Compare Simply Budapest by Exeter International vs Cycling the Danube from Vienna to Budapest by Exodus Travels
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 4 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 1,475 | $ 2,030 |
| Price Per Day | $ 369 | $ 254 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 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. |
| Description |
The perfect introduction to Budapest at an uncommon value, Simply Budapest is designed to introduce you to some of the sites you need to see on your first trip to the city, with just a taste of the experience that only Exeter International can provide. |
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. |
Day 1: Budapest
Exeter Services: Transfer
Hotel: Four Seasons Gresham Palace
Arrival into Budapest. Your driver will meet you outside of baggage claim and customs and transfer you to the Four Seasons Gresham Palace overlooking the Chain Bridge.
Day 2:
Exeter Services: Full Day Guide, Vehicle & Driver
Hotel: Four Seasons Gresham Palace
This morning start with a visit to the magnificent House of Parliament - the country’s largest building and the symbol of Budapest, with its elaborate gilded dome. Stunning interiors combine sweeping grand staircases, original frescoes, paintings and sculptures.
The highlight of this visit is the viewing of the crown jewels of Hungary. One of the most notable items in the collection is the Holy Crown of Hungary, the only crown known today with the “holy” attribute, dating from the 11th century. This crown has had quite a history – seized by the U.S. Army in 1945, it was held in Fort Knox until 1978, when it was returned to Hungary.
Afterwards, drive across the lovely 19th century Chain Bridge to the Budapest Funicular (vertical rail car), which will take you up the side of Buda’s historic Royal Palace – a former Hapsburg Palace which was rebuilt in Neo-Gothic style post World War II.
The Palace’s National Gallery contains a comprehensive collection of Hungarian art from medieval times to the 20th century. A stroll through the castle area, known as Varhegy, will take you to the Fisherman’s Bastion for the most impressive views over Pest, across the Danube. Don’t miss Matyas Church, a Neo-Gothic reconstruction dating from 1874 in which many organ and choral concerts can be heard. The entire cobble-stoned area, lined with cafés and small shops, makes for a relaxing afternoon.
Day 3:
Exeter Services: None
Hotel: Four Seasons Gresham Palace
Today is at leisure to enjoy Budapest.
We suggest visiting the Jewish Quarter including the Great Synagogue, impressive in its Byzantine and Moorish style architecture. Or visit Hero’s Square and see the Millennium Monument, designed to commemorate Hungary’s Millennium Celebrations in 1896.
Do you have any specific interest? Budapest is a perfect base for:
Jewish History
Spas and Natural Mineral Springs
Porcelain (Herend)
Canoeing on the Danube
Sailing on Lake Balaton
Wine
If you would like us to arrange for additional sightseeing please advise your travel consultant and we will be happy to customize your free time in Budapest.
Day 4:
Exeter Services: Transfer
Your driver will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.
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!
