakia. Discover the Baroque style at the Schonbrunn Palace or get lost in the cobbled laneways of Komarom – a spa city with one foot in Hungary and the other in Slovakia. Visit the architectural jewel of the Danube River – the Esztergom Basilica – and pass by the white-hued Bratislava Castle. Celebrate a day in the saddle with a luxurious soak in one of Budapest's steaming baths, then maybe spend the night at the iconic ruin bars. If you’re seeking an active adventure – cycling is the best way to experience the cosmopolitan cities along the Danube. |
Day 1:
Begin riding along the Danube Bike Path towards Passau where we will eventually board the ship that will serve as our floating hotel and spa for the week. Familiarize yourself with the vessel tonight before we regroup for introductory cocktails.
Day 2:
This morning, ride along the Inn River bike path toward the 'Friendship Bridge' linking Germany and Austria. Stop for a mid-morning coffee in true Bavarian style (with whipped cream!). Enjoy a private tour of the Old City in Passau before a special private dinner tonight in the Captain's lounge.
Day 3:
Awake to the sight of Linz! Ride through forests, past family-run farms and into the historic center of Eferding. Stop for lunch on the banks of the Danube, before crossing and returning to Linz through more pastoral landscape.
Day 4:
Pedal in the Wachau, a memorable section of the Danube renowned for its photogenic vineyards. If you’re keen for a workout not involving a saddle, you can have a go at the vigorous climb up to the castle ruins!
Day 5:
Enjoy breakfast at the passenger port of Vienna before riding on Donau Island. Lunch will be back on the ship before we enter the historic centre of Vienna for an informative city walk (and a memorable surprise).
Day 6:
Begin riding along the left bank of the Danube, through the rich reserve of the 'Donau Auen' National Park. Halfway to Budapest, we`ll stop at the Kaiser`s former digs for lunch and a piece of his favourite dessert, the recipe of which was a state secret until it was stolen!
Day 7:
The day begins with breakfast amid an unforgettable backdrop: the cityscape of Budapest floating majestically into view. Enjoy a casual bike tour of the main sights and explore Budapest in the afternoon.
Day 8:
After a final breakfast on the water, we part company this morning. We highly recommend a few more days in dynamic Budapest, but if you must depart immediately, an airport transfer organized by our ship is readily available with prior reservation.
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.
